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WR-03.31.2015-10Q
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 March 31, 2015

OR
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 1-3523
WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Kansas
 
48-0290150
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612
 
(785) 575-6300
(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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes    X      No          
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Check one:
Large accelerated filer    X      Accelerated filer            Non-accelerated filer              Smaller reporting company          
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, par value $5.00 per share
 
132,236,503 shares
(Class)
 
(Outstanding at April 30, 2015)


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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 


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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of frequently used abbreviations or acronyms that are found throughout this report.
Abbreviation or Acronym
 
Definition
2014 Form 10-K
 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014
AFUDC
 
Allowance for funds used during construction
BACT
 
Best Available Control Technology
CAA
 
Clean Air Act
CCB
 
Coal combustion byproducts
CO
 
Carbon monoxide
CO2
 
Carbon dioxide
CSAPR
 
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
EPA
 
Environmental Protection Agency
EPS
 
Earnings per share
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch
 
Fitch Ratings
FPA
 
Federal Power Act
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GHG
 
Greenhouse gas
JEC
 
Jeffrey Energy Center
KCC
 
Kansas Corporation Commission
KGE
 
Kansas Gas and Electric Company
La Cygne
 
La Cygne Generating Station
Moody’s
 
Moody’s Investors Service
MWh
 
Megawatt hour(s)
NAAQS
 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NDT
 
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
NOx
 
Nitrogen oxides
PM
 
Particulate matter
RECA
  
Retail energy cost adjustment
ROE
 
Return on equity
RSU
 
Restricted share unit
RTO
 
Regional Transmission Organization
S&P
 
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services
SO2
 
Sulfur dioxide
SPP
 
Southwest Power Pool, Inc.
VIE
 
Variable interest entity
Wolf Creek
 
Wolf Creek Generating Station


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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," "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 matters such as, but not limited to:

-
amount, type and timing of capital expenditures,
-
earnings,
-
cash flow,
-
liquidity and capital resources,
-
litigation,
-
accounting matters,
-
possible corporate restructurings, acquisitions and dispositions,
-
compliance with debt and other restrictive covenants,
-
interest rates and dividends,
-
environmental matters,
-
regulatory matters,
-
nuclear operations, and
-
the overall economy of our service area and its impact on our customers' demand for electricity and their ability to pay for service.

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

-
risks related to operating in a heavily regulated industry that is subject to unpredictable political, legislative, judicial and regulatory developments, which can impact our operations, results of operations and financial condition,
-
the difficulty of predicting the magnitude and timing of changes in demand for electricity, including with respect to emerging competing services and technologies and conservation and energy efficiency measures,
-
the impact of weather conditions, including as it relates to sales of electricity and prices of energy commodities,
-
equipment damage from storms and extreme weather,
-
economic and capital market conditions, including the impact of inflation or deflation, changes in interest rates, the cost and availability of capital and the market for trading wholesale energy,
-
the impact of changes in market conditions on employee benefit liability calculations and funding obligations, as well as actual and assumed investment returns on invested plan assets,
-
the impact of changes in estimates regarding our Wolf Creek Generating Station (Wolf Creek) decommissioning obligation,
-
the existence or introduction of competition into markets in which we operate,
-
the impact of changing laws and regulations relating to air and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water emissions, waste management and other environmental matters,
-
risks associated with execution of our planned capital expenditure program, including timing and receipt of regulatory approvals necessary for planned construction and expansion projects as well as the ability to complete planned construction projects within the terms and time frames anticipated,
-
cost, availability and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel we need to operate our business,
-
availability of generating capacity and the performance of our generating plants,
-
changes in regulation of nuclear generating facilities and nuclear materials and fuel, including possible shutdown or required modification of nuclear generating facilities,
-
additional regulation due to Nuclear Regulatory Commission oversight to ensure the safe operation of Wolf Creek, either related to Wolf Creek's performance, or potentially relating to events or performance at a nuclear plant anywhere in the world,
-
uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal,
-
homeland and information and operating systems security considerations,
-
changes in accounting requirements and other accounting matters,
-
changes in the energy markets in which we participate resulting from the development and implementation of real time and next day trading markets, and the effect of the retroactive repricing of transactions in such markets following execution because of changes or adjustments in market pricing mechanisms by regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators,

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-
reduced demand for coal-based energy because of actual or potential climate impacts and development of alternate energy sources,
-
current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries,
-
cost of fuel used in generation and wholesale electricity prices, and
-
other factors discussed elsewhere in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (2014 Form 10-K), including in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and in other reports we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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 2014 Form 10-K. No one section of this report deals with all aspects of the subject matter and additional information on some matters that could impact our consolidated financial results may be included in our 2014 Form 10-K. The reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, as forward-looking statements speak only as of the date such statements were made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made.



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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM I.    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Par Values)
(Unaudited)
 
As of
 
As of
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,074

 
$
4,556

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,072 and $5,309, respectively
236,285

 
267,327

Fuel inventory and supplies
265,967

 
247,406

Deferred tax assets
19,747

 
29,636

Prepaid expenses
18,842

 
15,793

Regulatory assets
103,925

 
105,549

Other
23,725

 
30,655

Total Current Assets
674,565

 
700,922

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
8,232,333

 
8,162,908

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, NET
275,989

 
278,573

OTHER ASSETS:
 
 
 
Regulatory assets
756,382

 
754,229

Nuclear decommissioning trust
190,354

 
185,016

Other
280,112

 
265,353

Total Other Assets
1,226,848

 
1,204,598

TOTAL ASSETS
$
10,409,735

 
$
10,347,001

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
$
28,315

 
$
27,933

Short-term debt
425,400

 
257,600

Accounts payable
203,138

 
219,351

Accrued dividends
46,425

 
44,971

Accrued taxes
110,957

 
74,356

Accrued interest
89,821

 
79,707

Regulatory liabilities
57,185

 
55,142

Other
75,461

 
90,571

Total Current Liabilities
1,036,702

 
849,631

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
3,090,722

 
3,215,539

Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net
138,209

 
166,565

Deferred income taxes
1,488,721

 
1,475,487

Unamortized investment tax credits
210,280

 
211,040

Regulatory liabilities
289,468

 
288,343

Accrued employee benefits
529,229

 
532,622

Asset retirement obligations
233,659

 
230,668

Other
77,397

 
75,799

Total Long-Term Liabilities
6,057,685

 
6,196,063

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Notes 10 and 11)


 


EQUITY:
 
 
 
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $5 per share; authorized 275,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 132,166,154 shares and 131,687,454 shares, respective to each date
660,831

 
658,437

Paid-in capital
1,788,787

 
1,781,120

Retained earnings
858,172

 
855,299

Total Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
3,307,790

 
3,294,856

Noncontrolling Interests
7,558

 
6,451

Total Equity
3,315,348

 
3,301,307

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
10,409,735

 
$
10,347,001


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

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
REVENUES
$
590,807

 
$
628,556

OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
155,482

 
173,839

SPP network transmission costs
56,812

 
51,958

Operating and maintenance
85,080

 
91,790

Depreciation and amortization
74,586

 
70,110

Selling, general and administrative
55,418

 
56,486

Taxes other than income tax
37,871

 
34,832

Total Operating Expenses
465,249

 
479,015

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
125,558

 
149,541

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
Investment earnings
2,480

 
2,378

Other income
2,814

 
5,917

Other expense
(5,713
)
 
(5,664
)
Total Other (Expense) Income
(419
)
 
2,631

Interest expense
44,298

 
46,241

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
80,841

 
105,931

Income tax expense
27,678

 
34,961

NET INCOME
53,163

 
70,970

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,183

 
2,015

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
50,980

 
$
68,955

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC. (See Note 2):
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.38

 
$
0.53

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.38

 
$
0.52

AVERAGE EQUIVALENT COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
 
 
 
Basic
132,395,497

 
129,004,112

Diluted
135,539,631

 
131,269,363

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE
$
0.36

 
$
0.35



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




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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
53,163

 
$
70,970

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
74,586

 
70,110

Amortization of nuclear fuel
4,960

 
5,966

Amortization of deferred regulatory gain from sale leaseback
(1,374
)
 
(1,374
)
Amortization of corporate-owned life insurance
5,747

 
5,884

Non-cash compensation
2,226

 
1,796

Net deferred income taxes and credits
26,573

 
34,787

Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits
(1,073
)
 
636

Allowance for equity funds used during construction
(1,950
)
 
(5,006
)
Changes in working capital items:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
31,042

 
16,892

Fuel inventory and supplies
(18,404
)
 
(9,956
)
Prepaid expenses and other
4,638

 
(2,255
)
Accounts payable
17,321

 
1,422

Accrued taxes
40,007

 
33,428

Other current liabilities
(20,327
)
 
