e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
OR
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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 1-13265
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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76-0511406
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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1111 Louisiana
Houston, Texas 77002
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)
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(713) 207-1111
(Registrants telephone number, including area code) |
CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a)
and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer þ
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of March 31, 2008, all 1,000 shares of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. common stock were
held by Utility Holding, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2008
i
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
From time to time we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives,
goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements
that are not historical facts. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from
those expressed or implied by these statements. You can generally identify our forward-looking
statements by the words anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect,
forecast, goal, intend, may, objective, plan, potential, predict, projection,
should, will, or other similar words.
We have based our forward-looking statements on our managements beliefs and assumptions based
on information available to our management at the time the statements are made. We caution you that
assumptions, beliefs, expectations, intentions and projections about future events may and often do
vary materially from actual results. Therefore, we cannot assure you that actual results will not
differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements.
The following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements:
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state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments, including
deregulation, re-regulation, environmental regulations, including regulations related to
global climate change, and changes in or application of laws or regulations applicable to
the various aspects of our business; |
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timely and appropriate rate actions and increases, allowing recovery of costs and a
reasonable return on investment; |
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cost overruns on major capital projects that cannot be recouped in prices; |
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industrial, commercial and residential growth in our service territory and changes in
market demand and demographic patterns; |
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the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices, particularly natural gas; |
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the timing and extent of changes in the supply of natural gas; |
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the timing and extent of changes in natural gas basis differentials; |
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weather variations and other natural phenomena; |
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changes in interest rates or rates of inflation; |
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commercial bank and financial market conditions, our access to capital, the cost of such
capital, and the results of our financing and refinancing efforts, including availability
of funds in the debt capital markets; |
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actions by rating agencies; |
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effectiveness of our risk management activities; |
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inability of various counterparties to meet their obligations to us; |
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non-payment for our services due to financial distress of our customers, including
Reliant Energy, Inc. (RRI); |
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the ability of RRI and its subsidiaries to satisfy their other obligations to us,
including indemnity obligations, or in connection with the contractual arrangements
pursuant to which we are their guarantor; |
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the outcome of litigation brought by or against us; |
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our ability to control costs; |
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the investment performance of CenterPoint Energys employee benefit plans; |
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our potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or
businesses, which we cannot assure will be completed or will have the anticipated benefits
to us; |
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acquisition and merger activities involving our parent or our competitors; and |
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other factors we discuss in Risk Factors in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference,
and other reports we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking
statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement.
iii
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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Revenues |
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$ |
2,697 |
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$ |
2,952 |
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Expenses: |
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Natural gas |
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2,150 |
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2,393 |
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Operation and maintenance |
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198 |
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205 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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51 |
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54 |
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Taxes other than income taxes |
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48 |
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58 |
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Total |
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2,447 |
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2,710 |
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Operating Income |
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250 |
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242 |
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Other Income (Expense): |
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Interest and other finance charges |
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(39 |
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(48 |
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Other, net |
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3 |
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11 |
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Total |
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(36 |
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(37 |
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Income Before Income Taxes |
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214 |
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205 |
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Income tax expense |
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(83 |
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(79 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
131 |
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$ |
126 |
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See Notes to the Companys Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
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December 31, |
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March 31, |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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Current Assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
1 |
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$ |
19 |
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Accounts and notes receivable, net |
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732 |
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923 |
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Accrued unbilled revenue |
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456 |
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368 |
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Accounts and notes receivable affiliated companies |
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82 |
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64 |
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Materials and supplies |
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35 |
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37 |
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Natural gas inventory |
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395 |
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65 |
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Non-trading derivative assets |
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38 |
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59 |
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Deferred tax asset |
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40 |
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20 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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235 |
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117 |
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Total current assets |
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2,014 |
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1,672 |
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Property, Plant and Equipment: |
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Property, plant and equipment |
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5,837 |
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5,920 |
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Less accumulated depreciation and amortization |
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(806 |
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(850 |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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5,031 |
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5,070 |
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Other Assets: |
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Goodwill |
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1,696 |
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1,696 |
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Non-trading derivative assets |
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11 |
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22 |
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Notes receivable from unconsolidated affiliates |
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148 |
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150 |
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Other |
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234 |
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333 |
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Total other assets |
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2,089 |
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2,201 |
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Total Assets |
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$ |
9,134 |
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$ |
8,943 |
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See Notes to the Companys Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
2
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
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December 31, |
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March 31, |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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Current Liabilities: |
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Short-term borrowings |
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$ |
232 |
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$ |
200 |
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Current portion of long-term debt |
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307 |
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7 |
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Accounts payable |
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661 |
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700 |
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Accounts and notes payable affiliated companies |
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144 |
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196 |
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Taxes accrued |
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118 |
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119 |
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Interest accrued |
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59 |
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62 |
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Customer deposits |
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59 |
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58 |
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Non-trading derivative liabilities |
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60 |
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17 |
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Other |
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186 |
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194 |
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Total current liabilities |
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1,826 |
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1,553 |
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Other Liabilities: |
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Accumulated deferred income taxes, net |
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778 |
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790 |
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Non-trading derivative liabilities |
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14 |
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4 |
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Benefit obligations |
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116 |
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115 |
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Regulatory liabilities |
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474 |
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484 |
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Other |
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167 |
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138 |
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Total other liabilities |
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1,549 |
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1,531 |
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Long-term Debt |
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2,645 |
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2,623 |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10) |
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Stockholders Equity: |
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Common stock |
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Paid-in capital |
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2,406 |
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2,406 |
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Retained earnings |
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692 |
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818 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income |
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16 |
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12 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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3,114 |
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3,236 |
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Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
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$ |
9,134 |
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$ |
8,943 |
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See Notes to the Companys Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
3
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
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Net income |
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$ |
131 |
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$ |
126 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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51 |
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54 |
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Amortization of deferred financing costs |
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2 |
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2 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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9 |
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28 |
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Changes in other assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net |
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9 |
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(103 |
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Accounts receivable/payable, affiliates |
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16 |
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51 |
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Inventory |
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213 |
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328 |
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Accounts payable |
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(192 |
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46 |
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Fuel cost over recovery |
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23 |
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29 |
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Interest and taxes accrued |
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13 |
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4 |
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Non-trading derivatives, net |
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14 |
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27 |
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Margin deposits, net |
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52 |
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29 |
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Other current assets |
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34 |
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57 |
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Other current liabilities |
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(61 |
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(64 |
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Other assets |
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(3 |
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(5 |
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Other liabilities |
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(28 |
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(55 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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283 |
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554 |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities: |
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Capital expenditures |
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(272 |
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(94 |
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Increase in notes receivable from affiliates, net |
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(83 |
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(2 |
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Investment in unconsolidated affiliates |
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(105 |
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Other, net |
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(15 |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(370 |
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(201 |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
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Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings |
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150 |
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(32 |
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Long-term revolving credit facility, net |
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(50 |
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Proceeds from commercial paper, net |
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35 |
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Proceeds from long-term debt |
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150 |
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Payments of long-term debt |
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(7 |
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(307 |
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Increase
(decrease) in notes payable with affiliates |
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(186 |
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19 |
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Debt issuance costs |
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(1 |
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Other, net |
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1 |
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
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107 |
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(335 |
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Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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20 |
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18 |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of the Period |
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5 |
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1 |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of the Period |
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$ |
25 |
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$ |
19 |
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Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
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Cash Payments: |
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Interest, net of capitalized interest |
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$ |
41 |
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$ |
46 |
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Income taxes |
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38 |
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36 |
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See Notes to the Companys Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
4
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Background and Basis of Presentation
General. Included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Form 10-Q) of CenterPoint Energy
Resources Corp. are the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes (Interim
Condensed Financial Statements) of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. and its subsidiaries
(collectively, CERC Corp. or the Company). The Interim Condensed Financial Statements are
unaudited, omit certain financial statement disclosures and should be read with the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of CERC Corp. for the year ended December 31, 2007 (CERC Corp. Form 10-K).
Background. The Company owns and operates natural gas distribution systems in six states.
Subsidiaries of the Company own interstate natural gas pipelines and gas gathering systems and
provide various ancillary services. A wholly owned subsidiary of the Company offers variable and
fixed-price physical natural gas supplies primarily to commercial and industrial customers and
electric and gas utilities.
The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CenterPoint
Energy), a public utility holding company.
Basis of Presentation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
The Companys Interim Condensed Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments
that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results
of operations and cash flows for the respective periods. Amounts reported in the Companys
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income are not necessarily indicative of amounts expected for
a full-year period due to the effects of, among other things, (a) seasonal fluctuations in demand
for energy and energy services, (b) changes in energy commodity prices, (c) timing of maintenance
and other expenditures and (d) acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, assets and other
interests.
(2) New Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Staff Position No. FIN
39-1, Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39, (FIN 39-1) which permits companies that enter into
master netting arrangements to offset cash collateral receivables or payables with net derivative
positions under certain circumstances. The Company adopted FIN 39-1 effective January 1, 2008 and
began netting the cash collateral receivables and payables and also its derivative assets and
liabilities with the same counterparty subject to master netting agreements.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159,
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of
FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 permits the Company to choose, at specified
election dates, to measure eligible items at fair value (the fair value option). The Company
would report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected
in earnings at each subsequent reporting period. This accounting standard is effective as of the
beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007 but is not required to be
applied. The Company currently has no plans to apply SFAS No. 159.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS
No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under
SFAS No. 141R, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition date fair value with limited exceptions.
SFAS No. 141R also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements and applies
prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning
of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. As the provisions
5
of SFAS No. 141R are applied prospectively, the impact to the Company cannot be determined
until applicable transactions occur.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements An Amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS No. 160). SFAS No. 160 establishes new
accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. This accounting standard is effective for fiscal years, and
interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company
will adopt SFAS No. 160 as of January 1, 2009. The Company expects that the adoption of SFAS No.
160 will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS
No. 157), which requires additional disclosures about the Companys financial assets and
liabilities that are measured at fair value. FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 delays the effective
date for SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized
or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, to fiscal years, and
interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after November 15, 2008. As defined in SFAS
No. 157, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where
available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such
prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are
applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the
degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the
instruments complexity for disclosure purposes. Beginning in January 2008, assets and liabilities
recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet are categorized based upon the
level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as
defined in SFAS No. 157 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the
inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:
Level 1: Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally
are financial derivatives, investments and equity securities listed in active markets.
Level 2: Inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are observable for the asset or
liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar
instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the
asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities that are generally included in this
category are derivatives with fair values based on inputs from actively quoted markets.
Level 3: Inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where
there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the
inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In
such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its
entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the
fair value measurement in its entirety. The Companys assessment of the significance of a
particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers
factors specific to the asset. Generally, assets and liabilities carried at fair value and
included in this category are financial derivatives.
The following table presents information about the Companys assets and liabilities (including
derivatives that are presented net) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31,
2008, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to
determine such fair value.
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices in |
|
|
Significant Other |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Active Markets |
|
|
Observable |
|
|
Unobservable |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
|
|
|
for Identical Assets |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
Netting |
|
|
as of |
|
|
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
|
Adjustments (1) |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate equities |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
Investments |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
14 |
|
Derivative assets |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
103 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
18 |
|
|
$ |
103 |
|
|
$ |
4 |
|
|
$ |
(28 |
) |
|
$ |
97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative liabilities |
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
(28 |
) |
|
$ |
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
(28 |
) |
|
$ |
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements that
allow the Company to settle positive and negative positions and also cash collateral held
or placed with the same counterparties. |
The following table presents additional information about assets or liabilities, including
derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for which the Company has utilized
Level 3 inputs to determine fair value, for the three months ended March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
Measurements |
|
|
|
Using Significant |
|
|
|
Unobservable |
|
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
|
|
Derivatives, net |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2008 |
|
$ |
(3 |
) |
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized): |
|
|
|
|
Included in earnings |
|
|
6 |
|
Included in other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
Net transfers into level 3 |
|
|
|
|
Purchases, sales, other settlements, net |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Ending balance as of March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
The amount of total gains or losses for the period
included in earnings attributable to the change in
unrealized gains or losses relating to assets
still held at the reporting date |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
(3) Employee Benefit Plans
The Companys employees participate in CenterPoint Energys postretirement benefit plan. The
Companys net periodic cost relating to postretirement benefits includes $2 million of interest
cost for each of the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008. The Company expects to contribute
approximately $14 million to its postretirement benefits plan in 2008, of which $3 million had been
contributed as of March 31, 2008.
(4) Regulatory Matters
Texas. In March 2008, the Companys natural gas distribution business (Gas Operations) filed
a request to change its rates with the Railroad Commission of Texas (Railroad Commission) and the
47 cities in its Texas Coast service territory, an area consisting of approximately 230,000
customers in cities and communities on the outskirts of Houston. The request seeks to establish
uniform rates, charges and terms and conditions of service for the cities and environs of the Texas
Coast service territory. The effect of the requested rate changes will be to increase the Texas
Coast service territorys revenues by approximately $7 million per year.
Minnesota. In November 2006, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) denied a
request filed by Gas Operations for a waiver of MPUC rules in order to allow Gas Operations to
recover approximately $21 million
7
in unrecovered purchased gas costs related to periods prior to July 1, 2004. Those
unrecovered gas costs were identified as a result of revisions to previously approved calculations
of unrecovered purchased gas costs. Following that denial, Gas Operations recorded a $21 million
adjustment to reduce pre-tax earnings in the fourth quarter of 2006 and reduced the regulatory
asset related to these costs by an equal amount. In March 2007, following the MPUCs denial of
reconsideration of its ruling, Gas Operations petitioned the Minnesota Court of Appeals for review
of the MPUCs decision. On May 6, 2008 that court rendered its decision. The court concluded that the MPUC was arbitrary
and capricious in denying Gas Operations request for a waiver of the MPUC rules and remanded the
case to the MPUC for reconsideration under the same principles that the MPUC had applied in
previously granted variance requests. No prediction can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this
matter.
(5) Derivative Instruments
The Company is exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered
into in the normal course of business. The Company utilizes derivative instruments such as physical
forward contracts, swaps and options to mitigate the impact of
changes in commodity prices and weather
on its operating results and cash flows.
Non-Trading Activities
Cash Flow Hedges. The Company has entered into certain derivative instruments that qualify as
cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
(SFAS No. 133). The objective of these derivative instruments is to hedge the price risk associated
with natural gas purchases and sales to reduce cash flow variability related to meeting the
Companys wholesale and retail customer obligations. During each of the three months ended March
31, 2007 and 2008, hedge ineffectiveness resulted in a loss of less than $1 million from
derivatives that qualify for and are designated as cash flow hedges. No component of the derivative
instruments gain or loss was excluded from the assessment of effectiveness. If it becomes probable
that an anticipated transaction being hedged will not occur, the Company realizes in net income the
deferred gains and losses previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. When an
anticipated transaction being hedged affects earnings, the accumulated deferred gain or loss
recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss is reclassified and included in the Statements
of Consolidated Income under the Expenses caption Natural gas. Cash flows resulting from these
transactions in non-trading energy derivatives are included in the Statements of Consolidated Cash
Flows in the same category as the item being hedged. As of March 31, 2008, the Company expects $2
million ($1 million after-tax) in accumulated other comprehensive income to be reclassified as a
decrease in Natural gas expense during the next twelve months.
The length of time the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows
using derivative instruments that have been designated and have qualified as cash flow hedging
instruments is less than one year. The Companys policy is not to exceed ten years in hedging its
exposure.
Other Derivative Instruments. The Company enters into certain derivative instruments to
manage physical commodity price risks that do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow or
fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133. The Company utilizes these financial instruments to manage
physical commodity price risks and does not engage in proprietary or speculative commodity trading.
During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company recognized unrealized net losses
of $8 million and $22 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the
unrealized net losses are included in the Statements of Consolidated Income under the Expenses
caption Natural Gas. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, unrealized net losses of $20
million are included in the Statements of Consolidated Income under the Revenues caption and
unrealized net losses of $2 million are included in the Statements of Consolidated Income under the
Expenses caption Natural Gas.
Weather Derivatives. The Company has weather normalization or other rate mechanisms that
mitigate the impact of weather in certain of its Gas Operations jurisdictions. The remaining Gas
Operations jurisdictions, Minnesota, Mississippi and Texas, do not have such mechanisms. As a
result, fluctuations from normal weather may have a significant positive or negative effect on the
results of these operations.
In 2007, the Company entered into heating-degree day swaps to mitigate the effect of
fluctuations from normal weather on its financial position and cash flows for the 2007/2008 winter
heating season. The swaps are based on ten-year normal weather and provide for a maximum payment
by either party of $18 million. During the three
8
months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recognized an $11 million loss ($7 million after-tax)
related to these swaps. This was offset in part by increased revenues due to colder than normal
weather.
(6) Goodwill
Goodwill by reportable business segment as of both December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 is as
follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas Distribution |
|
$ |
746 |
|
Interstate Pipelines |
|
|
579 |
|
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services |
|
|
335 |
|
Field Services |
|
|
25 |
|
Other Operations |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,696 |
|
|
|
|
|
(7) Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the components of total comprehensive income (net of tax):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
131 |
|
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SFAS No. 158 adjustment (net of tax) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification of deferred gain
from cash flow hedges realized in
net income (net of tax of $17 and
$2) |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
105 |
|
|
$ |
122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
SFAS No. 158 adjustment |
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8) Related Party Transactions
The Company participates in a money pool through which it can borrow or invest on a
short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the
net cash position. The net funding requirements of the money pool are expected to be met with
borrowings by CenterPoint Energy under its revolving credit facility or the sale by CenterPoint
Energy of its commercial paper. As of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, the Company had
borrowings from the money pool of $67 million and $87 million, respectively.
For each of the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company had net interest
expense related to affiliate borrowings of approximately $1 million.
CenterPoint Energy provides some corporate services to the Company. The costs of services have
been charged directly to the Company using methods that management believes are reasonable. These
methods include negotiated usage rates, dedicated asset assignment and proportionate corporate
formulas based on operating expenses, assets, gross margin, employees and a composite of assets,
gross margin and employees. These charges are not necessarily indicative of what would have been
incurred had the Company not been an affiliate. Amounts charged to the
9
Company for these services were $40 million and $35 million for the three months ended March
31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses.
(9) Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
(a) Short-term Borrowings
In October 2007, the Company amended its receivables facility and extended the termination
date to October 28, 2008. The facility size will range from $150 million to $375 million during the
period from September 30, 2007 to the October 28, 2008 termination date. The variable size of the
facility was designed to track the seasonal pattern of receivables in the Companys natural gas
businesses. At March 31, 2008, the facility size was $375 million. As of December 31, 2007 and
March 31, 2008, $232 million and $200 million, respectively, was advanced for the purchase of
receivables under the Companys receivables facility.
(b) Long-term Debt
Revolving Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $100 million of borrowings
and $35 million of commercial paper outstanding under its $950 million credit facility. The
Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2008.
(10) Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Natural Gas Supply Commitments
Natural gas supply commitments include natural gas contracts related to the Companys Natural
Gas Distribution and Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segments, which have
various quantity requirements and durations, that are not classified as non-trading derivative
assets and liabilities in the Companys Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and
March 31, 2008 as these contracts meet the SFAS No. 133 exception to be classified as normal
purchases contracts or do not meet the definition of a derivative. Natural gas supply commitments
also include natural gas transportation contracts which do not meet the definition of a derivative.
As of March 31, 2008, minimum payment obligations for natural gas supply commitments are
approximately $532 million for the remaining nine months in 2008, $316 million in 2009, $296
million in 2010, $279 million in 2011, $272 million in 2012 and $1.2 billion after 2012.
(b) Legal, Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters
Legal Matters
Natural Gas Measurement Lawsuits. CERC Corp. and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in
a lawsuit filed in 1997 under the Federal False Claims Act alleging mismeasurement of natural gas
produced from federal and Indian lands. The suit seeks undisclosed damages, along with statutory
penalties, interest, costs and fees. The complaint is part of a larger series of complaints filed
against 77 natural gas pipelines and their subsidiaries and affiliates. An earlier single action
making substantially similar allegations against the pipelines was dismissed by the federal
district court for the District of Columbia on grounds of improper joinder and lack of
jurisdiction. As a result, the various individual complaints were filed in numerous courts
throughout the country. This case has been consolidated, together with the other similar False
Claims Act cases, in the federal district court in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In October 2006, the judge
considering this matter granted the defendants motion to dismiss the suit on the ground that the
court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over the claims asserted. The plaintiff has sought review
of that dismissal from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, where the matter remains pending.
In addition, CERC Corp. and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in two mismeasurement
lawsuits brought against approximately 245 pipeline companies and their affiliates pending in state
court in Stevens County, Kansas. In one case (originally filed in May 1999 and amended four
times), the plaintiffs purport to represent a class of royalty owners who allege that the
defendants have engaged in systematic mismeasurement of the volume of natural gas for more than 25
years. The plaintiffs amended their petition in this suit in July 2003 in response to an order from
the judge denying certification of the plaintiffs alleged class. In the amendment the plaintiffs
dismissed their claims against certain defendants (including two CERC Corp. subsidiaries), limited
the scope of the class of plaintiffs they purport to represent and eliminated previously asserted
claims based on mismeasurement of the
10
British thermal unit (Btu) content of the gas. The same plaintiffs then filed a second
lawsuit, again as representatives of a putative class of royalty owners, in which they assert their
claims that the defendants have engaged in systematic mismeasurement of the Btu content of natural
gas for more than 25 years. In both lawsuits, the plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, along with
statutory penalties, treble damages, interest, costs and fees. The Company believes that there has
been no systematic mismeasurement of gas and that the lawsuits are without merit. The Company does
not expect the ultimate outcome of the lawsuits to have a material impact on its financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Gas Cost Recovery Litigation. In October 2002, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of certain
ratepayers of the Company in state district court in Wharton County, Texas against the Company,
CenterPoint Energy, Entex Gas Marketing Company (EGMC), and certain non-affiliated companies
alleging fraud, violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, violations of the Texas
Utilities Code, civil conspiracy and violations of the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act with
respect to rates charged to certain consumers of natural gas in the State of Texas. The plaintiffs
initially sought certification of a class of Texas ratepayers, but subsequently dropped their
request for class certification. The plaintiffs later added as defendants CenterPoint Energy
Marketing Inc., CenterPoint Energy Pipeline Services, Inc. (CEPS), and certain other subsidiaries
of the Company, and other non-affiliated companies. In February 2005, the case was removed to
federal district court in Houston, Texas, and in March 2005, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed
the case and agreed not to refile the claims asserted unless the Miller County case described below
is not certified as a class action or is later decertified.
In October 2004, a lawsuit was filed by certain ratepayers of the Company in Texas and
Arkansas in circuit court in Miller County, Arkansas against the Company, CenterPoint Energy, EGMC,
CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission Company (CEGT), CenterPoint Energy Field Services (CEFS), CEPS,
Mississippi River Transmission Corp. (MRT) and other non-affiliated companies alleging fraud,
unjust enrichment and civil conspiracy with respect to rates charged to certain consumers of
natural gas in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Subsequently, the
plaintiffs dropped CEGT and MRT as defendants. Although the plaintiffs in the Miller County case
sought class certification, no class was certified. In June 2007, the Arkansas Supreme Court
determined that the Arkansas claims were within the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the Arkansas
Public Service Commission (APSC). In response to that ruling, in August 2007 the Miller County
court stayed but refused to dismiss the Arkansas claims. In February 2008, the Arkansas Supreme
Court directed the Miller County court to dismiss the entire case for lack of jurisdiction. The
Miller County court subsequently dismissed the case in accordance with the Arkansas Supreme Courts
mandate and all appellate deadlines have expired.
In June 2007, the Company, CenterPoint Energy, EGMC and other defendants in the Miller County
case filed a petition in a district court in Travis County, Texas seeking a determination that the
Railroad Commission has original exclusive jurisdiction over the Texas claims asserted in the
Miller County case. In October 2007, CEFS and CEPS were joined as plaintiffs to the Travis County
case.
In August 2007, the Arkansas plaintiff in the Miller County litigation initiated a complaint
at the APSC seeking a decision concerning the extent of the APSCs jurisdiction over the Miller
County case and an investigation into the merits of the allegations asserted in his complaint with
respect to the Company. That complaint remains pending at the APSC.
In February 2003, a lawsuit was filed in state court in Caddo Parish, Louisiana against the
Company with respect to rates charged to a purported class of certain consumers of natural gas and
gas service in the State of Louisiana. In February 2004, another suit was filed in state court in
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana against the Company seeking to recover alleged overcharges for gas or
gas services allegedly provided by the Company to a purported class of certain consumers of natural
gas and gas service without advance approval by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). At
the time of the filing of each of the Caddo and Calcasieu Parish cases, the plaintiffs in those
cases filed petitions with the LPSC relating to the same alleged rate overcharges. The Caddo and
Calcasieu Parish lawsuits have been stayed pending the resolution of the petitions filed with the
LPSC. In August 2007, the LPSC issued an order approving a Stipulated Settlement in the review
initiated by the plaintiffs in the Calcasieu Parish litigation. In the LPSC proceeding, the
Companys gas purchases were reviewed back to 1971. The review concluded that the Companys gas
costs were reasonable and prudent, but the Company agreed to credit to jurisdictional customers
approximately $920,000, including interest, related to certain off-system sales. A regulatory
liability was established and the Company began refunding that amount to jurisdictional customers
in September 2007. A similar review by the LPSC related to the Caddo Parish litigation was
resolved without additional payment by the Company.
11
The range of relief sought by the plaintiffs in these cases includes injunctive and
declaratory relief, restitution for the alleged overcharges, exemplary damages or trebling of
actual damages, civil penalties and attorneys fees. The Company, CenterPoint Energy and their
affiliates deny that they have overcharged any of their customers for natural gas and believe that
the amounts recovered for purchased gas have been shown in the reviews described above to be in
accordance with what is permitted by state and municipal regulatory authorities. The Company does
not expect the outcome of these matters to have a material impact on its financial condition,
results of operations or cash flows.
Storage Facility Litigation. In February 2007, an Oklahoma district court in Coal County,
Oklahoma, granted a summary judgment against CEGT in a case, Deka Exploration, Inc. v. CenterPoint
Energy, filed by holders of oil and gas leaseholds and some mineral interest owners in lands
underlying CEGTs Chiles Dome Storage Facility. The dispute concerns native gas that may have
been in the Wapanucka formation underlying the Chiles Dome facility when that facility was
constructed in 1979 by an entity of the Company that was the predecessor in interest of CEGT. The
court ruled that the plaintiffs own native gas underlying those lands, since neither CEGT nor its
predecessors had condemned those ownership interests. The court rejected CEGTs contention that the
claim should be barred by the statute of limitations, since the suit was filed over 25 years after
the facility was constructed. The court also rejected CEGTs contention that the suit is an
impermissible attack on the determinations the FERC and Oklahoma Corporation Commission made
regarding the absence of native gas in the lands when the facility was constructed. The summary
judgment ruling was only on the issue of liability, though the court did rule that CEGT has the
burden of proving that any gas in the Wapanucka formation is gas that has been injected and is not
native gas. Further hearings and orders of the court are required to specify the appropriate relief
for the plaintiffs. CEGT plans to appeal through the Oklahoma court system any judgment that
imposes liability on CEGT in this matter. The Company does not expect the outcome of this matter to
have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Matters
Manufactured Gas Plant Sites. The Company and its predecessors operated manufactured gas
plants (MGP) in the past. In Minnesota, the Company has completed remediation on two sites, other
than ongoing monitoring and water treatment. There are five remaining sites in the Companys
Minnesota service territory. The Company believes that it has no liability with respect to two of
these sites.
At March 31, 2008, the Company had accrued $14 million for remediation of these Minnesota
sites and the estimated range of possible remediation costs for these sites was $4 million to $35
million based on remediation continuing for 30 to 50 years. The cost estimates are based on studies
of a site or industry average costs for remediation of sites of similar size. The actual
remediation costs will be dependent upon the number of sites to be remediated, the participation of
other potentially responsible parties (PRP), if any, and the remediation methods used. The Company
has utilized an environmental expense tracker mechanism in its rates in Minnesota to recover
estimated costs in excess of insurance recovery. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had collected
$13 million from insurance companies and rate payers to be used for future environmental
remediation.
In addition to the Minnesota sites, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and
other regulators have investigated MGP sites that were owned or operated by the Company or may have
been owned by one of its former affiliates. The Company has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit
filed in the United States District Court, District of Maine, under which contribution is sought by
private parties for the cost to remediate former MGP sites based on the previous ownership of such
sites by former affiliates of the Company or its divisions. The Company has also been identified as
a PRP by the State of Maine for a site that is the subject of the lawsuit. In June 2006, the
federal district court in Maine ruled that the current owner of the site is responsible for site
remediation but that an additional evidentiary hearing is required to determine if other
potentially responsible parties, including the Company, would have to contribute to that
remediation. The Company is investigating details regarding the site and the range of environmental
expenditures for potential remediation. However, the Company believes it is not liable as a former
owner or operator of the site under the Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended, and applicable state statutes, and is vigorously contesting the
suit and its designation as a PRP.
Mercury Contamination. The Companys pipeline and distribution operations have in the past
employed elemental mercury in measuring and regulating equipment. It is possible that small amounts
of mercury may have
12
been spilled in the course of normal maintenance and replacement operations and that these
spills may have contaminated the immediate area with elemental mercury. The Company has found this
type of contamination at some sites in the past, and the Company has conducted remediation at these
sites. It is possible that other contaminated sites may exist and that remediation costs may be
incurred for these sites. Although the total amount of these costs is not known at this time, based
on the Companys experience and that of others in the natural gas industry to date and on the
current regulations regarding remediation of these sites, the Company believes that the costs of
any remediation of these sites will not be material to the Companys financial condition, results
of operations or cash flows.
Asbestos. Some facilities formerly owned by the Companys predecessors have contained
asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing materials. The Company or its predecessor
companies have been named, along with numerous others, as a defendant in lawsuits filed by certain
individuals who claim injury due to exposure to asbestos during work at such formerly owned
facilities. The Company anticipates that additional claims like those received may be asserted in
the future. Although their ultimate outcome cannot be predicted at this time, the Company intends
to continue vigorously contesting claims that it does not consider to have merit and does not
expect, based on its experience to date, these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to
have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial condition, results of operations or cash
flows.
Other Environmental. From time to time the Company has received notices from regulatory
authorities or others regarding its status as a PRP in connection with sites found to require
remediation due to the presence of environmental contaminants. In addition, the Company has been
named from time to time as a defendant in litigation related to such sites. Although the ultimate
outcome of such matters cannot be predicted at this time, the Company does not expect, based on its
experience to date, these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material
adverse effect on the Companys financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Other Proceedings
The Company is involved in other legal, environmental, tax and regulatory proceedings before
various courts, regulatory commissions and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the
ordinary course of business. Some of these proceedings involve substantial amounts. The Company
regularly analyzes current information and, as necessary, provides accruals for probable
liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. The Company does not expect the
disposition of these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Guaranties
Prior to CenterPoint Energys distribution of its ownership in Reliant Energy, Inc. (RRI) to
its shareholders, the Company had guaranteed certain contractual obligations of what became RRIs
trading subsidiary. Under the terms of the separation agreement between the companies, RRI agreed
to extinguish all such guaranty obligations prior to separation, but at the time of separation in
September 2002, RRI had been unable to extinguish all obligations. To secure the Company against
obligations under the remaining guaranties, RRI agreed to provide cash or letters of credit for the
Companys benefit, and undertook to use commercially reasonable efforts to extinguish the remaining
guaranties. In December 2007, the Company, CenterPoint Energy and RRI amended that agreement and
the Company released the letters of credit it held as security. Under the revised agreement RRI
agreed to provide cash or new letters of credit to secure the Company against exposure under the
remaining guaranties as calculated under the new agreement if and to the extent changes in market
conditions exposed the Company to a risk of loss on those guaranties.
The Companys potential exposure under the guaranties relates to payment of demand charges
related to transportation contracts. RRI continues to meet its obligations under the contracts,
and, on the basis of current market conditions, the Company and CenterPoint Energy believe that
additional security is not needed at this time. However, if RRI should fail to perform its
obligations under the contracts or if RRI should fail to provide adequate security in the event
market conditions change adversely, the Company would retain exposure to the counterparty
under the guaranty.
13
(11) Income Taxes
The following table summarizes the Companys liability (receivable) for uncertain tax
positions in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
March 31, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
Receivable for uncertain tax positions |
|
$ |
(11 |
) |
|
$ |
(12 |
) |
Portion of receivable for uncertain tax
positions that, if recognized, would
reduce the effective income tax rate |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Interest accrued on uncertain tax positions |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
(12) Reportable Business Segments
Because the Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, the
Companys determination of reportable business segments considers the strategic operating units
under which CenterPoint Energy manages sales, allocates resources and assesses performance of
various products and services to wholesale or retail customers in differing regulatory
environments. The accounting policies of the business segments are the same as those described in
the summary of significant accounting policies except that some executive benefit costs have not
been allocated to business segments. The Company uses operating income as the measure of profit or
loss for its business segments.
The Companys reportable business segments include the following: Natural Gas Distribution,
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services, Interstate Pipelines, Field Services and Other
Operations. Natural Gas Distribution consists of intrastate natural gas sales to, and natural gas
transportation and distribution for, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional
customers. Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services represents the Companys non-rate regulated
gas sales and services operations, which consist of three operational functions: wholesale, retail
and intrastate pipelines. The Interstate Pipelines business segment includes the interstate natural
gas pipeline operations. The Field Services business segment includes the natural gas gathering
operations. Our Other Operations business segment includes unallocated corporate costs and
inter-segment eliminations.
Long-lived assets include net property, plant and equipment, net goodwill and other
intangibles and equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries. Inter-segment sales are
eliminated in consolidation.
Financial data for business segments and products and services are as follows (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues from |
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
|
External |
|
|
Intersegment |
|
|
Operating |
|
|
as of December 31, |
|
|
|
Customers |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Income (Loss) |
|
|
2007 |
|
Natural Gas Distribution |
|
$ |
1,564 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
4,332 |
|
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services |
|
|
1,047 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
1,221 |
|
Interstate Pipelines |
|
|
59 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
3,007 |
|
Field Services |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
669 |
|
Other Operations |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
670 |
|
Eliminations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(62 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(765 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
2,697 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
250 |
|
|
$ |
9,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues from |
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
|
|
External |
|
|
Intersegment |
|
|
Operating |
|
|
as of March 31, |
|
|
|
Customers |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Income (Loss) |
|
|
2008 |
|
Natural Gas Distribution |
|
$ |
1,697 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
121 |
|
|
$ |
4,171 |
|
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services |
|
|
1,109 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
1,316 |
|
Interstate Pipelines |
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
3,087 |
|
Field Services |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
724 |
|
Other Operations |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
763 |
|
Eliminations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,118 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
2,952 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
242 |
|
|
$ |
8,943 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
Item 2. MANAGEMENTS NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following narrative analysis should be read in combination with our Interim Condensed
Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2007 (2007 Form 10-K).
We meet the conditions specified in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and are
therefore permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly owned subsidiaries of reporting
companies. Accordingly, we have omitted from this report the information called for by Item 2
(Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) and Item 3
(Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk) of Part I and the following Part II
items of Form 10-Q: Item 2 (Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds), Item 3
(Defaults Upon Senior Securities) and Item 4 (Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders).
The following discussion explains material changes in our revenue and expense items between the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and the three months ended March 31, 2008. Reference is made to
Managements Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations in Item 7 of our 2007 Form 10-K.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recent Events
Interstate Pipelines
In May 2007, CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission (CEGT), a wholly owned subsidiary, received
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval for the third phase of its Carthage to
Perryville pipeline project, a 172-mile, 42-inch diameter pipeline and related compression
facilities for the transportation of gas from Carthage, Texas to CEGTs Perryville hub in northeast
Louisiana, to expand capacity of the pipeline to 1.5 Bcf per day by adding additional compression
and operating at higher pressures. In July 2007, CEGT received approval from the Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) to increase the maximum allowable operating pressure.
The PHMSAs approval contained certain conditions and requirements. In March 2008, CEGT met these
conditions and gave notice to PHMSA that it would be increasing the pressure in 30 days. In April
2008, CEGT raised the maximum allowable pressure and concurrently placed the phase three expansion
in-service. CEGT has executed contracts for approximately 150 MMcf per day of the 250 MMcf per day
phase three expansion.
In September 2007, CEGT initiated an investigation into allegations received from two former
employees of the manufacturer of pipe installed in CEGTs Carthage to Perryville pipeline segment.
That pipeline segment was placed in commercial service in May 2007 after satisfactory completion of
hydrostatic testing designed to ensure that the pipe and its welds would be structurally sound when
placed in service and operated at design pressure. According to the complainants, records relating
to radiographic inspections of certain welds made at the fabrication facility had been altered
resulting in the possibility that pipe with alleged substandard welds had been installed in the
pipeline. In conducting its investigation, among other things, CEGT and its counsel interviewed the
complainants and other individuals, including CEGT and contractor personnel, and reviewed
documentation related to the manufacture and construction of the pipeline, including radiographic
records related to the allegedly deficient welds. CEGT kept appropriate governmental officials
informed throughout its investigation and consulted appropriate technical consultants and
pre-existing regulatory guidance. Pursuant to a course of action proposed by CEGT, CEGT
excavated and inspected certain welds, and in each case, CEGT found those welds to be structurally
sound. CEGT and its counsel have now formally concluded their investigation, finding no credible
support for the allegation that pipe with substandard welds may have been installed in the
pipeline. CEGT has informed the relevant government agencies of these conclusions, and has
informed those agencies that CEGT does not intend to take any additional action or to alter or
modify the pipelines operations.
Effective April 1, 2008, Mississippi River Transmission Corp. signed a 5-year extension of its
firm transportation and storage contracts with Laclede Gas Company (Laclede). In 2007,
approximately 10% of Interstate Pipelines operating revenues was attributable to services provided
to Laclede.
16
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our results of operations are affected by seasonal fluctuations in the demand for natural gas
and price movements of energy commodities. Our results of operations are also affected by, among
other things, the actions of various federal, state and local governmental authorities having
jurisdiction over rates we charge, competition in our various business operations, debt service
costs and income tax expense. For more information regarding factors that may affect the future
results of operations of our business, please read Risk Factors in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007
Form 10-K.
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, followed by a discussion of the results of operations by business
segment based on operating income.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
2,697 |
|
|
$ |
2,952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas |
|
|
2,150 |
|
|
|
2,393 |
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
54 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
|
2,447 |
|
|
|
2,710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income |
|
|
250 |
|
|
|
242 |
|
Interest and Other Finance Charges |
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
(48 |
) |
Other Income, net |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Before Income Taxes |
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
Income Tax Expense |
|
|
(83 |
) |
|
|
(79 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
131 |
|
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
The following table presents operating income (in millions) for each of our business segments
for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Natural Gas Distribution |
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
121 |
|
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services |
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Interstate Pipelines |
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
Field Services |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
45 |
|
Other Operations |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Consolidated Operating Income |
|
$ |
250 |
|
|
$ |
242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
Natural Gas Distribution
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our
Natural Gas Distribution business segment, please read Risk Factors Risk Factors Affecting Our
Businesses, Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition and Other
Risks in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
The following table provides summary data of our Natural Gas Distribution business segment for
the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput and customer data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
1,567 |
|
|
$ |
1,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas |
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
1,333 |
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
156 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
1,438 |
|
|
|
1,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income |
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughput (in Bcf): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
84 |
|
Commercial and industrial |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Throughput |
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of customers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential |
|
|
2,946,203 |
|
|
|
2,975,591 |
|
Commercial and industrial |
|
|
245,576 |
|
|
|
250,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
3,191,779 |
|
|
|
3,226,579 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
Our Natural Gas Distribution business segment reported operating income of $121 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to operating income of $129 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2007. Operating margin (revenues less cost of gas) increased $12 million
primarily due to increases in gross receipts taxes ($9 million) and recovery of energy-efficiency
costs ($3 million), both of which are offset by the related expenses. Other margin increases
primarily from new rates ($5 million) and customer growth ($3 million), with the addition of nearly
36,000 customers, were entirely offset by the cost of a winter weather hedge and customer
conservation ($11 million). Operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to the
energy efficiency costs above and higher bad debt expense ($2 million) related to higher revenues.
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment, please read Risk Factors Risk
Factors Affecting Our Businesses, Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial
Condition and Other Risks in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
18
The following table provides summary data of our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services
business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput
and customer data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
1,064 |
|
|
$ |
1,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas |
|
|
998 |
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
1,008 |
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income |
|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughput (in Bcf): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wholesale third parties |
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
Wholesale affiliates |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Retail and Pipeline |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Throughput |
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average number of customers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wholesale |
|
|
223 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
Retail and Pipeline |
|
|
6,764 |
|
|
|
8,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
6,987 |
|
|
|
8,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
Our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment reported operating income of
$6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $56 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2007. The decrease in operating income of $50 million was primarily due to higher
operating margins (revenues less natural gas costs) in 2007 related to sales of gas from inventory
that was written down to the lower of cost or market in prior periods of $28 million in the first
quarter of 2007 compared to $4 million in the first quarter of 2008 for a net decrease of $24
million. Our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment purchases and stores
natural gas to meet certain future sales requirements and enters into derivative contracts to hedge
the economic value of the future sales. The unfavorable mark-to-market accounting for non-trading
financial derivatives for the first quarter of 2008 of $22 million versus $8 million for the same
period in 2007 accounted for a further net $14 million decrease. The additional decrease in
operating income of $12 million in this quarter compared to the same quarter last year was
primarily due to a reduction in margin as basis and summer/winter spreads narrowed.
Interstate Pipelines
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our
Interstate Pipelines business segment, please read Risk Factors Risk Factors Affecting Our
Businesses, Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition and Other
Risks in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
19
The following table provides summary data of our Interstate Pipelines business segment for the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
90 |
|
|
$ |
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income |
|
$ |
44 |
|
|
$ |
71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughput (in Bcf ): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation |
|
|
294 |
|
|
|
424 |
|
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
The Interstate Pipeline business segment reported operating income of $71 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $44 million for the same period of 2007. The
increase in operating income of $27 million was primarily driven by the new Carthage to Perryville
pipeline ($19 million), other transportation and ancillary services ($8 million), and lower other
tax expense and refunds ($2 million). These favorable variances in operating income were partially
offset by a 2007 gain on sale of excess gas associated with storage enhancement projects ($2
million).
Field Services
For information regarding factors that may affect the future results of operations of our
Field Services business segment, please read Risk Factors Risk Factors Affecting Our
Businesses, Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition and Other
Risks in Item 1A of Part I of our 2007 Form 10-K.
The following table provides summary data of our Field Services business segment for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in millions, except throughput data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
39 |
|
|
$ |
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
Operation and maintenance |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Taxes other than income taxes |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income |
|
$ |
22 |
|
|
$ |
45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Throughput (in Bcf ): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering |
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
Three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended March 31, 2007
The Field Services business segment reported operating income of $45 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $22 million for the same period of 2007. The increase in
operating income of $23 million was primarily driven by a one-time gain ($11 million) related to a
settlement and contract buyout of one of our customers and a one-time gain ($6 million) related to
the sale of assets, both recognized in the first quarter of 2008. In addition to these one-time
items, increased revenues from gas gathering and ancillary services and higher
20
commodity prices were partially offset by increased operating expenses associated with new
assets and general cost increases.
In addition, this business segment recorded equity income of $2 million and $4 million in the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, from its 50 percent interest in a
jointly-owned gas processing plant. These amounts are included in Other net under the Other
Income (Expense) caption.
CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE EARNINGS
For information on other developments, factors and trends that may have an impact on our
future earnings, please read Risk Factors in Item 1A of Part I and Managements Narrative
Analysis of Results of Operations Certain Factors Affecting Future Earnings in Item 7 of Part
II of our 2007 Form 10-K and Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our liquidity and capital requirements are affected primarily by our results of operations,
capital expenditures, debt service requirements, and working capital needs. Our principal cash
requirements for the remaining nine months of 2008 are approximately $505 million of capital
expenditures and investment in or advances to the Southeast Supply Header (SESH) pipeline project
of approximately $185 million.
We expect that borrowings under our credit facility, anticipated cash flows from operations
and borrowings from affiliates will be sufficient to meet our cash needs in 2008. Cash needs or
discretionary financing or refinancing may also result in the issuance of debt securities in the
capital markets.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Other than operating leases and the guaranties described
below, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Prior to CenterPoint Energys distribution of its ownership in Reliant Energy, Inc. (RRI) to
its shareholders, we had guaranteed certain contractual obligations of what became RRIs trading
subsidiary. Under the terms of the separation agreement between the companies, RRI agreed to
extinguish all such guaranty obligations prior to separation, but at the time of separation in
September 2002, RRI had been unable to extinguish all obligations. To secure us against obligations
under the remaining guaranties, RRI agreed to provide cash or letters of credit for our benefit,
and undertook to use commercially reasonable efforts to extinguish the remaining guaranties. In
December 2007, we, CenterPoint Energy and RRI amended that agreement and we released the letters of
credit we held as security. Under the revised agreement RRI agreed to provide cash or new letters
of credit to secure us against exposure under the remaining guaranties as calculated under the new
agreement if and to the extent changes in market conditions exposed us to a risk of loss on those
guaranties.
Our potential exposure under the guaranties relates to payment of demand charges related to
transportation contracts. RRI continues to meet its obligations under the contracts, and, on the
basis of current market conditions, we and CenterPoint Energy believe that additional security is
not needed at this time. However, if RRI should fail to perform its obligations under the contracts
or if RRI should fail to provide adequate security in the event market conditions change adversely,
we would retain exposure to the counterparty under the guaranty.
Credit and Receivables Facilities. As of March 31, 2008, we had the following facilities (in
millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount Utilized at |
|
|
Date Executed |
|
Company |
|
Type of Facility |
|
Size of Facility |
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
Termination Date |
June 29, 2007 |
|
CERC Corp. |
|
Revolver |
|
$ |
950 |
|
|
$ |
135 |
(1) |
|
June 29, 2012 |
October 30, 2007 |
|
CERC |
|
Receivables |
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
October 28, 2008 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes $100 million of borrowings under our credit facility and $35 million of
outstanding commercial paper supported by our credit facility. |
Our $950 million credit facilitys first drawn cost is London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
plus 45 basis points based on our current credit ratings. The facility contains a debt to total
capitalization covenant. Under our credit facility, an additional utilization fee of 5 basis
points applies to borrowings any time more than 50% of the
21
\
facility is utilized. The spread to LIBOR and the utilization fee fluctuate based on our
credit rating. Borrowings under this facility are subject to customary terms and conditions.
However, there is no requirement that we make representations prior to borrowings as to the absence
of material adverse changes or litigation that could be expected to have a material adverse effect.
Borrowings under each of the credit facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of
events of default that we consider customary. We are currently in compliance with the various
business and financial covenants contained in the respective receivables and credit facilities.
Our $950 million credit facility backstops a $950 million commercial paper program under which
we began issuing commercial paper in February 2008. As of March 31, 2008, there was $35 million of
commercial paper outstanding. Our commercial paper is rated P-3 by Moodys Investor Services,
Inc. (Moodys), A-2 by Standard and Poors Rating Services (S&P), a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies, and F2 by Fitch, Inc. (Fitch). As a result of the credit ratings on our commercial
paper program, we do not expect to be able to rely on the sale of commercial paper to fund all of
our short-term borrowing requirements. We cannot assure you that these ratings, or the credit
ratings set forth below in Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings, will remain
in effect for any given period of time or that one or more of these ratings will not be lowered or
withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. We note that these credit ratings are not recommendations to
buy, sell or hold our securities and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agency.
Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. Any future reduction or
withdrawal of one or more of our credit ratings could have a material adverse impact on our ability
to obtain short- and long-term financing, the cost of such financings and the execution of our
commercial strategies.
Securities Registered with the SEC. As of March 31, 2008, we had a shelf registration
statement covering $400 million principal amount of senior debt securities.
Temporary Investments. As of March 31, 2008, we had external temporary investments of
approximately $4 million.
Money Pool. We participate in a money pool through which we and certain of our affiliates can
borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or
investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the money pool are
expected to be met with borrowings by CenterPoint Energy under its revolving credit facility or the
sale by CenterPoint Energy of its commercial paper. At March 31, 2008, we had $87 million of
borrowings from the money pool. The money pool may not provide sufficient funds to meet our cash
needs.
Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings. As of April 15, 2008, Moodys, S&P and
Fitch had assigned the following credit ratings to our senior unsecured debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Moodys |
|
S&P |
|
Fitch |
Rating |
|
Outlook(1) |
|
Rating |
|
Outlook(2) |
|
Rating |
|
Outlook(3) |
Baa3 |
|
Stable |
|
BBB |
|
Stable |
|
BBB |
|
Stable |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
A stable outlook from Moodys indicates that Moodys does not expect to put the
rating on review for an upgrade or downgrade within 18 months from when the outlook was
assigned or last affirmed. |
|
(2) |
|
An S&P rating outlook assesses the potential direction of a long-term credit rating
over the intermediate to longer term. |
|
(3) |
|
A stable outlook from Fitch encompasses a one-to-two year horizon as to the likely
ratings direction. |
A decline in credit ratings could increase borrowing costs under our $950 million revolving
credit facility. A decline in credit ratings would also increase the interest rate on long-term
debt to be issued in the capital markets and could negatively impact our ability to complete
capital market transactions. Additionally, a decline in credit ratings could increase cash
collateral requirements and reduce earnings of our Natural Gas Distribution and Competitive Natural
Gas Sales and Services business segments.
CenterPoint Energy Services, Inc. (CES), a wholly owned subsidiary operating in our
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment, provides comprehensive natural gas
sales and services primarily to
22
commercial and industrial customers and electric and gas utilities throughout the central and
eastern United States. In order to economically hedge its exposure to natural gas prices, CES uses
derivatives with provisions standard for the industry, including those pertaining to credit
thresholds. Typically, the credit threshold negotiated with each counterparty defines the amount of
unsecured credit that such counterparty will extend to CES. To the extent that the credit exposure
that a counterparty has to CES at a particular time does not exceed that credit threshold, CES is
not obligated to provide collateral. Mark-to-market exposure in excess of the credit threshold is
routinely collateralized by CES. As of March 31, 2008, the amount posted as collateral amounted to
approximately $20 million. Should the credit ratings of CERC Corp. (as the credit support provider
for CES) fall below certain levels, CES would be required to provide additional collateral on two
business days notice up to the amount of its previously unsecured credit limit. We estimate that
as of March 31, 2008, unsecured credit limits extended to CES by counterparties aggregate $180
million; however, utilized credit capacity is significantly lower. In addition, CERC Corp. and its
subsidiaries purchase natural gas under supply agreements that contain an aggregate credit
threshold of $100 million based on our S&P Senior Unsecured Long-Term Debt rating of BBB. Upgrades
and downgrades from this BBB rating will increase and decrease the aggregate credit threshold
accordingly.
In connection with the development of SESHs 270-mile pipeline project, we have committed that
we will advance funds to the joint venture or cause funds to be advanced for our 50% share of the
cost to construct the pipeline. We also agreed to provide a letter of credit in an amount up to
$400 million for our share of funds that have not been advanced in the event S&P reduces our bond
rating below investment grade before we have advanced the required construction funds. However, we
are relieved of these commitments (i) to the extent of 50% of any borrowing agreements that the
joint venture has obtained and maintains for funding the construction of the pipeline and (ii) to
the extent we or our subsidiary participating in the joint venture obtains committed borrowing
agreements pursuant to which funds may be borrowed and used for the construction of the pipeline. A
similar commitment has been provided by the other party to the joint venture. As of March 31,
2008, our subsidiaries have advanced approximately $305 million to SESH, of which $159 million was
in the form of an equity contribution and $146 million was in
the form of a loan. Current indications are that
total capital costs for the pipeline have increased by 15 to 20% over the previous
estimate of approximately $1 billion.
Cross Defaults. Under CenterPoint Energys revolving credit facility, a payment default on, or
a non-payment default that permits acceleration of, any indebtedness exceeding $50 million by us
will cause a default. Pursuant to the indenture governing CenterPoint Energys senior notes, a
payment default by us, in respect of, or an acceleration of, borrowed money and certain other
specified types of obligations, in the aggregate principal amount of $50 million will cause a
default. As of March 31, 2008, CenterPoint Energy had six series of senior notes outstanding
aggregating $1.3 billion in principal amount under this indenture. A default by CenterPoint Energy
would not trigger a default under our debt instruments or bank credit facility.
Other Factors that Could Affect Cash Requirements. In addition to the above factors, our
liquidity and capital resources could be affected by:
|
|
|
cash collateral requirements that could exist in connection with certain contracts,
including gas purchases, gas price and weather hedging and gas storage activities of our
Natural Gas Distribution and Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segments,
particularly given gas price levels and volatility; |
|
|
|
|
acceleration of payment dates on certain gas supply contracts under certain
circumstances, as a result of increased gas prices and concentration of natural gas
suppliers; |
|
|
|
|
increased costs related to the acquisition of natural gas; |
|
|
|
|
increases in interest expense in connection with debt refinancings and borrowings under
credit facilities; |
|
|
|
|
various regulatory actions; |
|
|
|
|
the ability of RRI and its subsidiaries to satisfy their obligations to us or in
connection with the contractual obligations to a third party pursuant to which we are a
guarantor; |
|
|
|
|
slower customer payments and increased write-offs of receivables due to higher gas
prices or changing economic conditions; |
23
|
|
|
the outcome of litigation brought by and against us; |
|
|
|
|
restoration costs and revenue losses resulting from natural disasters such as
hurricanes; and |
|
|
|
|
various other risks identified in Risk Factors in Item 1A of our 2007 Form 10-K. |
Certain Contractual Limits on Our Ability to Issue Securities and Borrow Money. Our bank
facility and our receivables facility limit our debt as a percentage of our total capitalization to
65 percent.
Relationship with CenterPoint Energy. We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
CenterPoint Energy. As a result of this relationship, the financial condition and liquidity of our
parent company could affect our access to capital, our credit standing and our financial condition.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 to our Interim Condensed Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting
pronouncements that affect us.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, we carried out an evaluation, under
the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer
and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as
of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive
officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were
effective as of March 31, 2008 to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in
our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and
forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our
principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely
decisions regarding disclosure.
There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred
during the three months ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely
to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of material legal and regulatory proceedings affecting us, please read Notes
4 and 10 to our Interim Condensed Financial Statements, each of which is incorporated herein by
reference. See also Business Regulation and Environmental Matters in Item 1 and Legal
Proceedings in Item 3 of our 2007 Form 10-K.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our 2007 Form 10-K.
Item 5. Other Information
Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 was
5.19 and 4.84, respectively. We do not believe that the ratios for these three-month periods are
necessarily indicators of the ratios for the twelve-month periods due to the seasonal nature of our
business. The ratios were calculated pursuant to applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
24
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
Exhibits not incorporated by reference to a prior filing are designated by a cross (+); all
exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing as indicated.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Report or |
|
SEC File or |
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
|
Registration |
|
Registration |
|
Exhibit |
Number |
|
Description |
|
Statement |
|
Number |
|
Reference |
3.1.1
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of RERC
Corp.
|
|
Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997
|
|
1-13265
|
|
3(a)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1.2
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Merger merging former
NorAm Energy Corp. with and into HI
Merger, Inc. dated August 6, 1997
|
|
Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997
|
|
1-13265
|
|
3(a)(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1.3
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Amendment changing the
name to Reliant Energy Resources Corp.
|
|
Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998
|
|
1-13265
|
|
3(a)(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1.4
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Amendment changing the
name to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.
|
|
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2003
|
|
1-13265
|
|
3(a)(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
|
Bylaws of RERC Corp.
|
|
Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997
|
|
1-13265
|
|
3(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
|
|
$950,000,000 Second Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
June 29, 2007, among CERC Corp., as
Borrower, and the banks named therein
|
|
CERC Corp.s Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2007
|
|
1-13265
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
+12
|
|
|
|
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to
Fixed Charges |
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
+31.1
|
|
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
of David M. McClanahan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
+31.2
|
|
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
of Gary L. Whitlock |
|
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+32.1
|
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|
Section 1350 Certification of David M.
McClanahan |
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|
+32.2
|
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|
|
Section 1350 Certification of Gary L.
Whitlock |
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+99.1
|
|
|
|
Items incorporated by reference from the
CERC Corp. Form 10-K. Item 1A Risk
Factors. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Walter L. Fitzgerald
|
|
|
|
Walter L. Fitzgerald |
|
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
|
|
Date: May
8, 2008
26
Index to Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
Exhibits not incorporated by reference to a prior filing are designated by a cross (+); all
exhibits not so designated are incorporated by reference to a prior filing as indicated.
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Report or |
|
SEC File or |
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|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
|
Registration |
|
Registration |
|
Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
Statement |
|
Number |
|
Reference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1.1
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of RERC
Corp.
|
|
Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997
|
|
1-13265
|
|
|
3(a)(1) |
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3.1.2
|
|
|
|
Certificate of Merger merging former
NorAm Energy Corp. with and into HI
Merger, Inc. dated August 6, 1997
|
|
Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997
|
|
1-13265
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3(a)(2) |
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3.1.3
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Certificate of Amendment changing the
name to Reliant Energy Resources Corp.
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Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998
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1-13265
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3(a)(3) |
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3.1.4
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Certificate of Amendment changing the
name to CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.
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Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 2003
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1-13265
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3(a)(4) |
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3.2
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Bylaws of RERC Corp.
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Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997
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1-13265
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3(b) |
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4.1
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$950,000,000 Second Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
June 29, 2007, among CERC Corp., as
Borrower, and the banks named therein
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CERC Corp.s Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2007
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1-13265
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4.1 |
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+12
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Computation of Ratios of Earnings to
Fixed Charges |
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+31.1
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Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
of David M. McClanahan |
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+31.2
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Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
of Gary L. Whitlock |
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+32.1
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Section 1350 Certification of David M.
McClanahan |
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+32.2
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Section 1350 Certification of Gary L.
Whitlock |
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+99.1
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Items incorporated by reference from the
CERC Corp. Form 10-K. Item 1A Risk
Factors. |
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exv12
Exhibit 12
CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(AN INDIRECT WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.)
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Millions of Dollars)
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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Net Income |
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$ |
131 |
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$ |
126 |
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Income taxes |
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83 |
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79 |
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Capitalized interest |
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(7 |
) |
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(1 |
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207 |
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204 |
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Fixed charges, as defined: |
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Interest |
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39 |
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48 |
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Capitalized interest |
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7 |
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1 |
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Interest component of rentals charged to operating income |
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4 |
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4 |
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Total fixed charges |
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50 |
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53 |
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Earnings, as defined |
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$ |
257 |
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$ |
257 |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
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5.19 |
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4.84 |
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exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, David M. McClanahan, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.;
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 registrants 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; |
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(b) |
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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; |
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(c) |
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants 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 |
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(d) |
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter
(the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants
internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit
committee of the registrants 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 registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and |
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(b) |
|
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting. |
Date: May 8, 2008
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/s/ David M. McClanahan
David M. McClanahan
President and Chief Executive Officer
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exv31w2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Gary L. Whitlock, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.;
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 registrants 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; |
|
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(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; |
|
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(c) |
|
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants 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 |
|
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(d) |
|
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter
(the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants
internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit
committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial
reporting. |
Date: May 8, 2008
|
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/s/ Gary L. Whitlock
Gary L. Whitlock
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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exv32w1
Exhibit 32.1
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 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (the Company)
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (the Report), as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, David M. McClanahan, Chief Executive Officer, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
|
|
|
/s/ David M. McClanahan
David M. McClanahan
President and Chief Executive Officer
May 8, 2008
|
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|
exv32w2
Exhibit
32.2
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 CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (the Company)
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (the Report), as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Gary L. Whitlock, Chief Financial Officer, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:
1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
|
|
|
/s/ Gary L. Whitlock
Gary L. Whitlock
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
May 8, 2008
|
|
|
exv99w1
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The following, along with any additional legal proceedings identified or incorporated by
reference in Item 3 of this report, summarizes the principal risk factors associated with our
business.
Risk Factors Affecting Our Businesses
Rate regulation of our business may delay or deny our ability to earn a reasonable return and
fully recover our costs.
Rates for Gas Operations are regulated by certain municipalities and state commissions, and
the rates of our interstate pipelines are regulated by the FERC, based on an analysis of our
invested capital and our expenses in a test year. Thus, the rates that we are allowed to charge may
not match our expenses at any given time. The regulatory process in which rates are determined may
not always result in rates that will produce full recovery of our costs and enable us to earn a
reasonable return on our invested capital.
Our businesses must compete with alternative energy sources, which could result in our marketing
less natural gas, and our interstate pipelines and field services businesses must compete directly
with others in the transportation, storage, gathering, treating and processing of natural gas,
which could lead to lower prices, either of which could have an adverse impact on our results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We compete primarily with alternate energy sources such as electricity and other fuel sources.
In some areas, intrastate pipelines, other natural gas distributors and marketers also compete
directly with us for natural gas sales to end-users. In addition, as a result of federal regulatory
changes affecting interstate pipelines, natural gas marketers operating on these pipelines may be
able to bypass our facilities and market, sell and/or transport natural gas directly to commercial
and industrial customers. Any reduction in the amount of natural gas marketed, sold or transported
by us as a result of competition may have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows.
Our two interstate pipelines and our gathering systems compete with other interstate and
intrastate pipelines and gathering systems in the transportation and storage of natural gas. The
principal elements of competition are rates, terms of service, and flexibility and reliability of
service. We also compete indirectly with other forms of energy, including electricity, coal and
fuel oils. The primary competitive factor is price. The actions of our competitors could lead to
lower prices, which may have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition
and cash flows.
Our natural gas distribution and competitive natural gas sales and services businesses are subject
to fluctuations in natural gas pricing levels, which could affect the ability of our suppliers
and customers to meet their obligations or otherwise adversely affect our liquidity.
We are subject to risk associated with increases in the price of natural gas. Increases in
natural gas prices might affect our ability to collect balances due from our customers and, for Gas
Operations, could create the potential for uncollectible accounts expense to exceed the recoverable
levels built into our tariff rates. In addition, a sustained period of high natural gas prices
could apply downward demand pressure on natural gas consumption in the areas in which we operate
and increase the risk that our suppliers or customers fail or are unable to meet their obligations.
Additionally, increasing natural gas prices could create the need for us to provide collateral in
order to purchase natural gas.
If we were to fail to renegotiate a contract with one of our significant pipeline customers or if
we renegotiate the contract on less favorable terms, there could be an adverse impact on our
operations.
Since October 31, 2006, our contract with Laclede, one of our pipeline customers, has been
terminable upon one years prior notice. We have not received a termination notice and are
currently negotiating a long-term contract
with Laclede. If Laclede were to terminate this contract or if we were to renegotiate this
contract at rates substantially lower than the rates provided in the current contract, there could
be an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
A decline in our credit rating could result in us having to provide collateral in order to
purchase gas.
If our credit rating were to decline, we might be required to post cash collateral in order to
purchase natural gas. If a credit rating downgrade and the resultant cash collateral requirement
were to occur at a time when we were experiencing significant working capital requirements or
otherwise lacked liquidity, we might be unable to obtain the necessary natural gas to meet our
obligations to customers, and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows would
be adversely affected.
The revenues and results of operations of our interstate pipelines and field services businesses
are subject to fluctuations in the supply of natural gas.
Our interstate pipelines and field services businesses largely rely on natural gas sourced in
the various supply basins located in the Mid-continent region of the United States. To the extent
the availability of this supply is substantially reduced, it could have an adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our revenues and results of operations are seasonal.
A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from natural gas sales and transportation.
Thus, our revenues and results of operations are subject to seasonality, weather conditions and
other changes in natural gas usage, with revenues being higher during the winter months.
The actual cost of pipelines under construction and related compression facilities may be
significantly higher than our current estimates.
Our subsidiaries are involved in significant pipeline construction projects. The construction
of new pipelines and related compression facilities requires the expenditure of significant amounts
of capital, which may exceed our estimates. These projects may not be completed at the budgeted
cost, on schedule or at all. The construction of new pipeline or compression facilities is subject
to construction cost overruns due to labor costs, costs of equipment and materials such as steel
and nickel, labor shortages or delays, weather delays, inflation or other factors, which could be
material. In addition, the construction of these facilities is typically subject to the receipt of
approvals and permits from various regulatory agencies. Those agencies may not approve the projects
in a timely manner or may impose restrictions or conditions on the projects that could potentially
prevent a project from proceeding, lengthen its expected completion schedule and/or increase its
anticipated cost. As a result, there is the risk that the new facilities may not be able to achieve
our expected investment return, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of
operations or cash flows.
The states in which we provide regulated local gas distribution may, either through legislation or
rules, adopt restrictions similar to or broader than those under the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935 regarding organization, financing and affiliate transactions that could have
significant adverse impacts on our ability to operate.
The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, to which CenterPoint Energy was subject prior
to its repeal in the Energy Act, provided a comprehensive regulatory structure governing the
organization, capital structure, intracompany relationships and lines of business that could be
pursued by registered holding companies and their member companies. Following repeal of that Act,
some states in which we do business have sought to expand their own regulatory frameworks to give
their regulatory authorities increased jurisdiction and scrutiny over similar aspects of the
utilities that operate in their states. Some of these frameworks attempt to regulate financing
activities, acquisitions and divestitures, and arrangements between the utilities and their
affiliates, and to restrict the level of non-utility businesses that can be conducted within the
holding company structure. Additionally they may impose record keeping, record access, employee
training and reporting requirements related to affiliate transactions and reporting in the event of
certain downgrading of the utilitys bond rating.
These regulatory frameworks could have adverse effects on our ability to operate our utility
operations, to finance our business and to provide cost-effective utility service. In addition, if
more than one state adopts restrictions over similar activities, it may be difficult for us to
comply with competing regulatory requirements.
Risk Factors Associated with Our Consolidated Financial Condition
If we are unable to arrange future financings on acceptable terms, our ability to refinance
existing indebtedness could be limited.
As of December 31, 2007, we had $3.0 billion of outstanding long-term indebtedness on a
consolidated basis. As of December 31, 2007, approximately $319 million principal amount of this
debt must be paid through 2010. Our future financing activities may depend, at least in part, on:
|
|
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general economic and capital market conditions; |
|
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|
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credit availability from financial institutions and other lenders; |
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|
|
investor confidence in us and the market in which we operate; |
|
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|
|
maintenance of acceptable credit ratings; |
|
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|
|
market expectations regarding our future earnings and probable cash flows; |
|
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|
|
market perceptions of our and CenterPoint Energys ability to access capital markets on
reasonable terms; and |
|
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|
|
provisions of relevant tax and securities laws. |
Our current credit ratings are discussed in Managements Narrative Analysis of Results of
Operations Liquidity Impact on Liquidity of a Downgrade in Credit Ratings in Item 7 of this
report. These credit ratings may not remain in effect for any given period of time and one or more
of these ratings may be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency. We note that these
credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our securities. Each rating should be
evaluated independently of any other rating. Any future reduction or withdrawal of one or more of
our credit ratings could have a material adverse impact on our ability to access capital on
acceptable terms.
The financial condition and liquidity of our parent company could affect our access to capital,
our credit standing and our financial condition.
Our ratings and credit may be impacted by CenterPoint Energys credit standing. As of December
31, 2007, CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries other than us have approximately $523 million
principal amount of debt required to be paid through 2010. This amount excludes amounts related to
capital leases, transition bonds and indexed debt securities obligations, but includes $123 million
of 3.75% convertible notes converted by holders in January and February 2008. In addition,
CenterPoint Energy has cash settlement obligations with respect to $412 million of outstanding
3.75% convertible notes on which holders could exercise their conversion rights during the first
quarter of 2008 and in subsequent quarters in which CenterPoint Energys common stock price causes
such notes to be convertible. We cannot assure you that CenterPoint Energy and its other
subsidiaries will be able to pay or refinance these amounts. If CenterPoint Energy were to
experience a deterioration in its credit standing or liquidity difficulties, our access to credit
and our credit ratings could be adversely affected.
We are an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy. CenterPoint Energy can exercise
substantial control over our dividend policy and business and operations and could do so in a
manner that is adverse to our interests.
We are managed by officers and employees of CenterPoint Energy. Our management will make
determinations with respect to the following:
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our payment of dividends; |
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decisions on our financings and our capital raising activities; |
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mergers or other business combinations; and |
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our acquisition or disposition of assets. |
There are no contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends to CenterPoint Energy.
Our management could decide to increase our dividends to CenterPoint Energy to support its cash
needs. This could adversely affect our liquidity. However, under our credit facility and our
receivables facility, our ability to pay dividends is restricted by a covenant that debt as a
percentage of total capitalization may not exceed 65%.
The use of derivative contracts by us and our subsidiaries in the normal course of business could
result in financial losses that negatively impact our results of operations and those of our
subsidiaries.
We and our subsidiaries use derivative instruments, such as swaps, options, futures and
forwards, to manage our commodity, weather and financial market risks. We and our subsidiaries
could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market values of these contracts,
or should a counterparty fail to perform. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and
pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these financial instruments can involve
managements judgment or use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or
use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these contracts.
We derive a substantial portion of our operating income from subsidiaries through which we hold a
substantial portion of our assets.
We derive a substantial portion of our operating income from, and hold a substantial portion
of our assets through, our subsidiaries. In general, these subsidiaries are separate and distinct
legal entities and have no obligation to provide us with funds for our payment obligations, whether
by dividends, distributions, loans or otherwise. In addition, provisions of applicable law, such as
those limiting the legal sources of dividends, limit our subsidiaries ability to make payments or
other distributions to us, and our subsidiaries could agree to contractual restrictions on their
ability to make distributions.
Our right to receive any assets of any subsidiary, and therefore the right of our creditors to
participate in those assets, will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiarys
creditors, including trade creditors. In addition, even if we were a creditor of any subsidiary,
our rights as a creditor would be subordinated to any security interest in the assets of that
subsidiary and any indebtedness of the subsidiary senior to that held by us.
Other Risks
We are subject to operational and financial risks and liabilities arising from environmental laws
and regulations.
Our operations are subject to stringent and complex laws and regulations pertaining to health,
safety and the environment, as discussed in Business Environmental Matters in Item 1 of this
report. As an owner or operator of natural gas pipelines and distribution systems, and gas
gathering and processing systems, we must comply with these laws and regulations at the federal,
state and local levels. These laws and regulations can restrict or impact our business activities
in many ways, such as:
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restricting the way we can handle or dispose of wastes; |
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|
limiting or prohibiting construction activities in sensitive areas such as wetlands,
coastal regions, or areas inhabited by endangered species; |
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|
requiring remedial action to mitigate pollution conditions caused by our operations, or
attributable to former operations; and |
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enjoining the operations of facilities deemed in non-compliance with permits issued
pursuant to such environmental laws and regulations. |
In order to comply with these requirements, we may need to spend substantial amounts and
devote other resources from time to time to:
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construct or acquire new equipment; |
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acquire permits for facility operations; |
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modify or replace existing and proposed equipment; and |
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clean up or decommission waste disposal areas, fuel storage and management facilities
and other locations and facilities. |
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative,
civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the
imposition of remedial actions, and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain
environmental statutes impose strict, joint and several liability for costs required to clean up
and restore sites where hazardous substances have been disposed or otherwise released. Moreover,
it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal
injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other waste
products into the environment.
Our insurance coverage may not be sufficient. Insufficient insurance coverage and increased
insurance costs could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash
flows.
We currently have general liability and property insurance in place to cover certain of our
facilities in amounts that we consider appropriate. Such policies are subject to certain limits
and deductibles and do not include business interruption coverage. Insurance coverage may not be
available in the future at current costs or on commercially reasonable terms, and the insurance
proceeds received for any loss of, or any damage to, any of our facilities may not be sufficient to
restore the loss or damage without negative impact on our results of operations, financial
condition and cash flows.
We and CenterPoint Energy could incur liabilities associated with businesses and assets that we
have transferred to others.
In connection with the organization and capitalization of Reliant Resources, Inc. (RRI), RRI
and its subsidiaries assumed liabilities associated with various assets and businesses Reliant
Energy, Incorporated (Reliant Energy) transferred to them. RRI also agreed to indemnify, and cause
the applicable transferee subsidiaries to indemnify, CenterPoint Energy and its subsidiaries,
including us, with respect to liabilities associated with the transferred assets and businesses.
These indemnity provisions were intended to place sole financial responsibility on RRI and its
subsidiaries for all liabilities associated with the current and historical businesses and
operations of RRI, regardless of the time those liabilities arose. If RRI were unable to satisfy a
liability that has been so assumed in circumstances in which Reliant Energy and its subsidiaries
were not released from the liability in connection with the transfer, we and CenterPoint Energy
could be responsible for satisfying the liability.
Prior to CenterPoint Energys distribution of its ownership in RRI to its shareholders, we had
guaranteed certain contractual obligations of what became RRIs trading subsidiary. Under the terms
of the separation agreement between the companies, RRI agreed to extinguish all such guaranty
obligations prior to separation, but at the time of separation in September 2002, RRI had been
unable to extinguish all obligations. To secure us against obligations under the remaining
guaranties, RRI agreed to provide cash or letters of credit for our benefit, and undertook to use
commercially reasonable efforts to extinguish the remaining guaranties. In February 2007, we and
CenterPoint
Energy made a formal demand on RRI in connection with one of the two remaining guaranties
under procedures provided by the Master Separation Agreement, dated December 31, 2000, between
Reliant Energy and RRI. That demand sought to resolve a disagreement with RRI over the amount of
security RRI is obligated to provide with respect to this guaranty. In December 2007, we,
CenterPoint Energy and RRI amended the agreement relating to the security to be provided by RRI for
these guaranties, pursuant to which we released the $29.3 million in letters of credit RRI had
provided as security, and RRI agreed to provide cash or new letters of credit to secure us against
exposure under the remaining guaranties as calculated under the new agreement if and to the extent
changes in market conditions exposed us to a risk of loss on those guaranties.
Our remaining exposure under the guaranties relates to payment of demand charges related to
transportation contracts. The present value of the demand charges under those transportation
contracts, which will be effective until 2018, was approximately $135 million as of December 31,
2007. RRI continues to meet its obligations under the contracts, and we believe current market
conditions make those contracts valuable in the near term and that additional security is not
needed at this time. However, changes in market conditions could affect the value of those
contracts. If RRI should fail to perform its obligations under the contracts or if RRI should fail
to provide security in the event market conditions change adversely, our exposure to the
counterparty under the guaranty could exceed the security provided by RRI.
RRIs unsecured debt ratings are currently below investment grade. If RRI were unable to meet
its obligations, it would need to consider, among various options, restructuring under the
bankruptcy laws, in which event RRI might not honor its indemnification obligations and claims by
RRIs creditors might be made against us as its former owner.