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8-K - UIL HOLDINGS CORPORATION 8-K 8-22-2014 - UIL HOLDINGS CORPform8k.htm
EX-99.4 - EXHIBIT 99.4 - UIL HOLDINGS CORPex99_4.htm
EX-99.3 - EXHIBIT 99.3 - UIL HOLDINGS CORPex99_3.htm
EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - UIL HOLDINGS CORPex99_2.htm

Exhibit 99.1
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OF

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

AS OF AND FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED

JUNE 30, 2014 AND 2013

(UNAUDITED)


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page
Number
 
 
Financial Statements:
 
 
 
Statement of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
3
 
 
Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2014 and 2013
4
 
 
Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
6
 
 
Statement of Changes in Shareholder’s Equity
7
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
8

2

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY
STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
179,907
   
$
185,458
   
$
383,884
   
$
383,172
 
 
                               
Operating Expenses
                               
Operation
                               
Purchased power
   
32,679
     
30,193
     
85,809
     
68,682
 
Operation and maintenance
   
60,658
     
55,155
     
117,056
     
111,212
 
Transmission wholesale
   
19,064
     
18,517
     
39,975
     
37,335
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
16,096
     
26,175
     
32,385
     
52,498
 
Taxes - other than income taxes
   
19,531
     
18,814
     
40,744
     
38,264
 
Total Operating Expenses
   
148,028
     
148,854
     
315,969
     
307,991
 
Operating Income
   
31,879
     
36,604
     
67,915
     
75,181
 
 
                               
Other Income and (Deductions), net
   
4,369
     
4,368
     
8,538
     
9,872
 
 
                               
Interest Charges, net
                               
Interest on long-term debt
   
10,557
     
9,835
     
21,116
     
19,668
 
Other interest, net
   
(434
)
   
(175
)
   
(333
)
   
(293
)
 
   
10,123
     
9,660
     
20,783
     
19,375
 
Amortization of debt expense and redemption premiums
   
369
     
359
     
746
     
712
 
Total Interest Charges, net
   
10,492
     
10,019
     
21,529
     
20,087
 
 
                               
Income from Equity Investments
   
3,520
     
3,848
     
6,906
     
7,660
 
 
                               
Income Before Income Taxes
   
29,276
     
34,801
     
61,830
     
72,626
 
 
                               
Income Taxes
   
9,102
     
13,761
     
19,056
     
28,441
 
 
                               
Net Income
 
$
20,174
   
$
21,040
   
$
42,774
   
$
44,185
 

The accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

3

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET

ASSETS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
June 30,
2014
   
June 30,
2013
 
Current Assets
 
   
 
Unrestricted cash and temporary cash investments
 
$
19,771
   
$
4,713
 
Restricted cash
   
2,054
     
1,616
 
Accounts receivable less allowance of $3,000 and $3,000, respectively
   
107,916
     
109,931
 
Unbilled revenues
   
41,189
     
43,971
 
Current regulatory assets
   
303,111
     
81,901
 
Materials and supplies, at average cost
   
4,055
     
4,156
 
Deferred income taxes
   
-
     
28,595
 
Refundable taxes
   
1,840
     
-
 
Prepayments
   
2,343
     
3,059
 
Current portion of derivative assets (Note A), (Note K)
   
3,498
     
9,380
 
Other current assets
   
79
     
1,560
 
Total Current Assets
   
485,856
     
288,882
 
 
               
Other Investments
               
Equity investment in GenConn (Note A)
   
116,349
     
122,680
 
Other
   
8,430
     
7,095
 
Total Other Investments
   
124,779
     
129,775
 
 
               
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
   
1,874,982
     
1,786,768
 
 
               
Regulatory Assets
   
348,423
     
671,033
 
 
               
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
               
Unamortized debt issuance expenses
   
6,215
     
6,526
 
Other long-term receivable
   
1,493
     
1,499
 
Derivative assets (Note A), (Note K)
   
15,099
     
49,320
 
Other
   
14,847
     
9,404
 
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
   
37,654
     
66,749
 
 
               
Total Assets
 
$
2,871,694
   
$
2,943,207
 

The accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.

4

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET

LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
June 30,
2014
   
June 30,
2013
 
Current Liabilities
 
   
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
-
   
$
88,000
 
Accounts payable
   
77,430
     
79,196
 
Accrued liabilities
   
22,691
     
23,522
 
Current regulatory liabilities
   
261,109
     
16,016
 
Deferred income taxes
   
23,530
     
-
 
Interest accrued
   
11,470
     
10,966
 
Taxes accrued
   
22,847
     
40,343
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities (Note A), (Note K)
   
18,731
     
27,486
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
437,808
     
285,529
 
 
               
Deferred Income Taxes
   
489,705
     
469,283
 
 
               
Regulatory Liabilities
   
105,573
     
190,755
 
 
               
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
               
Pension accrued
   
96,303
     
180,455
 
Other post-retirement benefits accrued
   
46,285
     
60,422
 
Derivative liabilities (Note A), (Note K)
   
48,942
     
184,556
 
Other
   
6,832
     
6,042
 
Total Other Noncurrent Liabilities
   
198,362
     
431,475
 
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note J)
               
 
               
Capitalization (Note B)
               
Long-term debt, net of unamortized discount and premium
   
845,460
     
770,460
 
 
               
Common Stock Equity
               
Common stock
   
1
     
1
 
Paid-in capital
   
629,730
     
629,730
 
Retained earnings
   
165,055
     
165,974
 
Net Common Stock Equity
   
794,786
     
795,705
 
 
               
Total Capitalization
   
1,640,246
     
1,566,165
 
 
               
Total Liabilities and Capitalization
 
$
2,871,694
   
$
2,943,207
 

The accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.
5

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
42,774
   
$
44,185
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
33,131
     
53,210
 
Deferred income taxes
   
23,048
     
16,234
 
Pension expense
   
8,466
     
13,209
 
Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) - equity
   
(3,971
)
   
(4,573
)
Undistributed (earnings) losses in equity investments
   
(6,907
)
   
(7,660
)
Regulatory activity, net
   
(9,727
)
   
(12,020
)
Other non-cash items, net
   
(2,966
)
   
(479
)
Changes in:
               
