UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

☒     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended   December 31, 2015

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   33-42125

Chugach Electric Association, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

N/A

(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

☐ Yes ☒ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether 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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Registration S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

☐Yes ☒ No

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.   N/A

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date.    NONE

 

 

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CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this report that do not relate to historical facts, including statements relating to future plans, events or performance, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this report and the accuracy of which is subject to inherent uncertainty. Chugach Electric Association, Inc. (Chugach) undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may occur after the date of this report or the effect of those events or circumstances on any of the forward-looking statements contained in this report, except as required by law.

PART I

Item 1 – Business

General

Chugach was organized as an Alaska electric cooperative in 1948. Cooperatives are business organizations that are owned by their members. As not-for-profit organizations (Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(12)), cooperatives are structured to provide services to their members at cost, in part by eliminating the need to produce profits or a return on equity other than for reasonable reserves and margins. Today, cooperatives in general operate throughout the United States in such diverse areas as utilities, agriculture, irrigation, insurance and credit. All cooperatives are based upon similar principles and legal foundations. Because members’ equity is not considered an investment, a cooperative’s objectives and policies are oriented to serving member interests, rather than maximizing return on investment.

Chugach makes its current and periodic reports available, free of charge, on its website at www.chugachelectric.com as soon as practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The information on Chugach’s website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Chugach’s website also provides a link to the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska. We are engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the Anchorage and upper Kenai Peninsula areas. Chugach is on an interconnected regional electrical system referred to as the Alaska Railbelt, a 400-mile-long area stretching from the coastline of the southern Kenai Peninsula to the interior of the state, including Alaska’s largest cities, Anchorage and Fairbanks. Neither Chugach nor any other electric utility in Alaska’s Railbelt has any connection to the electric grid of the continental United States or Canada. Our principal executive offices are located at 5601 Electron Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99518. Our telephone number is (907) 563-7494.

Chugach is a rural electric cooperative that is exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Chugach’s hydroelectric project is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). As such, Chugach is subject to FERC reporting requirements and our accounting records conform to the Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by FERC. In lieu of state and local ad valorem, income and excise taxes, Alaska electric cooperatives must pay a gross revenue tax to the State of Alaska at the rate of $0.0005 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity sold in the retail market during the preceding year. This tax is accrued monthly and remitted annually. In addition, we currently collect a regulatory cost charge (RCC) of $0.000732 per kWh of retail electricity sold. The RCC is assessed

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to fund the operations of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) and is collected monthly and remitted to the State of Alaska quarterly. We also collect sales tax on retail electricity sold to consumers in Whittier, seasonally (April through September), and in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, monthly. This tax is remitted to the City of Whittier monthly and to the Kenai Peninsula Borough quarterly. These taxes are a direct pass-through to consumer bills and therefore do not impact our margins.

We had 291 employees as of March 8, 2016.  Approximately 70% of our employees are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Chugach has three Collective Bargaining Unit Agreements (CBA) with the IBEW. We also have an agreement with the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE). All three IBEW CBA have been renewed through June 30, 2017. The three CBA provide for wage increases in all years and include health and welfare premium cost sharing provisions. The HERE contract has been renewed through June 30, 2016, and provides for wage increases in all years. We believe our relationship with our employees is good.

Our members are the consumers of the electricity sold by us. As of December 31, 2015, we had one wholesale customer, 68,543 retail members, and approximately 83,383 service locations, including idle services. No individual retail customer receives more than five percent of our power. Our customers’ requirements for capacity and energy generally peak in fall and winter as home heating and lighting needs rise and then decline in the spring and summer as the weather becomes milder and daylight hours increase.

We supply power to the City of Seward (Seward) as a wholesale customer, and provided most of the power requirements of Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. (MEA) and Homer Electric Association, Inc. (HEA) through the expiration of their contracts  on April 30, 2015, and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Through March 31, 2015, we sold economy (non-firm) energy to Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc. (GVEA), which used that energy to serve its own load.

Our customers are billed on a monthly basis per a tariffed rate for electrical power consumed during the preceding period. Billing rates are approved by the RCA, see “Item 1 – Business – Rate Regulation and Rates.” Base rates (derived on the basis of historic cost of service including margins) are established to generate revenues in excess of current period costs in any year and such excess is designated on our Statements of Revenues, Expenses and Patronage Capital as “assignable margins.” Retained assignable margins are designated on our balance sheet as “patronage capital” that is assigned to each member on the basis of patronage. Patronage capital is held for the account of the members without interest and returned when the Chugach Board of Directors deems it appropriate to do so.

During 2015, we had 602.7 megawatts (MW) of installed generating capacity (rated capacity) provided by 18 generating units at our five owned power plants: Beluga Power Plant, International Station Power Plant (historically known as “IGT”), Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project, Southcentral Power Project (SPP), in which we own a 70% interest, and Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, in which we own a 30% interest. In April of 2015, Beluga Unit 8 was retired representing 53.0 MW of capacity. In August of 2015, IGT Unit 3 was retired representing 18.5 MW of capacity. Therefore, we had 531.2 MW of installed generating capacity consisting of 16 generating units at December 31, 2015. Of the 602.7 MW of installed generating capacity, approximately 79% was fueled by natural gas. Following the retirement of Beluga Unit 8 and IGT Unit 3, approximately 87% was fueled by natural gas, which we purchased under gas contracts. The rest of our owned generating resources were hydroelectric facilities. During 2015,  86% of Chugach’s power, including

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purchased power, was generated from gas. Of that gas-fired generation, 61% took place at SPP and 30% took place at Beluga. The SPP furnishes up to 200.2 MW of capacity; Chugach owns 70% of this plant’s output and Anchorage Municipal Light & Power (ML&P) owns the remaining 30%.  The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, which is not owned by Chugach, provides up to 27.4 MW, as currently operated, for our retail customers and up to 0.9 MW for our remaining wholesale customer. For more information concerning Bradley Lake, see “Item 2 – Properties – Other Property – Bradley Lake.” In addition, we purchase up to 17.6 MW from Fire Island Wind, LLC (FIW),  annually, and in an agreement entered into with MEA for a four month period ending April 30, 2015, we purchased up to 171 MW from the Eklutna Generation Station (EGS).  We operate 1,706 miles of distribution line and 407 miles of transmission line, which includes Chugach’s share of the Eklutna transmission line. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold 1.6 billion kWh of electrical power.

Customer Revenue from Sales

The following table shows the megawatt-hour (MWh) energy sales to and electric revenues from our retail, wholesale, and economy energy customers for the year ended December 31, 2015:

 

 

Retail Service Territory

Our retail service area covers most of Anchorage, excluding downtown Anchorage, as well as remote mountain areas and villages. The service area ranges from the northern Kenai Peninsula westward to Tyonek, including Fire Island, and eastward to Whittier.

Retail Customers

As of December 31, 2015, we had 68,543 members receiving power from approximately 83,383 services, including idle services (some members are served by more than one service). Our customers are a mix of urban and suburban. The urban nature of our customer base means that we have a relatively high customer density per line mile. Higher customer density means that fixed costs can be spread over a greater number of customers. As a result of lower average costs

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attributable to each customer, we benefit from a greater stability in revenue, as compared to a less dense distribution system in which each individual customer would have a more significant impact on operating results. For the past five years no retail customer accounted for more than five percent of our revenues. The revenue contributed by retail customers for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is discussed in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, and the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 – Revenues.

Wholesale Customers

We are the principal supplier of power to Seward under a wholesale power contract. We were the principal supplier of power to MEA and HEA through April 30, 2015, and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Our wholesale power contracts, including the fuel and purchased power components, contributed $30.9 million, $75.5 million, and $108.0 million in revenues for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

MEA

We had a power sales contract with MEA, which was in effect through December 31, 2014. In 2004, pursuant to terms of this contract, MEA communicated to Chugach that MEA did not desire to renew, extend or modify the agreement. MEA indicated it would follow the path its membership most favored and move forward with plans to build its own generation plant.

On August 12, 2014, MEA notified Chugach that their newly constructed power plant, the EGS, would not be completed by January 1, 2015. On September 30, 2014, Chugach entered into an Interim Power Sales Agreement to provide MEA with all demand and energy requirements on a firm basis based on existing tariff rates for a minimum one quarter period beginning on January 1, 2015, and ending on March 31, 2015.

On December 22, 2014, Chugach entered into a Dispatch Services Agreement with MEA to provide electric and natural gas dispatch services for EGS, electric dispatch services for MEA’s share of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project and electric dispatch coordination services for MEA’s share of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project effective on or about April 1, 2015. The term of the agreement expires on March 31, 2016, unless extended by MEA through March 31, 2017.

On March 31, 2015, Chugach entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MEA to extend the Interim Power Sales Agreement for one month while MEA continued to prepare its EGS and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for commercial operation. This MOU also delayed the implementation of the Dispatch Services Agreement to May 1, 2015. The Interim Power Sales Agreement with MEA expired on April 30, 2015. Sales to MEA represented approximately 17%, 33%, and 27% of Chugach’s total energy sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

In an agreement reached in May of 2014 with MEA, capital credits retired to MEA are classified as patronage capital payable on Chugach’s Balance Sheet. MEA’s patronage capital payable was $3.2 million and $2.3 million at December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

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HEA

We had a power sales contract with Alaska Electric and Energy Cooperative, Inc. (AEEC) for firm, partial-requirement sales to HEA through December 31, 2013. Sales to HEA represented approximately 16% of Chugach’s total energy sales for the year ended December 31, 2013.

On July 12, 2011, Chugach, AEEC and HEA entered into an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement whereby Chugach agreed to sell and AEEC agreed to purchase the Bernice Lake Power Plant located in Nikiski, Alaska. The sale included associated transmission substation facilities located on the premises. The Bernice Lake Power Plant facility is located on land that was previously leased to Chugach by HEA.

Associated with the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement described above, Chugach entered into an Agreement for Sale of Electric Capacity with AEEC and HEA (Capacity Agreement). The Capacity Agreement was a purchased power agreement that gave Chugach the right to purchase the capacity and related energy from the Bernice Lake Power Plant from the closing date of the sale of the facility (Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement) to AEEC through December 31, 2013. This agreement further allowed Chugach to sell the Bernice Lake Power Plant and simultaneously ensure system retail and wholesale deliverability requirements were met through December 31, 2013.