2,838

Changes in other assets
(17,034
)
 
3,650

Changes in other liabilities
12,394

 
8,524

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
212,495

 
238,312

CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(187,223
)
 
(218,329
)
Purchase of securities - trusts
(7,345
)
 
(2,707
)
Sale of securities - trusts
7,847

 
3,745

Proceeds from investment in corporate-owned life insurance
1,144

 
1,121

Investment in affiliated company

 
1,362

Other investing activities
(717
)
 
(1,230
)
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
(186,294
)
 
(216,038
)
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Short-term debt, net
167,800

 
44,139

Retirements of long-term debt
(125,000
)
 

Retirements of long-term debt of variable interest entities
(27,925
)
 
(27,148
)
Repayment of capital leases
(886
)
 
(755
)
Borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance
1,045

 
861

Repayment of borrowings against cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance
(899
)
 
(1,040
)
Stock-based compensation excess tax benefits
1,073

 
(636
)
Issuance of common stock
8,206

 
10,317

Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests
(1,076
)
 

Cash dividends paid
(43,787
)
 
(41,591
)
Other financing activities
(3,234
)
 
(1,843
)
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities
(24,683
)
 
(17,696
)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
1,518

 
4,578

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
4,556

 
4,487

End of period
$
6,074

 
$
9,065



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

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Westar Energy, Inc. Shareholders
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock shares
 
Common
stock
 
Paid-in
capital
 
Retained
earnings
 
Non-controlling
interests
 
Total
equity
Balance as of December 31, 2013
128,254,229

 
$
641,271

 
$
1,696,727

 
$
724,776

 
$
5,757

 
$
3,068,531

Net income

 

 

 
68,955

 
2,015

 
70,970

Issuance of stock
369,159

 
1,846

 
8,471

 

 

 
10,317

Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends
190,282

 
951

 
759

 

 

 
1,710

Tax withholding related to stock compensation

 

 
(1,843
)
 

 

 
(1,843
)
Dividends on common stock
($0.35 per share)

 

 

 
(45,320
)
 

 
(45,320
)
Stock compensation expense

 

 
1,776

 

 

 
1,776

Tax benefit on stock compensation

 

 
(636
)
 

 

 
(636
)
Other

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
128,813,670

 
$
644,068

 
$
1,705,254

 
$
748,411

 
$
7,771

 
$
3,105,504

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
131,687,454

 
$
658,437

 
$
1,781,120

 
$
855,299

 
$
6,451

 
$
3,301,307

Net income

 

 

 
50,980

 
2,183

 
53,163

Issuance of stock
262,827

 
1,314

 
6,892

 

 

 
8,206

Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends
215,873

 
1,080

 
1,948

 

 

 
3,028

Tax withholding related to stock compensation

 

 
(3,234
)
 

 

 
(3,234
)
Dividends on common stock
($0.36 per share)

 

 

 
(48,107
)
 

 
(48,107
)
Stock compensation expense

 

 
2,205

 

 

 
2,205

Tax benefit on stock compensation

 

 
1,073

 

 

 
1,073

Distributions to shareholders of noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 
(1,076
)
 
(1,076
)
Other

 

 
(1,217
)
 

 

 
(1,217
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
132,166,154

 
$
660,831

 
$
1,788,787

 
$
858,172

 
$
7,558

 
$
3,315,348



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

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WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "the company," "we," "us," "our" and similar words are to Westar Energy, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term "Westar Energy" refers to Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas corporation incorporated in 1924, alone and not together with its consolidated subsidiaries.

We provide electric generation, transmission and distribution services to approximately 698,000 customers in Kansas. Westar Energy provides these services in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina and Hutchinson. Kansas Gas and Electric Company (KGE), Westar Energy's wholly owned subsidiary, provides these services in south-central and southeastern Kansas, including the city of Wichita. Both Westar Energy and KGE conduct business using the name Westar Energy. Our corporate headquarters is located at 818 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612.


2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements 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 generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include all operating divisions, majority owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) of which we maintain a controlling interest or are the primary beneficiary reported as a single reportable segment. Undivided interests in jointly-owned generation facilities are included on a proportionate basis. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Use of Management's Estimates

When we prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to depreciation, unbilled revenue, valuation of investments, forecasted fuel costs included in our retail energy cost adjustment (RECA) billed to customers, income taxes, pension and post-retirement benefits, our asset retirement obligations including the decommissioning of Wolf Creek, environmental issues, VIEs, contingencies and litigation. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.


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Fuel Inventory and Supplies

We state fuel inventory and supplies at average cost. Following are the balances for fuel inventory and supplies stated separately.
 
As of
 
As of
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In Thousands)
Fuel inventory
$
86,401

 
$
70,416

Supplies
179,566

 
176,990

Fuel inventory and supplies
$
265,967

 
$
247,406


Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the allowed cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. We compute AFUDC by applying a composite rate to qualified construction work in progress. We credit other income (for equity funds) and interest expense (for borrowed funds) for the amount of AFUDC capitalized as construction cost on the accompanying consolidated statements of income as follows:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Borrowed funds
$
2,029

 
$
3,731

Equity funds
1,950

 
5,006

Total
$
3,979

 
$
8,737

Average AFUDC Rates
4.0
%
 
7.3
%

Earnings Per Share

We have participating securities in the form of unvested restricted share units (RSUs) with nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents that receive dividends on an equal basis with dividends declared on common shares. As a result, we apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).

To compute basic EPS, we divide the earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the effect of potential issuances of common shares resulting from our forward sale agreements and RSUs with forfeitable rights to dividend equivalents. We compute the dilutive effect of potential issuances of common shares using the treasury stock method.

    

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The following table reconciles our basic and diluted EPS from net income. 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net income
$
53,163

 
$
70,970

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,183

 
2,015

Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.
50,980

 
68,955

 Less: Net income allocated to RSUs
118

 
183

Net income allocated to common stock
$
50,862

 
$
68,772

 
 
 
 
Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – basic
132,395,497

 
129,004,112

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
RSUs
175,876

 
66,427

Forward sale agreements
2,968,258

 
2,198,824

Weighted average equivalent common shares outstanding – diluted (a)
135,539,631

 
131,269,363

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share, basic
$
0.38

 
$
0.53

Earnings per common share, diluted
$
0.38

 
$
0.52

_______________
(a)We had no antidilutive securities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.


Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In Thousands)
CASH PAID FOR (RECEIVED FROM):
 
 
 
Interest on financing activities, net of amount capitalized
$
38,927

 
$
39,028

Interest on financing activities of VIEs
5,651

 
6,515

NON-CASH INVESTING TRANSACTIONS:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment additions
63,265

 
79,844

NON-CASH FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
 
 
 
Issuance of stock for compensation and reinvested dividends
3,028

 
1,710

Assets acquired through capital leases
294

 
446


New Accounting Pronouncements
    
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP for the United States of America. To address current issues in accounting, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following new accounting pronouncement which may affect our accounting and/or disclosure.


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Table of Contents

Presentation of Financial Statements

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendments in this guidance require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to adopt effective December 31, 2015, and do not expect this to have a material impact to our financial statements.


3. RATE MATTERS AND REGULATION

KCC Proceedings

In March 2015, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate discussed below. The new prices were effective in April 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $7.2 million.

In March 2015, we filed an application with the KCC to adjust our prices to include costs associated with investments in environmental projects during 2014. We expect to implement the new prices in June 2015 and estimate that this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $10.8 million.

In March 2015, we filed an application with the KCC to increase our prices by $152.0 million to include, among other things, the additional investment in La Cygne Generating Station (La Cygne) environmental upgrades, the investment to extend the life of Wolf Creek and programs to improve reliability. We expect the KCC to issue an order on our request by late October 2015.
        
In December 2014, the KCC approved an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. The new prices were effective in January 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $4.9 million.

FERC Proceedings
    
Our transmission formula rate that includes projected 2015 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs was effective in January 2015 and is expected to decrease our annual transmission revenues by approximately $4.6 million. This updated rate provided the basis for our request with the KCC to adjust our retail prices to include updated transmission costs as discussed above.

In August 2014, the KCC filed a complaint against us with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA).  The complaint seeks to lower our 10.8% base return on equity (ROE) used in determining our transmission formula rate to approximately 8.9%, which would result in a refund obligation of approximately $19.0 million on an annualized basis, and based on our current rate base would reduce our future transmission revenues by approximately $19.0 million on an annualized basis. We filed a response to the complaint opposing any change to the ROE and subsequently on December 18, 2014, the FERC ordered that this matter be set for hearing and settlement judge procedures. Based on settlement discussions between the parties, we have recorded a liability of $6.0 million for our estimated refund obligation from the refund effective date of August 20, 2014, through March 31, 2015. Our estimated refund obligation is based on a base ROE of 9.8%. In addition, we estimate our future transmission revenues would be reduced by approximately $10.0 million on an annualized basis as a result of the reduced ROE.
    