Accounts receivable, net
   
(1,963
)
   
(1,422
)
Unbilled revenues
   
6,594
     
(394
)
Accounts payable
   
2,329
     
(8,581
)
Cash distributions from GenConn
   
6,662
     
7,704
 
Taxes accrued and refundable
   
8,929
     
9,254
 
Accrued liabilities
   
2,827
     
(2,527
)
Accrued pension
   
(12,182
)
   
(19,786
)
Accrued post-employment benefits
   
(324
)
   
(387
)
Other assets
   
(1,328
)
   
(727
)
Other liabilities
   
1,404
     
(761
)
Total Adjustments
   
54,022
     
40,294
 
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities
   
96,796
     
84,479
 
 
               
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Plant expenditures including AFUDC debt
   
(60,077
)
   
(83,127
)
Cash distributions from GenConn
   
2,134
     
2,063
 
Investment in NEEWS (Note C)
   
(1,749
)
   
(527
)
Changes in restriced cash
   
(8
)
   
1,189
 
Intercompany receivable
   
4,000
     
-
 
Net Cash (used in) Investing Activities
   
(55,700
)
   
(80,402
)
 
               
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Line of credit borrowings (repayments), net
   
-
     
(30,000
)
Payment of common stock dividend
   
(38,199
)
   
(61,000
)
Intercompany payable
   
-
     
90,000
 
Other
   
-
     
80
 
Net Cash (used in) Financing Activities
   
(38,199
)
   
(920
)
 
               
Unrestricted Cash and Temporary Cash Investments:
               
Net change for the period
   
2,897
     
3,157
 
Balance at beginning of period
   
16,874
     
1,556
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
19,771
   
$
4,713
 
 
               
Non-cash investing activity:
               
Plant expenditures included in ending accounts payable
 
$
9,517
   
$
13,414
 
Plant expenditures funded by deposits in NEEWS
 
$
-
   
$
(18,469
)
Investment in NEEWS
 
$
-
   
$
18,469
 

The accompanying Notes to Financial
Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.
6

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
June 30, 2014 and 2013
(Thousands of Dollars)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Common Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
 
 
 
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Total
 
Balance as of June 30, 2012
   
100
   
$
1
   
$
629,730
   
$
138,471
   
$
768,202
 
 
                                       
Net income
                           
88,503
     
88,503
 
Cash dividends
                           
(61,000
)
   
(61,000
)
Balance as of June 30, 2013
   
100
   
$
1
   
$
629,730
   
$
165,974
   
$
795,705
 
 
                                       
Net income
                           
78,881
     
78,881
 
Cash dividends
                           
(79,800
)
   
(79,800
)
Balance as of June 30, 2014
   
100
   
$
1
   
$
629,730
   
$
165,055
   
$
794,786
 

The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of the financial statements.
7

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED)

(A)  BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING

The United Illuminating Company (UI), a wholly owned subsidiary of UIL Holdings Corporation (UIL Holdings), is a regulated operating electric public utility established in 1899. It is engaged principally in the purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.

UI is also a party to a joint venture with certain affiliates of NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG affiliates) pursuant to which UI holds 50% of the membership interests in GCE Holding LLC, whose wholly owned subsidiary, GenConn Energy LLC (collectively with GCE Holding LLC, GenConn) operates peaking generation plants in Devon, Connecticut (GenConn Devon) and Middletown, Connecticut (GenConn Middletown).

Accounting Records

The accounting records of UI are maintained in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).

The accounting records for UI are also maintained in accordance with the uniform systems of accounts prescribed by the FERC and the PURA.

Basis of Presentation

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect (1) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and (2) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain immaterial amounts that were reported in the Financial Statements in previous periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
 
UI has evaluated subsequent events through the date its financial statements were available to be issued, August 22, 2014.
 
Derivatives
 
UI is party to contracts that are derivatives.  The fair values of the gross derivative assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 
 
June 30,
2014
   
June 30,
2013
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Gross derivative assets:
 
   
 
Current Assets
 
$
3,498
   
$
9,380
 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
 
$
15,099
   
$
49,320
 
 
               
Gross derivative liabilities:
               
Current Liabilities
 
$
18,731
   
$
27,486
 
Noncurrent Liabilities
 
$
48,942
   
$
184,556
 
 
Contracts for Differences (CfDs)

Pursuant to Connecticut’s 2005 Energy Independence Act, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) solicited bids to create new or incremental capacity resources in order to reduce federally mandated congestion charges, and selected four new capacity resources.  To facilitate the transactions between the selected capacity resources and Connecticut electric customers, and provide the commitment necessary for owners of these resources to obtain necessary financing, PURA required that UI and The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) execute long-term contracts with the selected resources.  In August 2007, PURA approved four CfDs, each of which specifies a capacity quantity and a monthly settlement that reflects the difference between a forward market price and the contract price.  UI executed two of the contracts and CL&P executed the other two contracts.
8

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

The costs or benefits of each contract will be paid by or allocated to customers and will be subject to a cost-sharing agreement between UI and CL&P pursuant to which approximately 20% of the cost or benefit is borne by or allocated to UI customers and approximately 80% is borne by or allocated to CL&P customers.

PURA has determined that costs associated with these CfDs will be fully recoverable by UI and CL&P through electric rates, and in accordance with ASC 980 “Regulated Operations,” UI has deferred recognition of costs (a regulatory asset) or obligations (a regulatory liability).  The CfDs are marked-to-market in accordance with ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging.”  For those CfDs signed by CL&P, UI records its approximate 20% portion pursuant to the cost-sharing agreement noted above.  As of June 30, 2014, UI has recorded a gross derivative asset of $18.6 million ($11.2 million of which is related to UI’s portion of CL&P’s derivative assets), a regulatory asset of $60.8 million, a gross derivative liability of $67.7 million ($58.5 million of which is related to UI’s portion of CL&P’s derivative liabilities) and a regulatory liability of $11.7 million  See Note (K) “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for additional CfD information.

The unrealized (gains) and losses from fair value adjustments to these derivatives recorded in regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities for the three- and six- month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
   
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Regulatory Assets - Derivative liabilities
 
$
(10,397
)
 
$
(15,099
)
 
$
(82,017
)
 
$
(23,263
)
 
                               
Regulatory Liabilities - Derivative assets
 
$
(8,751
)
 
$
-
   
$
(11,693
)
 
$
-
 

The fluctuations in unrealized gains in the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 compared to June 30, 2013 are primarily due to changes in forward pricing.