Chugach continued to dispatch the power plant until the expiration of its power sales agreement with HEA, therefore, in December of 2013, Chugach recognized the gain associated with this sale which amounted to $6.4 million.

HEA’s resource requirements are now provided by AEEC’s Nikiski cogeneration facility, the Bernice Lake Power Plant and AEEC’s contract rights to receive power from the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project for the benefit of HEA. We  also had a dispatch agreement with AEEC to operate the Nikiski unit as a Chugach system resource, which ended on December 31, 2013.  

In 2007, Chugach entered into an agreement with HEA to return all of its patronage capital within five years after expiration of its power sales agreement, which was related to a settlement agreement associated with the 2005 Test Year General Rate Case (Docket U-06-134). The agreement was contingent on the RCA accepting the parties’ settlement agreement in Docket U-06-134, which occurred on August 9, 2007. HEA’s patronage capital payable was $7.9 million at December 31, 2015, and by agreement returned to HEA by December 31, 2018.

Seward

We currently provide nearly all the power needs of the City of Seward. Sales to Seward represented approximately 4%, 3%, and 2% of Chugach’s total energy sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. We entered into a power sales agreement (2006 Agreement) with the City of Seward, effective June 1, 2006, with a term of five years with two automatic five-year extensions, after RCA review, unless notice of termination is given by either party. On May 6, 2011, Chugach submitted a request to the RCA to extend the term of the 2006 Agreement to December 31, 2016. The RCA issued a letter order on May 26, 2011, approving the extension. The 2006 Agreement is an interruptible, all-requirements/no generation capacity reserves contract. It has many of the attributes of firm service, especially in the requirement that so long as Chugach has sufficient power available, it must meet Seward’s needs for power. However, service is interruptible because Chugach is under no obligation to supply or plan for generation capacity reserves to supply Seward and there is no limit on the number of times or hours per year that the supply can be

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interrupted. Counterbalancing this is the requirement that Chugach must provide power to Seward if Chugach has the power available after first meeting its obligations to its retail customers for whom Chugach has an obligation to provide reserves. The price under the 2006 Agreement reflects the reduced level of service because no costs of generation in excess of that needed to meet the system peak is assigned to Seward.

Economy Customers

From 1989 through March 31, 2015, we have sold economy (non-firm) energy to GVEA, which used that energy to serve its own loads.

In that agreement, sales were made under the terms and conditions of Chugach’s economy energy sales tariff. The price to GVEA included the cost of fuel, variable operations and maintenance expense, wheeling charges and a margin. Chugach also entered into specific gas supply arrangements to make economy energy sales to GVEA. Non-firm sales to GVEA were 96,259 MWh,  358,988 MWh and 351,390 MWh for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Rate Regulation and Rates

The RCA regulates our rates. We seek changes in our base rates by submitting Simplified Rate Filings (SRF) or through general rate cases filed with the RCA on an as-needed basis. Chugach’s base rates, whether set under a general rate case or a SRF, are established to allow the continued recovery of our specific costs of providing electric service. In each rate filing, rates are set at levels to recover all of our specific allowable costs and those rates are then collected from our retail and wholesale customers.

Alaska Statute 42.05.175 requires the RCA to issue a final order no later than 15 months after a complete tariff filing is made for a tariff filing that changes a utility’s revenue requirement or rate design. It is within the RCA’s authority to authorize, after a notice period, rate changes on an interim, refundable basis. In addition, the RCA has been willing to open limited reviews of matters to resolve specific issues from which expeditious decisions can often be rendered.

The RCA has exclusive regulatory control of our retail and wholesale rates, subject to appeal to the Alaska courts. The regulatory environment in Alaska requires cooperatives to use a debt service coverage approach to ratemaking. Times Interest Earned Ratio (TIER) is designed to ensure Chugach maintains a coverage ratio that allows Chugach to remain in compliance with its debt covenants. Under Alaska law, financial covenants of an Alaskan electric cooperative contained in a debt instrument will be valid and enforceable, and rates set by the RCA must be adequate to meet those covenants. Under Alaska law, a cooperative utility that is negotiating to enter into a mortgage or other debt instrument that provides for a TIER greater than the ratio the RCA most recently approved for that cooperative must submit the mortgage or debt instrument to the RCA before the instrument takes effect. The rate covenants contained in the instruments governing our outstanding long-term indebtedness do not impose any greater TIER requirement than those previously approved by the RCA.

We expect to continue to recover changes in our fuel and purchased power expenses through routine quarterly filings with the RCA, see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations – Overview – Rate Regulation and Rates – Fuel and Purchased Power Recovery.”

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The Second Amended and Restated Indenture of Trust (the Indenture), which became effective January 20, 2011, governs all of our outstanding bonds and requires us to set rates expected to yield margins for interest equal to at least 1.10 times total interest expense. The Amended and Restated Master Loan Agreement with CoBank, ACB (CoBank) which became effective January 19, 2011, also requires Chugach to establish and collect rates reasonably expected to yield margins for interest equal to at least 1.10 times total interest expense. The Amended Unsecured Credit Agreement with National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC), KeyBank National Association, Bank of America, N.A., Bank of Montreal, CoBank and Chang Hwa Commercial Bank, Ltd., Los Angeles Branch, which governs the unsecured credit facility Chugach may use to meet its obligations under its Commercial Paper Program, also requires Chugach to maintain a minimum margins for interest of at least 1.10 times interest charges for each fiscal year.

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, our Margins for Interest/Interest (MFI/I) was 1.29, 1.28, and 1.43, respectively. For the same periods, our TIER was 1.30, 1.29, and 1.43, respectively. The higher MFI/I and TIER in 2013 was caused by the recognition of the gain on the sale of the Bernice Lake Power Plant.

Our Service Areas and Local Economy

Our service areas and the service area of our wholesale customer reside within the Alaska Railbelt region of Alaska which is linked by the Alaska Railroad.

Anchorage is located in the Southcentral region of Alaska and is the trade, service, medical and financial center for most of Alaska and serves as a major center for many state governmental functions. Other significant contributing factors to the Anchorage economy include a large federal government and military presence, tourism, medical, financial and educational facilities, air and rail transportation facilities and headquarters support for the petroleum, mining and other basic industries located elsewhere in the state.

Seward is a city located at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward, which is approximately 127 miles south of Anchorage, is a major fisheries port and also serves as the ocean terminus of the Alaska Railroad. Seward’s other major industry is tourism.

Sales Forecasts

The following table sets forth our projected sales forecasts for the next five years:

 

Energy sales are expected to remain flat due to slow economic growth and progress in energy efficiency and conservation from 2016 to 2020. These projections are based on assumptions that management believes to be reasonable as of the date the projections were made. The occurrence of a significant change in any of the assumptions could affect a change in the projected sales forecast.

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Item 1A – Risk Factors

Chugach’s consolidated financial results will be impacted by weather, the economy of our service territory, fuel availability and prices, and the decisions of regulatory agencies. Our creditworthiness will be affected by national and international monetary trends, general market conditions and the expectations of the investment community, all of which are largely beyond our control. In addition, the following statements highlight risk factors that may affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The statements below must be read together with factors discussed elsewhere in this document and in our other filings with the SEC.

Financing

On November 17, 2010, Chugach entered into a $300.0 million Unsecured Credit Agreement, which is used to back Chugach’s Commercial Paper Program. Effective May 4, 2012, Chugach reduced the commitment amount to $100.0 million and on June 29, 2012, amended and extended the Credit Agreement to update the pricing and extend the term. The Amended Unsecured Credit Agreement now expires on November 17, 2016. Chugach is expected to continue to issue commercial paper in 2016, as needed, however, the requirement for short-term borrowing has decreased. For additional information concerning our Commercial Paper Program, see “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 11 – Debt – Commercial Paper.”

No assurance can be given that Chugach will be able to continue to access the commercial paper market. If Chugach were unable to access that market, the Amended Unsecured Credit Agreement would be utilized to support Chugach’s Commercial Paper Program. Global financial markets and economic conditions have been volatile due to a variety of factors. As a result, the cost of raising money in the debt capital markets could increase while the availability of funds from those markets could diminish.

Credit Ratings

Changes in our credit ratings could affect our ability to access capital. We maintain a rating from Standard & Poor's Rating Services (S&P) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) of "A-" (Stable) and "A" (Stable), respectively. S&P and Moody's currently rate our commercial paper at "A-1" and "P-2", respectively. If these agencies were to downgrade our ratings, particularly below investment grade, we may be required to pay higher interest rates on financings which we need to undertake in the future, and our potential pool of investors and funding sources could decrease.

War, acts and threats of terrorism, sabotage, cyber security breach, natural disaster, and other significant events could adversely affect our operations

We cannot predict the impact that any future terrorist attacks, sabotage, or natural disaster may have on the energy industry in general, or on our business in particular. Any such event may affect our operations in unpredictable ways, such as changes in insurance markets. Furthermore, electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror, sabotage, or cyber security breach. The physical or cyber security compromise of our facilities could adversely affect our ability to manage our facilities effectively. Chugach has not experienced any disruptions or significant costs associated with intentional attacks or unauthorized access to any of our systems. Chugach has numerous programs in place to safeguard our operating systems and the personal information of our customers and employees.

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Pension Plans

We participate in the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund (AEPF). The AEPF is a multiemployer pension plan to which we make fixed, per employee contributions through our collective bargaining agreement with the IBEW, which covers our IBEW-represented workforce. We do not have control over the AEPF. Chugach receives information concerning its funding status annually. There is no contingent liability at this time. If a funding shortfall in the AEPF exists, we may incur a contingent withdrawal liability.

We also participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Retirement Security Plan (RS Plan), a multi-employer defined benefit master pension plan maintained and administered by the NRECA for the benefit of its members and their employees. All employees not covered by a union agreement become participants in the RS Plan. We do not have control over the RS Plan. The RS Plan updates contribution rates on an annual basis to maintain the health of the plan under the plans rules allowed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The RS Plan’s funding status is governed by plan rules as provided by ERISA. Chugach receives information concerning its funding status biannually. The RS Plan is not subject to the Pension Protection Act of 2006 under a permanent exemption from Congress as of December 16, 2014.