4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING SECURITIES

Values of Financial Instruments

GAAP establishes a hierarchical framework for disclosing the transparency of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of the hierarchy and examples are as follows:


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Table of Contents

Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed on public exchanges.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are not quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 2 are typically measured at net asset value, comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, such as treasury securities with pricing interpolated from recent trades of similar securities, or priced with models using highly observable inputs.

Level 3 - Significant inputs to pricing have little or no transparency. The types of assets and liabilities included in level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation. Level 3 includes investments in private equity, real estate securities and other alternative investments, which are measured at net asset value.

We record cash and cash equivalents, short-term borrowings and variable rate debt on our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. We measure the fair value of fixed rate debt, a level 2 measurement, based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for instruments of the same remaining maturities and redemption provisions. The recorded amount of accounts receivable and other current financial instruments approximates fair value.

All of our level 2 investments are held in investment funds that are measured at fair value using daily net asset values. In addition, we maintain certain level 3 investments in private equity, alternative investments and real estate securities that are also measured at fair value using net asset value, but require significant unobservable market information to measure the fair value of the underlying investments. The underlying investments in private equity are measured at fair value utilizing both market- and income-based models, public company comparables, investment cost or the value derived from subsequent financings. Adjustments are made when actual performance differs from expected performance; when market, economic or company-specific conditions change; and when other news or events have a material impact on the security. The underlying alternative investments include collateralized debt obligations, mezzanine debt and a variety of other investments. The fair value of these investments is measured using a variety of primarily market-based models utilizing inputs such as security prices, maturity, call features, ratings and other developments related to specific securities. The underlying real estate investments are measured at fair value using a combination of market- and income-based models utilizing market discount rates, projected cash flows and the estimated value into perpetuity.

We measure fair value based on information available as of the measurement date. The following table provides the carrying values and measured fair values of our fixed-rate debt.
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
(In Thousands)
Fixed-rate debt
$
2,980,000

 
$
3,413,513

 
$
3,105,000

 
$
3,488,410

Fixed-rate debt of VIEs
166,278

 
183,356

 
194,204

 
213,579



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Table of Contents

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The following table provides the amounts and their corresponding level of hierarchy for our assets that are measured at fair value. 
As of March 31, 2015
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
$

 
$
52,013

 
$
6,061

 
$
58,074

International equity funds

 
34,860

 

 
34,860

Core bond fund

 
19,627

 

 
19,627

High-yield bond fund

 
13,556

 

 
13,556

Emerging market bond fund

 
12,465

 

 
12,465

Other fixed income fund

 
4,862

 

 
4,862

Combination debt/equity/other funds

 
19,867

 

 
19,867

Alternative investment fund

 

 
16,784

 
16,784

Real estate securities fund

 

 
9,758

 
9,758

Cash equivalents
501

 

 

 
501

Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
501

 
157,250

 
32,603

 
190,354

Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds

 
18,649

 

 
18,649

International equity fund

 
4,450

 

 
4,450

Core bond fund

 
12,466

 

 
12,466

Cash equivalents
169

 

 

 
169

Total Trading Securities
169

 
35,565

 

 
35,734

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
670

 
$
192,815

 
$
32,603

 
$
226,088

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(In Thousands)
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
$

 
$
54,925

 
$
6,047

 
$
60,972

International equity funds

 
30,791

 

 
30,791

Core bond fund

 
19,289

 

 
19,289

High-yield bond fund

 
13,198

 

 
13,198

Emerging market bond fund

 
10,988

 

 
10,988

Other fixed income fund

 
4,779

 

 
4,779

Combination debt/equity/other funds

 
18,141

 

 
18,141

Alternative investment fund

 

 
16,970

 
16,970

Real estate securities fund

 

 
9,548

 
9,548

Cash equivalents
340

 

 

 
340

Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
340

 
152,111

 
32,565

 
185,016

Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds

 
18,698

 

 
18,698

International equity fund

 
4,252

 

 
4,252

Core bond fund

 
12,379

 

 
12,379

Cash equivalents
168

 

 

 
168

Total Trading Securities
168

 
35,329

 

 
35,497

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value
$
508

 
$
187,440

 
$
32,565

 
$
220,513





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Table of Contents

The following table provides reconciliations of assets held in the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT) measured at fair value using significant level 3 inputs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
Domestic
Equity Funds
 
Alternative
Investment Fund
 
Real Estate
Securities Fund
 
Net
Balance
 
(In Thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
6,047

 
$
16,970

 
$
9,548

 
$
32,565

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:


 
 
 


 
 
Regulatory liabilities
338

 
(186
)
 
210

 
362

Purchases
100

 

 
97

 
197

Sales
(424
)
 

 
(97
)
 
(521
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
6,061

 
$
16,784

 
$
9,758

 
$
32,603

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2013
$
5,817

 
$
15,675

 
$
8,511

 
$
30,003

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory liabilities
162

 
427

 
301

 
890

Purchases
50

 

 
76

 
126

Sales
(45
)
 

 
(76
)
 
(121
)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
$
5,984

 
$
16,102

 
$
8,812

 
$
30,898


Portions of the gains and losses contributing to changes in net assets in the above table are unrealized. The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses we recorded to regulatory liabilities on our consolidated financial statements during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, attributed to level 3 assets and liabilities. See Note 3, "Rate Matters and Regulation," in the 2014 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our regulatory assets and liabilities.
 
Domestic
Equity Funds
 
Alternative Investment Fund
 
Real Estate
Securities Fund
 
Net
Balance
 
(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
$
(86
)
 
$
(186
)
 
$
112

 
$
(160
)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
117

 
427

 
224

 
768





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Table of Contents

Some of our investments in the NDT and our trading securities portfolio are measured at net asset value and do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are either with investment companies or companies that follow accounting guidance consistent with investment companies. In certain situations these investments may have redemption restrictions. The following table provides additional information on these investments.
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Fair Value
 
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Redemption
Frequency
 
Length of
Settlement
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
$
6,061


$
2,248

 
$
6,047

 
$
2,348

 
(a)
 
(a)
Alternative investment fund
16,784

 

 
16,970

 

 
(b)
 
(b)
Real estate securities fund
9,758



 
9,548

 

 
Quarterly
 
80 days
Total Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
32,603

 
2,248

 
32,565

 
2,348

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
18,649

 

 
18,698

 

 
Upon Notice
 
1 day
International equity funds
4,450

 

 
4,252

 

 
Upon Notice
 
1 day
Core bond fund
12,466

 

 
12,379

 

 
Upon Notice
 
1 day
Total Trading Securities
35,565

 

 
35,329

 

 
 
 
 
Total
$
68,168

 
$
2,248

 
$
67,894

 
$
2,348

 
 
 
 
_______________
(a)
This investment is in three long-term private equity funds that do not permit early withdrawal. Our investments in these funds cannot be distributed until the underlying investments have been liquidated which may take years from the date of initial liquidation. Two funds have begun to make distributions. Our initial investment in the third fund occurred in the third quarter of 2013. This fund's term will be 15 years, subject to the general partner's right to extend the term for up to three additional one-year periods.
(b)
This fund had an initial lock-up period of 24 months, which expired in April 2015. Redemptions are allowed, on a quarterly basis, after 24 months at the sole discretion of the fund's board of directors. A 65-day notice of redemption is required. There is a holdback on final redemptions.

Price Risk

We use various types of fuel, including coal, natural gas, uranium and diesel to operate our plants and also purchase power to meet customer demand. Our prices and consolidated financial results are exposed to market risks from commodity price changes for electricity and other energy-related products as well as from interest rates. Volatility in these markets impacts our costs of purchased power, costs of fuel for our generating plants and our participation in energy markets. We strive to manage our customers' and our exposure to market risks through regulatory, operating and financing activities and, when we deem appropriate, we economically hedge a portion of these risks through the use of derivative financial instruments for non-trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

We have entered into numerous fixed and variable rate debt obligations. We manage our interest rate risk related to these debt obligations by limiting our exposure to variable interest rate debt, diversifying maturity dates and entering into treasury yield hedge transactions. We may also use other financial derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps.


5. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

We report our investments in equity and debt securities at fair value and use the specific identification method to determine their realized gains and losses. We classify these investments as either trading securities or available-for-sale securities as described below.


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Table of Contents

Trading Securities

We hold equity and debt investments which we classify as trading securities in a trust used to fund certain retirement benefit obligations. As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we measured the fair value of trust assets at $35.7 million and $35.5 million, respectively. We include unrealized gains or losses on these securities in investment earnings on our consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recorded unrealized gains of $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, on the assets still held.

