Form 10-Q SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ____________________________ [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1999 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 1-707 KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Missouri 44-0308720 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1201 Walnut, Kansas City, Missouri 64106-2124 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (816) 556-2200 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes (X) No ( ) The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common stock at May 12 1999, was 61,898,020 shares.PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS March 31 December 31 1999 1998 (thousands) ASSETS UTILITY PLANT, at original cost Electric $3,565,416 $3,576,490 Less-accumulated depreciation 1,403,574 1,410,773 Net utility plant in service 2,161,842 2,165,717 Construction work in progress 112,222 110,528 Nuclear fuel, net of amortization of 110,335 and $105,661 36,128 40,203 Total 2,310,192 2,316,448 REGULATORY ASSET - RECOVERABLE TAXES 109,000 109,000 INVESTMENTS AND NONUTILITY PROPERTY 362,949 343,247 CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 13,682 43,213 Electric customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,286 and $1,886 8,693 31,150 Other receivables 28,407 38,981 Fuel inventories, at average cost 21,368 18,749 Materials and supplies, at average cost 44,438 45,363 Deferred income taxes 4,960 4,799 Other 4,893 5,926 Total 126,441 188,181 DEFERRED CHARGES Regulatory assets 24,977 26,229 Other deferred charges 35,403 29,259 Total 60,380 55,488 Total $2,968,962 $3,012,364 CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES CAPITALIZATION (see statements) $1,829,004 $1,880,147 CURRENT LIABILITIES Notes payable to banks 14,058 10,000 Current maturities of long-term debt 205,878 163,630 Accounts payable 43,232 61,764 Accrued taxes 22,254 15,625 Accrued interest 22,147 23,380 Accrued payroll and vacations 20,398 21,684 Accrued refueling outage costs 12,727 12,315 Other 15,247 28,874 Total 355,941 337,272 DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES Deferred income taxes 622,581 625,426 Deferred investment tax credits 57,669 58,786 Other 103,767 110,733 Total 784,017 794,945 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 7 and 8) Total $2,968,962 $3,012,364 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 1
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION March 31 December 31 1999 1998 (thousands) COMMON STOCK EQUITY Common stock-150,000,000 shares authorized without par value-61,908,726 shares issued, stated value $ 449,697 $ 449,697 Retained earnings (see statements) 428,948 443,699 Accumulated other comprehensive income Unrealized gain on securities available for sale 542 74 Capital stock premium and expense (1,668) (1,668) Total 877,519 891,802 CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK $100 Par Value 3.80% - 100,000 shares issued 10,000 10,000 4.50% - 100,000 shares issued 10,000 10,000 4.20% - 70,000 shares issued 7,000 7,000 4.35% - 120,000 shares issued 12,000 12,000 No Par Value 4.30%* - 500,000 shares issued 50,000 50,000 $100 Par Value - Redeemable 4.00% 62 62 Total 89,062 89,062 COMPANY-OBLIGATED MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF SUBSIDIARY TRUST HOLDING SOLELY KCPL SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES 150,000 150,000 LONG-TERM DEBT (excluding current maturities) General Mortgage Bonds Medium-Term Notes due 2000-2008, 6.96% and 6.95% weighted-average rate 296,500 338,500 3.50%* Environmental Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds due 2012-23 158,768 158,768 Environmental Improvement Revenue Refunding Bonds 3.28%* Series A & B due 2015 106,500 106,500 4.50% Series C due 2017 50,000 50,000 4.35% Series D due 2017 40,000 40,000 Subsidiary Obligations Affordable Housing Notes due 2000-06, 8.35% and 8.42% weighted-average rate 59,915 54,775 Other Long-Term Notes 740 740 Total 712,423 749,283 Total $1,829,004 $1,880,147 * Variable rate securities, weighted-average rate as of March 31, 1999 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 2
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended March 31 1999 1998 (thousands) ELECTRIC OPERATING REVENUES $190,734 $195,635 OPERATING EXPENSES Operation Fuel 31,038 35,697 Purchased power 10,658 8,231 Other 45,082 47,003 Maintenance 17,341 15,738 Depreciation 29,659 28,631 Income taxes 9,210 8,237 General taxes 21,811 22,168 Total 164,799 165,705 OPERATING INCOME 25,935 29,930 OTHER INCOME AND (DEDUCTIONS) Allowance for equity funds used during construction 1,063 933 Miscellaneous income and (deductions) - net (10,540) (7,677) Income taxes 12,243 9,747 Total 2,766 3,003 INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES 28,701 32,933 INTEREST CHARGES Long-term debt 13,331 14,939 Short-term debt 69 91 Mandatorily redeemable Preferred Securities 3,113 3,113 Miscellaneous 1,037 1,077 Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (732) (653) Total 16,818 18,567 Net Income 11,883 14,366 Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements 947 990 Earnings Available for Common Stock $10,936 $13,376 Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding 61,898 61,873 Basic and Diluted earnings per Common Share $0.18 $0.22 Cash Dividends per Common Share $0.415 $0.405 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 3
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Twelve Months Ended March 31 1999 1998 (thousands) ELECTRIC OPERATING REVENUES $934,040 $896,834 OPERATING EXPENSES Operation Fuel 138,690 135,284 Purchased power 66,045 56,232 Other 187,070 194,977 Maintenance 72,601 69,814 Depreciation 116,480 111,687 Income taxes 79,755 70,820 General taxes 93,229 92,773 Deferred Wolf Creek costs amortization 0 684 Total 753,870 732,271 OPERATING INCOME 180,170 164,563 OTHER INCOME AND (DEDUCTIONS) Allowance for equity funds used during construction 3,946 3,080 Miscellaneous income and (deductions) - net (44,364) (28,830) Income taxes 48,478 42,548 Total 8,060 16,798 INCOME BEFORE INTEREST CHARGES 188,230 181,361 INTEREST CHARGES Long-term debt 55,404 60,721 Short-term debt 273 634 Mandatorily redeemable Preferred Securities 12,450 11,966 Miscellaneous 4,417 4,192 Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (2,553) (2,210) Total 69,991 75,303 Net Income 118,239 106,058 Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements 3,841 3,824 Earnings Available for Common Stock $114,398 $102,234 Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding 61,890 61,889 Basic and Diluted earnings per Common Share $1.85 $1.65 Cash Dividends per Common Share $1.65 $1.62 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 4
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year to Date March 31 1999 1998 (thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 11,883 $ 14,366 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation 29,659 28,631 Amortization of: Nuclear fuel 4,674 4,724 Other 2,481 2,272 Deferred income taxes (net) (3,271) (258) Investment tax credit amortization (1,117) (1,129) Losses from equity investments 4,917 773 Kansas rate refund accrual (14,200) 3,165 Missouri rate refund accrual 1,100 0 Allowance for equity funds used during construction (1,063) (933) Other operating activities (Note 2) 14,293 4,554 Net cash from operating activities 49,356 56,165 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Utility capital expenditures (26,105) (22,487) Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (732) (653) Purchases of investments (11,794) (19,230) Purchases of nonutility property (14,078) (2,794) Other investing activities (8,976) 2,884 Net cash from investing activities (61,685) (42,280) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Issuance of long-term debt 5,388 7,404 Repayment of long-term debt 0 (51,011) Net change in short-term borrowings 4,058 2,252 Dividends paid (26,634) (26,140) Other financing activities (14) (922) Net cash from financing activities (17,202) (68,417) NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (29,531) (54,532) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 43,213 74,098 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 13,682 $ 19,566 CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR: Interest (net of amount capitalized) $ 18,383 $ 20,380 Income taxes $ 5,722 $ 0 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 5