Equipment Failures and Other External Factors

The generation and transmission of electricity requires the use of expensive and complex equipment. While we have maintenance programs for existing equipment, along with a contractual service plan in place for SPP, generating plants are subject to unplanned outages because of equipment failure or environmental disasters. In the event of unplanned outages, we must acquire power, which is not otherwise available from the fleet of Chugach generators, from other sources at unpredictable costs in order to supply our customers and comply with our contractual agreements. The fuel and purchased power rate adjustment process allows Chugach to recover current purchased power costs and to recover under-recoveries or refund over-recoveries with a three-month lag. If Chugach were to materially under-recover purchased power costs due to an unplanned outage, we would normally seek an increase in the rate adjustment to recover those costs at the time of the next quarterly fuel and purchased power rate adjustment filing. As a result, cash flows may be impacted due to the lag in payments for purchased power costs and the corresponding collection of those costs from customers. To the extent the regulatory process does not provide for the timely recovery of purchased power costs, Chugach could experience a material negative impact on its cash flows. Chugach has line of credit and commercial paper borrowing capacity to mitigate this risk.

Fuel Supply

In 2015, 86% of our power was generated from natural gas. Our primary suppliers of natural gas are ConocoPhillips and Hilcorp. Chugach currently has gas contracts in place to fill up to 100% of Chugach’s needs through March 31, 2023. Chugach also has agreements with Cook Inlet Energy (CIE) and AIX Energy, LLC, which provide a structure to purchase supplemental gas adding diversity in Chugach’s sources of natural gas to meet system load requirements.

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The State of Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) published a study in September of 2015, “Updated Engineering Evaluation of Remaining Cook Inlet Gas Reserves,” to provide an estimate of Cook Inlet’s gas supply. The study estimated there are 1,183 Bcf of proved and probable reserves remaining in Cook Inlet’s legacy fields. This is higher than the 2009 DNR study estimate of 1,142 Bcf. Effectively, Cook Inlet gas supply has slightly increased from 2009. The 2015 DNR estimate does not include reserves from a large gas field under development by Furie Operating Alaska, LLC (Furie) and another considered for development by BlueCrest Energy, Inc. Furie has constructed an offshore gas production platform and has achieved production. The platform and other production facilities are designed for up to 200 million cubic feet (MMcf) per day. Other gas producers are actively developing gas supplies in the Cook Inlet. Chugach is encouraged with these developments but continues to explore other alternatives to diversify its portfolio.

Since 2012, Hilcorp has acquired significant oil and gas assets in the Cook Inlet and reworked those assets to increase production, and several other developers have brought new sources of gas production online. As a result, local gas production trends have changed and indicate a need for an export option to support ongoing development. On December 12, 2013, ConocoPhillips announced that it filed an application with the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to resume liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from Alaska. The application is for a two-year export authorization to export about 40 Bcf of gas per year as LNG. On February 28, 2014, the DOE approved the application to ship 40 Bcf of gas as LNG over a two-year period to countries which have free trade agreements with the US. On February 9, 2016, the DOE approved another ConocoPhillips application with similar terms. ConocoPhillips exported approximately 16.5 and 13.0 Bcf of gas as LNG in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Hilcorp consolidated the operations and tariff for the four major gas pipelines in the Cook Inlet basin into the Kenai-Beluga Pipeline (KBPL) in 2014. On November 1, 2014, the RCA approved the consolidation. Prior to consolidation, gas transportation cost could make development of new gas fields cost prohibitive because the gas transport rates varied with flow and the number of pipelines the gas had to cross to transport gas. The consolidation provides gas producers a single rate for shipping gas on all of the four pipelines, which makes development of gas fields anywhere on the gas pipeline system more attractive to gas producers.

A project commenced by Alaska Gasline Development Corporation and affiliates of BP, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and TransCanada (together, project participants) to construct a liquefaction facility, gas pipeline, and gas treatment plant is underway through a pre-filing process accepted by FERC. The mainline gas pipeline is expected to include off-take points to allow for the opportunity for future in-state deliveries of natural gas. The project participants are targeting to file a formal application with FERC in the fall of 2016. FERC authorizations for the project and commencement of construction are anticipated in the 2018-2019 timeframe, with operation in the 2024-2025 timeframe.

Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska (CINGSA) began service April 1, 2012. The facility ensures local utilities, including Chugach, have gas available to meet deliverability requirements during peak periods and store gas during low demand periods. The RCA approved inception rates and a tariff for the CINGSA facility on January 31, 2011, and a Firm Storage Service (FSS) Agreement between the seller and Chugach in July of 2011. Injections into the facility began in 2012. Chugach's share of the capacity was 1.9 Bcf in 2015. Chugach is entitled to withdraw gas at a rate of up to 35 million cubic feet (MMcf) per day.

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Recovery of Fuel and Purchased Power Costs

The RCA approved inclusion of all fuel and transportation costs related to our current contracts in the calculation of Chugach’s fuel and purchased power adjustment process which will ensure, in advance, that costs incurred under the contracts can be recovered from Chugach’s customers. The fuel and purchased power adjustment process collects under-recoveries and refunds over-recoveries from prior periods with minimal regulatory lag. Chugach's fuel and purchased power adjustment process includes quarterly filings with the RCA, which set the rates on projected costs, sales and system operations for the quarter. Any under- or over-recovery of costs is incorporated into the following quarterly filing. Chugach over-recovered $5.1 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. To the extent the regulated fuel and purchased power adjustment process does not provide for the timely recovery of costs, Chugach could experience a material negative impact on its cash flows. Chugach has line of credit and commercial paper borrowing capacity to mitigate this risk.

Regulatory

Our base rates are approved by the RCA. Chugach filed its June 2014 Test Year General Rate Case on February 13, 2015, to reflect revenue and cost changes resulting from the expiration of MEA’s interim wholesale contract. On May 1, 2015, the proposed rates became effective on an interim and refundable basis for Chugach’s remaining customers. During January of 2016, Chugach reached a settlement with the Attorney General for the State of Alaska and filed the resulting stipulation with the RCA on January 21, 2016, see  “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 5 – Regulatory Matters – June 2014 Test Year General Rate Case.” 

To the extent the RCA does not allow for the recovery of our costs associated with our current or anticipated rate cases, Chugach could experience a material negative impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Accounting Standards or Practices

We cannot predict the impact that future changes in accounting standards or practices may have on public companies in general, the energy industry or our operations specifically. New accounting standards could be issued that could change the way we record revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. These changes in accounting standards could adversely affect our reported earnings or could increase reported liabilities.

Green House Gas Regulations, Carbon Emission and Climate Change

Uncertainty remains regarding the impacts of potential regulations regarding greenhouse gases (GHG), carbon emissions, and climate change on Chugach’s operations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with regulations that seek to limit carbon emissions in the United States. Power plants are the single largest source of carbon emissions in the United States. On August 3, 2015, the EPA released the final 111(d) regulation aimed at reducing emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from existing power plants. Alaska is not bound by the 111(d) regulation, however Alaska may be required to comply at some future date. On February 9, 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay on the proposed EPA 111(d) regulations until the DC Circuit decides the case, or until the disposition of a petition to the Supreme Court on the issue. The EPA 111(d) regulation, in its current form, is not expected to have a material effect on Chugach’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Additional costs related to a GHG tax or cap and trade program, if enacted by Congress, or other regulatory action, could affect the relative cost of the energy Chugach produces. While Chugach cannot predict the implementation of any additional new law or regulation, or the limitations thereof, it is possible that new laws or regulations could increase capital and operating costs. Chugach has obtained or applied for all Clean Air Act permits currently required for the operation of generating facilities.

Other Environmental Regulations

Since January 1, 2007, transformer manufacturers have been required to meet the DOE efficiency levels as defined by the Energy Act of 2005 (Energy Act) for all “Distribution Transformers.” As of January 1, 2016, the specific efficiency levels are increasing from the original “TP1” levels to the new “DOE-2016” levels. The Energy Act mandates specific types of low voltage dry-type transformers manufactured and sold in the USA to have efficiencies as defined by the 10 CFR Part 431 standard when loaded to 35% of maximum capacity. Chugach is in the process of evaluating our transformer specifications and will make modifications as necessary with our alliance transformer manufacturers to ensure DOE-2016 is met. At this time a small increase in capital costs is anticipated along with a reduction in energy losses.

Chugach is currently required to comply with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. While we believe Chugach has obtained all material environmental-related approvals currently required to own and operate our facilities, Chugach may incur significant additional costs because of compliance with these requirements in addition to costs related to any costs of compliance with laws or regulations relating to GHG or carbon emissions. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could have a material effect on Chugach, including potential civil or criminal liability and the imposition of fines or expenditures of funds to bring our facilities into compliance. Delay in obtaining, or failure to obtain and maintain in effect any environmental approvals, or the delay or failure to satisfy any applicable environmental regulatory requirements related to the operation of our existing facilities could result in significant additional costs to Chugach and a material adverse impact to Chugach’s results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

These factors, as well as weather, interest rates and economic conditions are largely beyond our control, but may have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and financial position.

Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

None

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Item 2 – Properties

General

During 2015, we had 602.7 MW of installed capacity consisting of 18 generating units at five power plants. These included 385.0 MW of operating capacity at the Beluga facility on the west side of Cook Inlet; 140.1 MW at SPP in Anchorage, which we jointly own with ML&P; 46.7 MW at IGT in Anchorage; and 19.2 MW at the Cooper Lake facility, which is on the Kenai Peninsula. We also own rights to 11.7 MW of capacity from the two Eklutna Hydroelectric Project generating units that we jointly own with MEA and ML&P. In April of 2015, Beluga Unit 8 was retired representing 53.0 MW of capacity. In August of 2015, IGT Unit 3 was retired representing 18.5 MW of capacity. Therefore, we had 531.2 MW of installed capacity consisting of 16 generating units at December 31, 2015.

In addition to our own generation, we purchased power from the 120 MW Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, which is owned by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA), operated by HEA and dispatched by Chugach, and MEA’s newly constructed 171 MW EGS, which is also dispatched by Chugach. In 2015, we also purchased power from FIW.