Available-for-Sale Securities

We hold investments in a trust for the purpose of funding the decommissioning of Wolf Creek. We have classified these investments as available-for-sale and have recorded all such investments at their fair market value as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014.

Using the specific identification method to determine cost, we realized gains on our available-for-sale securities of $0.2 million and $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We record net realized and unrealized gains and losses in regulatory liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method we use to account for the decommissioning costs we recover in our prices. Gains or losses on assets in the trust fund are recorded as increases or decreases, respectively, to regulatory liabilities and could result in lower or higher funding requirements for decommissioning costs, which we believe would be reflected in the prices paid by our customers.

The following table presents the cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, fair value and allocation of investments in the NDT fund as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014.
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized
 
 
 
 
Security Type
 
Cost
 
Gain
 
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Allocation
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
 
$
42,167

 
$
15,914

 
$
(7
)
 
$
58,074

 
31
%
International equity funds
 
30,608

 
4,689

 
(437
)
 
34,860

 
18
%
Core bond fund
 
18,911

 
716

 

 
19,627

 
10
%
High-yield bond fund
 
13,517

 
39

 

 
13,556

 
7
%
Emerging market bond fund
 
14,062

 

 
(1,597
)
 
12,465

 
7
%
Other fixed income fund
 
4,827

 
35

 

 
4,862

 
3
%
Combination debt/equity/other funds
 
16,010

 
4,419

 
(562
)
 
19,867

 
10
%
Alternative investment fund
 
15,000

 
1,784

 

 
16,784

 
9
%
Real estate securities fund
 
10,717

 

 
(959
)
 
9,758

 
5
%
Cash equivalents
 
501

 

 

 
501

 
<1%

Total
 
$
166,320

 
$
27,596

 
$
(3,562
)
 
$
190,354

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
 
$
46,126

 
$
14,853

 
$
(7
)
 
$
60,972

 
33
%
International equity funds
 
27,521

 
3,683

 
(413
)
 
30,791

 
17
%
Core bond fund
 
18,811

 
478

 

 
19,289

 
10
%
High-yield bond fund
 
13,342

 

 
(144
)
 
13,198

 
7
%
Emerging market bond fund
 
12,556

 

 
(1,568
)
 
10,988

 
6
%
Other fixed income fund
 
4,798

 

 
(19
)
 
4,779

 
3
%
Combination debt/equity/other funds
 
14,975

 
3,786

 
(620
)
 
18,141

 
10
%
Alternative investment fund
 
15,000

 
1,970

 

 
16,970

 
9
%
Real estate securities fund
 
10,619

 

 
(1,071
)
 
9,548

 
5
%
Cash equivalents
 
340

 

 

 
340

 
<1%

Total
 
$
164,088

 
$
24,770

 
$
(3,842
)
 
$
185,016

 
100
%


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Table of Contents

The following table presents the fair value and the gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale securities held in the NDT fund aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014. 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In Thousands)
As of March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
$

 
$

 
$
363

 
$
(7
)
 
$
363

 
$
(7
)
International equity funds
7,233

 
(437
)
 

 

 
7,233

 
(437
)
Emerging market bond fund

 

 
12,465

 
(1,597
)
 
12,465

 
(1,597
)
Combination debt/equity/other funds

 

 
6,397

 
(562
)
 
6,397

 
(562
)
Real estate securities fund

 

 
9,758

 
(959
)
 
9,758

 
(959
)
Total
$
7,233

 
$
(437
)
 
$
28,983

 
$
(3,125
)
 
$
36,216

 
$
(3,562
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity funds
$

 
$

 
$
263

 
$
(7
)
 
$
263

 
$
(7
)
International equity funds
5,905

 
(413
)
 

 

 
5,905

 
(413
)
High-yield bond fund
13,198

 
(144
)
 

 

 
13,198

 
(144
)
Emerging market bond fund

 

 
10,988

 
(1,568
)
 
10,988

 
(1,568
)
Other fixed income funds
4,779

 
(19
)
 

 

 
4,779

 
(19
)
Combination debt/equity/other funds

 

 
5,892

 
(620
)
 
5,892

 
(620
)
Real estate securities fund

 

 
9,548

 
(1,071
)
 
9,548

 
(1,071
)
Total
$
23,882

 
$
(576
)
 
$
26,691

 
$
(3,266
)
 
$
50,573

 
$
(3,842
)


6. DEBT FINANCING

In February 2014, Westar Energy had extended the term of its $270.0 million credit facility to February 2017, $20.0 million of which was set to terminate in February 2016. In April 2015, the $20.0 million was extended to also terminate in February 2017.

In January 2015, Westar Energy redeemed $125.0 million in principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 5.95% and maturing January 2035.


7. TAXES

We recorded income tax expense of $27.7 million with an effective income tax rate of 34% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and income tax expense of $35.0 million with an effective income tax rate of 33% for the same period of 2014.

As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, our unrecognized income tax benefits totaled $3.2 million. We do not expect significant changes in our unrecognized income tax benefits in the next 12 months.

As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we had no amounts accrued for interest related to our unrecognized income tax benefits. We accrued no penalties at either March 31, 2015, or December 31, 2014.

As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we had recorded $1.5 million for probable assessments of taxes other than income taxes.


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Table of Contents

Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted new regulations released by the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Treasury Department regarding deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property, including the tax treatment of, among other things, materials and supplies and the determination of whether expenditures with respect to tangible property are a deductible repair or must be capitalized, and regulations regarding dispositions of property under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System. The adoption of these regulations did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.


8. PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
5,348

 
$
4,055

 
$
361

 
$
345

Interest cost
 
10,753

 
10,400

 
1,422

 
1,588

Expected return on plan assets
 
(10,059
)
 
(9,109
)
 
(1,654
)
 
(1,644
)
Amortization of unrecognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs
 
130

 
131

 
114

 
631

Actuarial loss (gain), net
 
7,661

 
4,840

 
95

 
(185
)
Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment
 
13,833

 
10,317

 
338

 
735

Regulatory adjustment (a)
 
1,797

 
4,002

 
1,013

 
1,124

Net periodic cost
 
$
15,630

 
$
14,319

 
$
1,351

 
$
1,859

 _______________
(a)
The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we contributed $8.5 million and $10.4 million, respectively, to the Westar Energy pension trust.



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Table of Contents

9. WOLF CREEK PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

As a co-owner of Wolf Creek, KGE is indirectly responsible for 47% of the liabilities and expenses associated with the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans. The following table summarizes the net periodic costs for KGE's 47% share of the Wolf Creek pension and post-retirement benefit plans prior to the effects of capitalization.
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In Thousands)
Components of Net Periodic Cost (Benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
1,899

 
$
1,424

 
$
34

 
$
43

Interest cost
 
2,254

 
2,117

 
79

 
116

Expected return on plan assets
 
(2,261
)
 
(2,021
)
 

 

Amortization of unrecognized:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service costs
 
14

 
14

 

 

Actuarial loss, net
 
1,482

 
747

 
1

 
41

Net periodic cost before regulatory adjustment
 
3,388

 
2,281

 
114

 
200

Regulatory adjustment (a)
 
(304
)
 
501

 

 

Net periodic cost
 
$
3,084

 
$
2,782

 
$
114

 
$
200

 _______________
(a)
The regulatory adjustment represents the difference between current period pension or post-retirement benefit expense and the amount of such expense recognized in setting our prices.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we funded $1.3 million of Wolf Creek's pension plan contributions. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we did not fund Wolf Creek's pension plan.


10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Federal Clean Air Act

We must comply with the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), state laws and implementing federal and state regulations that impose, among other things, limitations on emissions generated from our operations, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), mercury and acid gases.

Emissions from our generating facilities, including PM, SO2 and NOx, have been determined by regulation to reduce visibility by causing or contributing to regional haze. Under federal laws, such as the Clean Air Visibility Rule, and pursuant to an agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we are required to install, operate and maintain controls to reduce emissions found to cause or contribute to regional haze.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

In 2011, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) requiring 28 states, including Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, to further reduce emissions of SO2 and NOx. In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that had vacated CSAPR and remanded CSAPR back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for further proceedings consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. In June 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a motion to lift the CSAPR stay. In October 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals granted the motion to lift the CSAPR stay and established a schedule to hear arguments on the remaining outstanding issues, which began in March 2015. A decision is expected later this year. During the CSAPR stay, we installed various emission controls at our generation facilities that we expect reduces the impact of CSAPR. We are unable to determine the full impact of reinstatement of CSAPR until the U.S. Court of Appeals and the EPA take further action, however, we are prepared to comply with CSAPR in its current form.