Equity Investments

UI is party to a 50-50 joint venture with NRG affiliates in GenConn, which operates two peaking generation plants in Connecticut.  UI’s investment in GenConn is being accounted for as an equity investment, the carrying value of which was $116.3 million and $118.2 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  As of June 30, 2014, there was approximately $0.3 million of undistributed earnings from UI’s equity investment in GenConn.

UI’s pre-tax income from its equity investment in GenConn was $3.5 million and $3.8 million for the three‑month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  UI’s pre-tax income from its equity investment in GenConn was $6.9 million and $7.6 million for the six-month periods ending June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Cash distributions from GenConn are reflected as either distributions of earnings or as returns of capital in the operating and investing sections of the Statement of Cash Flows, respectively.  UI received cash distributions from GenConn of $3.4 million and $9.8 million during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  During the six-month periods ending June 30, 2014 and 2013, UI received cash distributions from GenConn of approximately $8.8 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

9

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

Regulatory Accounting

Unless otherwise stated below, all of UI’s regulatory assets earn a return.  UI’s regulatory assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 included the following:

Remaining
Period
 
June 30,
2014
   
June 30,
2013
 
 
  
 
(In Thousands)
 
Regulatory Assets:
 
 
   
 
Nuclear plant investments – above market
(a)
 
$
238,868
   
$
242,275
 
Unamortized redemption costs
7 to 19 years
   
10,900
     
11,702
 
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans
(b)
   
137,636
     
234,302
 
Income taxes due principally to book-tax difference
(c)
   
153,393
     
-
 
Contracts for differences
(d)
   
60,769
     
153,286
 
Deferred transmission expense
(e)
   
13,630
     
24,761
 
Excess generation service charge
(f)
   
1,473
     
14,967
 
Storm costs
(g)
   
14,571
     
53,465
 
Other
(h)
   
20,294
     
18,176
 
Total regulatory assets
 
   
651,534
     
752,934
 
Less current portion of regulatory assets
 
   
303,111
     
81,901
 
Regulatory Assets, Net
 
 
$
348,423
   
$
671,033
 
 
 
               
Regulatory Liabilities:
 
               
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
29 years
 
$
4,392
   
$
4,538
 
Income taxes due principally to book-tax differences
(c)
   
200,674
     
54,618
 
Deferred gain on sale of property
(a)
   
37,933
     
37,933
 
Middletown/Norwalk local transmission network service collections
35 years
   
21,115
     
21,688
 
Asset removal costs
(h)
   
67,487
     
63,922
 
Contracts for differences
(d)
   
11,687
     
-
 
Other
(h)
   
23,394
     
24,072
 
Total regulatory liabilities
 
   
366,682
     
206,771
 
Less current portion of regulatory liabilities
 
   
261,109
     
16,016
 
Regulatory Liabilities, Net
 
 
$
105,573
   
$
190,755
 
 
a) Asset//Liability relates to the Competitive Transition Assessment (CTA).  Total CTA costs recovery and stranded cost amortization are complete.  The remaining balances are fully offset by amounts primarily included in income taxes, due principally to book-tax differences.  As a result of the outcome of UI’s 2013 distribution rate request, PURA approved UI’s proposed rate treatment to leave CTA rates unchanged until January 1, 2014 at which point the charge ended.  The remaining balances will be extinguished upon the completion of the final reconciliation hearing in 2014 and have been reclassified to current regulatory assets and liabilities on the balance sheet as of June 30, 2014.
(b) Life is dependent upon timing of final pension plan distribution; balance, which is fully offset by a corresponding asset/liability, is recalculated each year in accordance with ASC 715 "Compensation-Retirement Benefits." See Note (G) “Pension and Other Benefits” for additional information.
(c) Amortization period and/or balance vary depending on the nature and/or remaining life of the underlying assets/liabilities; balances contain regulatory liabilities related to the CTA as well as regulatory assets not related to the CTA.  In prior periods, these amounts were presented on a net basis in long-term regulatory liabilities.  In the current period, due to the end of the CTA charge, the CTA regulatory liabilities have been reclassified to current regulatory liabilities and the regulatory assets not related to the CTA have been reclassified to long-term regulatory assets.
(d) Asset life is equal to delivery term of related contracts (which vary from approximately 6 - 13 years); balance fluctuates based upon quarterly market analysis performed on the related derivatives (Note K); amount, which does not earn a return, is fully offset by corresponding derivative asset/liability.  See “-Contracts for Differences” discussion above for additional information.
(e) Regulatory asset or liability which defers transmission income or expense and fluctuates based upon actual revenues and revenue requirements.
10

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

(f) Working capital allowance for generation service charge; this amount fluctuates based upon cash inflows and outflows in a given period.
(g) Storm costs include accumulated costs for major storms occurring from January 2009 forward. See Note (C) “Regulatory Proceedings – Rates” for a discussion of the recovery of these costs.
(h) Amortization period and/or balance vary depending on the nature, cost of removal and/or remaining life of the underlying assets/liabilities; asset amount includes decoupling ($6.7 million) and certain other amounts that are not currently earning a return.  See Note (C) “Regulatory Proceedings for a discussion of the decoupling recovery period.

Variable Interest Entities

We have identified GenConn as a variable interest entity (VIE), which is accounted for under the equity method.  UI is not the primary beneficiary of GenConn, as defined in ASC 810 “Consolidation,” because it shares control of all significant activities of GenConn with its joint venturer, NRG affiliates.  As such, GenConn is not subject to consolidation.  GenConn recovers its costs through CfDs, which are cost of service-based and have been approved by PURA.  As a result, with the achievement of commercial operation by GenConn Devon and GenConn Middletown, our exposure to loss is primarily related to the potential for unrecovered GenConn operating or capital costs in a regulatory proceeding, the effect of which would be reflected in the carrying value of our 50% ownership position in GenConn and through “Income from Equity Investments” in UI’s Financial Statements.  Such exposure to loss cannot be determined at this time.  For further discussion of GenConn, see “–Equity Investments” as well as Note (C) “Regulatory Proceedings –Equity Investment in Peaking Generation.”

We have identified the selected capacity resources with which UI has CfDs as VIEs and have concluded that UI is not the primary beneficiary as UI does not have the power to direct any of the significant activities of these capacity resources.   As such, we have not consolidated the selected capacity resources.  UI’s maximum exposure to loss through these agreements is limited to the settlement amount under the CfDs as described in “–Derivatives – Contracts for Differences (CfDs)” above; however any such losses are fully recoverable through electric rates.  UI has no requirement to absorb additional losses nor has UI provided any financial or other support during the periods presented that were not previously contractually required.

We have identified the entities for which UI is required to enter into long-term contracts to purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) as VIEs.  In assessing these contracts for VIE identification and reporting purposes, we have aggregated the contracts based on similar risk characteristics and significance to UI.  UI is not the primary beneficiary as UI does not have the power to direct any of the significant activities of these entities.  UI’s exposure to loss is primarily related to the purchase and resale of the RECs, but, any losses incurred are recoverable through electric rates.  For further discussion of RECs, see Note (C) “Regulatory Proceedings – New Renewable Source Generation.”

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition.  ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.  ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is to be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

(B)  CAPITALIZATION

Common Stock

UI had 100 shares of common stock; no par value, outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and 2013.

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(C)  REGULATORY PROCEEDINGS

Rates

On February 15, 2013, UI filed an application to amend its existing distribution rate schedules for two rate years.  On August 14, 2013, PURA issued a decision (the August Decision) which became effective on that date and which, among other things, increased the UI distribution and CTA allowed return on equity (ROE) from 8.75% to 9.15%, continued UI’s existing earnings sharing mechanism by which UI and customers share on a 50/50 basis all distribution earnings above the allowed ROE in a calendar year, continued the existing decoupling mechanism, and approved the establishment of the requested storm reserve.  Additionally, the August Decision disallowed approximately $22 million related to deferred storm costs and capital costs related to UI’s recently constructed administrative and operations buildings.  As a result of these disallowances and other adjustments related to the rate proceeding, we recorded a one-time pre-tax write off of $17.5 million related to UI in the third quarter of 2013.

On December 16, 2013, PURA issued a final decision on UI’s Petition for Reconsideration of the August Decision.  The final decision on the reconsideration restored approximately $6.8 million of deferred storm costs and approximately $2.7 million of capital costs related to UI’s recently constructed administrative and operations buildings which had been disallowed in the August Decision.  As a result, we recorded a one-time pre-tax adjustment of approximately $9.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 to reverse such amounts written off in the third quarter of 2013 as a result of the August Decision.  The resulting storm regulatory asset allowed for recovery totaled approximately $45 million.  PURA’s final determination on the timing of recovery of the remaining storm regulatory asset, if any, after applying the revenue from the 2010 and 2012 earnings sharing along with the excess CTA revenue collections is expected in the second half of 2014.  As of June 30, 2014, UI’s storm regulatory asset totaled approximately $14.6 million.

Power Supply Arrangements

UI has wholesale power supply agreements in place for its entire standard service load for all of 2014,  for 70% of its standard service load for the first half of 2015 and 30% for the second half of 2015.  UI determined that its contracts for standard service and supplier of last resort service are derivatives under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” and elected the “normal purchase, normal sale” exception under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging.”  UI regularly assesses the accounting treatment for its power supply contracts.  These wholesale power supply agreements contain default provisions that include required performance assurance, including certain collateral obligations, in the event that UI’s credit rating on senior debt were to fall below investment grade.  If UI’s credit rating were to decline one rating at Standard & Poor’s or two ratings at Moody’s and UI were to be placed on negative credit watch, monthly amounts due and payable to the power suppliers would be accelerated to semi‑monthly payments.  UI’s credit rating would have to decline two ratings at Standard & Poor’s and three ratings at Moody’s to fall below investment grade.  If this were to occur, UI would have to deliver collateral security in an amount equal to the receivables due to the sellers for the thirty-day period immediately preceding the default notice.  If such an event had occurred as of June 30, 2014 UI would have had to post an aggregate of approximately $9.8 million in collateral.

New Renewable Source Generation

Under Connecticut Public Act No. 11-80, “An Act Concerning the Establishment of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Planning for Connecticut's Energy Future” (PA 11-80), Connecticut electric utilities are required to enter into long-term contracts to purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from small renewable generators located on customer premises.  Under this program, UI is required to enter into contracts totaling approximately $200 million in commitments over an approximate 21-year period.  The obligations will phase in over a six-year solicitation period, and are expected to peak at an annual commitment level of about $13.6 million per year after all selected projects are online.  Upon purchase, UI accounts for the RECs as inventory.  UI expects to partially mitigate the cost of these contracts through the resale of the RECs.  PA 11-80 provides that the remaining costs (and any benefits) of these contracts, including any gain or loss resulting from the resale of the RECs, are fully recoverable from (or credited to) customers through electric rates.
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On October 23, 2013, PURA approved UI’s renewable connections program filed in accordance with PA 11-80, through which UI would develop up to 10 MW of renewable generation.  UI’s proposed budget of $35.0 million to develop the initial 7.8 MW has been approved by PURA.  The costs for this program would be recovered on a cost of service basis.  In its approval, PURA established a base ROE to be calculated as the greater of:  (A) the current UI authorized distribution ROE plus 25 basis points and (B) the current authorized distribution ROE for CL&P, less target equivalent market revenues (reflected as 25 basis points).  In addition, UI will retain a percentage of the market revenues from the project, which percentage is expected to equate to approximately 25 basis points on a levelized basis over the life of the project.

Section 6 of Connecticut Public Act 13-303, “An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Clean Energy Goals,” (PA 13-303), authorized DEEP to direct Connecticut’s electric distribution companies, including UI, to enter into contracts for energy and/or RECs from Class I renewable resources in a quantity of up to 4% of the electric distribution companies’ distribution load.  On July 8, 2013, DEEP issued a request for proposals (RFP), and directed UI and CL&P to enter into power purchase agreements with the winning bidders.  On September 19, 2013, UI entered into contracts with two of the winning bidders, totaling approximately 3.5% of UI’s distribution load, which were subsequently approved by PURA.  Costs of each of these agreements will be fully recoverable through electric rates.  On December 18, 2013, Allco Finance Limited, an unsuccessful bidder in the RFP, filed a complaint against DEEP in the United States District Court in Connecticut alleging that DEEP’s direction to UI and CL&P to enter into the contracts violated the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and the Federal Power Act by setting wholesale electricity rates.  UI is not a party to the litigation.

Section 8 of PA 13-303 authorized DEEP to direct Connecticut’s electric distribution companies, including UI, to enter into contracts for energy and/or RECs from biomass, landfill gas and small hydro projects that qualify as Connecticut Class I renewable resources in a quantity up to 4% of the electric distribution companies’ distribution load.  In January 2014, UI entered into three contracts for the purchase of RECs associated with an aggregate of 5.7 MW of energy production from biomass plants in New England as directed by DEEP.  The contracts are currently pending PURA approval.  PA 13‑303 provides that costs of any such agreements will be fully recoverable through electric rates.

Transmission

PURA decisions do not affect the revenue requirements determination for transmission, including the applicable return on equity (ROE), which are within the jurisdiction of the FERC.  For 2014, UI is estimating an overall allowed weighted-average ROE for its transmission business in the range of 12.1% to 12.3%, excluding the impact of the ultimate outcome of the proceeding discussed below.

In September 2011, several New England governmental entities, including PURA, the Connecticut Attorney General and the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel, filed a joint complaint (Initial Complaint) with the FERC against ISO-NE and several New England transmission owners, including UI, claiming that the current approved base ROE used in calculating formula rates for transmission service under the ISO-NE Open Access Transmission Tariff by the New England transmission owners  of 11.14% is not just and reasonable and seeking a proposed reduction of the base ROE to 9.20% to be effective October 1, 2011.  A refund period of October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2012 (refund period) was established.

On August 6, 2013, the presiding Administrative Law Judge issued an initial decision finding that the existing base ROE was unjust and unreasonable, and that the just and reasonable base ROE is 10.6% for the refund period and 9.7% for the period after a final opinion is issued by the FERC, prior to any adjustments that may be applied by the FERC in a final order based on the change in 10-year U.S. Treasury Bond rates from the date hearings closed to the date of the FERC’s order.  UI had recorded a reserve for the refund period related to the Initial Complaint of $2.6 million after-tax during the third quarter of 2013 based upon its assessment of the ultimate outcome of the proceeding.

In December 2012, various additional parties filed a complaint with the FERC against several New England transmission owners, including UI, seeking a proposed reduction of the base ROE to 8.70%, effective December 27, 2012 (Second Complaint).
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On June 19, 2014, FERC issued an order (June Order) in the Initial Complaint, tentatively finding that the just and reasonable base ROE for the New England transmission owners’ tariff is 10.57%, subject to adjustment as described below.  In the June Order, FERC adopted a new method for determining cost of equity, changing from a one-step discounted cash flow (DCF) methodology to a two-step DCF, which includes a long-term growth component.  FERC also discontinued its past practice of adjusting the ROE to reflect changes in U.S. Treasury bond yields from the date of closing of the evidentiary record to the date of FERC decision.  In addition, FERC determined that it was inappropriate for the Administrative Law Judge to establish two separate ROEs, ordering that the final ROE, once determined, would apply to the refund period and prospectively.

The June Order applied the two-step DCF methodology, using an assumed long-term growth rate based on the Gross Domestic Product, to tentatively find that the zone of reasonableness for the New England transmission owners is 7.03% to 11.74%.  Within that tentative zone of reasonableness, FERC found that, taking into account the unusual capital market conditions, the just and reasonable base ROE for the New England transmission owners’ tariff should be set halfway between the midpoint of the zone of reasonableness and the top of the zone of reasonableness, which, based on the record thus far in the proceeding, is 10.57%.   In connection with the application of the two-step DCF method, FERC established a paper hearing process so that participants can present evidence regarding the appropriate long-term growth rate that should be used when calculating the base ROE for the New England transmission owners.  The June Order established a schedule for initial briefs in the paper hearing to be due within 45 days of the June Order, and reply briefs due within 30 days of the filing of initial briefs.

Also on June 19, 2014, FERC announced it would institute hearing and settlement judge procedures in the Second Complaint.  FERC determined there would be a 15-month refund period beginning December 27, 2012.  If settlement procedures are unsuccessful and this complaint is litigated, a final FERC order would likely be issued in 2016.

On July 21, 2014, the New England transmission owners filed a request for clarification or rehearing, and the state complainants and others filed a request for rehearing, of various issues in the FERC order on the Initial Complaint, and the New England transmission owners filed a request for clarification or rehearing of the order on the Second Complaint.  As a result of our assessment of the June Order, we do not believe that it is probable that there is additional exposure at this time and, therefore, we have not recorded an additional reserve.  In the event the issues raised in the July 21, 2014 New England transmission owners’ filings are decided in a manner not favorable to the New England transmission owners, we estimate additional pre-tax exposure through June 30, 2014 of approximately $7 million in excess of amounts previously reserved.

On July 31, 2014, complainants in the Initial Complaint and the Second Complaint filed an additional complaint (Third Complaint) with the FERC against the New England transmission owners, alleging that the current base ROE of 11.14% is not just and reasonable, and that under the new FERC two-step DCF methodology, the base ROE should be set at 8.84% or no more than 9.44%, the midpoint of the zone of reasonableness calculated by their consultant.  The Third Complaint argues that the FERC should not follow its June 19, 2014 Order setting the ROE at halfway between the midpoint and the top of the zone of reasonableness because financial market conditions are not anomalous.  The complainants have requested a 15-month refund period beginning July 31, 2014, and also ask for a determination that the top of the zone of reasonableness caps the ROE for each individual project.  We are reviewing the Third Complaint and expect to respond; however, we are unable to predict the outcome at this time.

New England East-West Solution

Pursuant to an agreement with CL&P (the Agreement), UI has the right to invest in, and own transmission assets associated with, the Connecticut portion of CL&P’s New England East West Solution (NEEWS) projects to improve regional energy reliability.  NEEWS consists of four inter-related transmission projects being developed by subsidiaries of Northeast Utilities (NU), the parent company of CL&P, in collaboration with National Grid USA.  Three of the projects have portions located in Connecticut:  (1) the Greater Springfield Reliability Project (GSRP), which was fully energized in November 2013, (2) the Interstate Reliability Project (IRP), which is expected to be placed in service in late 2015 and (3) the Central Connecticut Reliability Project (CCRP), which is being reassessed
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

as part of the Greater Hartford Central Connecticut Study (GHCC). As CL&P places assets in service, it will transfer title to certain NEEWS transmission assets to UI in proportion to UI’s investments, but CL&P will continue to maintain these portions of the transmission system pursuant to an operating and maintenance agreement (O&M Agreement) with UI.  Any termination of the Agreement pursuant to its terms would have no effect on the assets previously transferred to UI.

Under the terms of the Agreement, UI has the option to make quarterly deposits to CL&P in exchange for ownership of specific NEEWS transmission assets as they are placed in service.  UI has the right to invest up to the greater of $60 million or an amount equal to 8.4% of CL&P’s costs for the originally proposed Connecticut portions of the NEEWS projects.  Based upon the current projected costs, UI’s investment rights in GSRP and IRP would be approximately $45 million.  In July 2014, ISO-NE presented the preferred GHCC transmission solutions to its Planning Advisory Committee.   UI is awaiting the final ISO-NE GHCC transmission solution report, expected in the fourth quarter of 2014, to determine the impact on UI’s aggregate investment in NEEWS.

Deposits associated with NEEWS are recorded as assets at the time the deposit is made and they are reported in the ‘Other’ line item within the Deferred Charges and Other Assets section of the consolidated balance sheet.   When title to the assets is transferred to UI, the amount of the corresponding deposit is reclassified from other assets to plant-in-service on the balance sheet and shown as a non-cash investing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

As of June 30, 2014, UI had made aggregate deposits of $36.9 million under the Agreement since its inception, with assets valued at approximately $24.6 million having been transferred to UI, as follows:  In September 2012, CL&P transferred approximately $6.2 million of transmission assets associated with the GSRP, and in February 2013, CL&P transferred approximately $18.4 million of transmission assets, representing the remaining portion of the GSRP.  UI earned pre-tax income on deposits, net of transferred assets, of approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million in the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  UI earned pre-tax income on deposits, net of transferred assets, of approximately $0.7 million and $0.9 million in the six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  In August 2014, UI made an additional deposit of approximately $3.3 million.

Equity Investment in Peaking Generation

UI is party to a 50-50 joint venture with NRG affiliates in GenConn, which operates two peaking generation plants in Connecticut.  The two peaking generation plants, GenConn Devon and GenConn Middletown, are both participating in the ISO-New England markets.  PURA has approved revenue requirements for the period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 of $30.8 million and $37.5 million for GenConn Devon and GenConn Middletown, respectively.  In addition, PURA has ruled that GenConn project costs incurred that were in excess of the proposed costs originally submitted in 2008 were prudently incurred and are recoverable.  Such costs are included in the determination of the 2014 approved revenue requirements.

(D)  SHORT‑TERM CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

As of June 30, 2014, UI did not have any borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit agreement, which will expire on November 30, 2016, entered into by and among UIL Holdings and its regulated subsidiaries including UI (the Credit Facility).  Available credit under the Credit Facility at June 30, 2014 totaled $250 million for UI.  UI records borrowings under the Credit Facility as short‑term debt, but the Credit Facility provides for longer term commitments from banks allowing UI to borrow and reborrow funds, at its option, until its expiration, thus affording UI flexibility in managing its working capital requirements.

(E)  INCOME TAXES

Differences in the treatment of certain transactions for book and tax purposes occur which cause the rate of UI’s reported income tax expense to differ from the statutory tax rate described above.  The effective book income tax rates for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 were 31.1% and 30.8%, respectively, as compared to
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

39.5% and 39.2%, for the three and six-months periods ended June 30, 2013 respectively.  The decrease in the effective tax rates for both periods is due primarily to the absence of non-normalized CTA amortization in 2014.

The combined statutory federal and state income tax rates for UI for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 40.9%.

(G)  PENSION AND OTHER BENEFITS

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2014, UI made contributions of $12.0 million.  Additional contributions during the remainder of 2014 are expected to be approximately $6.0 million.

The following table represents the components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefits (OPEB) as well as the actuarial weighted-average assumptions used in calculating net periodic benefit cost for the three- and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
   
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
   
   
   
 
Service cost
 
$
1,467
   
$
1,994
   
$
251
   
$
308
 
Interest cost
   
5,791
     
5,340
     
895
     
843
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(6,968
)
   
(6,589
)
   
(454
)
   
(397
)
Amortization of:
                               
Prior service costs
   
66
     
150
     
9
     
(13
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
3,146
     
4,886
     
32
     
497
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
3,502
   
$
5,781
   
$
733
   
$
1,238
 
 
                               
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
   
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                               
Service cost
 
$
2,934
   
$
3,988
   
$
502
   
$
616
 
Interest cost
   
11,582
     
10,680
     
1,790
     
1,686
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(13,936
)
   
(13,178
)
   
(908
)
   
(794
)
Amortization of:
                               
Prior service costs
   
132
     
300
     
18
     
(26
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
6,292
     
9,772
     
64
     
994
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
7,004
   
$
11,562
   
$
1,466
   
$
2,476
 
 
                               
 
 
Three and Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
Pension Benefits
   
Other Post-Retirement Benefits
 
 
 
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Discount rate
   
4.90%-5.20
%
   
4.00%-4.25
%
   
5.20
%
   
4.25
%
Average wage increase
   
3.80
%
   
3.80
%
   
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
Return on plan assets
   
8.00
%
   
8.00
%
   
8.00
%
   
8.00
%
Composite health care trend rate (current year)
   
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
   
7.00
%
   
7.50
%
Composite health care trend rate (2018 forward)
   
N/A
 
   
N/A
 
   
5.00
%
   
5.00
%

N/A – not applicable
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

(H)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

UI received cash distributions from GenConn of $3.4 million and $9.8 million during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  During the six-month periods ending June 30, 2014 and 2013, UI received cash distributions from GenConn of approximately $8.8 million and $9.8 million, respectively.

Inter-company Transactions

UI receives various administrative and management services from and enters into certain inter-company transactions with UIL Holdings and its subsidiaries. Costs of the services that are allocated amongst UI and other of UIL Holdings’ regulated subsidiaries are settled periodically by way of inter-company billings and wire transfers.  As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Balance Sheet reflects inter-company receivables of $5.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and inter-company payables of $7.3 million and $8.7 million, respectively.

Dividends/Capital Contributions

In 2014 and 2013, UI made wire transfers to UIL Holdings on a quarterly basis in order to maintain its capitalization structure as allowed per the 2008 Rate Case.  For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, UI accrued and paid dividends to UIL Holdings of $38.2 million and $61.0 million, respectively.

(J)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various proceedings, including legal, tax, regulatory and environmental matters, which require management’s assessment to determine the probability of whether a loss will occur and, if probable, an estimate of probable loss.  When assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a reserve and disclose the reserve and related matter.  We disclose material matters when losses are probable but for which an estimate cannot be reasonably estimated or when losses are not probable but are reasonably possible.  Subsequent analysis is performed on a periodic basis to assess the impact of any changes in events or circumstances and any resulting need to adjust existing reserves or record additional reserves.  However, given the inherent unpredictability of these legal and regulatory proceedings, we cannot assure you that our assessment of such proceedings will reflect the ultimate outcome, and an adverse outcome in certain matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows.

Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company

UI has a 9.5% stock ownership share in the Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company, an inactive nuclear generating company (Connecticut Yankee), the carrying value of which was $0.1 million as of June 30, 2014.  Connecticut Yankee has completed the physical decommissioning of its generation facilities and is now engaged primarily in the long-term storage of its spent nuclear fuel. Connecticut Yankee collects its costs through wholesale FERC-approved rates from UI and several other New England utilities.  UI recovers these costs from its customers through electric rates.

On May 1, 2013, Connecticut Yankee filed an application with FERC to, among other things, reduce its rates and eliminate future decommissioning funding requirements for its owners, using the United States Department of Energy (DOE) damage award, discussed below.  On June 27, 2013, FERC issued a final decision which approved both the proposed rate reduction and the elimination of future decommissioning funding requirements.  As a result, UI’s obligation and corresponding regulatory asset were eliminated at that time.

DOE Spent Fuel Litigation

In 1998, Connecticut Yankee filed claims in the United States Court of Federal Claims seeking damages resulting from the breach of the 1983 spent fuel and high level waste disposal contract between Connecticut Yankee and the DOE.  In September 2010, the court issued its decision and awarded Connecticut Yankee damages of $39.7 million for its spent fuel-related costs through 2001, which was affirmed in May 2012.  Connecticut Yankee received
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

payment of the damage award and, in light of its ownership share, in July 2013 UI received approximately $3.8 million of such award which was credited back to customers through the CTA.

In December 2007, Connecticut Yankee filed a second set of complaints with the United States Court of Federal Claims against the DOE seeking damages incurred since January 1, 2002 for the DOE’s failure to remove Connecticut Yankee’s spent fuel.  In November 2013, the court issued a final judgment, which was not appealed, awarding Connecticut Yankee damages of $126.3 million.  In light of its ownership share, in June 2014, UI received approximately $12.0 million of such award which will be refunded to customers.

In August 2013, Connecticut Yankee filed a third set of complaints with the United States Court of Federal Claims against the DOE seeking unspecified damages incurred since January 1, 2009.

Environmental Matters

In complying with existing environmental statutes and regulations and further developments in areas of environmental concern, including legislation and studies in the fields of water quality, hazardous waste handling and disposal, toxic substances, climate change and electric and magnetic fields, we may incur substantial capital expenditures for equipment modifications and additions, monitoring equipment and recording devices, as well as additional operating expenses.  The total amount of these expenditures is not now determinable.  Environmental damage claims may also arise from the operations of our subsidiaries.  Significant environmental issues known to us at this time are described below.

Site Decontamination, Demolition and Remediation Costs

In 2000, UI conveyed a former generation site on the Mill River in New Haven (English Station) to an unaffiliated entity, Quinnipiac Energy LLC (QE), reserving to UI permanent easements for the operation of its transmission facilities on the site.  At the time of the sale, approximately $1.9 million, an amount equal to the then-current estimate for remediation, was placed in escrow for purposes of bringing soil and groundwater on the English Station site into compliance with applicable environmental laws.  As of June 30, 2014, approximately $0.1 million of the escrow fund remained.  In 2006, QE sold the property to Evergreen Power, LLC (Evergreen Power) and Asnat Realty LLC (Asnat).  In January 2012, Evergreen Power and Asnat filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Connecticut against UI seeking, among other things: (i) an order directing UI to reimburse the plaintiffs for costs they have incurred and will incur for the testing, investigating and remediation of hazardous substances at the English Station site and (ii) an order directing UI to investigate and remediate the site.  In May 2012, UI filed an answer and counterclaims.  In July 2012, Evergreen Power and Asnat filed a motion for partial summary judgment with respect to UI’s liability under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, which was denied without prejudice.  In December 2013, Evergreen and Asnat filed a subsequent lawsuit in Connecticut state court seeking among other things: (i) remediation of the property; (ii) reimbursement of remediation costs; (iii) termination of UI’s easement rights; (iv) reimbursement for costs associated with securing the property; and (v) punitive damages.  UI believes the claims are without merit.  UI’s knowledge of the current conditions at the English Station site is insufficient for it to make a reliable update of the original $1.9 million remediation estimate.  Management cannot presently assess the potential financial impact, if any, of the suits, and thus has not recorded a liability related to it and no amount of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated at this time.

On April 8, 2013, DEEP issued an administrative order addressed to UI, QE, Evergreen Power, Asnat and others, ordering the parties to take certain actions related to investigating and remediating the English Station site.  Mediation of the matter began in the fourth quarter of 2013 and is on-going.  At this time, management cannot predict the financial impact on UI of the DEEP order or other matters relating to this site and no amount of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated at this time.

In April 1999, UI completed the sale of its Bridgeport Harbor Station and New Haven Harbor Station generating plants in compliance with Connecticut’s electric utility industry restructuring legislation.  With respect to the portion of the New Haven Harbor Station site that UI retained, UI has performed an additional environmental analysis, indicating that approximately $3.2 million in remediation expenses will be incurred.  Actual remediation costs may be higher or lower
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THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

than what is currently estimated.  The required remediation is virtually all on transmission‑related property and UI has accrued these estimated expenses, which were recovered in transmission rates.

Middletown/Norwalk Transmission Project

The general contractor and two subcontractors responsible for civil construction work in connection with the installation of UI’s portion of the Middletown/Norwalk Transmission Project’s underground electric cable system filed lawsuits in Connecticut state court on September 22, 2009, March 23, 2009 and January 25, 2010, respectively.  The claims, as revised by the general contractor in October 2011, sought payment for change order requests of approximately $33.3 million, a 10% general contractor mark-up on any approved subcontractor change order claims (approximately $2.3 million), interest, costs, and attorneys' fees.  In December 2011, UI settled claims brought by the two subcontractors and their respective lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice, reducing UI’s estimate of the general contractor’s claims to approximately $7.7 million, exclusive of the contractor’s claims for interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees.    UI also pursued an indemnification claim against the general contractor for the payments made in settlement to the two subcontractors.

On September 3, 2013, a Memorandum of Decision was issued by the court finding for UI on all claims but one related to certain change orders, and ordering UI to pay the Contractor approximately $1.3 million.  The decision also found against UI on the indemnification claims.  On October 22, 2013, the general contractor filed an appeal of the Court’s ruling.  UI expects to recover any amounts paid to resolve the contractor and subcontractor claims through UI’s transmission revenue requirements.

On April 30, 2013, an affiliate of the general contractor for the Middletown/Norwalk Transmission Project, purporting to act as a shareholder on behalf of UIL Holdings, filed a complaint against the UIL Holdings Board of Directors alleging that the directors breached a fiduciary duty by failing to undertake an independent investigation in response to a letter from the affiliate asking for an investigation regarding alleged improper practices by UI in connection with the Middletown/Norwalk Transmission Project.  On October 25, 2013, the court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the complaint. On November 15, 2013, the plaintiff filed an appeal of the court order in the Connecticut Appellate Court, which remains pending.

19

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

(K) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

As required by ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety, 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, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

The following tables set forth the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, other than pension benefits and other postretirement benefits, as of June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total
 
June 30, 2014
 
(In Thousands)
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Derivative assets
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
18,597
   
$
18,597
 
Supplemental retirement benefit trust life insurance policies
   
-
     
8,281
     
-
     
8,281
 
 
 
$
-
   
$
8,281
   
$
18,597
   
$
26,878
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
67,673
   
$
67,673
 
Long-term debt
   
-
     
948,810
     
-
     
948,810
 
 
 
$
-
   
$
948,810
   
$
67,673
   
$
1,016,483
 
 
                               
Net fair value assets/(liabilities), June 30, 2014
 
$
-
   
$
(940,529
)
 
$
(49,076
)
 
$
(989,605
)
 
                               
June 30, 2013
                               
Assets:
                               
Derivative assets
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
58,700
   
$
58,700
 
Supplemental retirement benefit trust life insurance policies
   
-
     
6,953
     
-
     
6,953
 
 
 
$
-
   
$
6,953
   
$
58,700
   
$
65,653
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
212,042
   
$
212,042
 
Long-term debt
   
-
     
848,812
     
-
     
848,812
 
 
 
$
-
   
$
848,812
   
$
212,042
   
$
1,060,854
 
 
                               
Net fair value assets/(liabilities), June 30, 2013
 
$
-
   
$
(841,859
)
 
$
(153,342
)
 
$
(995,201
)

Fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are prepared by individuals with expertise in valuation techniques, pricing of energy and energy-related products, and accounting requirements.  The derivative assets consist primarily of CfDs.  The determination of fair value of the CfDs was based on a probability-based expected cash flow analysis that was discounted at the June 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013 risk-free interest rates, as applicable, and an adjustment for non-performance risk using credit default swap rates.  Certain management assumptions were required, including development of pricing that extended over the term of the contracts.  We believe this methodology provides the most reasonable estimates of the amount of future discounted cash flows associated with the CfDs.  Additionally, on a quarterly basis, we perform analytics to ensure that the fair value of the derivatives is consistent with changes, if any, in the various fair value model inputs.  Additional quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements is as follows:

 
Unobservable Input
 
Range at
June 30, 2014
   
Range at
June 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
   
 
Contracts for differences
Risk of non-performance
   
0.00% - 0.59
%
   
0.00% - 1.03
%
Discount rate
   
1.62% - 2.67
%
   
1.96% - 2.70
%
Forward pricing ($ per MW)
 
$
3.15 - $14.59
   
$
1.40 - $9.83
 

20

THE UNITED ILLUMINATING COMPANY

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (UNAUDITED) (Continued)

Significant isolated changes in the risk of non-performance, the discount rate or the contract term pricing would result in an inverse change in the fair value of the CfDs.

The determination of the fair value of the supplemental retirement benefit trust life insurance policies was based on quoted prices as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 in the active markets for the various funds within which the assets are held.

Long-term debt is carried at cost on the consolidated balance sheet.  The fair value of long-term debt as displayed in the table above is based on evaluated prices that reflect significant observable market information such as reported trades, actual trade information of similar securities, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes of new issue prices and relevant credit information.

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the assets and liabilities above that are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014.


 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Net derivative assets/(liabilities), December 31, 2013
 
$
(142,786
)
Unrealized gains and (losses), net
   
93,710
 
Net derivative assets/(liabilities), June 30, 2014
 
$
(49,076
)
 
       
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net relating to net derivative assets/(liabilities), still held as of June 30, 2014
 
$
93,710
 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net regulatory asset/(liability) balances that were established to recover any unrealized gains/(losses) associated with the CfDs for the six-month period ended June 30, 2014.  The amounts offset the net CfDs liabilities included in the derivative liabilities detailed above.


 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
 
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Net regulatory assets/(liabilities), December 31, 2013
 
$
142,786
 
Unrealized (gains) and losses, net
   
(93,710
)
Net regulatory assets/(liabilities), June 30, 2014
 
$
49,076
 
 
 
21