The Beluga, IGT and SPP facilities are all fueled by natural gas. We own our offices and headquarters, located adjacent to IGT and SPP in Anchorage. We also lease warehouse space for some generation, transmission and distribution inventory (including a small amount of office space).

Generation Assets

We own the land and improvements comprising our generating facilities at Beluga, IGT and SPP. Our principal generation assets are in two plants, Beluga and SPP. With SPP in operation, the Beluga units are occasionally used for peaking, but are primarily used as reserve. While the Beluga turbine-generators have been in service for many years, they have been maintained in good working order with scheduled inspections and periodic upgrades. Beluga Unit 6 had a major inspection in 2010, in which many of the major components were replaced with new or refurbished parts, and since has had annual inspections through 2015. During the 2012 annual inspection, combustion components nearing end of life were also replaced. Beluga Unit 7 had a major inspection in 2012, in which many of the major components were replaced with new or refurbished parts, and since has had annual inspections through 2015. Beluga Unit 8, a steam turbine generator, also had a major inspection in 2012, and had annual inspections through 2014. In April of 2015, Beluga Unit 8 was retired.

On February 1, 2013, SPP began commercial operation, furnishing 200.2 MW of capacity provided by 4 generating units. Chugach owns and takes approximately 70% of this plant’s output and ML&P owns and takes the remaining 30%. Chugach proportionately accounts for its ownership in SPP. Our principal generation units at SPP are Units 10, 11, 12, and 13. Throughout 2015 and 2014, SPP units received preventative maintenance inspections consistent with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommendations. In each year, the gas turbine generators of Units 11, 12, and 13 received two internal combustion system inspections each and one full package inspection. The Unit 12 gas turbine was replaced with a new spare gas turbine. The removed gas turbine will be prepared for another full cycle of operation by the OEM and Chugach technicians, under our contractual service agreement. The turbine will then be staged at the power plant awaiting the next engine rotation. All three steam-generating boilers were internally inspected as well as hydrotested in accordance with OEM recommendations.

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The Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project is partially located on federal lands. Chugach operates and maintains the Cooper Lake project pursuant to a 50-year license granted to us by FERC in August of 2007. As part of the relicensing process, there was a negotiated Relicensing Settlement Agreement (RSA) entered into in August of 2005. A requirement of the RSA required Chugach to establish a flow regime in Cooper Creek below the Cooper Lake Dam. This project included a Stetson Creek Diversion (Dam), Pipeline (Conveyance System) and Cooper Lake Outlet Works. The project was designed to replace colder water flowing into the Cooper Creek drainage with warmer Cooper Lake water. Project construction began in 2013 and was completed in July of 2015.

The two generating units at Cooper Lake, Units 1 and 2, have a combined capacity of 19.2 MW. Both units were taken out of service for annual maintenance in October of 2015 and 2014. The 2014 annual maintenance included generator testing and inspection by the OEM.

The Eklutna Hydroelectric Project is located on federal land pursuant to a United States Bureau of Land Management right-of-way grant issued in October of 1997. The facility is jointly owned by Chugach (30%), MEA (17%) and ML&P (53%). The facility is operated by Chugach and maintained jointly by Chugach and ML&P. Chugach owns rights to 11.7 MW of capacity from the two Eklutna Hydroelectric Project generating units.

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The following matrix depicts nomenclature, run hours for 2015, percentages of contribution and other historical information for all Chugach generation units.

 

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Transmission and Distribution Assets

As of December 31, 2015, our transmission and distribution assets included 42 substations and 407 miles of transmission lines, which included Chugach’s share of the Eklutna transmission line, 897 miles of overhead distribution lines and 809 miles of underground distribution line. We own the land on which 24 of our substations are located and a portion of the right-of-way connecting our Beluga plant to Anchorage. As part of our 1997 acquisition of 30% of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, we also acquired a partial interest in two substations and additional transmission facilities.

Most of Chugach’s generation sites and many of its substation sites are on Chugach-owned lands. The rights for the sites not on Chugach-owned lands are as follows: the Postmark and Point Woronzof Substations, and the East Terminal Site (N/S runway) are under rights from the State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities/Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport; the East Terminal Site (6 mile) is under rights from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough; the West Terminal Site is under rights from the Army/Air Force; the University Substation is on State land under rights from the Federal Bureau of Land Management; the Hope and Daves Creek Substations are under rights from the State; the Portage Substation is under rights from the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC); the Summit Lake Substation is on State land under rights from the United States Forest Service; the Dowling and Raspberry Substations are on Municipality of Anchorage land under rights from the State; and, the Indian Substation will be under rights from the Chugach State Park upon approval. The Cooper Lake Power Plant, Quartz Creek Substation, and the 69kV transmission line between them are operated under a federal license. Most of Chugach’s transmission, sub-transmission and distribution lines are either on public lands under rights from the federal, state, municipal, borough or ARRC, or on private lands via easements.

Title

On January 20, 2011, Chugach and the indenture trustee entered into the Indenture, granting a lien on substantially all of Chugach’s assets to secure Chugach’s long-term debt. Assets that are generally not subject to the lien of the Indenture include cash (other than cash deposited with the indenture trustee); instruments and securities; patents, trademarks, licenses and other intellectual property; vehicles and other movable equipment; inventory and consumable materials and supplies; office furniture, equipment and supplies; computer equipment and software; office leases; other leasehold interests for an original term of less than five years; contracts (other than power sales agreements with members having an original term exceeding three years, certain contracts specifically identified in the Indenture, and other contracts relating to the ownership, operation or maintenance of generation, transmission or distribution facilities); non-assignable permits, licenses and other contract rights; timber and minerals separated from land; electricity, gas, steam, water and other products generated, produced or purchased; other property in which a security interest cannot legally be perfected by the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement, and certain parcels of real property specifically excepted from the lien of the Indenture.  The lien of the Indenture may be subject to various permitted encumbrances that include matters existing on the date of the Indenture or the date on which property is later acquired; reservations in United States patents; non-delinquent or contested taxes, assessments and contractors’ liens; and various leases, rights-of-way, easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, licenses and permits that do not materially impair Chugach’s use of the mortgaged property in the conduct of Chugach’s business.

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Many of Chugach’s properties are burdened by easements, plat restrictions, mineral reservation, water rights and similar title exceptions common to the area or customarily reserved in conveyances from federal or state governmental entities, and by additional minor title encumbrances and defects. We do not believe that any of these title defects will materially impair the use of our properties in the operation of our business.

Under the Alaska Electric and Telephone Cooperative Act, we possess the power of eminent domain for the purpose and in the manner provided by Alaska condemnation laws for acquiring private property for public use.

Other Property

Bradley Lake.  We are a participant in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, which is a 120 MW rated capacity hydroelectric facility near Homer on the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula that was placed into service in September 1991. The project is nominally scheduled below 90 MW to minimize losses and ensure system stability. We have a 30.4% (27.4 MW as currently operated) share in the Bradley Lake project’s output, and currently take Seward’s share which we net bill to them, for a total of 31.4% of the project’s capacity. We are obligated to pay 30.4% of the annual project costs regardless of project output.

The project was financed and built by AEA through grants from the State of Alaska and the issuance of $166.0 million principal amount of revenue bonds supported by power sales agreements with six electric utilities that share the output from the facility (ML&P, HEA and MEA (through AEG&T and AEEC), GVEA, Seward and us). The participating utilities have entered into take-or-pay power sales agreements under which AEA has sold percentage shares of the project capacity and the utilities have agreed to pay a like-percentage of annual costs of the project (including ownership, operation and maintenance costs, debt-service costs and amounts required to maintain established reserves). By contract, we also provide transmission and related services to all of the participants in the Bradley Lake project.

The term of our Bradley Lake power sales agreement is 50 years from the date of commercial operation of the facility (September of 1991) or when the revenue bond principal is repaid, whichever is the longer. The agreement may be renewed for successive forty-year periods or for the useful life of the project, whichever is shorter. We believe that so long as this project produces power taken by us for our use that this expense will be recoverable through the fuel and purchased power adjustment process. The share of Bradley Lake indebtedness for which we are responsible is approximately $21.6 million. Upon the default of a participant, and subject to certain other conditions, AEA is entitled to increase each participant’s share of costs and output pro rata, to the extent necessary to compensate for the failure of the defaulting participant to pay its share, provided that no participant’s percentage share is increased by more than 25%. Upon default, Chugach could be faced with annual expenditures of approximately $5.7 million as a result of Chugach’s Bradley Lake take-or-pay obligations.

The State of Alaska provided an initial grant for work on a project to divert water from Battle Creek into Bradley Lake. The project is being managed by the Alaska Energy Authority. Diverting a portion of Battle Creek into Bradley Lake is currently estimated to increase annual energy output by 37,000 MWh. Chugach would be entitled to 30.4% of the additional energy produced.

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Eklutna.  Along with two other utilities, Chugach purchased the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project from the Federal Government in 1997. Ownership was transferred from the DOE’s Alaska Power Administration jointly to Chugach (30%), MEA (17%) and ML&P (53%). Through April 30, 2015, the power MEA purchased from the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project was pooled with Chugach’s purchases and sold back to MEA to be used to meet MEA’s overall power requirements.

Fuel Supply

In 2015, 86% of our power was generated from natural gas. Total gas purchased in 2015 was approximately 14 Bcf. In 2015, our sources of natural gas for firm sales were primarily divided among contracts with two major oil and gas companies. All of the production came from Cook Inlet, Alaska. ConocoPhillips under their current contract provided 62% of gas supplied for generation, while Hilcorp provided 32%. The current gas contract with ConocoPhillips began providing gas in 2010 and will expire December 31, 2016. The current gas contract with Hilcorp began providing gas in 2011 and will expire March 31, 2023. ConocoPhillips and Hilcorp, together, fill 100% of Chugach’s firm needs through March 31, 2023. Gas to provide economy energy sales to GVEA was supplied by a gas supply arrangement with Hilcorp through March of 2015.

ConocoPhillips

Chugach entered into a contract with ConocoPhillips in 2009, which started providing gas January 1, 2010, and will terminate December 31, 2016. The total amount of gas under the contract is currently estimated to be 60 Bcf.

The gas supplied by ConocoPhillips under the contract is separated into two volume tranches for pricing purposes. “Firm Fixed Quantity” gas meets a portion of Chugach’s base load requirements, while “Firm Variable Quantity” gas meets peaking needs. All of the gas purchased under the contract is now firm fixed since firm variable gas was not provided by the contract after December 31, 2013. The dividing line between firm fixed and firm variable volumes was calculated based on a methodology that involved using a multiplier and the simple average of Chugach’s average daily volumes for the 30 lowest volume days during the last calendar year. The ConocoPhillips contract during 2015 had a fixed volume delivery of 17,000 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) per day at the Firm Fixed Quantity price.

Pricing for firm fixed gas will be based on the average of five Lower 48 natural gas production areas. The contract price is calculated on a quarterly basis as the trailing average of the simple daily average of the Platts Gas Daily midpoint prices for each “flow day” in these market areas during the last quarter.

Hilcorp

Chugach entered into a contract with Marathon Alaska Production (MAP) in 2010, to provide gas beginning April 1, 2011, through December 31, 2014, which included two contract extension options that were exercised in 2011. Effective February 1, 2013, this contract was assigned to Hilcorp who purchased MAP’s assets in Cook Inlet. The total amount of gas under contract is currently estimated to be 40 Bcf. Pricing for the 2015 term of the Hilcorp contract was set at $7.13 per Mcf. Pricing for the 2016 term is $7.42 per Mcf.

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On October 1, 2012, Chugach entered into a Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement with Hilcorp for the purchase of gas with an effective period of April 1, 2013, through March 31, 2015. This agreement was intended for Chugach to produce economy energy for GVEA. GVEA reimbursed Chugach for the cost of gas related to economy energy sales.

Cook Inlet Energy, LLC

Chugach entered into a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with CIE in 2013, to supply gas from April 1, 2014, through March 31, 2018, with an option to extend for an additional five years by mutual agreement during the term of the GSPA. The GSPA with CIE provides Chugach with an opportunity to diversify its gas supply portfolio, and minimize its current dependence on the gas agreements in place with two vendors. The gas that may be purchased under the GSPA with CIE is not required, however it introduces a new pricing mechanism.

The GSPA identifies and defines two types of gas purchases. Base Gas is defined by the volume of gas purchased on a firm or interruptible basis at an agreed delivery rate. Pricing for base gas purchases ranges from $6.12 to $7.31 per Mcf. Swing Gas is gas sold to Chugach at a delivery rate in excess of the applicable Base Gas agreed delivery rate. Pricing for swing gas purchases ranges from $7.65 to $9.14 per Mcf.

AIX Energy, LLC

Chugach entered into a contract with AIX Energy, LLC (AIX) in 2014, to supply gas from March 1, 2015, through February 29, 2016. This agreement caps the price of gas at $6.24 per Mcf and the total volume at 300,000 Mcf. In anticipation of this agreement’s expiration, Chugach entered into another gas sale and purchase agreement with AIX in November of 2015, to provide gas beginning April 1, 2016, through March 31, 2023, with the option to extend to March 31, 2029. The AIX agreements provide flexibility in both the purchase price and volumes and allow Chugach to further diversify its gas supply portfolio, with no minimum purchase requirements.

Natural Gas Transportation Contracts

The terms of the ConocoPhillips and Hilcorp agreements require Chugach to transport gas. Chugach took over the transportation obligation for natural gas shipments for gas supplied under its contracts on October 1, 2010. The following information summarizes the transportation obligations for Chugach:

ENSTAR (Alaska Pipeline Company)

ENSTAR Natural Gas Company (ENSTAR) has a tariff to transport our gas purchased from gas suppliers on a firm basis to our IGT Power Plant and SPP at a transportation rate of $0.6311 per Mcf. The agreement contains a fixed monthly customer charge of $2,600 for firm service.

Chugach and ENSTAR entered into a Firm Transportation Service Agreement on May 21, 2012, to provide for the transportation of gas to SPP. The agreement commenced on August 1, 2012, and remains in effect until canceled upon a 12-month written notice by either party. The agreement sets a contracted peak demand of 36,300 Mcf per day.

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Harvest Alaska, LLC Pipeline System

Marathon Oil Company sold its share of its subsidiary pipeline company Marathon Pipe Line Company as part of a Cook Inlet asset divestiture effective February 1, 2013, to Hilcorp. Hilcorp now operates four major gas pipelines through Harvest Alaska, LLC, in the Cook Inlet basin, including the Kenai-Nikiski Pipeline (KNPL), the Beluga Pipeline (BPL), the Cook Inlet Gas Gathering System (CIGGS) and the Kenai-Kachemak Pipeline (KKPL). Chugach has entered into tariff agreements to ship gas on the KNPL, BPL and CIGGS. Effective August 1, 2013, Chugach entered into a special contract with KNPL for Firm Service capacity over the Kenai Pipeline Junction (KPL) compressor of 35,000 Mcf per month for the movement of gas to its Beluga power plant at a firm capacity rate of $2.13 per Mcf. This agreement ended effective October 31, 2014.

On November 1, 2014, the RCA approved consolidation of these four pipelines into a single pipeline, the KBPL. Chugach has entered into tariff agreements to ship gas on the KBPL.

Environmental Matters

Chugach’s operations are subject to certain federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, which seek to limit air, water and other pollution and regulate hazardous or toxic waste disposal. While we monitor these laws and regulations to ensure compliance, they frequently change and often become more restrictive. When this occurs, the costs of our compliance generally increase.

We include costs associated with environmental compliance in both our operating and capital budgets. We accrue for costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when those costs are probable and reasonably estimable. We do not anticipate that environmental related expenditures will have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We cannot, however, predict the nature, extent or cost of new laws or regulations relating to environmental matters.

Since January 1, 2007, transformer manufacturers have been required to meet the DOE efficiency levels as defined by the Energy Act for all “Distribution Transformers.” As of January 1, 2016, the specific efficiency levels are increasing from the original “TP1” levels to the new “DOE-2016” levels. The Energy Act mandates specific types of low voltage dry-type transformers manufactured and sold in the USA to have efficiencies as defined by the 10 CFR Part 431 standard when loaded to 35% of maximum capacity. Chugach is in the process of evaluating our transformer specifications and will make modifications as necessary with our alliance transformer manufacturers to ensure DOE-2016 is met. At this time a small increase in capital costs is anticipated along with a reduction in energy losses.

The Clean Air Act and EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act establish ambient air quality standards and limit the emission of many air pollutants. New Clean Air Act regulations impacting electric utilities may result from future events or new regulatory programs. On August 3, 2015, the EPA released the final 111(d) regulation language aimed at reducing emissions of CO₂ from existing power plants that provide electricity for utility customers. In the final rule, the EPA took the approach of making the individual states responsible for the development and implementation of plans to reduce the rate of CO₂ emissions from the power sector. The EPA has initially applied the final rule to 47 of the contiguous states. At this time Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont, Washington D.C. and two U.S. territories are not bound by the regulation. Alaska may be required to comply at some

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future date. On February 9, 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay on the proposed EPA 111(d) regulations until the DC Circuit decides the case, or until the disposition of a petition to the Supreme Court on the issue. The EPA 111(d) regulation, in its current form, is not expected to have a material effect on Chugach’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. While Chugach cannot predict the implementation of any additional new law or regulation, or the limitations thereof, it is possible that new laws or regulations could increase capital and operating costs. Chugach has obtained or applied for all Clean Air Act permits currently required for the operation of generating facilities.

Chugach is subject to numerous other environmental statutes including the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and to the regulations implementing these statutes. Chugach does not believe that compliance with these statutes and regulations to date has had a material impact on its financial condition, results of operation or cash flows. However, the implementation of any new law or regulation, or limitation thereof, or changes in or new interpretations of laws or regulations could result in significant additional capital or operating expenses. Chugach monitors proposed new regulations and existing regulation changes through industry associations and professional organizations.

Item 3 – Legal Proceedings

Chugach has certain litigation matters and pending claims that arise in the ordinary course of Chugach’s business. In the opinion of management, none of these other matters, individually, or in the aggregate, is or are likely to have a material adverse effect on Chugach’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

PART II

Item 5 – Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters

and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Not Applicable

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Item 6 – Selected Financial Data

 

The following table presents selected historical information relating to financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31:

 

1 Equity ratio equals equities and margins divided by the sum of our long-term debt and equities and margins.

2 Margins for interest ratio equals the sum of long and short-term interest expense and assignable margins divided by the sum of long and short-term interest expense, excluding amounts capitalized.

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Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this report that do not relate to historical facts, including statements relating to future plans, events or performance, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this report and the accuracy of which is subject to inherent uncertainty. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may occur after the date of this report or the effect of those events or circumstances on any of the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.

Results of Operations

Overview

Margins.  We operate on a not-for-profit basis and, accordingly, seek only to generate revenues sufficient to pay operating and maintenance costs, the cost of fuel and purchased power, capital expenditures, depreciation and principal and interest on our indebtedness and to provide for reserves. These amounts are referred to as “margins.” Patronage capital, the retained margins of our members, constitutes our principal equity.

Times Interest Earned Ratio (TIER).    Alaska electric cooperatives generally set their rates on the basis of TIER, which is a debt service coverage approach to ratemaking. TIER is determined by dividing the sum of assignable margins plus long-term interest expense (excluding capitalized interest) by long-term interest expense (excluding capitalized interest). Chugach’s long-term interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $21,811,573, $22,820,866, and $24,378,162, respectively. Chugach’s authorized TIER for ratemaking purposes on a system basis is 1.30, which was established by the RCA in order U-01-08(26) on January 31, 2003. The increase in 2013 was caused by the recognition of the gain on the sale of the Bernice Lake Power Plant. The higher TIER in 2011 was due to certain debt classified as short-term, which was replaced with long-term debt in 2012.

Chugach’s achieved TIER includes nonoperating margins that are not generated by electric rates. We manage our business with a view towards achieving our authorized TIER (currently 1.30) averaged over a 5-year period. For further discussion on factors that contribute to TIER results, see “Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, and the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 – Expenses.” We achieved TIERs for the past five years as follows:

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Rate Regulation and Rates.   Our electric rates are made up of two primary components: “base rates” and “fuel and purchased power rates.” Base rates provide recovery of fixed and variable costs (excluding fuel and purchased power) related to providing electric service. Fuel and purchased power rates provide recovery of fuel and purchased power costs.

The RCA approves both base rates and fuel and purchased power recovery rates paid by our retail and wholesale customers.

Base Rates.   Chugach’s base rates, whether set under a general rate case or an SRF, are established to allow the continued recovery of our specific costs of providing electric service. In each rate filing, rates are set at levels to recover all of our specific allowable costs, other than fuel and purchased power, and those rates are then collected from our retail and wholesale customers. Under SRF, base rate increases are limited to 8% over a 12-month period and 20% over a 36-month period. Chugach is still permitted to submit general rate case filings while participating in the SRF process. However, during these periods, rate adjustments under SRF would temporarily cease. The RCA may authorize, after a notice period, rate changes on an interim and refundable basis. Chugach resumed the SRF filing process, after receiving approval from the RCA, in the fourth quarter of 2010.

On May 1, 2015, base demand and energy rates increased approximately 22.0% to Chugach retail customers. Effective June 1, 2015, base demand and energy rates increased 16.9% to Seward. These changes were the result of Chugach’s June 2014 Test Year General Rate Case, see “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 5 – Regulatory Matters – June 2014 Test Year General Rate Case.”

On January 3, 2014, base demand and energy rates increased 11.5% to Chugach retail customers. Effective February 1, 2014, base demand and energy rates increased 19.3% and 13.8% to MEA and Seward, respectively. These changes were the result of Chugach’s 2013 Test Year General Rate Case, see “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 5 – Regulatory Matters – 2013 General Rate Case.”

On February 6, 2013, base demand and energy rates increased 26%, 40%, 35% and 20% to HEA, MEA, Seward and Chugach retail customers, respectively. These changes were the result of Chugach’s 2012 Test Year General Rate Case.

Fuel and Purchased Power Rates.    We recover fuel and purchased power costs directly from our wholesale and retail customers through the fuel and purchased power rate adjustment process. Changes in fuel and purchased power costs are primarily due to fixed price or fuel price adjustment processes in our gas-supply contracts. Other factors, including generation unit availability also impact fuel and purchased power recovery rate levels. The fuel and purchased power adjustment is approved on a quarterly basis by the RCA. There are no limitations on the number or amount of fuel and purchased power recovery rate changes. Increases in our fuel and purchased power costs result in increased revenues while decreases in these costs result in lower revenues. Therefore, revenue from the fuel and purchased power adjustment process does not impact margins. We recognize differences between projected recoverable fuel and purchased power costs and amounts actually recovered through rates. The fuel cost under/over recovery on our balance sheet represent the net accumulation of any under- or over-collection of fuel and purchased power costs. A fuel cost under-recovery will appear as an asset on our balance sheet and will be collected from our members in subsequent periods. Conversely, a fuel cost over-recovery will appear as a liability on our balance sheet and will be refunded to our members in subsequent periods.

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Year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, and the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013

Margins

Our margins for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

 

Net operating margins did not materially change in 2015 from 2014. The increase in net operating margins in 2014 from 2013 of $2.4 million, or 73.9%, was primarily due to a decrease in depreciation expense associated with Beluga Unit 8 assets, and a decrease in net interest, and was somewhat offset by a decrease in revenue.

Nonoperating margins include interest income, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC), capital credits and patronage capital allocations and other. The decrease in nonoperating margins in 2015 over 2014 was primarily due to lower interest income as a result of marketable securities sold in August of 2014. Nonoperating margins decreased in 2014 over 2013 primarily due by the recognition of the gain on the sale of the Bernice Lake Power Plant on December 31, 2013.

Revenues

Operating revenues include sales of electric energy to retail, wholesale and economy energy customers and other miscellaneous revenues. In 2015, operating revenues were $64.9 million, or 23.1% lower than 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower wholesale revenue caused by the expiration of the MEA wholesale contract, which was somewhat offset by higher rates charged to our remaining customers as a result of Chugach’s 2014 Test Year Rate Case. Lower economy energy sales, as a result of the expiration of the GVEA contract, also contributed to this decrease.

In 2014, operating revenues were $24.0 million, or 7.9% lower than 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower wholesale revenue caused by the expiration of the HEA wholesale contract, which was somewhat offset by higher rates charged to both retail and wholesale customers as a result of Chugach’s 2013 Test Year Rate Case.

Retail revenue increased $7.8 million, or 4.8%, in 2015 from 2014. Base revenue increased due to an increase in rates charged to retail customers as a result of Chugach’s June 2014 Test Year General Rate Case. Retail revenue increased $7.1 million, or 4.6%, in 2014 from 2013. Base revenue increased due to an increase in rates charged to retail customers as a result of Chugach’s 2013 Test Year General Rate Case, which was somewhat offset by lower retail energy sales caused by warmer weather. 

Wholesale revenue decreased $44.6 million, or 59.1%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to the expiration of MEA’s wholesale contract. Wholesale revenue decreased $32.5 million, or 30.1%, in 2014 from 2013, primarily due to the expiration of HEA’s wholesale contract.

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Based on the results of fixed and variable cost recovery established in Chugach’s rate filings, wholesale sales to MEA contributed approximately $9.5 million, $26.2 million, and $22.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Wholesale sales to Seward contributed approximately $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014 and $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Wholesale sales to HEA contributed approximately $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The following table shows base rate sales revenue and fuel and purchased power revenue by customer class included in revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014.

 

The following table shows the base rate sales revenue and fuel and purchased power revenue by customer class that is included in revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013.

 

 

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The major components of our operating revenue for the years ending December 31 were as follows:

 

Since 1989, we have sold economy (non-firm) energy to GVEA, which uses that energy to serve its own loads. On April 6, 2010, Chugach and GVEA finalized an agreement for Chugach to provide a minimum of 20 MW of economy energy to GVEA on a non-firm basis based on an interruptible gas supply arrangement, which Chugach entered into with UNOCAL to supply gas for economy energy sales to GVEA. The agreement commenced on May 1, 2010, and was due to continue through March 31, 2013, however, on October 5, 2012, Chugach and GVEA finalized arrangements for Chugach to provide economy energy sales through March of 2015. Sales were be made under the terms and conditions of Chugach’s economy energy sales tariff approved by the RCA. The price to GVEA included the cost of fuel, variable operations and maintenance expense, wheeling charges and a margin. Chugach also entered into gas supply arrangements for GVEA economy energy sales.

In 2015, 2014, and 2013, economy sales to GVEA constituted approximately 4%, 13%, and 12%, respectively, of our sales revenues. Economy energy revenue decreased in 2015 from 2014 due to the expiration of the contract with GVEA at the end of the first quarter of 2015. Economy energy revenue did not materially change in 2014 from 2013.

Expenses

The major components of our operating expenses for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

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Fuel

Chugach recognizes actual fuel expense as incurred. Fuel expense decreased $59.5 million, or 47.2%, in 2015 from 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the natural gas used, as a result of the expiration of MEA’s wholesale contract and GVEA’s economy energy contract, lower transportation costs, and a decrease in the average effective delivered price. In 2015, Chugach used 13,058,423 Mcf of fuel at an average effective delivered price of $4.69 per Mcf. Fuel expense decreased $10.6 million, or 7.7%, in 2014 from 2013. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the natural gas used, primarily due to the expiration of HEA’s wholesale contract, and lower transportation costs which was somewhat offset by an increase in the average effective delivered price. In 2014, Chugach used 20,216,736 Mcf of fuel at an average effective delivered price of $5.95 per Mcf.

Power Production

Power production expense decreased $4.2 million, or 19.9%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to a decrease in operating and maintenance costs at Beluga, as a result of the retirement of Beluga Unit 8 during the second quarter of 2015. Power production expense did not materially change in 2014 from 2013.

Purchased Power

Purchased power expense increased $4.0 million, or 25.6%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to purchases associated with MEA’s EGS and a higher average effective price. In 2015, Chugach purchased 295,925 MWh of energy at an average effective price of 5.68 cents per kWh. Purchased power expense decreased $12.2 million, or 43.9%, in 2014 from 2013, primarily due to less energy purchased caused by a decrease in purchase requirements as a result of the expiration of HEA’s wholesale contract, which was somewhat offset by an increase in the average effective price. In 2014, Chugach purchased 240,887 MWh of energy at an average effective price of 5.38 cents per kWh.

Transmission

Transmission expense did not materially change in 2015 from 2014. Transmission expense decreased $0.5 million, or 7.3%, in 2014 from 2013, primarily due to less substation and overhead line maintenance, as well as the expiration of leases associated with HEA’s wholesale and other related contracts.

Distribution

Distribution expense increased $1.1 million, or 8.4%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to the transfer of costs associated with storm damages to a deferred project in 2014. Distribution expense did not materially change in 2014 from 2013.

Consumer Accounts

Consumer Accounts expense did not materially change in 2015 from 2014 or in 2014 from 2013.

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Administrative, General and Other Expense

Administrative, general and other expense decreased $1.4 million, or 5.6%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to a reduction in workers’ compensation and costs associated with preliminary survey and investigation charges of projects. Administrative, general and other expense increased  $1.9 million, or 8.2%, in 2014 from 2013, primarily due to accrued workers’ compensation, higher labor expense and costs associated with project studies.

Depreciation

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $4.5 million, or 11.3%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to the retirement of Beluga Unit 8 assets during the first quarter of 2015, as well as a change in depreciation rates associated with the use of Beluga’s remaining units from base load to peaking units, coinciding with the expiration of MEA’s interim wholesale contract. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $3.2 million, or 7.4%, in 2014 from 2013, primarily due to depreciation associated with Beluga Unit 8 assets.

Interest

Interest on long-term debt and other decreased $1.1 million, or 4.6%, in 2015 from 2014 and $1.4 million, or 5.8%, in 2014 from 2013, reflecting the principal payments made on long-term debt.

Interest charged to construction did not materially change in 2015 from 2014. Interest charged to construction decreased $0.8 million, or 64.6%, in 2014 from 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the average construction work in progress (CWIP) balance caused by the timing of commercial operation of SPP in 2013.

Patronage Capital (Equity)

The following table summarizes our patronage capital and total equity position for the years ended December 31:

 

We credit to our members all amounts received from them for the furnishing of electricity in excess of our operating costs, expenses and provision for reasonable reserves. These excess amounts (i.e., assignable margins) are considered capital furnished by the members, and are credited to their accounts and held by us until such future time as they are retired and returned without interest. Approval of distributions of these amounts to members, also known as capital credits, is at the discretion of our Board. We currently have a practice of retiring patronage capital on a first-in, first-

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out basis for retail customers. The Board may also return capital credits to former members and estates who have requested early retirements at discounted rates under a discounted capital credits retirement plan authorized by the Board in September 2002.

Capital credits retired were $3,190,124 and $5,130,381 for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Net of HEA’s allocations, capital credits retired were $1,626,828 for the years ended December 31, 2013.

Under the Indenture and debt agreements, Chugach is prohibited from making any distribution of patronage capital to Chugach’s customers if an event of default under the Indenture or debt agreements exists. Otherwise, Chugach may make distributions to Chugach’s members in each year equal to the lesser of 5% of Chugach’s patronage capital or 50% of assignable margins for the prior fiscal year. This restriction does not apply if, after the distribution, Chugach’s aggregate equities and margins as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter are equal to at least 30% of Chugach’s total liabilities and equities and margins.

Changes in Financial Condition

Assets

Total assets decreased $17.7 million, or 2.2%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to decreases in net utility plant, accounts receivable, fuel stock and deferred charges. Net utility plant decreased $4.6 million, or 0.7%, caused by depreciation expense in excess of extension and replacement of plant. Accounts receivable decreased $7.8 million, or 21.7%, in 2015 over 2014 primarily due to the expiration of the MEA and GVEA contracts. Fuel stock decreased $2.6 million, or 26.8%, in 2015 from 2014, primarily due to the use of fuel from the fuel storage facility. Deferred charges decreased $1.9 million, or 8.8%, primarily due to annual amortization and recovery of such costs from customers.

Liabilities and Equity

Total liabilities, equities and margins decreased $17.7 million, or 2.2%, in 2015 from 2014. Decreases in long term obligations and fuel payable were somewhat offset by increases in total equities and margins, fuel cost over-recovery, other liabilities, and cost of removal obligation. Long term obligations decreased $24.1 million, or 5.1%, caused by principal payments on Chugach’s bonds and fuel payable decreased $6.2 million, or 55.6%, as a result of less fuel purchased. Total equities and margins increased $4.7 million, or 2.7%, primarily due to the margins generated in 2015. Fuel cost over-recovery increased $3.7 million, or 251.3%, due to the over-recovery of the prior quarter’s fuel and purchased power costs. Other liabilities increased $3.5 million, or 75.8%, primarily due to an increase in the payables associated with the underground ordinance and 2015 capital credit retirement. Cost of removal obligation increased $1.4 million, or 2.7%, as a result of annual removal costs of electric plant in service included in depreciation rates.

Inflation

Chugach is subject to the inflationary trends existing in the general economy. We do not believe that inflation had a significant effect on our operations in 2015.  One of Chugach’s gas contracts provide for adjustments to gas prices based on fluctuations of certain commodity prices and indices. Because fuel and purchased power costs are passed directly to our wholesale and retail customers through a fuel recovery process, fluctuations in the price paid for gas pursuant to long-term gas supply contracts does not significantly affect our operations.

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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following are Chugach’s contractual and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015:

Contractual cash obligations – Payments Due By Period

 

Purchase obligations

Chugach is a participant and has a 30.4% share in the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, see “Item 2 – Properties – Other Property – Bradley Lake.” This contract runs through 2041. We have agreed to pay a like percentage of annual costs of the project, Chugach’s share of which has averaged $4.9 million over the past five years. We believe these costs, adjusted for inflation, reasonably reflect anticipated future project costs.

Our primary sources of natural gas are ConocoPhillips and Hilcorp, see “Item 2 – Properties – Fuel Supply.” Our fuel costs vary due to the impact of the indices used to index the price of our ConocoPhillips contract and is inherently difficult to predict. We pass fuel costs directly to our wholesale and retail customers through the fuel recovery process, see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations – Overview – Rate Regulation and Rates – Fuel and Purchased Power Recovery.”

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We ended 2015 with $15.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, down from $16.4 at December 31, 2014 and up from $4.3 million at December 31, 2013. Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased, an Overnight Repurchase Agreement and Concentration account with First National Bank Alaska (FNBA) and a money market account with UBS Financial Services.

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $52.1 million in 2015 compared to $58.8 million in 2014 and $37.0 million in 2013. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2015 from 2014 was primarily due to the expiration of the MEA and GVEA contracts in 2015, exclusive of fuel and purchased power revenue and expense, as well as more cash used for fuel. These were somewhat offset by an increase in cash provided by the over-collection of fuel and purchased power costs recovered through the fuel and purchased power adjustment process in 2015 from 2014. Cash provided by operating activities increased in 2014 from 2013 primarily due to the over-collection of fuel and purchased power costs recovered through the fuel and purchased power adjustment process, as well as less cash used for fuel stock due to the use of fuel storage, and less cash used for fuel primarily due to the timing of payments and the difference in price and quantity of fuel purchased as a result of the expiration of HEA’s contract. Cash provided by accounts receivable increased in 2014 from 2013 primarily due to amounts outstanding for wholesale energy sales to HEA, economy energy sales to GVEA, and SPP costs billed to ML&P.

Cash used in investing activities was $32.3 million in 2015 compared to $12.7 million in 2014 and $44.0 million in 2013. The change in cash used in investing activities in 2015 from 2014 and in 2014 from 2013 was primarily due to the impact of proceeds for capital grants and our investment activity with marketable securities in 2014.

Cash used in financing activities was $20.5 million in 2015 compared to $34.1 million in 2014 and $2.6 million in 2013. The change in cash used in financing activities in 2015 from 2014 and in 2014 from 2013 was primarily due to a decrease in the average commercial paper balance and Chugach’s capital credit retirement in 2014.

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Sources of Liquidity

Chugach has satisfied its operational and capital cash requirements through internally generated funds, a $50.0 million line of credit from NRUCFC and a $100.0 million Commercial Paper Program. At December 31, 2015, there was no outstanding balance on our NRUCFC line of credit and $20.0 million of outstanding commercial paper under the Commercial Paper Program. Thus, at December 31, 2015, our available borrowing capacity under our line of credit was $50.0 million and our available commercial paper capacity was $80.0 million. The NRUCFC line of credit expires October 12, 2017.

On November 17, 2010, Chugach entered into a $300.0 million Unsecured Credit Agreement, which is used to back Chugach’s Commercial Paper Program. Effective May 4, 2012, Chugach reduced the commitment amount to $100.0 million as the requirement for short-term borrowing has decreased and on June 29, 2012, amended and extended the Credit Agreement. Information concerning our Commercial Paper Program and the 2010 Credit Agreement are described in Note 11 to the financial statements, see “Item 8 -Financial Statements and Supplementary Data- Note 11 – Debt – Commercial Paper.” 

A table providing information regarding monthly average commercial paper balances outstanding and corresponding weighted average interest rates are described in Note 11 to the financial statements, see “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 11 – Debt – Commercial Paper.”

Chugach has a term loan facility with CoBank. Loans made under this facility are evidenced by the 2011 CoBank Note, which is governed by the Amended and Restated Master Loan Agreement dated January 19, 2011, and secured by the Indenture. At December 31, 2015, Chugach had $24.9 million outstanding with CoBank.

Under the Indenture, additional obligations may be sold by Chugach upon the basis of bondable additions and the retirement or defeasance of or principal payments on previously outstanding obligations. The beginning balance of bondable additions on January 20, 2011, was $322.2 million, which would support the issuance of additional debt of approximately $293.0 million. On March 15, 2011, Chugach used $5.5 million of bondable additions to pay financing costs associated with the 2011 Series A Bond transaction. On January 11, 2012, Chugach used $275.0 million of bondable additions when it issued $250.0 million of 2012 Series A Bonds. The balance of bondable additions after the January 11, 2012, transaction was $38.2 million. On October 9, 2015, Chugach certified bondable additions of $261.9 million. The balance of bondable additions is now $300.1 million, which would support the issuance of approximately $272.9 million in additional debt. Chugach’s bondable additions balance is a reflection of its beginning balance less property retirements. Chugach’s ability to sell debt obligations will be dependent on the market’s perception of Chugach’s financial condition and credit rating, and Chugach’s continuing compliance with the financial covenants, including the rate covenant, contained in the Indenture and its other credit documents. No assurance can be given that Chugach will be able to sell additional debt obligations even if otherwise permitted under the Indenture.

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Financing

Information concerning our Financings are described in Note 11 to the financial statements, see “Item 8 -Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 11 – Debt – Financing.” 

Principal maturities of our outstanding long-term indebtedness at December 31, 2015, are set forth below:

During 2015, we spent approximately $35.1 million on capital-construction projects, net of reimbursements, which includes interest capitalized during construction. We develop five-year capital improvement plans that are updated every year. Our capital improvement requirements are based on long-range plans and other supporting studies and are executed through the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Set forth below is an estimate of internal funding for capital expenditures for the years 2016 through 2020 as contained in the CIP, which was approved by the Board on November 18, 2015:

We expect that cash flows from operations and external funding sources, including our available line of credit and Commercial Paper Program, will be sufficient to cover future operational and capital funding requirements.

Chugach Operations

In the near term, Chugach continues to face the challenges of operating in a flat load growth environment and securing replacement revenue sources. These challenges, along with energy issues and plans at the state level, will shape how Chugach proceeds into the future.

Prior to the expiration of MEA’s wholesale power contract with Chugach at the end of 2014, Chugach entered into an Interim Power Sales Agreement with MEA to provide all demand and energy requirements on a firm basis on existing tariffs for a minimum one quarter period beginning January 1, 2015, and ending on March 31, 2015, while MEA completed construction of its new power plant, the EGS. On March 31, 2015, Chugach entered into a MOU with MEA to extend the Interim Power Sales Agreement for one month while MEA continued to prepare its EGS and SCADA system for commercial operation. This MOU also delayed the implementation

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of the Dispatch Services Agreement with MEA to provide electric and natural gas dispatch services to EGS, electric dispatch services for MEA’s share of the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project and electric dispatch coordination services for Eklutna Hydroelectric Project to May 1, 2015. On April 30, 2015, the Interim Power Sales Agreement with MEA expired.

Chugach had been preparing for the expiration of its second wholesale power contract for some time and has taken steps to reduce costs in order to mitigate the rate impacts to its remaining customers. Despite the loss of these two wholesale power contracts which accounted for approximately 50% of energy sales and 40% of sales revenue, the net system rate increase for Chugach’s remaining customers was approximately 20%. Chugach’s 10-year financial forecast results indicate it can sustain operations and meet financial covenants without these wholesale contracts. In addition, because Chugach’s rates are established by the RCA, Chugach expects to maintain its ability to recover Chugach’s specific costs of providing service despite the loss of these customers.

Chugach is also pursuing replacement sources of revenue through potential new power sales and dispatch agreements, as well as transmission wheeling and ancillary services tariff revisions. Chugach has updated and expanded its operating tariff to include both firm and non-firm transmission wheeling services and attendant ancillary services in support of third-party transactions on the Chugach system. Chugach believes that cost reduction and containment, successful implementation of new power sales and dispatch agreements and revised tariffs will mitigate additional rate increases. However, Chugach cannot assure that it will be able to replace sources of revenue or that any replacement of revenue sources, revised tariffs or cost reduction and containment measures will fully offset any rate increases in this timeframe.

Railbelt Grid Unification

Chugach is focused on efforts in the Railbelt to explore the benefits of grid unification. Currently, each of the six electric utilities in the Railbelt own a portion of the transmission grid, as does the AEA. Chugach is a proponent of following other successful business models to effectively unify the grid. Discussions on the issue led the Alaska State Legislature in 2014 to appropriate $250,000 to the RCA to explore the issue and report back to legislators. The RCA expects to analyze and review present efforts in order to assess the organizational and governance structure needed for an independent consolidated system operator, see “Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 – Regulatory Matters - Operation and Regulation of the Alaska Railbelt Transmission System.” Progress reports associated with system-wide economic dispatch are required beginning in 2016. With the support of the RCA, Chugach and several other Railbelt utilities are evaluating possible transmission business model opportunities and associated economic dispatch models that Chugach believes may lead to more optimal Railbelt-wide system operations. Chugach intends to finalize this review and evaluation in the first or second quarter of 2016. While Chugach cannot determine the materiality of any effect on its results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows until a business model and plan are adopted, it anticipates a positive outcome.

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Fuel Supply

Chugach actively manages its fuel supply needs and currently has contracts in place to meet up to 100% of its anticipated needs through March of 2023. Chugach continues its efforts to secure long-term reliable gas supply solutions and encourage new development and continued investment in Cook Inlet. The State of Alaska’s DNR published a study in September of 2015, “Updated Engineering Evaluation of Remaining Cook Inlet Gas Reserves,” to provide an estimate of Cook Inlet’s gas supply. The study estimated there are 1,183 Bcf of proved and probable reserves remaining in Cook Inlet’s legacy fields. This is higher than the 2009 DNR study estimate of 1,142 Bcf. Effectively, Cook Inlet gas supply has slightly increased from 2009. The 2015 DNR estimate does not include reserves from a large gas field under development by Furie Operating Alaska, LLC (Furie) and another considered for development by BlueCrest Energy, Inc. Furie has constructed an offshore gas production platform and has begun production. The platform and other production facilities are designed for up to 200 MMcf per day. Other gas producers are actively developing gas supplies in the Cook Inlet. Chugach is encouraged with these developments but continues to explore other alternatives to diversify its portfolio.

Renewable Energy Goals

A State of Alaska Energy Policy approved by the legislature in 2010 included legislative intent that the state achieve a 15% increase in energy efficiency on a per capita basis between 2010 and 2020, receive 50% of its electric generation from renewable and alternative energy sources by 2025, work to ensure reliable in-state gas supply for residents of the state, and that the state power project fund serve as the main source of state assistance for energy projects, remain a leader in petroleum and natural gas production and become a leader in renewable and alternative energy development.

The main project moving Alaska toward its renewable energy goals is the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project which is currently planned to be located on the Susitna River, approximately halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The State of Alaska began appropriating funds to the AEA for this project in the state’s 2012 fiscal year budget, totaling approximately $180.7 million through the spring of 2014. However, on December 26, 2014, the Governor of the State of Alaska (Governor) issued an Administrative Order suspending discretionary spending on a number of capital projects, including this project, due to the large state budget deficit. In July of 2015, the Governor approved using $6.6 million in uncommitted funds from a prior Susitna-Watana appropriation to continue moving the project forward. In October of 2015, the state’s Office of Management and Budget lifted the spending freeze on the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project providing AEA with access to funds representing approximately three percent of the total allocation to the current project proposal to date. AEA estimates the project’s cost at over $5.5 billion and plans to act based on the funding the state’s fiscal reality allows. AEA continued the pre-licensing study process with the FERC and filed Part D of the Initial Study Report on November 6, 2015.  On December 2, 2015, the FERC published an updated licensing schedule, including stakeholder meetings set to begin in March of 2016. Chugach has been working with and will continue to work with AEA and other parties on this effort.

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Appropriations

The 2015 fiscal year State of Alaska capital budget contained $3.5 million in appropriations for Chugach’s Stetson Creek Diversion project. The 2014 fiscal year State of Alaska capital budget contained $287.5 thousand in appropriations for Chugach. Funding for these projects flowed through either the AEA or the Municipality of Anchorage.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not created, and are not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance-sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating parts of our business that are not consolidated into our financial statements. We do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into our financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or the availability of our capital resources.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our accounting and reporting policies comply with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management apply accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect results of operations and reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the financial statements, see “Item 8 –Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Significant Accounting Policies.” Critical accounting policies are those policies that management believes are the most important to the portrayal of Chugach's financial condition and results of its operations, and require management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Most accounting policies are not considered by management to be critical accounting policies. Several factors are considered in determining whether or not a policy is critical in the preparation of financial statements. These factors include, among other things, whether the estimates are significant to the financial statements, the nature of the estimates, the ability to readily validate the estimates with other information including third parties or available prices, and sensitivity of the estimates to changes in economic conditions and whether alternative accounting methods may be utilized under GAAP. For all of these policies management cautions that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. Management has discussed the development and the selection of critical accounting policies with Chugach's Audit and Finance Committee. The following policies are considered to be critical accounting policies for the year ended December 31, 2015.  

Electric Utility Regulation

Chugach is subject to regulation by the RCA. The RCA sets the rates Chugach is permitted to charge customers based on our specific allowable costs. As a result, Chugach applies FASB ASC 980, “Topic 980 – Regulated Operations.” Through the ratemaking process, the regulators may require the recognition of costs or revenues in periods different than when they would be recognized by a non-regulated company. This treatment may result in the deferral of expenses and the recording of related regulatory assets based on anticipated future recovery through rates or the deferral of gains or creation of regulatory liabilities. The application of FASB ASC 980 has a further effect on Chugach's financial statements as a result of the estimates of allowable costs used in the ratemaking process. These estimates may differ from those actually incurred by

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Chugach; therefore, the accounting estimates inherent in specific costs such as depreciation and pension and post-retirement benefits have less of a direct impact on Chugach's results of operations than they would on a non-regulated company. As reflected in the financial statements, see “Item 8 -Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 2j – Deferred Charges and Credits,” significant regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded. Management reviews the ultimate recoverability of these regulatory assets and liabilities based on applicable regulatory guidelines. However, adverse legislation and judicial or regulatory actions could materially impact the amounts of such regulatory assets and liabilities and could adversely impact Chugach’s financial statements.

Unbilled revenue

Chugach calculates unbilled retail revenue at the end of each month to ensure the recognition of a full month’s revenue. Chugach estimates calendar-month unbilled sales based on the relationship between current retail customer consumption and actual daily substation deliveries. Sales equate to total energy delivered to substations, which accounts for total energy production, less losses. Calendar unbilled revenue is determined by multiplying estimated unbilled kWh sales by respective billing class determinants to produce an estimate of calendar month revenue. Chugach accrued $10,531,377 and $9,885,526 of unbilled retail revenue at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

New Accounting Standards

Information concerning New Accounting Standards are described in Note 3 to the financial statements, see “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 3 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”

 

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Item 7A  – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Chugach is exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in interest rates and changes in commodity prices due to repricing mechanisms inherent in one of our gas supply contracts. In the normal course of our business, we manage our exposure to these risks as described below. We do not engage in trading market risk-sensitive instruments for speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

At December 31, 2015, our short- and long- term debt was comprised of our 2011 and 2012 Series A Bonds, our CoBank bond and outstanding commercial paper.

 

The interest rates of Chugach’s 2011 Series A Bonds and 2012 Series A Bonds are fixed and set forth in the table below with carrying value and fair value, measured as Level 1 liabilities, (dollars in millions) at December 31, 2015.

 

Chugach is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates associated with our other credit facilities. Our credit facilities’ interest rates may be reset due to fluctuations in a market-based index, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the base rate or prime rate of our lenders. At December 31, 2015, we had $20.0 million of commercial paper outstanding and $24.9 million outstanding on our CoBank bond. A 100 basis-point rise in interest rates would increase our interest expense by approximately $0.4 million, and a 100 basis point decline in interest rates would decrease our interest expenses by approximately $0.3 million, based on $44.9 million of variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2015.

Commodity Price Risk

Chugach has a gas contract that provides for adjustments to gas prices based on fluctuations of certain commodity prices and indices. Because fuel and purchased power costs are passed directly to our wholesale and retail customers through a fuel and purchased power recovery process, fluctuations in the price paid for gas pursuant to gas supply contracts does not normally impact margins.

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Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Chugach Electric Association, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Chugach Electric Association, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of operations, changes in equities and margins, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Chugach Electric Association, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP

March 23, 2016 

Anchorage, Alaska