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National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Under the federal CAA, the EPA sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for certain emissions considered harmful to public health and the environment, including two classes of PM, ozone, NOx (a precursor to ozone), CO and SO2, which result from fossil fuel combustion. Areas meeting the NAAQS are designated attainment areas while those that do not meet the NAAQS are considered nonattainment areas. Each state must develop a plan to bring nonattainment areas into compliance with the NAAQS. NAAQS must be reviewed by the EPA at five-year intervals.

In December 2014, the EPA published a proposed rule revising NAAQS for ozone and to make certain other changes, including extending the ozone monitoring season by at least one month. The EPA intends to issue a final rule regarding the ozone NAAQS by October 2015 and make attainment/nonattainment designations for any revised standards by October 2017. We are currently reviewing this proposed new standard and cannot at this time predict the impact it may have on our operations, but it could be material. Nonattainment designations on areas that impact our operations could have a material impact on our consolidated financial results.

In December 2012, the EPA strengthened an existing NAAQS for one class of PM. In December 2014, the EPA designated the entire state of Kansas as unclassifiable/in attainment with the standard. We cannot at this time predict the impact this designation may have on our operations or consolidated financial results, but it could be material.

In 2010, the EPA strengthened the NAAQS for both NOx and SO2. We continue to communicate with our regulators regarding these standards and are currently evaluating what impact this could have on our operations and consolidated financial results. If we are required to install additional equipment to control emissions at our facilities, the revised NAAQS could have a material impact on our operations and consolidated financial results.

Greenhouse Gases

Byproducts of burning coal and other fossil fuels include carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases referred to as GHGs, which are believed by many to contribute to climate change. The EPA is currently, and has further proposed, using the federal CAA to limit CO2 and other GHG emissions, and other measures are being imposed or offered by individual states, municipalities and regional agreements with the goal of reducing GHG emissions.

In January 2014, the EPA re-proposed a New Source Performance Standard that would limit CO2 emissions for new coal and natural gas fueled electric generating units. The re-proposal would limit CO2 emissions to 1,000 lbs per Megawatt hour (MWh) generated for larger natural gas units and 1,100 lbs per MWh generated for smaller natural gas units and coal units. The EPA issued proposed standards addressing CO2 emissions for modified, reconstructed and existing power plants in June 2014. The standards for existing plants is known as the Clean Power Plan. The EPA anticipates issuing final rules for new, modified, reconstructed and existing power plants by summer 2015 and requiring states to submit their state plans to the EPA by summer 2016. The EPA is expected to propose in summer 2015 a federal plan that will implement the Clean Power Plan for states that fail to submit adequate state plans, with such federal plan expected to be finalized by summer 2016. While the Clean Power Plan is not yet final, various legal and judicial challenges to it have been filed. We cannot at this time determine the impact of such proposals on our operations or consolidated financial results, but we believe the costs to comply could be material.

Under regulations formerly known as the Tailoring Rule, the EPA regulates GHG emissions from certain stationary sources. The regulations are implemented pursuant to two federal CAA programs, the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit Programs, that impose recordkeeping and monitoring requirements and also mandate the implementation of best available control technology (BACT) for projects that cause a significant increase in GHG emissions (currently defined to be more than 75,000 tons or more per year or 100,000 tons or more per year, depending on various factors). In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA had exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the Tailoring Rule by regulating under the PSD program sources based solely on their GHG emissions. However, the U.S. Supreme Court also held that the EPA could impose GHG BACT requirements for sources already required to implement PSD for other pollutants. Therefore, if future modifications to our sources require PSD review for other pollutants, it may also trigger GHG BACT requirements. The EPA has issued guidance on what BACT entails for the control of GHGs and individual states are now required to determine what controls are required for facilities within their jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. We cannot at this time determine the impact of these regulations on our future operations or consolidated financial results as we would not be required to implement BACT until we construct a new major source or make a major modification of an existing major source. The cost of compliance, however, could be material.


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Water
    
We discharge some of the water used in our operations. This water may contain substances deemed to be pollutants. Revised rules governing such discharges from coal-fired power plants are expected to be issued by the EPA by the end of September 2015. Although we cannot at this time determine the timing or impact of compliance with any new regulations, more stringent regulations could have a material impact on our operations or consolidated financial results.

In October 2014, the EPA’s final standards for cooling intake structures at power plants to protect aquatic life took effect. The standards, based on Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), require subject facilities to choose among seven Best Technology Available options to reduce fish impingement. In addition, some facilities must conduct studies to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms. Our current analysis indicates this rule will not have a significant impact on our coal plants that employ cooling towers. Biological monitoring may be required for LaCygne and Wolf Creek. We are currently evaluating the rule's impact on those two plants and cannot predict the resulting impact on our operations or consolidated financial results, but we do not expect it to be material.

In April 2014, the EPA along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a proposed rule defining the Waters of the United States for purposes of the CWA. The related public comment period closed in November 2014. This rulemaking has the potential to impact all programs under the CWA. Expansion of regulated waterways is possible under the proposal, which could impact several permitting programs. Although we cannot at this time determine the timing or impact of compliance with any new regulations, more stringent regulations could have a material impact on our operations or consolidated financial results.

Regulation of Coal Combustion Byproducts

In the course of operating our coal generation plants, we produce coal combustion byproducts (CCBs), including fly ash, gypsum and bottom ash. We recycle some of our ash production, principally by selling to the aggregate industry. The EPA published a rule to regulate CCBs in April 2015, which we believe will require additional CCB handling, processing and storage equipment and potential closure of certain ash disposal areas. While we cannot at this time estimate the impact and costs associated with future regulations of CCBs, we believe the impact on our operations or consolidated financial results could be material.

Renewable Energy Standard

Kansas law mandates that we maintain a minimum amount of renewable energy sources. Through 2015, net renewable generation capacity must be 10% of the average peak retail demand for the three prior years, subject to limited exceptions. This requirement increases to 15% for years 2016 through 2019 and 20% for 2020 and thereafter. With our existing wind generation facilities, purchased power contracts and renewable energy credits, we are able to satisfy the net renewable generation requirement through 2015. With our agreements to purchase an additional 400 megawatts of installed design capacity from wind generation facilities, which will begin later in 2015 through 2016, we expect to meet the increased requirements for 2020 and thereafter. If we are unable to meet future requirements, our operations and consolidated financial results could be adversely impacted.


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Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel

In 2010, the DOE filed a motion with the NRC to withdraw its then pending application to construct a national repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. An NRC board denied the DOE's motion to withdraw its application and the DOE appealed that decision to the full NRC. In 2011, the NRC issued an evenly split decision on the appeal and also ordered the licensing board to close out its work on the DOE's application by the end of 2011 due to a lack of funding. These agency actions prompted the States of Washington and South Carolina, and a county in South Carolina, to file a lawsuit in a federal Court of Appeals asking the court to compel the NRC to resume its license review and to issue a decision on the license application. In August 2013, the court ordered the NRC to resume its review of the DOE's application. The NRC has not yet issued its decision. Wolf Creek has an on-site storage facility designed to hold all spent fuel generated at the plant through 2025 and believes it will be able to expand on-site storage as needed past 2025. We cannot predict when, or if, an alternative disposal site will be available to receive Wolf Creek's spent nuclear fuel and will continue to monitor this activity.

FERC Proceedings

In August 2014, the KCC filed a complaint against us with the FERC under Section 206 of the FPA. See Note 3, "Rate Matters and Regulation," for additional information.


11. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries 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 effect on our consolidated financial results. See Note 3, "Rate Matters and Regulation," and Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information.


12. COMMON STOCK

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Westar Energy issued 0.2 million shares of common stock with a physical settlement amount of $7.5 million to completely settle certain forward sale transactions under the March 2013 master forward sale agreement. Under that agreement Westar Energy had been required to settle any forward transaction within 18 months of the date of the transaction. Assuming physical share settlement of the approximately 8.9 million shares associated with all outstanding forward sale transactions as of March 31, 2015, Westar Energy would have received aggregate proceeds of approximately $247.2 million based on a weighted-average forward price of $27.73 per share.


13. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

In determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess the entity's purpose and design, including the nature of the entity's activities and the risks that the entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders. A reporting enterprise is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE. The trusts holding our 8% interest in Jeffrey Energy Center (JEC) and our 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 are VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary.

We assess all entities with which we become involved to determine whether such entities are VIEs and, if so, whether or not we are the primary beneficiary of the entities. We also continuously assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs with which we are involved. Prospective changes in facts and circumstances may cause us to reconsider our determination as it relates to the identification of the primary beneficiary.


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8% Interest in Jeffrey Energy Center

Under an agreement that expires in January 2019, we lease an 8% interest in JEC from a trust. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 8% interest in JEC and lease it to a third party, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 8% interest in JEC, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust's debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 8% interest in JEC at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits.