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Twelve Months Ended March 31 1999 1998 (thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 118,239 $ 106,058 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation 116,480 111,687 Amortization of: Nuclear fuel 19,096 16,445 Deferred Wolf Creek costs 0 684 Other 9,280 9,133 Deferred income taxes (net) (5,481) 7,407 Investment tax credit amortization (4,459) (3,923) Losses from equity investments 15,827 3,664 Deferred merger costs 0 4,787 Kansas rate refund accrual (3,165) 3,165 Missouri rate refund accrual 1,100 0 Allowance for equity funds used during construction (3,946) (3,080) Other operating activities (Note 2) 32,883 (1,462) Net cash from operating activities 295,854 254,565 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Utility capital expenditures (123,158) (119,819) Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction (2,553) (2,210) Purchases of investments (47,718) (49,592) Purchases of nonutility property (33,895) (16,916) Sale of KLT Power 53,033 0 Sale of streetlights 0 21,500 Other investing activities (3,852) (1,621) Net cash from investing activities (158,143) (168,658) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Issuance of mandatorily redeemable Preferred Securities 0 150,000 Issuance of long-term debt 5,390 41,696 Repayment of long-term debt (51,669) (73,343) Net change in short-term borrowings 10,563 (98,866) Dividends paid (105,969) (104,154) Other financing activities (1,910) (6,786) Net cash from financing activities (143,595) (91,453) NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (5,884) (5,546) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 19,566 25,112 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 13,682 $ 19,566 CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR: Interest (net of amount capitalized) $ 69,699 $ 74,633 Income taxes $ 30,510 $ 22,385 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 6
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended March 31 March 31 1999 1998 1999 1998 (thousands) Net income $ 11,883 $ 14,366 $ 118,239 $ 106,058 Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale 733 3,428 (5,610) 3,824 Income tax benefit (expense) (265) (1,241) 2,030 (1,383) Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale 468 2,187 (3,580) 2,441 Comprehensive Income $ 12,351 $ 16,553 $ 114,659 $ 108,499 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended March 31 March 31 1999 1998 1999 1998 (thousands) Beginning Balance $ 443,699 $ 428,452 $ 416,678 $ 414,774 Net Income 11,883 14,366 118,239 106,058 455,582 442,818 534,917 520,832 Dividends Declared Preferred stock - at required rates 947 1,081 3,846 3,894 Common stock 25,687 25,059 102,123 100,260 Ending Balance $428,948 $416,678 $428,948 $416,678 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 7
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Statements made in this report which are not based on historical facts are forward-looking and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Any forward-looking statements are intended to be as of the date on which such statement is made. In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from provided forward-looking information. These important factors include: - - the proposed Western Resources Inc. (Western Resources) merger - - future economic conditions in the regional, national and international markets - - state, federal and foreign regulation and possible additional reductions in regulated electric rates - - weather conditions - - financial market conditions, including, but not limited to changes in interest rates - - inflation rates - - increased competition, including, but not limited to, the deregulation of the United States electric utility industry, and the entry of new competitors - - ability to carry out marketing and sales plans - - ability to achieve generation planning goals and the occurrence of unplanned generation outages - - nuclear operations - - ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities in nonregulated businesses - - unforeseen events that would prevent correcting internal or external information systems for Year 2000 problems - - adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations or rules governing environmental (including air quality regulations), tax or accounting matters This list of factors may not be all-inclusive since it is not possible for us to predict all possible factors. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements In management's opinion, the consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the interim periods presented. These statements and notes should be read in connection with the financial statements and related notes included in our 1998 annual report on Form 10-K. 1. AMENDED AND RESTATED PLAN OF MERGER WITH WESTERN RESOURCES A merger agreement was entered into with Western Resources on February 7, 1997. In December 1997 KCPL canceled its previously scheduled special meeting of shareholders to vote on the transaction because Western Resources advised KCPL that its investment bankers, Salomon Smith Barney, had indicated that it was unlikely that Salomon would be in a position to issue a fairness opinion. During 1997 KCPL incurred and deferred $7 million of merger-related costs that were expensed in December 1997. On March 18, 1998, KCPL and Western Resources entered into an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger (Amended Agreement). This Amended Agreement provides for the combination of the regulated electric utilities of KCPL and Western Resources into Westar Energy, a new company, using purchase accounting. Westar Energy would be owned approximately 80.1% 8
by Western Resources and approximately 19.9% by KCPL shareholders. KCPL shareholders would receive for each share of KCPL's stock one share of Westar Energy common stock and a fraction of a share of Western Resources common stock. The value of any transaction to KCPL shareholders cannot be determined until closing. If Western Resources' average stock price for a twenty day period just prior to closing is less than or equal to $29.78, either party can terminate this Amended Agreement. The Amended Agreement also requires KCPL to redeem all outstanding shares of cumulative preferred stock before consummation of the proposed transactions. If the Amended Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances and KCPL, within two and one-half years following termination, agrees to consummate a business combination with a third party that made a proposal to combine before termination, a payment of $50 million will be due Western Resources. Under certain circumstances, if KCPL determines not to consummate its merger into Westar Energy due to its inability to receive a favorable tax opinion from its legal counsel, it must pay Western Resources $5 million. Western Resources will pay KCPL $5 million to $35 million if the Amended Agreement is terminated and all closing conditions are satisfied other than conditions relating to Western Resources receiving a favorable tax opinion from its legal counsel, favorable statutory approvals or an exemption from the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. On July 30, 1998, KCPL's and Western Resources' shareholders approved the Amended Agreement at special meetings of shareholders. However, the transaction is still subject to several other closing conditions, including: - - approval by a number of regulatory and governmental agencies (applications for approval were filed during 1998), - - receipt of the final orders from the various federal and state regulators on terms and conditions which would not have a material adverse effect on the benefits anticipated by Western Resources in the merger, - - reasonable satisfaction by Western Resources that it will be exempt from all of the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 other than Section 9(a)(2) thereof. We cannot predict when or if the closing conditions will be met. If the merger has not closed by December 31, 1999, either party may terminate the Amended Agreement. See Part II - Other Information, Item 1. Legal Proceedings, Merger Regulatory Proceedings of this report on Form 10Q for additional information on the current status of the proposed merger. 2. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - OTHER OPERATING ACTIVITIES Three Months Twelve Months Ended Ended 1999 1998 1999 1998 Cash flows affected by changes (thousands) in: Receivables $ 33,031 $ 9,838 $ 15,295 $(15,084) Fuel inventories (2,619) (2,177) (5,367) 1,716 Materials and supplies 925 723 1,418 1,441 Accounts payable (18,532)(17,263) 2,927 3,560 Accrued taxes 6,629 11,954 8,628 2,539 Accrued interest (1,233) (1,697) 1,484 800 Wolf Creek refueling outage 412 2,595 8,468 (5,021) accrual Other (4,320) 581 30 8,587 Total $ 14,293 $ 4,554 $ 32,883 $ (1,462) 9
3. SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE Certain investments in equity securities are accounted for as securities available for sale and adjusted to market value with unrealized gains (or losses) reported as a separate component of comprehensive income. The cost of securities available for sale held by KLT Inc. (KLT) as of March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 was $4.8 million. Net unrealized gains were $0.5 million at March 31, 1999, and $0.1 million at December 31, 1998. 4. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS We use the equity method to account for equity investments when management can exert influence over the operations of the investee. We had equity method investments of approximately $70 million at March 31, 1999. The companies accounted for using the equity method had total assets of $565 million at March 31, 1999 and a combined net loss of $11 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999. Equity method investments and ownership percentages at March 31, 1999, consisted of the following: KLT - - Kansas City Downtown Hotel Group, L.L.C., 25% - - DTI Holdings, Inc., 47% - - Nationwide Electric, Inc., 57% - - Lyco Energy Corporation, 30% - - Custom Energy, L.L.C., 47% - - Custom Lighting Services L.L.C., 50% Home Service Solutions Inc. (HSS) - - R.S. Andrews Enterprises, Inc., 44% 5. CAPITALIZATION KCPL Financing I (Trust), a wholly-owned subsidiary of KCPL, has previously issued $150,000,000 of 8.3% preferred securities. The sole asset of the Trust is the $154,640,000 principal amount of 8.3% Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, due 2037, issued by KCPL. From April 1 through May 13, 1999, KLT's borrowings under its bank credit agreement increased $5.5 million. 6. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION In 1998 we adopted SFAS No. 131 - Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. KCPL's reportable segments are strategic business units. Electric Operations includes the regulated electric utility, unallocated corporate charges and wholly-owned subsidiaries on an equity basis. KLT is a holding company for various nonregulated business ventures. The Other column represents the operations of HSS and KLT Iatan Inc. (Iatan). We evaluate performance based on profit or loss from operations and return on capital investment. We eliminate all intersegment sales and transfers. We include KLT, HSS and Iatan revenues and expenses in Other Income and (Deductions) and Interest Charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 10
The tables below reflect summarized financial information concerning KCPL's reportable segments. Electric Intersegment Consolidated Operations KLT Inc. Other Eliminations Totals Three Months Ended (thousands) March 31, 1999 Electric Operating Income (a) $ 25,935 $ 25,935 Miscellaneous income (b) 4,875 $(1,084) $ 496 $ 745 5,032 Miscellaneous deductions (c) (6,388) (7,025) (2,159) - (15,572) Income taxes on Other Income and (Deductions) 184 11,429 630 - 12,243 Interest Charges (13,786) (3,032) - - (16,818) Net income(loss) 11,883 288 (1,033) 745 11,883 Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 Electric Operating Income (a) $ 29,930 $ 29,930 Miscellaneous income (b) 6,235 $10,298 $(4,148) 12,385 Miscellaneous deductions (c) (8,750) (11,312) - (20,062) Income taxes on Other Income and (Deductions) 1,020 8,727 - 9,747 Interest Charges (15,002) (3,565) - (18,567) Net income 14,366 4,148 (4,148) 14,366 Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1999 Electric Operating Income (a) $180,170 $180,170 Miscellaneous income (b) 20,448 $13,864 $ 1,229 $ 407 35,948 Miscellaneous deductions (c) (34,134) (43,086) (3,092) - (80,312) Income taxes on Other Income and (Deductions) 4,858 42,912 708 - 48,478 Interest Charges (57,049) (12,942) - - (69,991) Net income(loss) 118,239 748 (1,155) 407 118,239 Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1998 Electric Operating Income (a) $164,563 $164,563 Miscellaneous income (b) 21,709 $32,065 $(8,230) 45,544 Miscellaneous deductions (c) (28,670) (45,704) - (74,374) Income taxes on Other Income and (Deductions) 6,489 36,059 - 42,548 Interest Charges (61,113) (14,190) - (75,303) Net income 106,058 8,230 (8,230) 106,058 (a) Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Income for detail of Electric Operations revenues and expenses. (b) Includes nonregulated revenues, interest and dividend income, and losses from equity investments. (c) Includes nonregulated expenses and merger-related expenses. 11
Identifiable Assets March 31, 1999 December 31, 1998 (thousands) Electric Operations $ 2,797,227 $ 2,831,052 KLT Inc. 300,002 310,750 Other 27,370 24,239 Intersegment Eliminations (155,637) (153,677) Consolidated Totals $ 2,968,962 $ 3,012,364 7. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS KCPL's policy is to act in an environmentally responsible manner and use the latest technology available to avoid and treat contamination. We continually conduct environmental audits designed to ensure compliance with governmental regulations and detect contamination. However, governmental bodies may impose additional or more rigid environmental regulations that could require substantial changes to operations or facilities. Monitoring Equipment and Certain Air Toxic Substances The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 required KCPL to spend about $5 million in prior years for the installation of continuous emission monitoring equipment to satisfy the requirements under the acid rain provision. Also a study under the Act could require regulation of certain air toxic substances, including mercury. We cannot predict the likelihood of any such regulations or compliance costs. Air Particulate Matter In July 1997 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published new air quality standards for particulate matter. Additional regulations implementing these new particulate standards have not been finalized. Without the implementation regulations, the real impact of the standards on KCPL cannot be determined. However, the impact on KCPL and other utilities that use fossil fuels could be substantial. Under the new fine particulate regulations the EPA is in the process of implementing a three-year study of fine particulate emissions. Until this testing and review period has been completed, KCPL cannot determine additional compliance costs, if any, associated with the new particulate regulations. Nitrogen Oxide In 1997 the EPA also issued new proposed regulations on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The EPA announced in 1998 final regulations implementing reductions in NOx emissions. These regulations require 22 states, including Missouri, to submit plans for controlling NOx emissions by September 1999. The regulations require a significant reduction in NOx emissions from 1990 levels at KCPL's Missouri coal-fired plants by the year 2003. To achieve these reductions, KCPL would need to incur significantly higher capital costs or purchase power or NOx emissions allowances. It is possible that purchased power or emissions allowances may be too costly or unavailable. 12
Preliminary analysis of the regulations indicate that selective catalytic reduction technology will be required for some of the KCPL units, as well as other changes. Currently, we estimate that additional capital expenditures to comply with these regulations could range from $90 to $120 million over the period from 1999 to 2002. Operations and maintenance expenses could also increase by more than $6 million per year, beginning in 2003. We continue to refine our preliminary estimates and explore alternatives to comply with these new regulations to minimize, to the extent possible, KCPL's capital costs and operating expenses. The ultimate cost of these regulations could be significantly different than the amounts estimated above. KCPL and several other western Missouri utilities filed suit against the EPA over the inclusion of western Missouri in the NOx reduction program. This matter is in the early stage of litigation and the outcome cannot be predicted at this time. Carbon Dioxide At a December 1997 meeting in Kyoto, Japan, the Clinton Administration supported changes to the International Global Climate Change treaty which would require a seven percent reduction in United States carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions below 1990 levels. The Administration has not submitted this change to the U.S. Senate where ratification is uncertain. If future reductions of electric utility CO2 emissions are eventually required, the financial impact upon KCPL could be substantial. 8. LOW-LEVEL WASTE The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 mandated that the various states, individually or through interstate compacts, develop alternative low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. The states of Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma formed the Central Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact and selected a site in northern Nebraska to locate a disposal facility. Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (WCNOC) and the owners of the other five nuclear units in the compact provide most of the pre- construction financing for this project. KCPL's net investment on its books was approximately $7.5 million at March 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998. Significant opposition to the project has been raised by Nebraska officials and residents in the area of the proposed facility, and attempts have been made through litigation and proposed legislation in Nebraska to slow down or stop development of the facility. On December 18, 1998, the application for a license to construct this project was denied. On January 15, 1999, a request for a contested case hearing on the denial of the license was filed. On April 16, 1999, a U.S. District Court judge in Nebraska issued an injunction staying indefinitely any further activity on the contested case hearing. A greater possibility of reversing the license denial will exist when the contested case hearing ultimately is conducted. 13
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS STATUS OF MERGER See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the current status of the proposed Western Resources Inc. (Western Resources) merger. In December 1996 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a statement concerning electric utility mergers. Under the statement, companies must demonstrate that their merger does not adversely affect competition or wholesale rates. As a result, FERC may consider a number of remedies including transmission upgrades, divestitures of generating assets or formation of independent system operators. REGULATION AND COMPETITION As competition develops throughout the electric utility industry, we are positioning Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCPL) to excel in an open market. We are continuing to improve the efficiency of KCPL's electric utility operations, lowering prices and offering new services. In particular, KCPL's value-added services for large energy users now include contracts for natural gas commodities. Competition in the electric utility industry accelerated with the passage of the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. This Act gave FERC the authority to require electric utilities to provide transmission line access to independent power producers (IPPs) and other utilities (wholesale wheeling). In April 1996 FERC issued an order requiring all owners of transmission facilities to adopt open-access tariffs and participate in wholesale wheeling. We made the necessary filings to comply with that order. FERC's April 1996 order encouraged more movement toward retail competition at the state level. An increasing number of states have already adopted open access requirements for utilities' retail electric service, allowing competing suppliers access to their retail customers (retail wheeling). Many other states are actively considering retail wheeling, including Kansas and Missouri. While retail wheeling legislation was introduced in Kansas and Missouri in 1999, no comprehensive legislation was passed. Retail access could result in market-based rates below current cost- based rates, providing growth opportunities for low-cost producers and risks for higher-cost producers, especially those with large industrial customers. Lower rates and the loss of major customers could result in stranded costs and place an unfair burden on the remaining customer base or shareholders. Testimony filed in the merger case in Kansas indicated stranded costs of approximately $1 billion for KCPL. An independent study prepared at the request of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) concluded there are no stranded costs. We cannot predict whether any stranded costs would be recoverable in future rates. If an adequate and fair provision for recovery of lost revenues is not provided, certain generating assets may have to be evaluated for impairment and appropriate charges recorded against earnings. In addition to lower profit margins, market-based rates could require generating assets to be depreciated over shorter useful lives, increasing operating expenses. KCPL is positioned to compete in an open market with its diverse customer mix and pricing strategies. Industrial customers make up about 20% of KCPL's retail mwh sales, well below the utility industry average. KCPL's flexible industrial rate structure is competitive with other companies' rate structures in the region. In addition, we have entered into or are negotiating long-term 14
contracts for a large portion of KCPL's industrial sales. Although no direct competition for retail electric service currently exists within KCPL's service territory, it exists in the bulk power market and between alternative fuel suppliers and KCPL. We also are currently encountering third- party energy management companies seeking to initiate relationships with large users in KCPL's service territory in an attempt to enhance their chances to supply electricity directly when retail wheeling is authorized. Increased competition could also force utilities to change accounting methods. Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 71 - - Accounting for Certain Types of Regulation applies to regulated entities whose rates are designed to recover the costs of providing service. A utility's operations could stop meeting the requirements of FASB 71 for various reasons, including a change in regulation or a change in the competitive environment for a company's regulated services. For those operations no longer meeting the requirements of regulatory accounting, regulatory assets would be written off. KCPL can maintain its $134 million of regulatory assets at March 31, 1999, as long as FASB 71 requirements are met. Competition could eventually have a materially adverse effect on KCPL's results of operations and financial position. Should competition eventually result in a significant charge to equity, capital requirements and related costs could increase significantly. NONREGULATED OPPORTUNITIES KLT Inc. (KLT), a wholly-owned subsidiary of KCPL, pursues nonregulated business ventures. Existing ventures include investments in energy services, oil and gas development and production, telecommunications and affordable housing limited partnerships. KCPL's equity investment in KLT was $119 million as of March 31, 1999 and 1998. KLT's net income for the three months ended March 31, 1999, totaled $0.3 million compared to $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998. KLT's consolidated assets at March 31, 1999, totaled $300 million. Home Service Solutions Inc. (HSS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of KCPL, pursues nonregulated business ventures, primarily in residential services. HSS has an investment in R.S. Andrews Enterprises, Inc. (RSAE), a consumer services company in Atlanta, Georgia. RSAE expects to continue making acquisitions in key U.S. markets. Additionally, Worry Free Service, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSS, provides residential services, including preventative maintenance and warranty services of heating and air conditioning equipment. KCPL's equity investment in HSS was $24 million as of March 31, 1999. HSS's consolidated assets at March 31, 1999, totaled $27 million. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Three-month Three months ended March 31, 1999, compared period: with three months ended March 31, 1998 Twelve-month Twelve months ended March 31, 1999, compared period: with twelve months ended March 31, 1998 15
WOLF CREEK'S CURRENT REFUELING AND MAINTENANCE OUTAGE Wolf Creek completed its tenth refueling and maintenance outage in 36 days, the shortest in Wolf Creek's history. See Wolf Creek section, page 21. EARNINGS OVERVIEW Earnings Per Share For the Periods Ended March 31 (Decreased) Increase(Decrease) Increase Merger Excluding 1999 1998 (Decrease) Expenses Merger Expenses Three months $0.18 $0.22 $(0.04) $(0.09) $(0.13) ended Twelve months $1.85 $1.65 $ 0.20 $(0.05) $ 0.15 ended Excluding merger expenses, earnings per share (EPS) for the three- month period decreased primarily due to decreased income from subsidiaries $(0.08 per share). Additionally, EPS decreased because of decreased bulk power sales and increased purchased power because, as a result of the February 17, 1999 boiler explosion, the 476- megawatt Hawthorn Generating Station's Unit No. 5 (Hawthorn 5) was unavailable. Missouri rate reduction accruals decreased EPS by $0.01. Partially offsetting these decreases were the positive effects on EPS of decreased administrative and general operating expenses and continued load growth. Excluding merger expenses, EPS for the twelve-month period increased primarily due to increased revenues resulting from more favorable weather during the twelve-month period and continued load growth. EPS also increased for the twelve-month period as a result of decreased administrative and general operating expenses ($0.05 per share) and interest expense on long-term debt ($0.05 per share). Partially offsetting these increases in EPS were the effects on EPS of decreased subsidiary income ($0.14), rate reductions approved by the KCC ($0.11), the rate reduction approved by the MPSC ($0.01) and increased depreciation expense ($0.05). Merger expenses for the three months ended March 31, 1999, were $0.3 million compared to $5.3 million ($0.09 per share) for the three months ended March 31, 1998. Merger expenses for the twelve months ended March 31, 1999, reduced EPS by ($0.11) compared to ($0.16) for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998. 16
MEGAWATT-HOUR (MWH) SALES AND OPERATING REVENUES Sales and revenue data: (revenue change in millions) For the Periods Ended March 31, 1999 versus March 31, 1998 Three Months Twelve Months Mwh Revenues Mwh Revenues Increase (decrease) Retail Sales: Residential 3 % $ 1 9 % $ 21 Commercial 4 % 2 5 % 13 Industrial 2 % - 5 % 4 Other 2 % - 8 % (2) Total Retail 3 % 3 6 % 36 Sales for Resale: Bulk Power Sales (44)% (8) (13)% 1 Other 4 % - 3 % - Total (5) 37 Other revenues - - Total Operating Revenues $ (5) $ 37 On April 13, 1999, a stipulation and agreement among KCPL, the MPSC staff and public counsel was approved by the MPSC. The essential components of the stipulation are as follows: - - Commencing with electric service provided on or after March 1, 1999, KCPL will reduce its annual Missouri electric revenues by 3.2%, or about $15 million. - - The parties will not file a request for an increase or decrease in KCPL's rates, or for a refund of those rates, before the earlier of September 1, 2001, or the closing of the KCPL/Western Resources merger; such rates would not be effective before the earlier of March 1, 2002, or one year after closing of the merger. - - In the merger case, staff and public counsel reserve the right to recommend a rate reduction upon closing of the merger as a condition of Commission approval of an alternative regulatory plan. They also reserve the right to recommend rate reductions that would be effective no sooner than one year after closing of the merger. Effective March 1, 1999, we began accruing the 3.2% rate reduction for refund to Missouri retail customers. We will refund to Missouri retail customers the amounts accrued from March 1, 1999, through August 1, 1999, the implementation date. Revenues for the three- and twelve-month periods were reduced by about $1 million as a result of the Missouri rate reduction. The KCC approved a rate settlement agreement, effective January 1, 1998, authorizing a $14.2 million annual revenue reduction and an annual increase in depreciation expense of $2.8 million. Pending the approval of a new Kansas rate design, we accrued $14.2 million during 1998 for refund to customers. The new rate design was approved in December 1998 and directed KCPL to refund, starting March 1, 1999, the $14.2 million we accrued during 1998 plus the amount that we accrued for January and February 1999. The KCC rate settlement agreement reduced revenues by $14 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 1999, and $3 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998. 17
The Kansas rate refund accruals applied to customers' accounts in 1999 and seasonally lower retail sales in March 1999 versus December 1998, resulted in a lower accounts receivable balance for electric customers at March 31, 1999, compared with December 31, 1998. Even though weather was milder for the three-month period, retail mwh sales increased 3% primarily due to continued load growth. Load growth consists of higher usage-per-customer as well as the addition of new customers. Retail mwh sales for the twelve-month period increased 6% while retail revenues increased 4%. The MPSC and KCC rate reductions decreased revenues for the twelve-month period, partially offsetting increased revenues from increased retail mwh sales driven by warmer than normal summer weather in 1998 and continued load growth. Bulk power sales vary with system requirements, generating unit and purchased power availability, fuel costs and the requirements of other electric systems. The explosion at Hawthorn 5 on February 17, 1999, resulted in reduced bulk power mwh sales for the three-month period. The 1999 explosion and the 1998 outage due to a ruptured steam pipe at Hawthorn 5 resulted in decreased bulk power mwh sales for the twelve- month period. Outages at the LaCygne 1 and 2 generating units in the second quarter of 1997 and the extended 1997 Wolf Creek outage contributed to reduced bulk power mwh sales for the twelve-months ended March 31, 1998. Future mwh sales and revenues per mwh could be affected by national and local economies, weather, customer conservation efforts and availability of generating units. Competition, including alternative sources of energy, such as natural gas, co-generation, IPPs and other electric utilities, may also affect future sales and revenue. FUEL AND PURCHASED POWER Combined fuel and purchased power expenses for the three-month period decreased 5% while total mwh sales (total of retail and sales for resale) decreased by 10%. The unavailability of Hawthorn 5 contributed to increased purchased power expenses partially offset by decreased fuel expenses at Hawthorn 5. The cost per mwh for purchased power was significantly higher than the fuel cost per mwh of generation. Combined fuel and purchased power expenses for the twelve-month period increased 7% while total mwh sales increased 2%. This difference is largely due to increased purchased power expenses during the twelve- month period. Nuclear fuel costs per MMBTU remained substantially less than the MMBTU price of coal. Nuclear fuel costs per MMBTU decreased 4% for the twelve-month period. Nuclear fuel costs per MMBTU averaged about 60% of the MMBTU price of coal for the twelve months ended March 31, 1999, and March 31, 1998. We expect the price of nuclear fuel to remain fairly constant through the year 2001. During the twelve months ended March 31, 1999, fossil plants represented about 69% of total generation and the nuclear plant about 31%. For the twelve months ended March 31, 1998, fossil plants represented about 75% of total generation and the nuclear plant about 25%. The cost of coal burned declined 3% for the twelve-month period. KCPL's coal procurement strategies continue to provide coal costs below the regional average. We expect coal costs to remain fairly consistent with current levels through 2001. 18
OTHER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES Combined other operation and maintenance expenses for the three- and twelve-month periods declined slightly due largely to decreased administrative and general expenses and, as a result of the February 17, 1999, boiler explosion, decreased maintenance expenses at Hawthorn 5. Partially offsetting these decreased expenses for the three-month period, maintenance expenses increased at LaCygne 2 due to a Spring 1999 scheduled outage. The decreased administrative and general expenses for the twelve-month period were partially offset by increased maintenance expenses incurred during outages at Hawthorn 5, as well as LaCygne 1 in 1998 and LaCygne 2 in 1999. The twelve-month period also reflected decreased write-offs of uncollectible customer accounts and decreased Wolf Creek non-fuel operations expenses. We continue to emphasize new technologies, improved work methodology and cost control. We continuously improve our work processes to provide increased efficiencies and improved operations. Through the use of cellular technology, more than 90% of KCPL's customer meters are read automatically. DEPRECIATION The increase in depreciation expense for the three- and twelve-month periods reflected normal increases in depreciation from capital additions. Additionally, the twelve-month period reflected the implementation of the KCC settlement agreement, effective January 1, 1998, which authorized a $2.8 million annual increase in depreciation expense. TAXES Operating income taxes increased $9 million for the twelve-month period reflecting higher taxable operating income. Components of general taxes: Three months ended Twelve months ended March 31 March 31 1999 1998 1999 1998 (thousands) Property $ 10,741 $ 11,358 $ 40,781 $ 43,128 Gross receipts 8,912 8,613 42,439 40,502 Other 2,158 2,197 10,009 9,143 Total $ 21,811 $ 22,168 $ 93,229 $ 92,773 Property taxes decreased in the three-month period, primarily reflecting changes in Kansas tax law which reduced the mill levy rates. Property taxes decreased in the twelve-month period, reflecting changes in Kansas tax law which reduced the mill levy rates and lower Missouri and Kansas property tax assessed valuations in 1998. Gross receipts taxes increased in the three- and twelve-month periods reflecting higher billed Missouri revenues. 19
OTHER INCOME AND (DEDUCTIONS) KLT summarized operations: Three months ended Twelve months ended March 31 March 31 1999 1998 1999 1998 (millions) Miscellaneous income and (deductions)-net* $(8.1) $(1.0) $(29.2) $(13.6) Income taxes 11.4 8.7 42.9 36.0 Interest charges (3.0) (3.6) (13.0) (14.2) Net income $ 0.3 $ 4.1 $ 0.7 $ 8.2 KLT's operations for the three-month period were affected by the following significant factors: - - Net income of approximately $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998, related to KLT Power Inc. (sold in July 1998). - - A $3 million equity loss recorded for the three months ended March 31, 1999, on an investment in Digital Teleport, Inc. (DTI), a company developing a midwest regional fiber optic network. - - A $2 million loss from an equity investment in an oil and gas company. KLT's operations for the twelve-month period were affected by the following significant factors: - - The $2 million loss from an equity investment in an oil and gas company. - - A $12 million equity loss recorded on an investment in DTI. - - The $4 million gain on the sale of the common stock of KLT Power Inc. - - A $6 million write down of its investment in a power station in China. Miscellaneous income and (deductions) - net includes the following significant items: Three months ended Twelve months ended March 31 March 31 1999 1998 1999 1998 (millions) Merger-related expenses $ (0.3) $(5.3) $ (9.6) $(11.6) *From table above (8.1) (1.0) (29.2) (13.6) Other (2.1) (1.4) (5.6) (3.6) Total Miscellaneous income and (deductions) - net $(10.5) $(7.7) $(44.4) $(28.8) Other Miscellaneous income and (deductions) - net for the three- and twelve-month periods was affected by a $2 million write-off to comply with an AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) regarding start-up activities. Other Income and (Deductions) - Income taxes for the three- and twelve- month periods reflect the tax impact on total miscellaneous income and (deductions) - net. Additionally, we accrued tax credits of $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999, and $6 million for the three months ended March 31, 1998, or one-fourth of the total expected annual credits related to KLT's 20
investments in affordable housing limited partnerships as well as in oil and gas. We accrued tax credits of $26 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 1999, and $23 million for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998. INTEREST CHARGES Long-term debt interest expense decreased for the three- and twelve- month periods, reflecting lower average levels of outstanding long- term debt. The lower average levels of debt reflect scheduled debt repayments made by KCPL and lower average levels of debt by KLT on its bank credit agreement. Interest expense of mandatorily redeemable Preferred Securities reflects interest charges incurred on the $150 million of 8.3% preferred securities issued in April 1997. We use interest rate swap and cap agreements to limit the volatility in interest expense on a portion of KLT's variable-rate, bank credit agreement and KCPL's variable-rate, long-term debt. Although these agreements are an integral part of interest rate management, the incremental effect on interest expense and cash flows is not significant. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. WOLF CREEK Wolf Creek is one of KCPL's principal generating units, representing about 19% of its accredited generating capacity, excluding the Hawthorn 5 generating unit from KCPL's accredited generating capacity. The plant's operating performance has remained strong, contributing about 28% of the annual mwh generation while operating at an average capacity of 94% over the last three years. Wolf Creek has the lowest fuel cost per MMBTU of any of KCPL's generating units. We accrue the incremental operating, maintenance and replacement power costs for planned outages evenly over the unit's operating cycle, normally 18 months. As actual outage expenses are incurred, the refueling liability and related deferred tax asset are reduced. Wolf Creek's tenth refueling and maintenance outage, estimated to be a 40-day outage, began April 3, 1999, and was completed May 9, 1999. The 36-day outage was the shortest refueling and maintenance outage in Wolf Creek's history. Wolf Creek's ninth refueling and maintenance outage, budgeted for 35 days, began in early October 1997 and was completed in December 1997 (58 days). The extended length of the ninth outage was caused by several equipment problems. Actual costs of the 1997 outage were $6 million in excess of the estimated and accrued costs for the outage. No major equipment replacements are currently projected. An extended shut-down of Wolf Creek could have a substantial adverse effect on KCPL's business, financial condition and results of operations because of higher replacement power and other costs. Although not expected, an unscheduled plant shut-down could be caused by actions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reacting to safety concerns at the plant or other similar nuclear units. If a long-term shut-down occurred, the state regulatory commissions could reduce rates by excluding the Wolf Creek investment from rate base. 21
Ownership and operation of a nuclear generating unit exposes KCPL to risks regarding decommissioning costs at the end of the unit's life and to potential retrospective assessments and property losses in excess of insurance coverage. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS KCPL's operations must comply with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. The generation and transmission of electricity produces and requires disposal of certain products and by-products, including polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), asbestos and other potentially hazardous materials. The Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (the Superfund law) imposes strict joint and several liability for those who generate, transport or deposit hazardous waste. This liability extends to the current property owner, as well as prior owners since the time of contamination. We continually conduct environmental audits to detect contamination and ensure compliance with governmental regulations. However, compliance programs needed to meet new and future environmental laws and regulations governing water and air quality, including carbon dioxide emissions, nitrogen oxide emissions, hazardous waste handling and disposal, toxic substances and the effects of electromagnetic fields, could require substantial changes to operations or facilities (see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE The Year 2000 Issue resulted from computer systems and applications using two digits instead of four to define the year. Computer programs with date-sensitive software could recognize the date of "00" as the Year 1900 rather than the Year 2000. Unless corrected, some computer systems and applications could incorrectly process information resulting in miscalculations or system disruptions. We have assessed the potential of the Year 2000 Issue on KCPL's Information Technology (IT) and non-IT processes and operations. Beginning in 1997, we established a Year 2000 team responsible for evaluating, identifying and correcting problems in all critical computer software, hardware and embedded systems. We utilized both internal and external resources in this process. Because we have invested approximately $62 million in new Year 2000 ready technologies over the past several years, we identified fewer issues than some companies. The assessment of all of KCPL's major systems impacted by the Year 2000 Issue has been completed and remediation efforts are well underway. The Control System at one power plant is currently running with the date set beyond January 1, 2000, and we expect Control Systems at KCPL's other plants to be advanced by mid-1999. We have substantially completed readiness efforts for KCPL's major processes with the exception of the new customer information system. We expect the implementation and testing of the new customer information system to be completed by mid-1999. On an ongoing basis, we are sharing information with other electric industry organizations, such as the Electric Power Research Institute, in order to adequately anticipate and plan for potential problems. We participated in an industry-wide drill April 9, 1999, coordinated by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC). The drill simulated partial loss of telecommunications and found that our contingency procedures and backup systems worked well. We will participate in another industry-wide drill, to be coordinated by NERC, scheduled for September 9, 1999, which will be a "dress rehearsal" for the transition to Year 2000. The monitoring phase of KCPL's Year 2000 project will continue through at least the first quarter of 2000. We believe the total costs of the 22
assessment, remediation, testing and monitoring efforts will be approximately $7 million. These costs are expensed as incurred. Regarding the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station, we believe we are in compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Year 2000 regulations and will file the required status response with the Commission before July 1, 1999. The Commission performed an on-site audit of Wolf Creek's Year 2000 project plans in November 1998, and no areas of concern were identified. Control systems at Wolf Creek utilize analog components that are not date-sensitive which mitigates Year 2000 concerns about critical operations of the plant. We expect all assessments of affected systems will be completed by the end of the second quarter in 1999, with remediation being completed by the end of the third quarter. The Commission guidelines are being followed in the development of contingency plans. We initiated communications with all large suppliers and customers to evaluate KCPL's vulnerability to the failure of others to remediate their Year 2000 Issues. While no major issues have been discovered, we cannot be certain their systems will not impact KCPL's operations. Thus, we have developed a number of contingency plans to mitigate potential problems with third party failures. The most reasonable likely worse case scenario would be the loss or partial interruption of KCPL's electrical system which is connected to other utilities throughout the United States and Canada, east of the Rocky Mountains. This interconnection is essential to the reliability, stability and operational integrity of each connected electric utility. KCPL could encounter difficulties supplying electric service if other interconnected utilities fail to achieve Year 2000 compliance and create an unstable condition on the grid. We are addressing this and other potential Year 2000 risks by implementing a number of action plans, including: - Participating in operating contingency plans and drills developed by the Southwest Power Pool and the North American Electric Reliability Council. - Implementing and testing radio communication for personnel manning critical operation points. - Testing functional emergency radio systems, and ensuring they are operational for generating stations. - Working with local authorities and testing systems to establish a means of communicating if telephones are not available. - Ensuring readiness to execute the generation and systems black start procedures. CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIQUIDITY KCPL's liquid resources at March 31, 1999 included cash flows from operations and $251 million of unused bank lines of credit. The unused lines consisted of KCPL's short-term bank lines of credit of $180 million and KLT's bank credit agreement of $71 million. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $30 million from December 31, 1998 to March 31, 1999, primarily due to dividend payments. By applying the Kansas rate refund accrual to the balances of Kansas customers' electric accounts receivable during the three months ended March 31, 1999, we reduced electric customer accounts receivable and other current liabilities at March 31, 1999, compared to the December 31, 1998 balances. This resulted in minimal impact on cash flows from operating activities in the three- and twelve-month periods. 23
KCPL continues to generate positive cash flows from operating activities. Individual components of working capital will vary with normal business cycles and operations, such as the refunds to Kansas customers that will mainly reduce April 1999 cash receipts below normal levels. Cash from operating activities decreased for the three- month period primarily due to decreased net income, other receivables and non-cash expenses. The majority of the decrease in non-cash expenses for the three-month period was due to decreases in deferred income taxes. Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in non-cash expenses due to the Missouri rate refunds, accrued but not refundable until August 1999, and increases in losses from equity investments. Cash from operating activities increased for the twelve-month period reflecting increased net income and non-cash expenses. The increased non-cash expenses were primarily due to increased depreciation and amortization expenses, increased losses incurred on equity investments and an increased refueling outage accrual. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in deferred income taxes. The timing of the Wolf Creek outage affects the refueling outage accrual, deferred income taxes and amortization of nuclear fuel. Accrued taxes increased from December 31, 1998, to March 31, 1999, mainly due to the timing of income tax and property tax payments. Cash used in investing activities varies with the timing of utility capital expenditures and purchases of investments and nonutility properties. Cash used for investing activities decreased for the twelve months ended March 31, 1999, reflecting the proceeds from the sale of the common stock of KLT Power Inc. Cash used for investing activities during the twelve months ended March 31, 1998 reflected the proceeds received in 1997 from the sale of streetlights to the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Cash used for financing activities decreased for the three-month period primarily because no debt repayments were scheduled during the three months ended March 31, 1999, whereas $51 million in repayments were made in the three months ended March 31, 1998. Cash used for financing activities increased for the twelve-month period due to the effect of KCPL Financing I, a wholly-owned subsidiary of KCPL, issuing $150 million of preferred securities in April 1997, which decreased cash used for financing activities for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998. KCPL's common dividend payout ratio was 89% for the twelve months ended March 31, 1999, and 98% for the twelve months ended March 31, 1998. We expect to meet day-to-day operations, utility construction requirements and dividends with internally-generated funds. KCPL might not be able to meet these requirements with internally-generated funds because of the effect of inflation on operating expenses, the level of mwh sales, regulatory actions, compliance with future environment regulations and the availability of generating units (see discussion below). The funds needed to retire $394 million of maturing debt through the year 2003 will be provided from operations, refinancings or short-term debt. KCPL might issue additional debt and/or additional equity to finance growth or take advantage of new opportunities. On February 17, 1999, an explosion occurred at Hawthorn 5. The boiler was not operating at the time, and there were no injuries. Though the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, preliminary results indicate that the damage was caused by an explosion of accumulated gas in the boiler's firebox. KCPL has insurance coverage for this type of event, with limits of $300 million. Work has begun to dismantle the damaged boiler. 24
As a result of the explosion, we estimate a net increase in expense of between $6.5 million and $11.5 million (before tax) for the year 1999. These expenses assume normal weather and operating conditions and include the effect of increased net replacement power costs, reduced bulk power sales and reduction of certain operating and maintenance expenses. We will continue to evaluate any impact on future years. We do not anticipate rate increases as a result of the explosion. We are evaluating several alternatives for replacing the power generated by Hawthorn 5 and are confident that we can secure sufficient power to meet the energy needs of KCPL's customers during this summer and beyond. Even prior to the explosion, we were finalizing contracts to bring on line an additional 294 megawatts of capacity by the summer of 2000 in addition to Hawthorn No. 6, a 141- megawatt, gas-fired combustion turbine, projected to be placed into commercial operation during the spring of 1999. We also plan to permanently replace the lost capacity at Hawthorn and are exploring size, fuel source and technology alternatives. 25
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings Kansas City Power & Light Co. v. Western Resources, Inc., et al. In Kansas City Power & Light Co. v. Western Resources, Inc., et al . (previously discussed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998), the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit upheld on March 17, 1999 the District Court's award of approximately $500,000 in attorneys' fees. The Company does not intend to pursue this matter further. Merger Regulatory Proceedings The Amended Merger Agreement with Western Resources continues to be subject to regulatory and governmental approvals including the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC), the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Merger hearings before the KCC began May 3, 1999, and the hearings before the MPSC are scheduled to begin on July 26, 1999. The orders in those two proceedings are expected this fall. The FERC hearing is scheduled to begin October 25, 1999. Unless a settlement is reached with the FERC, an order is not expected until the first quarter of 2000. (For more information on merger, see Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 8 of this Form 10-Q). Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. Exhibits Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule (for the three months ended Mach 31, 1999). Reports on Form 8-K A report on Form 8-K was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 1999, with attached Stipulation and Agreement entered into January 26, 1999, by and among Kansas City Power & Light Company, Staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission and Office of Public Counsel. A report on Form 8-K was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 1999, with attached press release reporting on an explosion that occurred at the Company's Hawthorn Generating Station. A report on Form 8-K was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 2, 1999, with attached press release concerning the Company's insurance coverage at its Hawthorn Generating Station. 26
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY Dated: May 13, 1999 By: /s/Drue Jennings (Drue Jennings) (Chief Executive Officer) Dated: May 13, 1999 By: /s/Neil Roadman (Neil Roadman) (Principal Accounting Officer)
UT 1,000 3-MOS Dec-31-1999 Mar-31-1999 PER-BOOK 2,310,192 362,949 126,441 169,380 0 2,968,962 449,697 (1,668) 428,948 877,519 62 89,000 712,423 14,058 0 0 205,878 0 0 0 1,070,564 2,968,962 190,734 9,210 155,589 164,799 25,935 2,766 28,701 16,818 11,883 947 10,936 25,687 13,331 49,356 0.18 0.18