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Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006

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 1-7324

 


KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Kansas   48-1093840

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

777 West Central, P.O. BOX 208, Wichita, Kansas 67201 (316) 261-6611

(Address, including Zip Code and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Check one:

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨

   Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Common Stock, No Par Value                      1,000 Shares                  
(Class)    (Outstanding at November 3, 2006)

Registrant meets the conditions of General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q for certain wholly-owned subsidiaries and is therefore filing this form with a reduced disclosure format.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

PART I. Financial Information

  

    Item 1.

   Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited)   
   Balance Sheets    5
   Statements of Income    6-7
   Statements of Cash Flows    8
   Notes to Condensed Financial Statements    9

    Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17

    Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    28

    Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    28

PART II. Other Information

  

    Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    29

    Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    29

    Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    29

    Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    29

    Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    29

    Item 5.

   Other Information    29

    Item 6.

   Exhibits    29

Signature

   30

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like we “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “pro forma,” “estimate,” “intend” and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Such statements address future events and conditions concerning:

 

    capital expenditures,

 

    earnings,

 

    liquidity and capital resources,

 

    litigation,

 

    accounting matters,

 

    possible corporate restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions,

 

    compliance with debt and other restrictive covenants,

 

    interest rates,

 

    environmental matters,

 

    nuclear operations, and

 

    the overall economy of our service area.

What happens in each case could vary materially from what we expect because of such things as:

 

    electric utility deregulation or re-regulation,

 

    regulated and competitive markets,

 

    economic and capital market conditions,

 

    changes in accounting requirements and other accounting matters,

 

    changing weather,

 

    the ultimate impact of the rulings by the Kansas Court of Appeals arising from appeals filed by interveners of portions of the Kansas Corporation Commission’s December 28, 2005 rate order,

 

    the outcome of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission transmission formula rate application filed on May 2, 2005,

 

    the impact of regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, including the development of new market mechanisms for energy markets in which we participate,

 

    rates, cost recoveries and other regulatory matters including the outcome of our request for reconsideration of the September 6, 2006 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order,

 

    the impact of changes and downturns in the energy industry and the market for trading wholesale electricity,

 

    the outcome of the notice of violation received by Westar Energy, Inc. on January 22, 2004 from the Environmental Protection Agency and other environmental matters,

 

    political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments at the municipal, state and federal level,

 

    the impact of changes in interest rates,

 

    the impact of changes in interest rates on Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation’s pension and other post-retirement benefit liability calculations, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on pension plan assets,

 

    the impact of changes in estimates regarding our Wolf Creek Generating Station decommissioning obligation,

 

    changes in regulation of nuclear generating facilities and nuclear materials and fuel, including possible shutdown of nuclear generating facilities,

 

    uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal,

 

    regulatory requirements for utility service reliability,

 

    homeland security considerations,

 

    coal, natural gas, oil and wholesale electricity prices,

 

    availability and timely provision of our fuel supply, and

 

    other circumstances affecting anticipated operations, sales and costs.

 

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These lists are not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. This report should be read in its entirety and in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. No one section of this report deals with all aspects of the subject matter and additional information on some matters that could impact our operations and financial results may be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and we are not obligated to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2006
    December 31,
2005
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5     $ 2,478  

Accounts receivable, net

     88,756       124,408  

Inventories and supplies, net

     69,435       57,668  

Energy marketing contracts

     5,997       3,869  

Deferred tax assets

     —         4,320  

Prepaid expenses

     35,853       25,245  

Regulatory assets

     12,145       17,326  

Other

     5,624       2,136  
                

Total Current Assets

     217,815       237,450  
                

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

     2,345,931       2,341,388  
                

OTHER ASSETS:

    

Regulatory assets

     236,231       258,683  

Nuclear decommissioning trust

     103,663       100,803  

Other

     35,789       33,255  
                

Total Other Assets

     375,683       392,741  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 2,939,429     $ 2,971,579  
                

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ —       $ 100,000  

Accounts payable

     42,256       26,088  

Payable to affiliates

     12,919       154,630  

Accrued interest

     5,559       6,092  

Accrued taxes

     34,342       35,499  

Energy marketing contracts

     1,212       4,170  

Current deferred tax liability

     18       —    

Other

     41,345       35,140  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     137,651       361,619  
                

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

    

Long-term debt, net

     387,428       387,427  

Deferred income taxes

     620,404       637,226  

Unamortized investment tax credits

     41,679       44,105  

Deferred gain from sale-leaseback

     126,391       130,513  

Asset retirement obligations

     76,729       123,412  

Other

     126,725       132,673  
                

Total Long-Term Liabilities

     1,379,356       1,455,356  
                

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 7)

    

SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY:

    

Common stock, without par value; authorized and issued 1,000 shares

     1,065,634       1,065,634  

Paid in capital

     220,000       —    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

     (2,779 )     (2,779 )

Retained earnings

     139,567       91,749  
                

Total Shareholder’s Equity

     1,422,422       1,154,604  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

   $ 2,939,429     $ 2,971,579  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2006     2005  

SALES

   $ 238,840     $ 229,058  
                

OPERATING EXPENSES:

    

Fuel and purchased power

     68,904       77,976  

Operating and maintenance

     60,210       59,832  

Depreciation and amortization

     26,555       23,185  

Selling, general and administrative

     20,100       20,862  
                

Total Operating Expenses

     175,769       181,855  
                

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     63,071       47,203  
                

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

    

Other income

     4,282       11,862  

Other expense

     (4,271 )     (5,094 )
                

Total Other Income

     11       6,768  
                

Interest expense

     4,740       7,094  
                

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     58,342       46,877  

Income tax expense

     11,461       10,334  
                

NET INCOME

   $ 46,881     $ 36,543  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2006     2005  

SALES

   $ 564,221     $ 575,838  
                

OPERATING EXPENSES:

    

Fuel and purchased power

     151,841       184,543  

Operating and maintenance

     182,923       178,712  

Depreciation and amortization

     78,300       69,242  

Selling, general and administrative

     58,169       60,617  
                

Total Operating Expenses

     471,233       493,114  
                

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     92,988       82,724  
                

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

    

Other income

     20,254       30,805  

Other expense

     (10,333 )     (13,102 )
                

Total Other Income

     9,921       17,703  
                

Interest expense

     13,834       21,243  
                

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     89,075       79,184  

Income tax expense

     17,353       14,159  
                

NET INCOME

   $ 71,722     $ 65,025  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2006     2005  
          

Revised

(See Note 2)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 71,722     $ 65,025  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     78,300       69,242  

Amortization of nuclear fuel

     11,698       9,368  

Amortization of deferred gain from sale-leaseback

     (4,121 )     (7,095 )

Amortization of prepaid corporate-owned life insurance

     11,041       10,504  

Net deferred taxes and credits

     10,998       22,044  

Net changes in energy marketing assets and liabilities

     (5,170 )     6,377  

Changes in working capital items:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     35,652       (25,665 )

Inventories and supplies

     (11,768 )     9,558  

Prepaid expenses and other

     (44,643 )     (43,766 )

Accounts payable

     5,869       (19,267 )

Payable to affiliates

     (21,554 )     60,450  

Other current liabilities

     (6,574 )     6,212  

Changes in other, assets

     (1,105 )     (38,984 )

Changes in other, liabilities

     (62,307 )     (19,477 )
                

Cash flows from operating activities

     68,038       104,526  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (109,687 )     (60,251 )

Purchase of securities within the nuclear decommissioning trust fund

     (295,366 )     (271,325 )

Sale of securities within the nuclear decommissioning trust fund

     291,961       267,613  

Investment in corporate-owned life insurance

     (19,127 )     (19,346 )

Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance

     9,503       10,794  

Proceeds from other investments

     3,068       10,590  
                

Cash flows used in investing activities

     (119,648 )     (61,925 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from long-term debt

     99,662       —    

Retirements of long-term debt

     (200,000 )     (65,000 )

Investment by parent

     100,000       —    

Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance

     58,370       56,532  

Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance

     (8,895 )     (11,172 )

Dividends to parent company

     —         (20,000 )
                

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     49,137       (39,640 )
                

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (2,473 )     2,961  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

    

Beginning of period

     2,478       812  
                

End of period

   $ 5     $ 3,773  
                

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

    

CASH PAID FOR:

    

Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized

   $ 12,481     $ 19,431  

NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:

    

Property, plant and equipment additions

   $ 12,559     $ 1,123  

NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTION:

    

Conversion of intercompany payable

   $ 120,000     $ —    

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Kansas Gas and Electric Company is a regulated electric utility incorporated in 1990 in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q to “the company,” “KGE,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar words are to Kansas Gas and Electric Company.

We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Westar Energy, Inc. and we provide rate-regulated electric service, together with the electric utility operations of Westar Energy, using the name Westar Energy. We provide electric generation, transmission and distribution services to approximately 308,000 customers in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. We own a 47% interest in the Wolf Creek Generating Station (Wolf Creek), a nuclear power plant located near Burlington, Kansas.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

We prepare our condensed financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Prior to April 1, 2006, we consolidated WR Receivables, for which all intercompany transactions and balances were eliminated. As discussed in Note 4, “Accounts Receivable Sales Program,” we terminated our accounts receivable sales program. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements, have been included.

The accompanying condensed financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (2005 Form 10-K).

Use of Management’s Estimates

When we prepare our financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to bad debts, inventories, valuation of commodity contracts, depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of our energy marketing portfolio, intangible assets, fuel costs billed under the terms of our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA), income taxes, our portion of Wolf Creek’s pension and other post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations including decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

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New Accounting Pronouncements

SFAS No. 158 – Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” Under the new standard, companies must recognize a net liability or asset to report the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on their balance sheets. The recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158 are required to be adopted as of December 31, 2006. We are still evaluating the final impact this standard will have on our financial statements, but believe at this time that it will decrease equity by approximately $10.0 million, net of tax. We are pursuing regulatory authority to allow us to recognize this item as a regulatory asset pursuant to SFAS No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,” rather than as a charge to equity. The actual impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 158 could differ significantly from this estimate due to plan asset performance for the year, the discount rates in effect when plan liabilities are measured and regulatory treatment.

SFAS No. 157 – Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, FASB released SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We anticipate adopting the guidance effective January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating what impact the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial statements.

SAB No. 108 – Effects of Prior Year Misstatements on Current Year Financial Statements

In September 2006, the staff of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) released Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108 on Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. SAB No. 108 provides guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year financial statement misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. Prior practice allowed the evaluation of materiality on the basis of either (1) the error quantified as the amount by which the current year income statement was misstated (rollover method) or (2) the cumulative error quantified as the cumulative amount by which the current year balance sheet was misstated (iron curtain method). The guidance provided in SAB No. 108 requires both methods to be used in quantifying a misstatement. This guidance should be applied to annual financial statements for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The cumulative effect of the change in method of quantifying errors, if any, can be reported in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that fiscal year with the offsetting adjustment made to the opening balance of retained earnings for that year. Alternatively, a company may restate prior periods. SAB No. 108 requires disclosure of the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected in the cumulative adjustment, as well as disclosure of when and how each error being corrected arose and the fact that the errors had previously been considered immaterial. We are currently evaluating the effect this bulletin will have on our financial statements, but believe it will not have an impact.

FIN 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In July 2006, FASB released FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how companies should recognize, measure and disclose in their financial statements uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We anticipate adopting the guidance effective January 1, 2007. We are currently evaluating what impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our financial statements.

 

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Reclassifications and Revisions

We have reclassified and revised certain prior year amounts to conform with classifications used in the current-year presentation as necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements. We have revised the prior year’s presentation of our consolidated statements of cash flows to reflect investments in and proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities in our nuclear decommissioning trust on a gross basis, rather than net.

3. RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION

Potential Changes in Rates

In accordance with a 2003 Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) order, on May 2, 2005, we and Westar Energy filed applications with the KCC for it to review our retail electric rates. On December 28, 2005, the KCC issued an order (2005 KCC Order) authorizing changes in our rates, which we began billing in the first quarter of 2006, and approving various other changes to our rate structures. The new rates are discussed in greater detail in our 2005 Form 10-K. In April 2006, interveners to the rate review filed appeals with the Kansas Court of Appeals challenging various aspects of the 2005 KCC Order. On July 7, 2006, the Kansas Court of Appeals reversed and remanded for further consideration by the KCC three elements of the 2005 KCC Order. The balance of the 2005 KCC Order was upheld.

The Kansas Court of Appeals held: (1) the KCC’s approval of a transmission delivery charge, in the circumstances of this case, violated the Kansas statutes that authorize a transmission delivery charge, (2) the KCC’s approval of recovery of terminal net salvage, adjusted for inflation, in our depreciation rates was not supported by substantial competent evidence, and (3) the KCC’s reversal of its prior rate treatment of the La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne) Unit 2 sale-leaseback transaction was not sufficiently justified and was thus unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious.

At this time, we are unable to predict the ultimate impact of the decision by the Kansas Court of Appeals or when we will be able to determine such impact. We believe the decision on these three issues was erroneous and we and one other party have filed petitions for review of the decision with the Kansas Supreme Court setting forth the reasons we believe the decision should be reversed. The Kansas Supreme Court has discretion to grant or deny the petitions for review and has not yet ruled on the petitions. If the Kansas Supreme Court does not grant the petitions for review, or affirms the decision of the Kansas Court of Appeals, on remand the KCC will consider further the portions of its order that were reversed. We are unable to predict the actions the KCC may take on the relevant issues. On remand, the KCC could require that we refund amounts collected to date to the extent that such amounts exceed the amounts authorized in a new order issued by the KCC. We have not recorded any potential refund obligations related to these issues.

We are currently recovering approximately $5.0 million annually related to terminal net salvage. Through September 30, 2006, we have recovered $3.5 million. If we cannot continue recovering terminal net salvage, the impact would be a decrease in cash flow. Amounts we are currently recovering in rates for terminal net salvage are recorded as a regulatory liability. If the rate treatment of the La Cygne Unit 2 sale-leaseback transaction is reversed, the impact would be an annual decrease of approximately $8.0 million in our income from operations.

 

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FERC Proceedings

Request for Change in Transmission Rates

On May 2, 2005, we and Westar Energy filed applications with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that proposed a formula transmission rate providing for annual adjustments to reflect changes in our transmission costs. This is consistent with our proposals filed with the KCC on May 2, 2005 to charge retail customers separately for transmission service through a transmission delivery charge. These proposed FERC transmission rates became effective, subject to refund, December 1, 2005. We reached a settlement with all parties in the FERC transmission rate proceeding. The parties submitted the settlement to the FERC settlement judge on July 7, 2006 and the judge subsequently certified the settlement for approval. We anticipate a decision from FERC during the fourth quarter of 2006. We can provide no assurance that FERC will ultimately approve the settlement. As of September 30, 2006 we had recorded a refund obligation of $1.1 million, which we believe to be consistent with the provisions of the July 7, 2006 settlement agreement.

Market-based Rates

On March 23, 2005, FERC instituted a proceeding concerning the reasonableness of Westar Energy’s and our market-based rates in our electric control areas and the electrical control areas of Midwest Energy, Inc. and Aquila, Inc.’s West Plains – Kansas Energy division. Westar Energy and we provided FERC with information it requested for its analysis. On September 6, 2006, FERC issued an order (2006 FERC Order) conditionally accepting a settlement that confirms the cost-based prices Westar Energy and we can charge for future wholesale power sales made inside the referenced control areas. In addition, FERC confirmed that Westar Energy and we can charge market-based prices for future wholesale power sales made outside the referenced control areas. We do not expect this portion of the 2006 FERC Order to significantly impact our future consolidated results of operations.

The 2006 FERC Order also requires that Westar Energy and we make refunds, with interest, to the extent that we made wholesale power sales after June 7, 2005 at prices above the prices permitted under the mitigation proposal accepted by FERC. This refund obligation applies to certain wholesale power sales made inside the referenced control areas for consumption outside the referenced control areas at market-based prices that exceeded the cost-based prices permitted by the 2006 FERC Order.

We believe our potential refund liability is limited principally to wholesale power sales made at market-based prices after June 7, 2005 inside the referenced control areas for consumption outside the referenced control areas. We believe the potential refund liability does not apply, for example, to any wholesale power sales made outside the referenced control areas for delivery and consumption outside the referenced control areas or to sales made to other utilities under long-term cost-based contracts or cost-of-service tariffs. Substantially all of our market-based wholesale sales made after April 2006 were sold outside the referenced control areas for delivery and consumption outside the referenced control areas. Furthermore, we believe that any refund liability will reduce the credit we are required to make under our retail energy cost adjustment to recoverable fuel costs based on the average of the margins realized from market-based wholesale sales. We have recorded a refund obligation of $0.4 million as of September 30, 2006, which we believe is consistent with the provisions of the 2006 FERC Order.

Westar Energy and we requested a rehearing of the 2006 FERC Order and are considering other administrative or legal remedies that may be available to us.

4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SALES PROGRAM

We terminated our accounts receivable sales program in March 2006. As of December 31, 2005, $65.0 million was sold to the bank and commercial paper conduit.

 

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5. DEBT FINANCINGS

During the three months ended September 30, 2006 we and Westar Energy converted $120.0 million from an intercompany payable we owed Westar Energy to equity. This was a non-cash conversion.

On June 1, 2006, we refinanced $100.0 million of pollution control bonds, which were to mature in 2031. We replaced this issue with two new pollution control bond series of $50.0 million each. One series carries an interest rate of 4.85% and matures in 2031. The second series carries a variable interest rate and also matures in 2031.

On March 17, 2006, Westar Energy amended and restated its revolving credit facility dated May 6, 2005 to increase the size of the facility, extend its term and reduce borrowing costs. The amended and restated revolving credit facility matures on March 17, 2011. So long as there is no default or event of default under the revolving credit facility, Westar Energy may elect to extend the term of the credit facility for up to an additional two years, subject to lender participation. The facility allows Westar Energy to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million, including letters of credit up to a maximum aggregate amount of $150.0 million. Westar Energy may elect, subject to FERC approval, to increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under the facility to $750.0 million by increasing the commitment of one or more lenders who have agreed to such increase, or by adding one or more new lenders with the consent of the Administrative Agent and any letter of credit issuing bank, which will not be unreasonably withheld, so long as there is no default or event of default under the revolving credit facility.

On January 17, 2006, we repaid $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.2% first mortgage bonds with funds made available from a capital contribution from Westar Energy.

6. INCOME TAXES AND TAXES OTHER THAN INCOME TAXES

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $11.5 million with an effective income tax rate of 20% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, and $10.3 million with an effective income tax rate of 22% for the same period of 2005. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due to increases in non-taxable income from corporate-owned life insurance and the deduction for qualified domestic production activities, and the reversal of tax reserves as a result of a favorable re-evaluation of uncertain tax positions.

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $17.4 million with an effective income tax rate of 20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and $14.2 million with an effective income tax rate of 18% for the same period of 2005. The increase in the effective tax rate is due primarily to a change in our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate. This was partially offset by increases in non-taxable income from corporate-owned life insurance and the deduction for qualified domestic production activities, and the reversal of tax reserves as a result of a favorable re-evaluation of uncertain tax positions.

We are a member of Westar Energy’s consolidated tax group. We file consolidated tax returns with Westar Energy. Westar Energy allocates to us our pro rata portion of consolidated income taxes based on our contribution to consolidated taxable income.

 

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As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, we had recorded a reserve for uncertain tax positions of $2.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The tax positions may involve income, deductions or credits reported in prior year income tax returns that we believe were treated properly on such tax returns. The tax returns containing these tax reporting positions are currently under audit or will likely be audited by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities. The timing of the resolution of these audits is uncertain. If the positions taken on the tax returns are ultimately upheld or not challenged within the time available for such challenges, we will reverse these tax provisions to income. If the positions taken on the tax returns are determined to be inappropriate, we may be required to make cash payments for taxes and interest. The reserves are determined based on our best estimate of probable assessments by the applicable taxing authorities and are adjusted, from time to time, based on changing facts and circumstances. During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we reassessed the liability related to uncertain income tax positions and reduced our tax reserve by $1.3 million. The decrease in the reserve was offset by additional interest accruals.

As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, we also had a reserve for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes of approximately $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Projects

Kansas City Power & Light Company began updating or installing additional equipment related to emissions controls at La Cygne Unit 1 in 2005. We will continue to incur costs through the scheduled completion in 2009. We anticipate that our share of these capital costs may be approximately $105.0 million. Additionally, we have identified the potential for up to $225.0 million of capital expenditures at other power plants for environmental projects during approximately the next eight years. This amount could increase depending on the resolution of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New Source Review described below. In addition to the capital investment, were we to install such equipment, we anticipate that we would incur significant annual expense to operate and maintain the equipment and the operation of the equipment would reduce net production from our plants. The environmental cost recovery rider (ECRR) approved in the 2005 KCC Order allows for the timely inclusion in rates of capital expenditures tied directly to environmental improvements required by the Clean Air Act. However, increased operating and maintenance costs, other than expenses related to production-related consumables, such as limestone, can be recovered only through a change in base rates following a rate review.

The degree to which we will need to reduce emissions and the timing of when such emissions controls may be required is uncertain. Both the timing and the nature of required investments depend on specific outcomes that result from interpretation of regulations, new regulations, legislation, and the resolution of the EPA New Source Review described below. In addition, the availability of equipment and contractors can affect the timing and ultimate cost of equipment installation. Whether through base rates or the ECRR, we expect to recover such costs through the rates we charge our customers.

EPA New Source Review

Under Section 114(a) of the Clean Air Act (Section 114), the EPA is conducting investigations nationwide to determine whether modifications at coal-fired power plants are subject to New Source Review requirements or New Source Performance Standards. These investigations focus on whether projects at coal-fired plants were routine maintenance or whether the projects were substantial modifications that could have reasonably been expected to result in a significant net increase in emissions. The Clean Air Act requires companies to obtain permits and, if necessary, install control equipment to remove emissions when making a major modification or a change in operation if either is expected to cause a significant net increase in emissions.

The EPA requested information from Westar Energy under Section 114 regarding projects and maintenance activities that have been conducted since 1980 at three coal-fired plants it operates. On January 22, 2004, the EPA notified Westar Energy that certain projects completed at Jeffrey Energy Center violated pre-construction permitting requirements of the Clean Air Act.

 

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Westar Energy is in discussions with the EPA concerning this matter in an attempt to reach a settlement. Westar Energy expects that any settlement with the EPA could require Westar Energy to update or install emissions controls at Jeffrey Energy Center. Additionally, Westar Energy might be required to update or install emissions controls at its other coal-fired plants, pay fines or penalties, or take other remedial action. Together, these costs could be material. The EPA has informed Westar Energy that it has referred this matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the DOJ to consider whether to pursue an enforcement action in federal district court. We believe that costs related to updating or installing emissions controls would qualify for recovery through the ECRR. If Westar Energy were to reach a settlement with the EPA, Westar Energy may be assessed a penalty. The penalty could be material and may not be recovered in rates. We anticipate that a portion of any of these potential costs would be allocated to us. We are not able to estimate the possible loss or range of loss at this time.

8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believe that adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. See also Note 3 and 7 for discussion of a decision made by the Kansas Court of Appeals regarding our rates and alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.

9. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (WCNOC), the operating company for Wolf Creek, filed a request for a 20 year extension of Wolf Creek’s operating license with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in September 2006. Currently, the operating license will expire in 2025. We anticipate that the NRC may take up to two years before it rules on the request. The NRC may impose conditions as part of any approval. Based on the experience of other nuclear plant operators, we believe that the NRC will ultimately approve the request. Therefore, we have adjusted our asset retirement obligation (ARO) to reflect the revision in our estimate of the timing of the cash flows that we will incur to satisfy this obligation.

The change in the balance of the ARO liability from December 31, 2005 through September 30, 2006 is summarized in the following table.

 

Balance as of December 31, 2005

   $  123,412  

Liabilities incurred

     169  

Liabilities settled

     (146 )

Accretion expense

     6,798  

Revision to nuclear decommissioning ARO liability

     (53,504 )
        

Balance as of September 30, 2006

   $ 76,729  
        

10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Westar Energy provides all employees we use. Our cash management function is performed by Westar Energy. Certain operating expenses have been allocated to us from Westar Energy. These expenses are allocated, depending on the nature of the expense, based on allocation studies, net investment, number of customers and/or other appropriate factors. We believe such allocation procedures are reasonable.

We and Westar Energy have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, affiliate transactions in the normal course of business. These transactions primarily consist of power purchases and sales between us and Westar Energy. In addition, we have purchased, and may purchase or sell in the future, emissions allowances from or to Westar Energy.

 

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Westar Energy operates our combined system based on what is most economical for the combined companies at any given time. When less expensive power is available from Westar Energy’s central and northeastern Kansas control area, the cost for the power allocated to us is typically higher than when less expensive power is available in our control area.

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we and Westar Energy converted $120.0 million of the intercompany payable to equity. This was a non-cash conversion.

We did not pay any dividends to Westar Energy for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. We declared and paid dividends of $20.0 million to Westar Energy for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

11. WOLF CREEK INTERIM PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT DISCLOSURE

As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, we are indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement plans. The following tables summarize the net periodic costs for our 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans.

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

   Pension Benefits     Post-retirement Benefits
   2006     2005     2006    2005
     (In Thousands)

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):

         

Service cost

   $ 812     $ 705     $ 62    $ 60

Interest cost

     1,073       932       102      96

Expected return on plan assets

     (857 )     (779 )     —        —  

Amortization of Unrealized:

         

Transition obligation, net

     14       14       15      15

Prior service costs

     8       8       —        —  

Actuarial loss, net

     453       336       49      42
                             

Net periodic cost

   $ 1,503     $ 1,216     $ 228    $ 213
                             

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

   Pension Benefits     Post-retirement Benefits
   2006     2005     2006    2005
     (In Thousands)

Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):

         

Service cost

   $ 2,430     $ 2,121     $ 186    $ 179

Interest cost

     3,212       2,806       308      288

Expected return on plan assets

     (2,565 )     (2,344 )     —        —  

Amortization of Unrealized:

         

Transition obligation, net

     42       42       45      45

Prior service costs

     24       24       —        —  

Actuarial loss, net

     1,357       1,010       147      126
                             

Net periodic cost

   $ 4,500     $ 3,659     $ 686    $ 638
                             

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

We are a regulated electric utility in Kansas and a wholly owned subsidiary of Westar Energy. We provide rate-regulated electric service, together with the electric utility operations of Westar Energy, using the name Westar Energy. We produce, transmit and sell electricity at retail in Kansas under the regulation of the KCC and at wholesale in a multi-state region in the central United States under the regulation of FERC.

In Management’s Discussion and Analysis, we discuss our general financial condition, significant changes that occurred during 2006, and our operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. As you read Management’s Discussion and Analysis, please refer to our condensed financial statements and the accompanying notes, which contain our operating results.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Potential Changes in Rates

In accordance with a 2003 KCC order, on May 2, 2005, we and Westar Energy filed applications with the KCC for it to review our retail electric rates. The 2005 KCC Order authorized changes in our rates, which we began billing in the first quarter of 2006, and approved various other changes to our rate structures. The new rates are discussed in greater detail in our 2005 Form 10-K. In April 2006, interveners to the rate review filed appeals with the Kansas Court of Appeals challenging various aspects of the 2005 KCC Order. On July 7, 2006, the Kansas Court of Appeals reversed and remanded for further consideration by the KCC three elements of the 2005 KCC Order. The balance of the 2005 KCC Order was upheld. We and one other party have filed petitions for review of the decision with the Kansas Supreme Court. For additional information, see Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, “Rate Matters and Regulation.”

Corporate-Owned Life Insurance

Our earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 reflect income of $3.9 million and $15.5 million, respectively, from proceeds of corporate-owned life insurance. This is included in other income in the statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Coal Inventory and Delivery

Coal deliveries from the Powder River Basin region of Wyoming to our coal-fired generating stations have improved recently; however, they continue to be below both historical experience and the rate at which we desire to receive deliveries. During 2005 and the first nine months of 2006, we implemented compensating measures based on delivery cycle times, our assumptions about future delivery cycle times, fuel usage and planned inventory levels. These measures have resulted in an increase in our inventory levels. We may continue to use those or other measures as conditions require. The compensating measures include, but are not limited to: reducing coal consumption during certain periods, revising normal operational dispatch of our generating units, purchasing power from others, reducing wholesale sales and leasing or acquiring additional rail cars. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the effects of additional purchased power expense and the reduction in sales due to slower coal deliveries have been partially offset by higher market-based wholesale sales prices. During the last quarter of 2006, we began operating our plants unrestricted by coal conservation.

 

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Market-based Rates

On March 23, 2005, FERC instituted a proceeding concerning the reasonableness of Westar Energy’s and our market-based rates in our electric control area and the electrical control areas of Midwest Energy, Inc. and Aquila, Inc.’s West Plains –Kansas Energy division. Westar Energy and we provided FERC with information it requested for its analysis. On September 6, 2006, FERC issued an order conditionally accepting a settlement that confirms the cost-based prices we can charge for future wholesale power sales made inside the referenced control areas. The 2006 FERC Order also requires that Westar Energy and we make refunds, with interest, to the extent that we made wholesale power sales after June 7, 2005 at prices above the prices permitted under the mitigation proposal accepted by FERC. Westar Energy and we requested a rehearing of the 2006 FERC Order and are considering other administrative or legal remedies that may be available to us. For additional information see Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, “Rate Matters and Regulation – FERC Proceedings –Market-based Rates.”

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” contains a summary of our significant accounting policies, many of which require the use of estimates and assumptions by management. The policies highlighted in our 2005 Form 10-K have an impact on our reported results that may be material due to the levels of judgment and subjectivity necessary to account for uncertain matters or their susceptibility to change.

As of September 30, 2006, ARO estimates were revised as discussed below. We have not experienced any other significant changes in our critical accounting estimates. For additional information, see our 2005 Form 10-K.

Asset Retirement Obligations

In September 2006, we revised our estimate of the timing of cash flows related to the decommissioning of Wolf Creek and adjusted our related ARO liability as discussed in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, “Asset Retirement Obligations.”

 

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OPERATING RESULTS

We evaluate operating results based on net income. We have various classifications of sales, defined as follows:

Retail: Sales of energy made to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Other retail: Sales of energy for lighting public streets and highways, net of revenue subject to refund.

Tariff-based wholesale: Sales of energy to electric cooperatives, municipalities and other electric utilities, the rates for which are generally based on traditional cost-of-service pricing as prescribed by FERC tariffs. This category also includes changes in valuations of contracts that have yet to settle.

Market-based wholesale: Sales of energy to wholesale customers, the rates for which are generally based on prevailing market prices as allowed by our FERC approved market-based tariff, or where not permitted, pricing is based on incremental cost plus a permitted margin. This category also includes changes in valuations of contracts that have yet to settle.

Energy marketing: Includes (1) financially settled products and physical transactions sourced outside our control area; and (2) changes in valuations for contracts that have yet to settle that may not be recorded in tariff- or market-based wholesale revenues.

Transmission: Reflects transmission revenues, including those based on a tariff with the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).

Other: Miscellaneous electric revenues including ancillary service revenues and rent from electric property leased to others.

Regulated electric utility sales are significantly impacted by such things as rate regulation, customer conservation efforts, wholesale demand, the economy of our service area, the weather and competitive forces. Our wholesale sales are impacted by, among other factors, demand, cost of fuel and purchased power, price volatility, available generation capacity and transmission availability. Changing weather affects the amount of electricity our customers use. Very hot summers and very cold winters prompt more demand, especially among our residential customers. Mild weather reduces demand.

 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

Below we discuss our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the results for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Changes in results of operations are as follows.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005     Change     % Change  
     (In Thousands)  

SALES:

        

Residential

   $ 89,669     $ 86,339     $ 3,330     3.9  

Commercial

     61,142       56,256       4,886     8.7  

Industrial

     47,758       41,435       6,323     15.3  

Other retail

     672       200       472     236.0  
                          

Total Retail Sales

     199,241       184,230       15,011     8.1  

Tariff-based wholesale

     11,146       11,876       (730 )   (6.1 )

Market-based wholesale

     11,254       23,589       (12,335 )   (52.3 )

Energy marketing

     2,810       (2,812 )     5,622     199.9  

Transmission (a)

     10,727       8,996       1,731     19.2  

Other

     3,662       3,179       483     15.2  
                          

Total Sales

     238,840       229,058       9,782     4.3  
                          

OPERATING EXPENSES:

        

Fuel and purchased power (b)

     68,904       77,976       (9,072 )   (11.6 )

Operating and maintenance

     60,210       59,832       378     0.6  

Depreciation and amortization

     26,555       23,185       3,370     14.5  

Selling, general and administrative

     20,100       20,862       (762 )   (3.7 )
                          

Total Operating Expenses

     175,769       181,855       (6,086 )   (3.3 )
                          

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     63,071       47,203       15,868     33.6  
                          

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

        

Other income

     4,282       11,862       (7,580 )   (63.9 )

Other expense

     (4,271 )     (5,094 )     823     16.2  
                          

Total Other Income

     11       6,768       (6,757 )   (99.8 )
                          

Interest expense

     4,740       7,094       (2,354 )   (33.2 )
                          

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     58,342       46,877       11,465     24.5  

Income tax expense

     11,461       10,334       1,127     10.9  
                          

NET INCOME

   $ 46,881     $ 36,543     $ 10,338     28.3  
                          

(a) Transmission: Includes the SPP network transmission tariff. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, our SPP network transmission costs were $10.1 million. This amount, less approximately $0.8 million that was retained by the SPP as administration cost, was returned to us as revenue. For the three months ended September 30, 2005, our SPP network transmission costs were approximately $8.1 million with an administration cost of approximately $0.8 million retained by the SPP.
(b) Fuel and purchased power: Includes cost of fuel burned and net dispatch costs allocated to us by Westar Energy.

The following table reflects changes in electric sales volumes, as measured by thousands of megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity. No sales volumes are shown for energy marketing, transmission or other. Energy marketing activities are unrelated to electricity we generate.

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,  
         2006            2005            Change         % Change  
     (Thousands of MWh)  

Residential

   1,062    1,051    11     1.0  

Commercial

   873    878    (5 )   (0.6 )

Industrial

   1,024    945    79     8.4  

Other retail

   9    11    (2 )   (18.2 )
                  

Total Retail

   2,968    2,885    83     2.9  

Tariff-based wholesale

   172    202    (30 )   (14.9 )

Market-based wholesale

   257    421    (164 )   (39.0 )
                  

Total

   3,397    3,508    (111 )   (3.2 )
                  

 

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The increase in retail sales reflects the change in rates, including the effect of implementing the RECA authorized by the 2005 KCC Order, and warmer weather. When measured by cooling degree days, the weather during the three months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately 2% warmer than during the same period last year and approximately 4% warmer than the 20-year average. We measure cooling degree days at weather stations we believe generally to be reflective of conditions in our service territory.

Market-based wholesale sales declined due to a decrease in volumes sold and a 22% decrease in the average price per MWh.

The increase in energy marketing reflects generally favorable contract valuations due primarily to favorable changes in market prices since we entered into the contracts.

The change in fuel and purchased power expense is the result of changing volumes of power produced and purchased, prevailing market prices of fuel and power, contract provisions that allow for price changes and the change in allocated system costs. Purchased power expense decreased 64% due primarily to a 69% reduction in the quantity purchased, while fuel expense increased 8% due to a 6% higher average fuel price and a 1% increase in the quantity of fuel burned. Allocated system costs increased $2.0 million, or 34%. Westar Energy operates our combined system based on what is most economical for the combined companies at any given time. When less expensive power is available from Westar Energy’s central and northeastern Kansas control area, the amount of costs that we are allocated for that power is typically higher than when less expensive power is available in our control area.

Depreciation expense increased due primarily to the change in our depreciation rates. Our retail rates as authorized by the KCC provide for recovery of this increase.

Other income decreased due primarily to the termination of the accounts receivable sales facility. In addition, during the three months ended September 30, 2005, we recorded $1.8 million of interest income on our share of the proceeds related to the settlement of litigation involving Wolf Creek and accrued $0.6 million of carrying costs on the regulatory assets related to the January 2002 and 2005 ice storms. In February 2006, we began amortizing these regulatory assets pursuant to the 2005 KCC Order and no longer accrue carrying costs. The decrease in other income was partially offset by a $3.7 million increase in corporate owned life insurance proceeds.

Interest expense decreased due to our lower debt balance and lower interest rates resulting from the refinancing activities discussed in detail in our 2005 Form 10-K.

Income taxes for the interim periods presented are based on our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and are adjusted for the effect of significant infrequent or unusual items. Our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate may differ from the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35% due to permanent differences between income for financial reporting purposes and income for tax reporting purposes, recognition or reversal of valuation allowances related to capital losses and net operating loss carry forwards and tax credits. The effective income tax rate was 20% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 22% for the same period of 2005. The decrease in the effective tax rate is due primarily to increases in non-taxable income from corporate-owned life insurance and the deduction for qualified domestic production activities, and the reversal of tax reserves as a result of a favorable re-evaluation of uncertain tax positions.

 

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

Below we discuss our operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to the results for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Changes in results of operations are as follows.

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2006     2005     Change     % Change  
     (In Thousands)  

SALES:

        

Residential

   $ 190,440     $ 185,346     $ 5,094     2.7  

Commercial

     147,192       140,983       6,209     4.4  

Industrial

     128,650       116,738       11,912     10.2  

Other retail

     2,394       (98 )     2,492     (c )
                          

Total Retail Sales

     468,676       442,969       25,707     5.8  

Tariff-based wholesale

     24,585       26,922       (2,337 )   (8.7 )

Market-based wholesale

     25,595       71,642       (46,047 )   (64.3 )

Energy marketing

     5,019       (1,913 )     6,932     362.4  

Transmission (a)

     29,660       27,535       2,125     7.7  

Other

     10,686       8,683       2,003     23.1  
                          

Total Sales

     564,221       575,838       (11,617 )   (2.0 )
                          

OPERATING EXPENSES:

        

Fuel and purchased power (b)

     151,841       184,543       (32,702 )   (17.7 )

Operating and maintenance

     182,923       178,712       4,211     2.4  

Depreciation and amortization

     78,300       69,242       9,058     13.1  

Selling, general and administrative

     58,169       60,617       (2,448 )   (4.0 )
                          

Total Operating Expenses

     471,233       493,114       (21,881 )   (4.4 )
                          

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     92,988       82,724       10,264     12.4  
                          

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

        

Other income

     20,254       30,805       (10,551 )   (34.3 )

Other expense

     (10,333 )     (13,102 )     2,769     21.1  
                          

Total Other Income

     9,921       17,703       (7,782 )   (44.0 )
                          

Interest expense

     13,834       21,243       (7,409 )   (34.9 )
                          

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     89,075       79,184       9,891     12.5  

Income tax expense

     17,353       14,159       3,194     22.6  
                          

NET INCOME

   $ 71,722     $ 65,025     $ 6,697     10.3  
                          

(a) Transmission: Includes the SPP network transmission tariff. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, our SPP network transmission costs were $28.6 million. This amount, less $3.6 million that was retained by the SPP as administration cost, was returned to us as revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our SPP network transmission costs were approximately $24.7 million with an administration cost of approximately $1.9 million retained by the SPP.
(b) Fuel and purchased power: Includes cost of fuel burned and net dispatch costs allocated to us by Westar Energy.
(c) Change greater than (1000)%.

The following table reflects changes in electric sales volumes, as measured by thousands of MWh of electricity. No sales volumes are shown for energy marketing, transmission or other. Energy marketing activities are unrelated to electricity we generate.

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
         2006            2005            Change         % Change  
     (Thousands of MWh)  

Residential

   2,414    2,373    41     1.7  

Commercial

   2,255    2,227    28     1.3  

Industrial

   2,906    2,676    230     8.6  

Other retail

   29    33    (4 )   (12.1 )
                  

Total Retail

   7,604    7,309    295     4.0  

Tariff-based wholesale

   433    543    (110 )   (20.3 )

Market-based wholesale

   491    1,588    (1,097 )   (69.1 )
                  

Total

   8,528    9,440    (912 )   (9.7 )
                  

 

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The increase in retail sales reflects the change in rates, including the effect of implementing the RECA, and warmer weather. When measured by cooling degree days, the weather during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was 4% warmer than during the same period last year and 13% warmer than the 20-year average. The increase in industrial sales was due primarily to additional oil refinery load. The change in other retail sales reflects the cessation in December 2005 of the accrual for rebates to customers due to the required amounts having been reached, partially offset by a $1.1 million refund obligation related to a transmission delivery charge that was approved in the 2005 KCC Order.

Tariff-based wholesale sales decreased due primarily to the decline in sales to a co-owner of Wolf Creek. We have an agreement with a co-owner of Wolf Creek to provide it with wholesale power during periods when Wolf Creek is out of service. While Wolf Creek was not out of service during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, during the second quarter of 2005, Wolf Creek was out of service for scheduled refueling and maintenance. Accordingly, we sold significantly more tariff-based wholesale power to this co-owner last year than during the same period this year. The impact of the decline in sales was somewhat mitigated due to the average price being approximately 15% higher and the weather being warmer than during the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Market-based wholesale sales and sales volumes decreased due primarily to coal conservation efforts. The market-based sales we made during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were at an approximate 16% higher average price per MWh than during the same period of 2005.

The increase in energy marketing reflects generally favorable contract valuations due primarily to favorable changes in market prices since we entered into the contracts.

The decrease in fuel and purchased power expense is the result of changing volumes of power produced and purchased, prevailing market prices of fuel, contract provisions that allow for price changes and the change in allocated system costs. Purchased power expense decreased 24% due primarily to a 17% reduction in the quantity purchased, while fuel expense decreased 8% due to a 5% lower average fuel price and a slight decrease in the quantity of fuel burned. Allocated system costs decreased $15.4 million due primarily to Wolf Creek being available more during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 than during the same period of 2005.

Operating and maintenance expense increased due primarily to the amortization of $4.9 million of previously deferred storm restoration expense as authorized by the 2005 KCC Order, a $3.9 million increase in SPP network transmission costs and an increase in maintenance expenses primarily for outages at the La Cygne Generating Station and the Gordon Evans Energy Center. These higher expenses were partially offset by a $5.4 million reduction in the lease expense related to La Cygne Unit 2 and a $2.6 million decrease in taxes other than income taxes, due primarily to higher property taxes. Operating and maintenance expense in 2005 included a $3.5 million charge related to terminating development of a plant operating system at Wolf Creek.

Depreciation expense increased due primarily to the change in our depreciation rates. Our retail rates as authorized by the KCC provide for recovery of this increase.

Selling, general and administrative expense decreased due primarily to a decline in insurance costs, the amortization of the cost savings related to the 2001 sale of an office building previously recorded as a regulatory liability and a decline in uncollectible accounts. Higher employee benefit expenses allocated to us by Westar Energy, due primarily to increased pension and medical costs, partially offset the decrease.

Other income decreased due primarily to the termination of the accounts receivable sales facility. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we recorded $1.8 million of interest income on our share of the proceeds related to the settlement of litigation involving Wolf Creek and accrued $1.5 million of carrying costs on the regulatory assets related to the January 2002 and 2005 ice storms. In February 2006, we began amortizing these regulatory assets pursuant to the 2005 KCC Order and no longer accrue carrying costs. The decrease in other income was partially offset by a $9.6 million increase in corporate owned life insurance proceeds.

 

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Interest expense decreased due to our lower debt balance and lower interest rates resulting from the repayment of first mortgage bonds in January 2006 and the refinancing activities discussed in detail in our 2005 Form 10-K.

Income taxes for the interim periods presented are based on our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate and are adjusted for the effect of significant infrequent or unusual items. Our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate may differ from the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35% due to permanent differences between income for financial reporting purposes and income for tax reporting purposes, recognition or reversal of valuation allowances related to capital losses and net operating loss carry forwards and tax credits. The effective income tax rate was 20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 18% for the same period of 2005. The increase in the effective tax rate is due primarily to a change in our estimate of the annual effective income tax rate. This was partially offset by increases in non-taxable income from corporate-owned life insurance and the deduction for qualified domestic production activities, and the reversal of tax reserves as a result of a favorable re-evaluation of uncertain tax positions.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Below we discuss significant balance sheet changes as of September 30, 2006 compared to December 31, 2005.

Accounts receivable decreased $35.7 million due primarily to no longer consolidating WR Receivables due to the termination of an accounts receivable sales facility.

Inventories and supplies increased due primarily to planned increases in our coal and oil inventories.

Regulatory assets, net of regulatory liabilities, decreased to $183.1 million at September 30, 2006, from $243.9 million at December 31, 2005. Total regulatory assets decreased $27.6 million due primarily to changes in amounts due from customers for future income taxes and the amortization of previously deferred costs associated with the January 2002 and 2005 ice storms and other regulatory assets. Total regulatory liabilities increased $33.2 million due primarily to a $26.2 million increase in the nuclear decommissioning regulatory liability as discussed in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, “Asset Retirement Obligations,” and a $7.0 million increase in other regulatory liabilities.

As of September 30, 2006 we had no current maturities of long-term debt. Current maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2005 consisted of the $100.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 6.2% first mortgage bonds that were redeemed in January 2006.

Payable to affiliates decreased $141.7 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2006 we and Westar Energy converted $120.0 million of the intercompany payable we owed Westar Energy to equity in a non-cash conversion.

Asset retirement obligations decreased $46.7 million. For additional information, see Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, “Asset Retirement Obligations.”

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Most of our cash requirements consist of capital and maintenance expenditures designed to improve and maintain facilities that provide electric service, to meet future customer service requirements and to comply with environmental regulations. Our ability to provide the cash or debt to fund our capital expenditures depends on many things, including available resources, Westar Energy’s and our financial condition and current market conditions.

We expect our internally generated cash, availability of cash through Westar Energy’s credit facilities and access to capital markets to be sufficient to fund operations and debt service payments. We do not maintain independent short-term credit facilities. If Westar Energy is unable to borrow under its credit facilities, we could have a short-term liquidity problem that could require us to obtain a credit facility for our short-term cash needs and that could result in higher borrowing costs.

 

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Debt Financings

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we and Westar Energy converted $120.0 million from an intercompany payable we owed Westar Energy to equity. This was a non-cash conversion.

On June 1, 2006, we refinanced $100.0 million of pollution control bonds, which were to mature in 2031. We replaced this issue with two new pollution control bond series of $50.0 million each. One series carries an interest rate of 4.85% and matures in 2031. The second series carries a variable interest rate and also matures in 2031.

On March 17, 2006, Westar Energy amended and restated its revolving credit facility dated May 6, 2005 to increase the size of the facility, extend its term and reduce borrowing costs. The amended and restated revolving credit facility matures on March 17, 2011. So long as there is no default or event of default under the revolving credit facility, Westar Energy may elect to extend the term of the credit facility for up to an additional two years, subject to lender participation. The facility allows Westar Energy to borrow up to an aggregate amount of $500.0 million, including letters of credit up to a maximum aggregate amount of $150.0 million. Westar Energy may elect, subject to FERC approval, to increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under the facility to $750.0 million by increasing the commitment of one or more lenders who have agreed to such increase, or by adding one or more new lenders with the consent of the Administrative Agent and any letter of credit issuing bank, which will not be unreasonably withheld, so long as there is no default or event of default under the revolving credit facility.

On January 17, 2006, we repaid $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.2% first mortgage bonds with funds made available from a capital contribution from Westar Energy.

Credit Ratings

In May 2006, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded its credit ratings for our securities as shown in the table below and changed its outlook for our ratings to stable. In March 2006, Fitch Investors Service upgraded its credit ratings for our securities as shown in the table below and changed its outlook for our ratings to stable. Ratings with these agencies shown in the table below are as of October 15, 2006.

 

    

Westar

Energy

Mortgage

Bond

Rating

  

Westar

Energy

Unsecured

Debt

  

KGE

Mortgage

Bond

Rating

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group

   BBB-    BB-    BBB

Moody’s Investors Service

   Baa2    Baa3    Baa2

Fitch Investors Service

   BBB    BBB-    BBB

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities provided $68.0 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and $104.5 million of cash during the same period of 2005. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities was due primarily to higher cash outflows during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 when we used $32.1 million for system restoration costs related to an ice storm that affected our service territory in January 2005 and approximately $14.2 million for a refueling outage at Wolf Creek.

 

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Cash Flows used in Investing Activities

The utility business is capital intensive and requires significant investment in plant on an annual basis. We spent $109.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and $60.3 million in the same period of 2005 on net additions to utility property, plant and equipment, which included construction at La Cygne during 2006 and costs associated with the refueling outage at Wolf Creek during 2005. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we received $9.5 million from investments in corporate-owned life insurance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we received proceeds from our investment in corporate-owned life insurance of $10.8 million and proceeds from the settlement of litigation involving Wolf Creek of $6.8 million. We used $4.1 million for system restoration costs that were capitalized related to the January 2005 ice storm.

Cash Flows from (used in) Financing Activities

Financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 provided $49.1 million of cash compared to a use of $39.6 million in the same period of 2005. In the nine months ended September 30, 2006, long-term debt issuances provided $99.7 million and a capital contribution by Westar Energy provided $100.0 million, which we used to retire long-term debt. We did not pay any dividends to Westar Energy for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. We declared and paid dividends of $20.0 million to Westar Energy for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

In March 2006, we terminated an accounts receivable sales program. For additional information, see our 2005 Form 10-K.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

From December 31, 2005 through September 30, 2006, there have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in our contractual obligations. For additional information, see our 2005 Form 10-K.

OTHER INFORMATION

Asset Retirement Obligations

In September 2006, we revised our estimate of the timing of cash flows related to the decommissioning of Wolf Creek and adjusted our related ARO. For additional information, see Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements, “Asset Retirement Obligations.”

Customer Rebates

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, we made rebates to customers in accordance with a July 25, 2003 KCC Order.

Real-Time Energy Imbalance Market

As discussed in our 2005 Form 10-K, the SPP is required by FERC to implement a real-time energy imbalance market. An energy imbalance exists when a market participant’s actual power inputs or consumption to or from the grid differ from the market participant’s expected power inputs or consumption. The intent of a real-time market system is to permit efficient balancing of energy production and consumption by facilitating a real time energy market. The SPP board and members continue to evaluate market operations and do not anticipate beginning market operations before February 1, 2007. At such time that market operations begin, energy imbalances will be financially settled. At this time, we are unable to determine when market operation will begin and what impact this may have on our results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

Fair Value of Energy Marketing Contracts

The tables below show the fair value of energy marketing and fuel contracts that were outstanding as of September 30, 2006, their sources and maturity periods.

 

     Fair Value of Contracts  
     (In Thousands)  

Net fair value of contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2005

   $ (483 )

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period that were realized or otherwise settled during the period

     578  

Changes in fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning and end of the period

     1,984  

Fair value of new contracts entered into during the period

     2,673  
        

Fair value of contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2006

   $ 4,752  
        

The sources of the fair values of the financial instruments related to these contracts as of September 30, 2006 are summarized in the following table.

 

     Fair Value of Contracts at End of Period  

Sources of Fair Value

  

Total Fair

Value

  

Maturity

Less Than

1 Year

  

Maturity

1-3 Years

 
     (In Thousands)  

Prices provided by other external sources (swaps and forwards)

   $ 4,727    $ 4,760    $ (33 )

Prices based on option pricing models (options and other) (a)

     25      25      —    
                      

Total fair value of contracts outstanding

   $ 4,752    $ 4,785    $ (33 )
                      

  (a) Options are priced using a series of techniques, such as the Black option pricing model.

New Accounting Pronouncements

SFAS No. 158 – Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

In September 2006, FASB released SFAS No. 158. Under the new standard, companies must recognize a net liability or asset to report the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on their balance sheets. The recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158 are required to be adopted as of December 31, 2006. We are still evaluating the final impact this standard will have on our financial statements, but believe at this time that it will decrease equity by approximately $10.0 million, net of tax. We are pursuing regulatory authority to allow us to recognize this item as a regulatory asset pursuant to SFAS No. 71, rather than as a charge to equity. The actual impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 158 could differ significantly from this estimate due to plan asset performance for the year, the discount rates in effect when plan liabilities are measured and regulatory treatment.

SFAS No. 157 – Fair Value Measurements

In September 2006, FASB released SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We anticipate adopting the guidance effective January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating what impact the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SAB No. 108 – Effects of Prior Year Misstatements on Current Year Financial Statements

In September 2006, the staff of the SEC released SAB No. 108, which provides guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year financial statement misstatements should be considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. Prior practice allowed the evaluation of materiality on the basis of either (1) the error quantified as the amount by which the current year income statement was misstated (rollover method) or (2) the cumulative error quantified as the cumulative amount by which the current year balance sheet was misstated (iron curtain method). The guidance provided in SAB No. 108 requires both methods to be used in quantifying a misstatement. This guidance should be applied to annual financial statements for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. The cumulative effect of the change in method of quantifying errors, if any, can be reported in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that fiscal year with the offsetting adjustment made to the opening balance of retained earnings for that year. Alternatively, a company may restate prior periods. SAB No. 108 requires disclosure of the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected in the cumulative adjustment, as well as disclosure of when and how each error being corrected arose and the fact that the errors had previously been considered immaterial. We are currently evaluating the effect this bulletin will have on our financial statements, but believe it will not have an impact.

FIN 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

In July 2006, FASB released FIN 48, which prescribes a comprehensive model for how companies should recognize, measure and disclose in their financial statements uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We anticipate adopting the guidance effective January 1, 2007. We are currently evaluating what impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our financial statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information required by Item 3 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(c) to Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Westar Energy and all evaluations of our controls and procedures were conducted in conjunction with those undertaken by Westar Energy. Under the supervision and with the participation of Westar Energy’s management, and including our president and our principal financial and accounting officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the company is communicated to our president and our principal financial and accounting officer. Based on that evaluation, our president and our principal financial and accounting officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2006, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, and recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2006 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal, environmental and regulatory proceedings. We believe adequate provisions have been made and accordingly believe that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes in our risk factors from December 31, 2005 through September 30, 2006. For additional information, see our 2005 Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Information required by Item 2 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b) to Form 10-Q.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Information required by Item 3 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b) to Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Information required by Item 4 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(b) to Form 10-Q.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31(a)   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the period ended September 30, 2006
31(b)   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the period ended September 30, 2006
32   Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (furnished and not to be considered filed as part of the Form 10-Q)

 

29


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

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 GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
Date: November 3, 2006   By:  

/s/ Mark A. Ruelle

   

Mark A. Ruelle

Vice President and Treasurer

 

30

Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31(a)

KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, William B. Moore, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2006 of Kansas Gas and Electric Company;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  c. Presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: November 3, 2006   By:  

/s/ William B. Moore

   

William B. Moore,

Chairman of the Board and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

Section 302 CFO Certification

Exhibit 31(b)

KANSAS GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Mark A. Ruelle, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2006 of Kansas Gas and Electric Company;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  c. Presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: November 3, 2006   By:  

/s/ Mark A. Ruelle

   

Mark A. Ruelle,

Vice President and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Section 906 CEO and CFO Certification

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Kansas Gas and Electric Company (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (the Report), which this certification accompanies, William B. Moore, in my capacity as Chairman of the Board and President (Principle Executive Officer) of the Company, and Mark A. Ruelle, in my capacity as Vice President and Treasurer (Principle Financial and Accounting Officer) of the Company, certify that the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: November 3, 2006   By:  

/s/ William B. Moore

   

William B. Moore,

Chairman of the Board and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: November 3, 2006   By:  

/s/ Mark A. Ruelle

   

Mark A. Ruelle,

Vice President and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)