50% Interest in La Cygne Unit 2

Under an agreement that expires in September 2029, KGE entered into a sale-leaseback transaction with a trust under which the trust purchased KGE's 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and subsequently leased it back to KGE. The trust was financed with an equity contribution from an owner participant and debt issued by the trust. The trust was created specifically to purchase the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 and lease it back to KGE, and does not hold any other assets. We meet the requirements to be considered the primary beneficiary of the trust. In determining the primary beneficiary of the trust, we concluded that the activities of the trust that most significantly impact its economic performance and that we have the power to direct include (1) the operation and maintenance of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2, (2) our ability to exercise a purchase option at the end of the agreement at the lesser of fair value or a fixed amount and (3) our option to require refinancing of the trust's debt. We have the potential to receive benefits from the trust that could potentially be significant if the fair value of the 50% interest in La Cygne unit 2 at the end of the agreement is greater than the fixed amount. The possibility of lower interest rates upon refinancing the debt also creates the potential for us to receive significant benefits.

Financial Statement Impact

We have recorded the following assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets related to the VIEs described above.
 
As of
 
As of
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In Thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment of variable interest entities, net
$
275,989

 
$
278,573

Regulatory assets (a)
8,213

 
7,882

 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
$
28,315

 
$
27,933

Accrued interest (b)
68

 
2,961

Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net
138,209

 
166,565

_______________
(a) Included in long-term regulatory assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
(b) Included in accrued interest on our consolidated balance sheets.

All of the liabilities noted in the table above relate to the purchase of the property, plant and equipment. The assets of the VIEs can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs and the VIEs' debt holders have no recourse to our general credit. We have not provided financial or other support to the VIEs and are not required to provide such support. We did not record any gain or loss upon initial consolidation of the VIEs.

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

Certain matters discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis 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," "estimate," "intend" and words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe our future plans, objectives, expectations or goals.


INTRODUCTION

We are the largest electric utility in Kansas. We produce, transmit and sell electricity at retail in Kansas and at wholesale in a multi-state region in the central United States under the regulation of the KCC and FERC.

In Management's Discussion and Analysis, we discuss our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period of 2014, our general financial condition and significant changes that occurred during 2015. As you read Management's Discussion and Analysis, please refer to our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, which contain our operating results.


SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Earnings Per Share

Following is a summary of our net income and basic EPS.
        
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net income attributable to Westar Energy, Inc.
 
$
50,980

 
$
68,955

 
$
(17,975
)
Earnings per common share, basic
 
0.38

 
0.53

 
(0.15
)
    
Net income and basic EPS decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, due primarily to decreased energy marketing margins of $12.2 million and lower retail electricity sales. The decreased energy marketing margins were due primarily to greater volatility of power prices in 2014 in some of the wholesale markets in which we buy and sell power. The lower retail electricity sales were attributable principally to warmer weather, which particularly impacts residential and commercial electricity sales. As measured by heating degree days, the weather during the three months ended March 31, 2015, was 13% warmer than the same period of 2014. Also contributing to the decrease was our having recorded a $6.0 million reduction to transmission revenues for our estimated refund obligation associated with a FERC proceeding. See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, "Rate Matters and Regulation - FERC Proceedings," for a discussion of this proceeding.


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Current Trends

The following is an update to and is to be read in conjunction with "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations affecting our operations are overlapping, complex, subject to changes, have become more stringent over time and are expensive to implement. There are a variety of final and proposed laws and regulations that could have a material adverse effect on our operations and consolidated financial results, including those relating to:

further regulation of GHGs by the EPA, including pursuant to the Clean Power Plan, and future legislation that could be proposed by the U.S. Congress;
various proposed and expected regulations governing air emissions including, those relating to NAAQS (particularly those relating to PM, NOx, ozone, CO and SO2) and the CSAPR;
our water discharges, including under Section 316(b) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the definition of Waters of the United States for purposes of the CWA;
the regulation of CCB; and
applicable renewable energy standards.

See Note 3, “Rate Matters and Regulation” and Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies,” for additional information.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated 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 2014 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.

From December 31, 2014, through March 31, 2015, we did not experience any significant changes in our critical accounting estimates. For additional information, see our 2014 Form 10-K.



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OPERATING RESULTS

We evaluate operating results based on EPS. We have various classifications of revenues, defined as follows:

Retail: Sales of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Classification of customers as residential, commercial or industrial requires judgment and our classifications may be different from other companies. Assignment of tariffs is not dependent on classification. Other retail sales of electricity include lighting for public streets and highways, net of revenue subject to refund.

Wholesale: Sales of electricity to electric cooperatives, municipalities and other electric utilities and RTOs, the prices for which are either based on cost or prevailing market prices as prescribed by FERC authority. Revenues from these sales are either included in the RECA or used in the determination of base rates at the time of our next general rate case.

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

Other: Miscellaneous electric revenues including ancillary service revenues and rent from electric property leased to others. This category also includes transactions unrelated to the production of our generating assets and fees we earn for services that we provide for third parties.

Electric utility revenues are impacted by things such as rate regulation, fuel costs, technology, customer behavior, the economy and competitive forces. Changing weather also affects the amount of electricity our customers use as electricity sales are seasonal. As a summer peaking utility, the third quarter typically accounts for our greatest electricity sales. Hot summer temperatures and cold winter temperatures prompt more demand, especially among residential and commercial customers, and to a lesser extent, industrial customers. Mild weather reduces customer demand. Our wholesale revenues are impacted by, among other factors, demand, cost and availability of fuel and purchased power, price volatility, available generation capacity, transmission availability and weather.


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Three Months Ended March 31, 2015, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2014

Below we discuss our operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the results for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Significant changes in results of operations shown in the table immediately below are further explained in the descriptions that follow.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
REVENUES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
181,294

 
$
192,287

 
$
(10,993
)
 
(5.7
)
Commercial
161,305

 
161,100

 
205

 
0.1

Industrial
96,479

 
94,495

 
1,984

 
2.1

Other retail
539

 
(8,523
)
 
9,062

 
106.3

Total Retail Revenues
439,617

 
439,359

 
258

 
0.1

Wholesale
86,755

 
110,613

 
(23,858
)
 
(21.6
)
Transmission (a)
58,585

 
61,466

 
(2,881
)
 
(4.7
)
Other
5,850

 
17,118

 
(11,268
)
 
(65.8
)
Total Revenues
590,807

 
628,556

 
(37,749
)
 
(6.0
)
OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel and purchased power
155,482

 
173,839

 
(18,357
)
 
(10.6
)
SPP network transmission costs
56,812

 
51,958

 
4,854

 
9.3

Operating and maintenance
85,080

 
91,790

 
(6,710
)
 
(7.3
)
Depreciation and amortization
74,586

 
70,110

 
4,476

 
6.4

Selling, general and administrative
55,418

 
56,486

 
(1,068
)
 
(1.9
)
Taxes other than income tax
37,871

 
34,832

 
3,039

 
8.7

Total Operating Expenses
465,249

 
479,015

 
(13,766
)
 
(2.9
)
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
125,558

 
149,541

 
(23,983
)
 
(16.0
)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment earnings
2,480

 
2,378

 
102

 
4.3

Other income
2,814

 
5,917

 
(3,103
)
 
(52.4
)
Other expense
(5,713
)
 
(5,664
)
 
(49
)
 
(0.9
)
Total Other (Expense) Income
(419
)
 
2,631

 
(3,050
)
 
(115.9
)
Interest expense
44,298

 
46,241

 
(1,943
)
 
(4.2
)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
80,841

 
105,931

 
(25,090
)
 
(23.7
)
Income tax expense
27,678

 
34,961

 
(7,283
)
 
(20.8
)
NET INCOME
53,163

 
70,970

 
(17,807
)
 
(25.1
)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
2,183

 
2,015

 
168

 
8.3

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
50,980

 
$
68,955

 
$
(17,975
)
 
(26.1
)
BASIC EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
0.38

 
$
0.53

 
$
(0.15
)
 
(28.3
)
DILUTED EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING ATTRIBUTABLE TO WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
$
0.38

 
$
0.52

 
$
(0.14
)
 
(26.9
)
_______________
(a) Includes revenue from an SPP network transmission tariff corresponding to our SPP network transmission costs. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, these costs, less administration fees of $14.3 million and $12.0 million, respectively, were returned to us as revenue.


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Gross Margin

Fuel and purchased power costs fluctuate with electricity sales and unit costs. As permitted by regulators, we adjust our retail prices to reflect changes in the costs of fuel and purchased power. Fuel and purchased power costs for wholesale customers are recovered at prevailing market prices or based on a predetermined formula with a price adjustment approved by FERC. As a result, changes in fuel and purchased power costs are offset in revenues with minimal impact on net income. In addition, SPP network transmission costs fluctuate due primarily to investments by us and other members of the SPP for upgrades to the transmission grid within the SPP RTO. As with fuel and purchased power costs, changes in SPP network transmission costs are mostly reflected in the prices we charge customers with minimal impact on net income. For these reasons, we believe gross margin is useful for understanding and analyzing changes in our operating performance from one period to the next. We calculate gross margin as total revenues, including transmission revenues, less the sum of fuel and purchased power costs and amounts billed by the SPP for network transmission costs. Accordingly, gross margin reflects transmission revenues and costs on a net basis. The following table summarizes our gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Revenues
$
590,807

 
$
628,556

 
$
(37,749
)
 
(6.0
)
Less: Fuel and purchased power expense
155,482

 
173,839

 
(18,357
)
 
(10.6
)
SPP network transmission costs
56,812

 
51,958

 
4,854

 
9.3

Gross Margin
$
378,513

 
$
402,759

 
$
(24,246
)
 
(6.0
)

The following table reflects changes in electricity sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. No electricity sales are shown for transmission or other as they are not directly related to the amount of electricity we sell. 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Thousands of MWh)
ELECTRICITY SALES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
1,554


1,709

 
(155
)
 
(9.1
)
Commercial
1,731


1,760

 
(29
)
 
(1.6
)
Industrial
1,324


1,339

 
(15
)
 
(1.1
)
Other retail
20


21

 
(1
)
 
(4.8
)
Total Retail
4,629

 
4,829

 
(200
)
 
(4.1
)
Wholesale
2,571

 
2,476

 
95

 
3.8

Total
7,200

 
7,305

 
(105
)
 
(1.4
)

Gross margin decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, due primarily to decreased energy marketing margins of $12.2 million due to greater volatility in 2014 of power prices in some of the wholesale markets in which we buy and sell power. Also contributing to the decrease in gross margin was lower retail electricity sales, offset by higher prices. The lower retail electricity sales were attributable principally to warmer weather, which particularly impacts residential and commercial electricity sales. As measured by heating degree days, the weather during the three months ended March 31, 2015, was 13% warmer than the same period of 2014. The higher prices were primarily due to investments we made in our transmission infrastructure and air quality controls at our power plants. Further contributing to the decrease in gross margin was our having recorded a $6.0 million reduction to transmission revenues for our estimated refund obligation associated with a FERC proceeding. See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, "Rate Matters and Regulation - FERC Proceedings," for a discussion of this proceeding.


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Income from operations is the most directly comparable measure to our presentation of gross margin that is calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in our consolidated statements of income. Our presentation of gross margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for income from operations. Additionally, our presentation of gross margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The following table reconciles income from operations with gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Gross margin
$
378,513

 
$
402,759

 
$
(24,246
)
 
(6.0
)
Less: Operating and maintenance expense
85,080

 
91,790

 
(6,710
)
 
(7.3
)
Depreciation and amortization expense
74,586

 
70,110

 
4,476

 
6.4

Selling, general and administrative expense
55,418

 
56,486

 
(1,068
)
 
(1.9
)
Taxes other than income tax
37,871

 
34,832

 
3,039

 
8.7

Income from operations
$
125,558

 
$
149,541

 
$
(23,983
)
 
(16.0
)

Operating Expenses and Other Income and Expense Items

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Operating and maintenance expense
$
85,080

 
$
91,790

 
$
(6,710
)
 
(7.3
)

Operating and maintenance expense decreased due principally to $5.6 million lower costs at Wolf Creek, which were the result principally of higher operating and maintenance costs incurred during a 2014 scheduled outage.
                                                                              
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Depreciation and amortization expense
$
74,586

 
$
70,110

 
$
4,476

 
6.4

Depreciation and amortization expense increased during the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period of 2014 due to additions at our power plants, including air quality controls and the addition of transmission facilities.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expense
$
55,418

 
$
56,486

 
$
(1,068
)
 
(1.9
)
    
Selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015, decreased due primarily to amortizing $1.2 million less for previously deferred amounts associated with various energy efficiency programs.


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Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Taxes other than income tax
$
37,871

 
$
34,832

 
$
3,039

 
8.7

Taxes other than income tax increased due primarily to a $2.9 million increase in property tax expense, which is offset in retail revenues.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
  
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Income tax expense
$
27,678

 
$
34,961

 
$
(7,283
)
 
(20.8
)

Income tax expense decreased for the three month period due principally to lower income before income taxes.



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Table of Contents

FINANCIAL CONDITION

A number of factors affected amounts recorded on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Fuel inventory and supplies
$
265,967

 
$
247,406

 
$
18,561

 
7.5

Inventory increased due principally to a $17.1 million increase in coal inventory due mostly to improved rail performance.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Deferred tax assets
19,747

 
29,636

 
$
(9,889
)
 
(33.4
)

Deferred tax assets decreased due primarily to the reversal of $6.5 million of accumulated deferred income taxes related to our having paid non-union, non-executive employee compensation that is at-risk to employees and payable only upon meeting pre-established operating and financial objectives. In addition, deferred tax assets decreased $5.4 million due to an increase in deferred expenses for Wolf Creek's refueling and maintenance outages.
  
 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Regulatory assets
$
860,307

 
$
859,778

 
$
529

 
0.1

Regulatory liabilities
346,653

 
343,485

 
3,168

 
0.9

Net regulatory assets
$
513,654

 
$
516,293

 
$
(2,639
)
 
(0.5
)

Total regulatory assets increased due primarily to a $13.6 million increase in amounts deferred for Wolf Creek's refueling and maintenance outages; however, partially offsetting this increase was a $11.7 million decrease in deferred employee benefit costs.

Total regulatory liabilities increased due primarily to the following reasons:
    
a $5.3 million increase in the fair value of the NDT;
$3.0 million increase in refund obligations related to amounts we have collected from our customers in excess of our actual cost of fuel and purchased power;
$2.3 million increase in jurisdictional AFUDC, which is AFUDC that is accrued subsequent to the time costs are included in our prices and prior to the time associated costs are placed into service; however,
partially offsetting these increases was a $4.8 million decrease in amounts collected but not yet spent to dispose of plant assets.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Long-term debt
$
3,090,722

 
$
3,215,539

 
$
(124,817
)
 
(3.9
)

Total long-term debt decreased due to Westar Energy redeeming $125.0 million in principal amount of first mortgage bonds in January 2015.


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Table of Contents

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities
$
28,315

 
$
27,933

 
$
382

 
1.4

Long-term debt of variable interest entities
138,209

 
166,565

 
(28,356
)
 
(17.0
)
Total long-term debt of variable interest entities
$
166,524

 
$
194,498

 
$
(27,974
)
 
(14.4
)

Total long-term debt of VIEs decreased due to the VIEs that hold the JEC and La Cygne leasehold interests having made principal payments totaling $27.9 million.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Short-term debt
$
425,400

 
$
257,600

 
$
167,800

 
65.1

Short-term debt increased due to increases in issuances of commercial paper used primarily to fund capital expenditures, to redeem debt on an interim basis and for working capital and other corporate purposes.

 
As of
 
As of
 
 
 
 
  
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Accrued taxes
$
110,957

 
$
74,356

 
$
36,601

 
49.2

Accrued taxes increased due mostly to an increase in accrued property taxes.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

Available sources of funds to operate our business include internally generated cash, short-term borrowings under Westar Energy's commercial paper program and revolving credit facilities and access to capital markets. We expect to meet our day-to-day cash requirements including, among other items, fuel and purchased power, dividends, interest payments, income taxes and pension contributions, using primarily internally generated cash and short-term borrowings. To meet the cash requirements for our capital investments, we expect to use internally generated cash, short-term borrowings, and proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities in the capital markets. When such balances are of sufficient size and it makes economic sense to do so, we also use proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and equity securities to repay short-term borrowings, which are principally related to investments in capital equipment and the redemption of bonds and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Uncertainties affecting our ability to meet cash requirements include, among others, factors affecting revenues described in "—Operating Results" above, economic conditions, regulatory actions, compliance with environmental regulations and conditions in the capital markets.

Short-Term Borrowings

Westar Energy maintains a commercial paper program pursuant to which it may issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any one time of $1.0 billion. This program is supported by Westar Energy's revolving credit facilities. Maturities of commercial paper issuances may not exceed 365 days from the date of issuance and proceeds from such issuances will be used to temporarily fund capital expenditures, to redeem debt on an interim basis, for working capital and/or for other general corporate purposes. As of April 30, 2015, Westar Energy had $478.0 million of commercial paper issued and outstanding.


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Table of Contents

Westar Energy has two revolving credit facilities in the amounts of $730.0 million and $270.0 million. In September 2014, Westar Energy extended the term of the $730.0 million facility by one year to terminate in September 2018, $81.4 million of which will expire in September 2017. In February 2014, Westar Energy had extended the term of its $270.0 million credit facility to February 2017, $20.0 million of which was set to terminate in February 2016. In April 2015, the $20.0 million was extended to also terminate in February 2017. As long as there is no default under the facilities, the $730.0 million facility may be extended an additional two years and the aggregate amount of borrowings under the $730.0 million and $270.0 million facilities may be increased to $1.0 billion and $400.0 million, respectively, subject to lender participation. All borrowings under the facilities are secured by KGE first mortgage bonds. Total combined borrowings under the revolving credit facilities and the commercial paper program may not exceed $1.0 billion at any given time. As of April 30, 2015, no amounts were borrowed and $22.6 million in letters of credit had been issued under the $730.0 million facility. No amounts were borrowed and no letters of credit were issued under the $270.0 million facility as of the same date.

Long-Term Debt Financing

In January 2015, Westar Energy redeemed $125.0 million in principal amount of first mortgage bonds bearing stated interest at 5.95% and maturing January 2035.

Debt Covenants

We remain in compliance with our debt covenants.

Impact of Credit Ratings on Debt Financing

Moody's Investors Service (Moody's), Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) and Fitch Ratings (Fitch) are independent credit-rating agencies that rate our debt securities. These ratings indicate each agency's assessment of our ability to pay interest and principal when due on our securities.

In general, more favorable credit ratings increase borrowing opportunities and reduce the cost of borrowing. Under Westar Energy's revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program, our cost of borrowings is determined in part by credit ratings. However, Westar Energy's ability to borrow under the credit facilities and commercial paper program are not conditioned on maintaining a particular credit rating. We may enter into new credit agreements that contain credit rating conditions, which could affect our liquidity and/or our borrowing costs.

Factors that impact our credit ratings include a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Objective criteria include typical financial ratios, such as total debt to total capitalization and funds from operations to total debt, among others, future capital expenditures and our access to liquidity including committed lines of credit. Subjective criteria include such items as the quality and credibility of management, the political and regulatory environment we operate in and an assessment of our governance and risk management practices.

As of April 30, 2015, our ratings with the agencies are as shown in the table below.
 
Westar
Energy
First
Mortgage
Bond
Rating
 
KGE
First
Mortgage
Bond
Rating
 
Westar Energy Commercial Paper
 
Rating
Outlook
Moody’s
A2
 
A2
 
P-2
 
Stable
S&P
A
 
A
 
A-2
 
Stable
Fitch
A-
 
A-
 
F2
 
Positive


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Table of Contents

Common Stock

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Westar Energy issued 0.2 million shares of common stock with a physical settlement amount of $7.5 million to completely settle certain forward sale transactions under the March 2013 master forward sale agreement. Under that agreement Westar Energy had been required to settle any forward transaction within 18 months of the date of the transaction. Assuming physical share settlement of the approximately 8.9 million shares associated with all outstanding forward sale transactions as of March 31, 2015, Westar Energy would have received aggregate proceeds of approximately $247.2 million based on a weighted-average forward price of $27.73 per share.

Summary of Cash Flows
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change
 
% Change
 
 
(Dollars In Thousands)
Cash flows from (used in):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
212,495

 
$
238,312

 
$
(25,817
)
 
(10.8
)
Investing activities
 
(186,294
)
 
(216,038
)
 
29,744

 
13.8

Financing activities
 
(24,683
)
 
(17,696
)
 
(6,987
)
 
(39.5
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,518

 
$
4,578

 
$
(3,060
)
 
(66.8
)
 
    
Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities decreased due principally to our having paid approximately $25.5 million more for purchased power and transmission services, our having received $23.6 million less for wholesale power sales and transmission services and our having received $9.1 million less for energy marketing activities. Partially offsetting these decreases was our having paid $40.8 million less for coal and natural gas.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities decreased due primarily to our having invested $31.1 million less in additions to property, plant and equipment.

Cash Flows used in Financing Activities

Cash flows used in financing activities increased due principally to Westar Energy having redeemed $125.0 million in principal amount of first mortgage bonds in January 2015. Offsetting this increase was our having issued $123.7 million more of commercial paper.

Pension Contribution

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we contributed $8.5 million to the Westar Energy pension trust. We funded $1.3 million of Wolf Creek's pension plan contributions during the same period.


OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

From December 31, 2014, through March 31, 2015, our off balance sheet arrangements did not change materially. For additional information, see our 2014 Form 10-K.


CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

From December 31, 2014, through March 31, 2015, our contractual obligations and commercial commitments did not change materially outside the ordinary course of business. For additional information, see our 2014 Form 10-K.



36

Table of Contents

OTHER INFORMATION

Changes in Prices

KCC Proceedings

In March 2015, the KCC issued an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include updated transmission costs as reflected in the transmission formula rate discussed below. The new prices were effective in April 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $7.2 million.

In March 2015, we filed an application with the KCC to adjust our prices to include costs associated with investments in environmental projects during 2014. We expect to implement the new prices in June 2015 and estimate that this will increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $10.8 million.

In March 2015, we filed an application with the KCC to increase our prices by $152.0 million to include, among other things, the additional investment in La Cygne environmental upgrades, the investment to extend the life of Wolf Creek and programs to improve reliability. We expect the KCC to issue an order on our request by late October 2015.
        
In December 2014, the KCC approved an order allowing us to adjust our prices to include costs incurred for property taxes. The new prices were effective in January 2015 and are expected to increase our annual retail revenues by approximately $4.9 million.

FERC Proceedings
    
Our transmission formula rate that includes projected 2015 transmission capital expenditures and operating costs was effective in January 2015 and is expected to decrease our annual transmission revenues by approximately $4.6 million. This updated rate provided the basis for our request with the KCC to adjust our retail prices to include updated transmission costs as discussed above.

In August 2014, the KCC filed a complaint against us with the FERC under Section 206 of the FPA. The complaint seeks to lower our 10.8% base ROE used in determining our transmission formula rate to approximately 8.9%, which would result in a refund obligation of approximately $19.0 million on an annualized basis, and based on our current rate base would reduce our future transmission revenues by approximately $19.0 million on an annualized basis. We filed a response to the complaint opposing any change to the ROE and subsequently on December 18, 2014, the FERC ordered that this matter be set for hearing and settlement judge procedures. Based on settlement discussions between the parties, we have recorded a liability of $6.0 million for our estimated refund obligation from the refund effective date of August 20, 2014, through March 31, 2015. Our estimated refund obligation is based on a base ROE of 9.8%. In addition, we estimate our future transmission revenues would be reduced by approximately $10.0 million on an annualized basis as a result of the reduced ROE.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk, including changes in commodity prices, counterparty credit, interest rates, and debt and equity instrument values. From December 31, 2014, to March 31, 2015, no significant changes occurred in our market risk exposure. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our 2014 Form 10-K for additional information.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

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Table of Contents


There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information on legal proceedings is set forth in Notes 3, 10 and 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, "Rate Matters and Regulation," "Commitments and Contingencies" and "Legal Proceedings," respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

     There were no material changes in our risk factors from December 31, 2014, through March 31, 2015. For additional information, see our 2014 Form 10-K.


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

None.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.
 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
    
Investors should note that we announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. In accordance with SEC guidance, we may also use the Investor Relations section of our website (http://www.WestarEnergy.com, under “Investors”) to communicate with investors about our company. It is possible that the financial and other information we post there could be deemed to be material information. The information on our website is not part of this document.



38

Table of Contents

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 March 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015
32
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 certifying the quarterly report provided for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (furnished and not to be considered filed as part of the Form 10-Q)
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

39

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.
 
 
 
 
 
WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
May 5, 2015
 
By:
 
/s/ Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

40
WR-03.31.2015-10Q Exhibit 31(a)


Exhibit 31(a)
WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE 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 March 31, 2015, of Westar Energy, Inc.;

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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) 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, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

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 the 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 the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
a.
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:
May 5, 2015
 
By:
/s/   Mark A. Ruelle     
 
 
 
 
Mark A. Ruelle
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Westar Energy, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 


WR-03.31.2015-10Q Exhibit 31(b)


Exhibit 31(b)
WESTAR ENERGY, INC.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Anthony D. Somma, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015, of Westar Energy, Inc.;

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)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) 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, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

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 the 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 the 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:
May 5, 2015
 
By:
/s/ Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
 
Westar Energy, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 



WR-03.31.2015-10Q Exhibit 32


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 Westar Energy, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 (the Report), which this certification accompanies, Mark A. Ruelle, in my capacity as Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Anthony D. Somma, in my capacity as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 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:
May 5, 2015
 
By:
/s/   Mark A. Ruelle        
 
 
 
 
Mark A. Ruelle
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:
May 5, 2015
 
By:
/s/   Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
Anthony D. Somma
 
 
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer