ULNRC-06341, Callaway Plant Unit 1 - Enclosure 6 - 10-Q Filed Period 3/31/2016
Text
Enclosure 6 to ULNRC-06341
10-Q FILED PERIOD 3/31/2016 UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-QQuarterly report pursuant to Section13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2016 ORTransition report pursuant to Section13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period from to Commission
File Number Exactnameofregistrantasspecifiedinitscharter;
State of Incorporation; Address and Telephone Number IRS Employer
Identification No.
1-14756Ameren Corporation43-1723446(Missouri Corporation) 1901 Chouteau Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 621-3222 1-2967Union Electric Company43-0559760(Missouri Corporation) 1901 Chouteau Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 621-3222 1-3672Ameren Illinois Company37-0211380(Illinois Corporation) 6 Executive Drive Collinsville, Illinois 62234 (618) 343-8150 Indicate by check mark whether the registrants: (1)have filed all reports required to be filed by Section13 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)have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Ameren CorporationYesNoUnion Electric CompanyYesNoAmeren Illinois CompanyYesNoIndicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Ameren CorporationYesNoUnion Electric CompanyYesNoAmeren Illinois CompanyYesNoIndicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
LargeAccelerated FilerAccelerated FilerNon-Accelerated FilerSmallerReporting Company Ameren Corporation Union Electric Company Ameren Illinois Company Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Ameren CorporationYesNoUnion Electric CompanyYesNoAmeren Illinois CompanyYesNoThe number of shares outstanding of each registrant's classes of common stock as of April 29, 2016, was as follows:
Ameren Corporation Common stock, $0.01 par value per share - 242,634,798 Union Electric Company Common stock, $5 par value per share, held by Ameren Corporation - 102,123,834 Ameren Illinois Company Common stock, no par value, held by Ameren
Corporation - 25,452,373
______________________________________________________________________________________________________This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by Ameren Corporation, Union Electric Company, and Ameren Illinois Company. Each registrant hereto is filing on its own behalf all of the information contained in this quarterly report that relates to such registrant. Each
registrant hereto is not filing any information that does not relate to such registrant, and therefore makes no representation as to any such
information.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PageGlossary of Terms and Abbreviations Forward-looking StatementsPART I Financial Information Item1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Ameren Corporation Consolidated Statement of Income Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Balance Sheet Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Union Electric Company (d/b/a Ameren Missouri)
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income Balance Sheet Statement of Cash Flows Ameren Illinois Company (d/b/a Ameren Illinois)
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income Balance Sheet Statement of Cash Flows Combined Notes to Financial Statements Item2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item4.Controls and ProceduresPART II Other Information
Item1.Legal Proceedings Item1A.Risk Factors Item2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds Item6.Exhibits SignaturesThis report contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements should be read with the cautionary statements and important factors under the heading "Forward-looking Statements." Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including those statements that
are identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," and similar expressions.
1 1 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 1011 12 13 36 52 53 54 54 54 55 56 1GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONSWe use the words "our," "we" or "us" with respect to certain information that relates to Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, collectively. When appropriate, subsidiaries of Ameren
Corporation are named specifically as their various business
activities are discussed. Refer to the Form 10-K for a complete
listing of glossary terms and abbreviations. Only new or
significantly changed terms and abbreviations are included below.Form 10-K - The combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed by the Ameren Companies
with the SEC.
MEEIA 2013 - Ameren Missouri's portfolio of customer energy efficiency programs, net shared benefits and performance
incentive for 2013 through 2015, as approved by the MoPSC in
August 2012.
MEEIA 2016 - Ameren Missouri's portfolio of customer energy efficiency programs, throughput disincentive and performance
incentive for March 2016 through February 2019, as approved by
the MoPSC in February 2016.FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this report not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements
have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable
assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation)
statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In
connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this
cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.
The following factors, in addition to those discussed under Risk
Factors in the Form 10-K, and elsewhere in this report and in our other filings with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ
materially from management expectations suggested in such
forward-looking statements:* regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, including changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations, that may result from the complaint cases filed with the FERC
seeking a reduction in the allowed base return on common equity under the MISO tariff, Ameren Missouri's appeal of
how an input used to calculate its performance incentive under MEEIA 2013 is determined, Ameren Illinois' April 2016
annual electric delivery service formula rate update filing, and future regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions that
change regulatory recovery mechanisms;* the effect of Ameren Illinois participating in a performance-based formula ratemaking process under the IEIMA, including the direct relationship between Ameren Illinois' return on common equity and 30-year United States Treasury bond yields, the related financial commitments
required by the IEIMA, and the resulting uncertain impact on
Ameren Illinois' results of operations, financial position, and
liquidity;* our ability to align our overall spending, both operating and capital, with regulatory frameworks established by our
regulators in an attempt to earn our allowed return on equity;
- the effects of changes in laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, tax, and energy policies;* the effects of changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rates and any challenges to the tax positions taken by the Ameren Companies;* the effects on demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in customer energy efficiency and distributed generation sources, which
generate electricity at the site of consumption and are
becoming more cost-competitive;* the effectiveness of Ameren Missouri's customer energy efficiency programs and the related amount of any revenues and performance incentive earned under MEEIA 2013, MEEIA 2016, and any future approved MEEIA plan;* the timing of increasing capital expenditure and operating expense requirements and our ability to recover these costs
in a timely manner;* the cost and availability of fuel such as coal, natural gas, and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost
and availability of purchased power and natural gas for
distribution; and the level and volatility of future market
prices for such commodities, including our ability to recover
the costs for such commodities and our customers'
tolerance for the related rate increases;* disruptions in the delivery of fuel, failure of our fuel suppliers to provide adequate quantities or quality of fuel, or lack of
adequate inventories of fuel, including ultra-low-sulfur coal used for Ameren Missouri's compliance with environmental
regulations;* the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and our use of financial and derivative instruments;
- the ability to obtain sufficient insurance, including insurance relating to Ameren Missouri's Callaway energy center and insurance for cyber attacks or, in the absence of insurance, the ability to recover uninsured losses from customers;* business and economic conditions, including their impact on key customers, interest rates, collection of our receivable
balances, and demand for our products;
- Noranda's bankruptcy filing, the idling of operations at its aluminum smelter located in southeast Missouri, and the resulting impacts to Ameren Missouri's ability to recover its
revenue requirement until rates are adjusted by the MoPSC in a future electric rate case to reflect Noranda's actual sales
volumes;* disruptions of the capital markets, deterioration in credit metrics of the Ameren Companies, or other events that may have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of capital, including short-term credit and liquidity;* the impact of the adoption of new accounting guidance and the application of appropriate accounting rules and
guidance; 2* actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions;
- the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers, including the impact of system outages;* the construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery of generation, transmission, and distribution
assets;* the effects of breakdowns or failures of equipment in the operation of natural gas distribution and transmission
systems and storage facilities, such as leaks, explosions
and mechanical problems, and compliance with natural gas
safety regulations;* the effects of our increasing investment in electric transmission projects, our ability to obtain all of the
necessary approvals to complete the projects, and the
uncertainty as to whether we will achieve our expected
returns in a timely manner;* operation of Ameren Missouri's Callaway energy center, including planned and unplanned outages, and
decommissioning costs;
- the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, and any related tax
implications;
- the impact of current environmental regulations and new, more stringent, or changing requirements, including those
related to CO 2 , other emissions and discharges, cooling water intake structures, CCR, and energy efficiency, that are
enacted over time and that could limit or terminate the
operation of certain of our energy centers, increase our
costs or investment requirements, result in an impairment of
our assets, cause us to sell our assets, reduce our
customers' demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect;
- the impact of complying with renewable energy portfolio requirements in Missouri;* labor disputes, work force reductions, future wage and employee benefits costs, including changes in discount
rates, mortality tables, and returns on benefit plan assets;
- the inability of our counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit agreements, and financial
instruments;
- the cost and availability of transmission capacity for the energy generated by Ameren Missouri's energy centers or required to satisfy Ameren Missouri's energy sales;
- legal and administrative proceedings;
- the impact of cyber attacks, which could result in the loss of operational control of energy centers and electric and
natural gas transmission and distribution systems and/or the
loss of data, such as utility customer data and account
information; and* acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or other intentionally disruptive acts.
New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess
the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement. Given these uncertainties, undue
reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking
statements. Except to the extent required by the federal
securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise
publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information
or future events.
3PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATIONITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
AMEREN CORPORATIONCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended March 31,20162015 Operating Revenues:
Electric$1,102$1,143 Gas 332 413 Total operating revenues 1,434 1,556 Operating Expenses:
Fuel 203 206 Purchased power 138 139 Gas purchased for resale 152 236 Other operations and maintenance 400 401 Depreciation and amortization 207 193 Taxes other than income taxes 114 125 Total operating expenses 1,214 1,300 Operating Income 220 256 Other Income and Expense:
Miscellaneous income 20 19 Miscellaneous expense 7 11 Total other income 13 8 Interest Charges 95 88 Income Before Income Taxes 138 176 Income Taxes 31 66 Income from Continuing Operations 107 110 Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes
--Net Income 107 110 Less: Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 2 2 Net Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders:
Continuing Operations 105 108 Discontinued Operations
--Net Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders$105$108 Earnings per Common Share - Basic and Diluted:
Continuing Operations$0.43$0.45 Discontinued Operations
--Earnings per Common Share - Basic and Diluted$0.43$0.45 Dividends per Common Share$0.425$0.41 Average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic 242.6 242.6 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4AMEREN CORPORATIONCONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,20162015 Income from Continuing Operations$107$110 Other Comprehensive Income from Continuing Operations, Net of TaxesPension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, net of income taxes of $1 and $-, respectively(2)-Comprehensive Income from Continuing Operations 105 110 Less: Comprehensive Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 2 2 Comprehensive Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders$103$108 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5AMEREN CORPORATIONCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 ASSETS Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$13$292 Accounts receivable - trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $21 and $19, respectively) 428 388 Unbilled revenue 186 239 Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable 56 98 Materials and supplies 483 538 Current regulatory assets 215 260 Other current assets 63 88 Assets of discontinued operations 14 14 Total current assets 1,458 1,917 Property and Plant, Net 19,000 18,799 Investments and Other Assets:
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund 567 556 Goodwill 411 411 Regulatory assets 1,376 1,382 Other assets 573 575 Total investments and other assets 2,927 2,924 TOTAL ASSETS$23,385$23,640 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt$135$395 Short-term debt 581 301 Accounts and wages payable 429 777 Taxes accrued 77 43 Interest accrued 99 89 Customer deposits 98 100 Current regulatory liabilities 87 80 Other current liabilities 305 279 Liabilities of discontinued operations 28 29 Total current liabilities 1,839 2,093 Long-term Debt, Net 6,881 6,880 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net 3,928 3,885 Accumulated deferred investment tax credits 59 60 Regulatory liabilities 1,931 1,905 Asset retirement obligations 625 618 Pension and other postretirement benefits 581 580 Other deferred credits and liabilities 530 531 Total deferred credits and other liabilities 7,654 7,579 Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 9, and 10)
Ameren Corporation Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 400.0 shares authorized - shares outstanding of 242.6 2 2 Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock 5,539 5,616 Retained earnings 1,333 1,331 Accumulated other comprehensive loss(5)(3)Total Ameren Corporation shareholders' equity 6,869 6,946 Noncontrolling Interests 142 142 Total equity 7,011 7,088 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$23,385$23,640 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6 AMEREN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,2016 2015 Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income
$107$110 (Income) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
--Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 210 195 Amortization of nuclear fuel 24 23 Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts 6 5 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 42 59 Allowance for equity funds used during construction(8)(5)Share-based compensation costs 6 8 Other(3)(11)Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables 55(48)Materials and supplies 55 75 Accounts and wages payable(246)(215)Taxes accrued 30 35 Regulatory assets and liabilities 81 62 Assets, other 4 14 Liabilities, other(25)(21)Pension and other postretirement benefits 9 27 Counterparty collateral, net 3(2)Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations 350 311 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations(1)1 Net cash provided by operating activities 349 312 Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures(496)(417)Nuclear fuel expenditures(21)(17)Purchases of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund(130)(84)Sales and maturities of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund 125 79 Proceeds from note receivable - Marketing Company
-5 Contributions to note receivable - Marketing Company
-(5)Other(2)-Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations(524)(439)Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations 14-Net cash used in investing activities(510)(439)Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Dividends on common stock(103)(99)Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders(2)(2)Short-term debt, net 280 241 Maturity of long-term debt(260)-Employee payroll taxes related to share-based payments(32)(12)Other(1)-Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - continuing operations(118)128 Net change in cash and cash equivalents(279)1 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 292 5 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$13$6 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
7 UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (d/b/a AMEREN MISSOURI)STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,20162015 Operating Revenues:
Electric$694$742 Gas 47 58 Total operating revenues 741 800 Operating Expenses:
Fuel 203 206 Purchased power 42 39 Gas purchased for resale 21 31 Other operations and maintenance 212 211 Depreciation and amortization 127 118 Taxes other than income taxes 73 80 Total operating expenses 678 685 Operating Income 63 115 Other Income and Expense:
Miscellaneous income 15 11 Miscellaneous expense 2 3 Total other income 13 8 Interest Charges 52 55 Income Before Income Taxes 24 68 Income Taxes 9 26 Net Income 15 42 Other Comprehensive Income
--Comprehensive Income$15$42 Net Income$15$42 Preferred Stock Dividends 1 1 Net Income Available to Common Shareholder$14$41The accompanying notes as they relate to Ameren Missouri are an integral part of these financial statements.
8UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (d/b/a AMEREN MISSOURI)
BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 ASSETS Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$-$199 Advances to money pool
-36 Accounts receivable - trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6 and $7, respectively) 150 174 Accounts receivable - affiliates 16 54 Unbilled revenue 105 128 Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable 44 78 Materials and supplies 389 387 Current regulatory assets 55 89 Other current assets 29 41 Total current assets 788 1,186 Property and Plant, Net 11,181 11,183 Investments and Other Assets:
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund 567 556 Regulatory assets 591 605 Other assets 316 321 Total investments and other assets 1,474 1,482 TOTAL ASSETS$13,443$13,851 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt$6$266 Short-term debt 165-Accounts and wages payable 174 417 Accounts payable - affiliates 59 56 Taxes accrued 64 31 Interest accrued 50 59 Current regulatory liabilities 15 28 Other current liabilities 132 120 Total current liabilities 665 977 Long-term Debt, Net 3,845 3,844 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net 2,857 2,844 Accumulated deferred investment tax credits 57 58 Regulatory liabilities 1,181 1,172 Asset retirement obligations 619 612 Pension and other postretirement benefits 236 234 Other deferred credits and liabilities 27 28 Total deferred credits and other liabilities 4,977 4,948 Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 8, 9, and 10)
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, $5 par value, 150.0 shares authorized - 102.1 shares outstanding 511 511 Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock 1,822 1,822 Preferred stock 80 80 Retained earnings 1,543 1,669 Total shareholders' equity 3,956 4,082 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$13,443$13,851The accompanying notes as they relate to Ameren Missouri are an integral part of these financial statements.
9UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (d/b/a AMEREN MISSOURI)STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,2016 2015 Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income
$15$42 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 130 121 Amortization of nuclear fuel 24 23 Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts 2 2 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 9 21 Allowance for equity funds used during construction(7)(4)Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables 81 60 Materials and supplies(2)(14)Accounts and wages payable(172)(171)Taxes accrued 31 40 Regulatory assets and liabilities 45 27 Assets, other 5 3 Liabilities, other 3(5)Pension and other postretirement benefits 5 12 Net cash provided by operating activities 169 157 Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures(178)(145)Nuclear fuel expenditures(21)(17)Purchases of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund(130)(84)Sales and maturities of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund 125 79 Money pool advances, net 36-Other(2)(2)Net cash used in investing activities(170)(169)Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Dividends on common stock(140)(315)Dividends on preferred stock(1)(1)Short-term debt, net 165 43 Money pool borrowings, net
-61 Maturity of long-term debt(260)-Capital contribution from parent 38 224 Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(198)12 Net change in cash and cash equivalents(199)-Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 199 1 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$-$1The accompanying notes as they relate to Ameren Missouri are an integral part of these financial statements.
10 AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (d/b/a AMEREN ILLINOIS)STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,2016 2015 Operating Revenues:
Electric$392$390 Gas 285 355 Total operating revenues 677 745 Operating Expenses:
Purchased power 104 102 Gas purchased for resale 131 205 Other operations and maintenance 194 202 Depreciation and amortization 77 73 Taxes other than income taxes 38 43 Total operating expenses 544 625 Operating Income 133 120 Other Income and Expense:
Miscellaneous income 5 7 Miscellaneous expense 5 5 Total other income
-2 Interest Charges 35 33 Income Before Income Taxes 98 89 Income Taxes 38 35 Net Income 60 54 Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes:Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, net of income taxes (benefit) of $(1) and $(1), respectively(1)(1)Comprehensive Income
$59$53 Net Income
$60$54 Preferred Stock Dividends 1 1 Net Income Available to Common Shareholder
$59$53The accompanying notes as they relate to Ameren Illinois are an integral part of these financial statements.
11AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (d/b/a AMEREN ILLINOIS)
BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited) (In millions)
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 ASSETS Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$-$71 Advances to money pool 58-Accounts receivable - trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $15 and $12, respectively) 262 204 Accounts receivable - affiliates 10 22 Unbilled revenue 81 111 Miscellaneous accounts receivable 12 19 Materials and supplies 94 151 Current regulatory assets 156 167 Other current assets 13 15 Total current assets 686 760 Property and Plant, Net 6,956 6,848 Investments and Other Assets:
Goodwill 411 411 Regulatory assets 777 771 Other assets 114 113 Total investments and other assets 1,302 1,295 TOTAL ASSETS$8,944$8,903 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt$129$129 Accounts and wages payable 180 249 Accounts payable - affiliates 55 66 Taxes accrued 12 13 Interest accrued 44 28 Customer deposits 67 69 Mark-to-market derivative liabilities 51 45 Current environmental remediation 38 28 Current regulatory liabilities 55 39 Other current liabilities 82 86 Total current liabilities 713 752 Long-term Debt, Net 2,343 2,342 Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net 1,518 1,480 Accumulated deferred investment tax credits 2 2 Regulatory liabilities 749 732 Pension and other postretirement benefits 271 271 Environmental remediation 187 205 Other deferred credits and liabilities 236 222 Total deferred credits and other liabilities 2,963 2,912 Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 8, and 9)
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, no par value, 45.0 shares authorized - 25.5 shares outstanding
--Other paid-in capital 2,005 2,005 Preferred stock 62 62 Retained earnings 854 825 Accumulated other comprehensive income 4 5 Total shareholders' equity 2,925 2,897 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$8,944$8,903The accompanying notes as they relate to Ameren Illinois are an integral part of these financial statements.
12AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (d/b/a AMEREN ILLINOIS)STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In millions)
Three Months Ended March 31,2016 2015 Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income
$60$54 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 77 72 Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts 4 4 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 37 13 Other(3)(3)Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables(22)(41)Materials and supplies 57 89 Accounts and wages payable(33)(11)Taxes accrued(3)24 Regulatory assets and liabilities 32 33 Assets, other 7 5 Liabilities, other 12 4 Pension and other postretirement benefits 4 11 Net cash provided by operating activities 229 254 Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures(211)(174)Money pool advances, net(58)(33)Net cash used in investing activities(269)(207)Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Dividends on common stock(30)-Dividends on preferred stock(1)(1)Short-term debt, net
-(32)Money pool borrowings, net
-(15)Net cash used in financing activities(31)(48)Net change in cash and cash equivalents(71)(1)Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 71 1 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$-$-The accompanying notes as they relate to Ameren Illinois are an integral part of these financial statements.
13AMEREN CORPORATION (Consolidated)UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (d/b/a Ameren Missouri)
AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (d/b/a Ameren Illinois)COMBINED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
March31, 2016 NOTE 1 -
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES General Ameren, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company under PUHCA 2005. Ameren's primary assets are its equity interests in its subsidiaries, including Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois. Ameren's subsidiaries are separate, independent legal entities with separate businesses, assets, and liabilities. Dividends on Ameren's common stock and the payment of expenses by Ameren depend on distributions made to it by its subsidiaries. Ameren's principal subsidiaries are listed below.
Also see the Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations at the front of
this report and in the Form 10-K.* Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution business and a rate-regulated
natural gas transmission and distribution business in
- Ameren Illinois Company, doing business as Ameren Illinois, operates rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission
and distribution businesses in Illinois.
Ameren has various other subsidiaries that conduct activities such as the provision of shared services. Ameren also has a subsidiary, ATXI, that operates a FERC rate-regulated electric transmission business. ATXI is developing MISO-approved
electric transmission projects, including the Illinois Rivers, Spoon River, and Mark Twain projects. Ameren is also pursuing projects to improve electric transmission system reliability within Ameren Missouri's and Ameren Illinois' service territories as well as competitive electric transmission investment opportunities outside
of these territories, including investments outside of MISO.Unless otherwise stated, these notes to Ameren's financial statements exclude discontinued operations for all periods
presented. See Note 12 - Discontinued Operations in this report and Note 16 - Divestiture Transactions and Discontinued
Operations under Part II, Item 8, of the Form 10-K for additional
information.Ameren's financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis and therefore include the accounts of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have no
subsidiaries, and therefore their financial statements are not prepared on a consolidated basis. All tabular dollar amounts are
in millions, unless otherwise indicated.Our accounting policies conform to GAAP. Our financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include normal, recurring adjustments) that are necessary, in our opinion, for a fair statement of our results. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to
make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of
financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations of an interim
period may not give a true indication of results that may be expected for a full year. These financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes
thereto included in the Form 10-K.
Asset Retirement ObligationsAROs at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois increased at March31, 2016, compared to December 31, 2015, to reflect the accretion of obligations to their fair value, partially offset by immaterial settlements.
Share-based CompensationA summary of nonvested performance share units at March31, 2016, and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2016, under the 2006 Incentive Plan and the 2014 Incentive Plan are presented below:
Performance Share Units Share Units Weighted-average Fair Value per Share Unit Nonvested at January 1, 20161,024,870$
46.08 Granted (a)580,737 44.13 Forfeitures(12,315)45.12Vested (b)(8,265)42.91 Nonvested at March 31, 20161,585,027$
45.39(a) Performance share units granted to certain executive and nonexecutive officers and other eligible employees under the 2014 Incentive Plan.(b) Performance share units vested due to the attainment of retirement eligibility by certain employees. Actual shares issued for retirement-eligible employees will vary depending on actual performance over the three-year measurement period.
The fair value of each performance share unit awarded in 2016 under the 2014 Incentive Plan was determined to be $44.13, which was based on Ameren's closing common share price of $43.23 at December31, 2015, and lattice simulations.
14 Lattice simulations are used to estimate expected share payout based on Ameren's total shareholder return for a three-year
performance period relative to the designated peer group beginning January1, 2016. The simulations can produce a
greater fair value for the performance share unit than the
applicable closing common share price because they include the
weighted payout scenarios in which an increase in the share price has occurred. The significant assumptions used to calculate fair value also included a three-year risk-free rate of 1.31%,
volatility of 15% to 20% for the peer group, and Ameren's
attainment of a three-year average earnings per share threshold
during the performance period. Excise TaxesAmeren Missouri and Ameren Illinois collect certain excise taxes from customers that are levied on the sale or distribution of natural gas and electricity. Excise taxes are levied on Ameren Missouri's electric and natural gas businesses and on Ameren Illinois' natural gas business and are recorded gross in
"Operating Revenues - Electric," "Operating Revenues - Gas" and "Operating Expenses - Taxes other than income taxes" on
the statement of income or the statement of income and
comprehensive income. Excise taxes for electric service in Illinois
are levied on the customer and are therefore not included in Ameren Illinois' revenues and expenses. The following table
presents excise taxes recorded in "Operating Revenues -
Electric," "Operating Revenues - Gas" and "Operating Expenses -
Taxes other than income taxes" for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Three Months 2016 2015 Ameren Missouri$30$34 Ameren Illinois 20 23 Ameren$50$57 Earnings Per ShareThere were no material differences between Ameren's basic and diluted earnings per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The assumed settlement of
dilutive performance share units had an immaterial impact on earnings per share. The calculation of diluted earnings per share reflected the adoption of FASB guidance related to employee share-based payment accounting discussed below.
Accounting and Reporting Developments Below is a summary of recently issued authoritative accounting standards relevant to the Ameren Companies.
Revenue from Contracts with CustomersIn May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative accounting guidance that changes the criteria for recognizing revenue from a contract with a customer. The underlying principle of the
guidance is that an entity will recognize revenue for the transfer
of promised goods or services to customers at an amount that
the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures to
enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows
arising from contracts with customers. Entities can apply the
guidance retrospectively to each reporting period presented or retrospectively by recording a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of initial adoption. The Ameren
Companies are currently assessing the impacts of this guidance
on their results of operations, financial position, and disclosures, including their accounting for contributions in aid of construction
and similar arrangements, as well as the transition method that they will use to adopt the guidance. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this revenue guidance to the first
quarter of 2018, with an option for entities to early adopt in the first quarter of 2017. The Ameren Companies do not expect to
early adopt this guidance. Amendments to the Consolidation AnalysisIn February 2015, the FASB issued authoritative accounting guidance that amends the consolidation analysis for variable interest entities and voting interest entities. The new guidance affects (1) limited partnerships, similar legal entities, and certain
investment funds, (2) the evaluation of fees paid to a decision
maker or service provider as a variable interest, (3) how fee
arrangements impact the primary beneficiary determination, and
(4) the evaluation of related party relationships on the primary beneficiary determination. The adoption of this guidance in the first quarter of 2016 did not impact the Ameren Companies'
results of operations, financial position, cash flows, or
disclosures.
LeasesIn February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative accounting guidance that will require an entity to recognize assets and liabilities arising from a lease. Consistent with current GAAP, the
recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and
cash flows arising from a lease will depend primarily on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The guidance also
requires additional disclosures to enable users of financial
statements to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance will be effective for the Ameren Companies in the first quarter of 2019 with an option for entities to early adopt. Upon adoption, the Ameren Companies
will recognize and measure operating leases on their respective
balance sheets at the beginning of the earliest period presented.
The Ameren Companies are currently assessing the impacts of
this guidance on their results of operations, financial position, cash flows, and disclosures. Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment AccountingIn March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative accounting guidance that simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, the
calculation of diluted earnings per share, the classification of
awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification on the statement of cash flows. Ameren determines for each performance share unit award whether the difference between 15 the deduction for tax purposes and the compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes results in either an excess tax benefit or an excess tax deficit. Previously, excess tax benefits were recognized in "Other paid-in capital" on Ameren's
consolidated balance sheet, and in certain cases, excess tax deficits were recognized in "Income taxes" on Ameren's consolidated income statement. The new guidance increases
income statement volatility by requiring all excess tax benefits
and deficits to be recognized in "Income taxes," and treated as discrete items in the period in which they occur. Ameren adopted
this guidance in the first quarter of 2016, which resulted in recognition of a $21 million income tax benefit during the period.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, Ameren reclassified, for comparison purposes, $2 million of excess tax
benefits on the statement of cash flows from financing to operating activity, and $12 million of employee payroll taxes
related to share-based payments from operating to financing activity. NOTE 2 - RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS Below is a summary of updates to significant regulatory proceedings and related lawsuits. See also Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item8, of the Form 10-K. We
are unable to predict theultimate outcome of these matters, the
timing of the final decisions of the various agencies and courts, or
the impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Missouri MEEIA 2013 The MEEIA 2013 performance incentive allowed Ameren Missouri an opportunity to earn additional revenues by achieving certain customer energy efficiency goals, including $19 million if 100% of the goals were achieved during the three-year period, with the potential to earn a larger performance incentive if Ameren Missouri's energy savings exceeded those goals. In
November 2015, the MoPSC issued an order that clarified how
an input used in the calculation of the performance incentive would be determined. Ameren Missouri filed an appeal of the order with the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District. If the Missouri Court of Appeals upholds the MoPSC order, the MEEIA
2013 performance incentive will be significantly less than the performance incentive calculated using Ameren Missouri's interpretation. A decision from the Missouri Court of Appeals is expected in 2016. Separately, an order from the MoPSC determining the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive is also expected in 2016. Ameren Missouri has not recorded any revenues associated with the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive. Ameren Missouri believes it will ultimately be found to have exceeded 100% of the customer energy efficiency goals, and it therefore expects to recognize revenues relating to the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive of at least $19 million in
2016. NorandaAmeren Missouri supplies electricity to Noranda's aluminum smelter located in southeast Missouri under a long-term power
supply agreement. In the first quarter of 2016, Noranda idled production at its aluminum smelter. In addition, Noranda filed voluntary petitions for a court-supervised restructuring process under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Noranda stated it would
maintain the flexibility to restart operations at the smelter should conditions allow. Ameren Missouri has been working with
Noranda, legislators, and other stakeholders on a potential legislative solution to support Noranda's operations. For utility
service through March 31, 2016, Noranda prepaid an amount to Ameren Missouri in excess of its utility service usage. Ameren
Missouri expects to be paid in full for utility services provided to
Noranda.In its April 2015 electric rate order, the MoPSC approved a rate design that established $78 million in annual revenues, net of fuel and purchased power costs, as Noranda's portion of Ameren Missouri's revenue requirement. The portion of Ameren Missouri's annual revenue requirement reflected in Noranda's electric rate is based on the smelter using approximately 4.2 million megawatthours annually, which is almost 100% of its operating capacity. Ameren Missouri's rates, including those for Noranda, are seasonal. Noranda's summer base rate (June through September) is $45.78 per megawatthour, and its winter base rate (October through May) is $31.11 per megawatthour.
In 2016, actual sales volumes to Noranda will be significantly below the sales volumes reflected in rates. As a result, Ameren Missouri will not fully recover its revenue
requirement until rates are adjusted by the MoPSC in a future electric rate case to accurately reflect Noranda's actual sales volumes. As a result of Noranda's idled production described above, Ameren Missouri is applying a provision in its FAC tariff that, under certain circumstances, allows Ameren Missouri to retain a portion of the revenues from any off-system sales it makes as a result of reduced tariff sales to Noranda. The current market price of electricity is less than Noranda's electric rate, and
Ameren Missouri expects market prices to remain below Noranda's electric rate during 2016. Accordingly, this FAC-tariff provision will not enable Ameren Missouri to fully recover its
revenue requirement under current market conditions.
Ameren Missouri expects to file an electric rate case in 2016 to reflect additional infrastructure investments and rising costs, including depreciation, transmission service, and property tax
expenses, and expects the resulting new rates to reflect Noranda's actual sales volumes, which would prospectively
eliminate the impact of the current revenue shortfall from Noranda sales levels. The rate case would take place over a period of up to 11 months from the date of filing. Ameren Missouri
may seek recovery of lost revenues in a filing with the MoPSC to
recover certain costs incurred but not contemporaneously
recovered by rate revenues as a result of Noranda's reduced operations. Ameren Missouri will continue to monitor Noranda's 16 sales volumes and to evaluate regulatory and legislative options that might mitigate adverse financial impacts. The reduction in Noranda's sales volumes have adversely affected and will continue to adversely affect Ameren's and Ameren Missouri's
results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity until
customer rates are adjusted in a future rate case. ATXI Transmission ProjectsThe Mark Twain project is a MISO-approved 95-mile transmission line located in northeast Missouri. In April 2016, the MoPSC granted ATXI a certificate of convenience and necessity for the Mark Twain project. Starting construction under the certificate is subject to ATXI obtaining assents from the five counties where the line will be constructed. The Mark Twain project is expected to be completed in 2018. Extended difficulties
in obtaining the assents could delay the completion date.
Illinois IEIMA Under the provisions of the IEIMA's performance-based formula rate-making framework, which currently extends through 2019, Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service rates are subject to
an annual revenue requirement reconciliation to its actual recoverable costs. Throughout each year, Ameren Illinois records
a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability and a corresponding increase or decrease to operating revenues for any differences
between the revenue requirement reflected in customer rates for
that year and its estimate of the probable increase or decrease in
the revenue requirement expected to ultimately be approved by
the ICC based on that year's actual recoverable costs incurred.
As of March31, 2016, Ameren Illinois had recorded regulatory assets of $9 million, $65 million, and $82 million, to reflect its
expected 2016 and 2015 revenue requirement reconciliation
adjustments and the approved 2014 revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment, with interest, respectively. In April 2016, Ameren Illinois filed with the ICC its annual electric delivery service formula rate update to establish the
revenue requirement used for 2017 rates. Pending ICC approval, Ameren Illinois' update filing will result in a $14 million decrease in Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service revenue requirement, beginning in January 2017. This update reflects an increase to
the annual formula rate based on 2015 actual costs and
expected net plant additions for 2016, an increase to include the
2015 revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment, and a
decrease for the conclusion of the 2014 revenue requirement
reconciliation adjustment, which will be fully collected from customers in 2016, consistent with the ICC's December 2015 annual update filing order. As of December 31, 2015, Ameren Illinois had recorded a regulatory asset of $103 million related to
the approved 2014 revenue requirement reconciliation
adjustment.
Federal FERC Complaint Cases In November 2013, a customer group filed a complaint case with the FERC seeking a reduction in the allowed base return on common equity for the FERC-regulated transmission rate base under the MISO tariff from 12.38% to 9.15%. In December 2015, an administrative law judge issued an initial decision in the
November 2013 complaint case that would lower the allowed base return on common equity to 10.32% and would require
customer refunds to be issued for the 15-month period ending February 2015. The allowed base return on common equity in the
initial decision was based on observable market data for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The FERC is expected to issue a
final order on the November 2013 complaint case in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Because the maximum FERC-allowed refund period for the November 2013 complaint case ended in February 2015, another customer complaint case was filed in February 2015. The
February 2015 complaint case seeks a reduction in the allowed
base return on common equity for the FERC-regulated transmission rate base under the MISO tariff to 8.67%. The initial
decision from an administrative law judge in the February 2015
complaint case, which will subsequently require FERC approval, is expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2016.
On January 6, 2015, a FERC-approved incentive adder of up to 50 basis points on the allowed base return on common equity for our participation in an RTO became effective.
Beginning with its January 6, 2015 effective date, the incentive
adder will reduce any refund to customers relating to a reduction
of the allowed base return on common equity from the complaint
cases discussed above.As of March31, 2016, Ameren and Ameren Illinois had current regulatory liabilities of $55 million and $37 million, respectively, representing their estimates of the potential refunds from the November 12, 2013 refund effective date through March 31, 2016. Ameren and Ameren Illinois recorded liabilities to reflect
the allowed base return on common equity in the initial decision
for the November 2013 complaint case refund period and the
observable market data for the six months ended December31, 2015, for the February 2015 complaint case refund period.
Ameren's and Ameren Illinois' liabilities also reflect the January 6, 2015 incentive adder discussed above. Ameren Missouri did not record a liability as of March31, 2016, and it does not expect that
a reduction in the FERC-allowed base return on common equity
for MISO transmission owners would be material to its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.NOTE 3 - SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LIQUIDITYThe liquidity needs of the Ameren Companies are typically supported through the use of available cash, drawings under committed credit agreements, commercial paper issuances, or, in the case of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, short-term intercompany borrowings.
17The Missouri Credit Agreement and the Illinois Credit Agreement, both of which expire on December 11, 2019, were not utilized for direct borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2016, but were used to support commercial paper issuances and to issue letters of credit. Based on letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreements, as well as commercial paper outstanding, the aggregate amount of credit capacity available under the Credit Agreements to Ameren (parent), Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, collectively, at March31, 2016, was $1.5 billion.
Commercial PaperThe following table presents commercial paper outstanding at Ameren (parent), Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois as of March31, 2016, and December31, 2015:
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Ameren (parent)
$416$301 Ameren Missouri 165-Ameren Illinois
--Ameren Consolidated
$581$301The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under Ameren's (parent), Ameren Missouri's, and Ameren Illinois' commercial paper programs for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Ameren (parent)Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Ameren Consolidated 2016 Average daily commercial paper outstanding$349$68$-$417 Weighted-average interest rate0.82%0.80%-%0.81%Peak commercial paper during period (a)$482$208$-$581 Peak interest rate0.95%0.85%-%0.95%2015 Average daily commercial paper outstanding$691$151$10$852 Weighted-average interest rate0.55%0.49%0.44%0.53%Peak commercial paper during period (a)$815$243$39$955 Peak interest rate0.70%0.60%0.60%0.70%(a) The timing of peak commercial paper issuances varies by company, and therefore the peak amounts presented by company might not equal the Ameren Consolidated peak commercial paper issuances for the period.
Indebtedness Provisions and Other CovenantsThe information below is a summary of the Ameren Companies' compliance with financial covenants in the Credit
Agreements. See Note 4 - Short-term Debt and Liquidity under
Part II, Item 8, in the Form 10-K for a detailed description of these provisions. The Credit Agreements also contain nonfinancial
covenants, including restrictions on the ability to incur liens, to transact with affiliates, to dispose of assets, to make investments in or transfer assets to its affiliates, and to merge with other
entities.The Credit Agreements require Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois to each maintain consolidated indebtedness of not more than 65% of its consolidated total capitalization pursuant to a defined calculation set forth in the agreements. As of March31, 2016, the ratios of consolidated indebtedness to
consolidated total capitalization, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreements, were 52%, 49%, and 46%, for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, respectively. In addition, under the Credit Agreements, if Ameren
does not have a senior long-term unsecured credit rating of at least Baa3 from Moody's or BBB- from S&P, Ameren is required
to maintain a ratio of consolidated funds from operations plus
interest expense to consolidated interest expense of at least 2.0 to 1.0. As of March31, 2016, Ameren's senior long-term
unsecured credit rating exceeded the minimum rating
requirements; therefore, the interest coverage requirement was
not applicable. Failure of a borrower to satisfy a financial
covenant constitutes an immediate default under the applicable Credit Agreement.The Credit Agreements contain default provisions that apply separately to each borrower; provided, however, that a default of Ameren Missouri or Ameren Illinois under the applicable Credit Agreement will also be deemed to constitute a default of Ameren
under such agreement. Defaults include a cross-default resulting
from a default of such borrower under any other agreement
covering outstanding indebtedness of such borrower and certain
subsidiaries (other than project finance subsidiaries and nonmaterial subsidiaries) in excess of $75 million in the aggregate (including under the other Credit Agreement).
However, under the default provisions of the Credit Agreements, any default of Ameren under any Credit Agreement that results solely from a default of Ameren Missouri or Ameren Illinois thereunder does not result in a cross-default of Ameren under the other Credit Agreement. Further, the Credit Agreement default provisions provide that an Ameren default under any of the Credit Agreements does not constitute a default by Ameren Missouri or
Ameren Illinois.
18None of the Ameren Companies' credit agreements or financing arrangements contain credit rating triggers that would cause a default or acceleration of repayment of outstanding balances. The Ameren Companies were in compliance with the covenants in their credit agreements at March31, 2016
.Money Pools Ameren has money pool agreements with and among its subsidiaries to coordinate and provide for certain short-term cash
and working capital requirements.Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI may participate in the utility money pool as both lenders and borrowers. Ameren and Ameren Services may participate in the utility money pool
only as lenders. Surplus internal funds are contributed to the utility money pool from participants. The primary sources of
external funds for the utility money pool are the Credit Agreements and the commercial paper programs. The total amount available to the pool participants from the utility money
pool at any given time is reduced by the amount of borrowings
made by participants, but is increased to the extent that the pool
participants advance surplus funds to the utility money pool or remit funds from other external sources. The availability of funds
is also determined by funding requirement limits established by
regulatory authorizations. Participants receiving a loan under the
utility money pool must repay the principal amount of such loan, together with accrued interest. The rate of interest depends on
the composition of internal and external funds in the utility money pool. The average interest rate for borrowing under the utility money pool for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, was 0.47% and 0.08%, respectively. See Note 8 - Related Party Transactions for the amount of interest income and expense from the money pool arrangements recorded by the Ameren Companies for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.NOTE 4 - LONG-TERM DEBT AND EQUITY FINANCINGS Ameren MissouriIn February 2016, $260 million principal amount of Ameren Missouri's 5.40% senior secured notes matured and was repaid with cash on hand and commercial paper borrowings.
Indenture Provisions and Other CovenantsAmeren Missouri's and Ameren Illinois' indentures, credit facilities, and articles of incorporation include covenants and provisions related to issuances of first mortgage bonds and preferred stock. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois are required to meet certain ratios to issue additional first mortgage bonds and preferred stock. A failure to achieve these ratios would not result in a default under these covenants and provisions, but would restrict the companies' ability to issue bonds or preferred stock. The following table summarizes the required and actual interest coverage ratios for interest charges, dividend coverage ratios, and bonds and preferred stock issuable as of March31, 2016, at an assumed annual interest rate of 5% and dividend rate of 6%.
RequiredInterest Coverage Ratio (a)Actual InterestCoverageRatioBondsIssuable (b)RequiredDividend Coverage Ratio (c)ActualDividend Coverage Ratio PreferredStock Issuable Ameren Missouri3.8$3,80995.8$2,128 Ameren Illinois 6.4 3,642 (d)2.6 203 (e)(a) Coverage required on the annual interest charges on first mortgage bonds outstanding and to be issued. Coverage is not required in certain cases when additional first mortgage bonds are issued on the basis of retired bonds.(b) Amount of bonds issuable based either on required coverage ratios or unfunded property additions, whichever is more restrictive. The amounts shown also include bonds issuable based on retired bond capacity of $1,206 million and $204 million at Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, respectively.(c) Coverage required on the annual dividend on preferred stock outstanding and to be issued, as required in the respective company's articles of incorporation.(d) Amount of bonds issuable by Ameren Illinois based on unfunded property additions and retired bonds solely under the former IP mortgage indenture. The amount of bonds issuable by Ameren Illinois is also subject to the lien restrictions contained in the Illinois Credit Agreement. (e) Preferred stock issuable is restricted by the amount of preferred stock that is currently authorized by Ameren Illinois' articles of incorporation.
19Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois and certain other Ameren subsidiaries are subject to Section305(a) of the Federal Power Act, which makes it unlawful for any officer or director of a public utility, as defined in the Federal Power Act, to participate in
the making or paying of any dividend from any funds "properly included in capital account." The FERC has consistently
interpreted the provision to allow dividends to be paid as long as
(1) the source of the dividends is clearly disclosed, (2) the
dividends are not excessive, and (3) there is no self-dealing on the part of corporate officials. At a minimum, Ameren believes
that dividends can be paid by its subsidiaries that are public utilities from retained earnings. In addition, under Illinois law, Ameren Illinois may not pay any dividend on its stock, unless, among other things, its earnings and earned surplus are sufficient
to declare and pay a dividend after provision is made for reasonable and proper reserves, or unless Ameren Illinois has
specific authorization from the ICC.Ameren Illinois' articles of incorporation require dividend payments on its common stock to be based on ratios of common stock to total capitalization and other provisions related to certain
operating expenses and accumulations of earned surplus.
Ameren Illinois committed to the FERC to maintain a minimum of 30% equity in its capital structure. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Illinois had 51% equity in its capital structure.In order for the Ameren Companies to issue securities in the future, we have to comply with all applicable requirements in effect at the time of any such issuances.Off-Balance-Sheet ArrangementsAt March31, 2016, none of the Ameren Companies had off-balance-sheet financing arrangements, other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business, letters of credit, and Ameren parent guarantee arrangements on behalf of its subsidiaries. None of the Ameren Companies expect to engage in any significant off-balance-sheet financing
arrangements in the near future.NOTE 5 - OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSESThe following table presents the components of "Other Income and Expenses" in the Ameren Companies' statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Three Months 2016 2015 Ameren: (a)Miscellaneous income:
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$8$5 Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds 7 7 Interest income 4 4 Other 1 3 Total miscellaneous income
$20$19 Miscellaneous expense:
Donations$5$8 Other 2 3 Total miscellaneous expense
$7$11 Ameren Missouri:
Miscellaneous income:
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$7$4 Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds 7 7 Other1-Total miscellaneous income
$15$11 Miscellaneous expense:
Donations$1$2 Other 1 1 Total miscellaneous expense
$2$3 Ameren Illinois:
Miscellaneous income:
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$1$1 Interest income 4 4 Other-2 Total miscellaneous income
$5$7 Miscellaneous expense:
Donations$4$3 Other 1 2 Total miscellaneous expense
$5$5(a) Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations.
20NOTE 6 - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSWe use derivatives to manage the risk of changes in market prices for natural gas, power, and uranium, as well as the risk of changes in rail transportation surcharges through fuel oil hedges.
Such price fluctuations may cause the following:* an unrealized appreciation or depreciation of our contracted commitments to purchase or sell when purchase or sale
prices under the commitments are compared with current
commodity prices;* market values of natural gas and uranium inventories that differ from the cost of those commodities in inventory; and* actual cash outlays for the purchase of these commodities that differ from anticipated cash outlays.
The derivatives that we use to hedge these risks are governed by our risk management policies for forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps. Our net positions are continually
assessed within our structured hedging programs to determine whether new or offsetting transactions are required. The goal of
the hedging program is generally to mitigate financial risks while ensuring that sufficient volumes are available to meet our
requirements. Contracts we enter into as part of our risk management program may be settled financially, settled by physical delivery, or net settled with the counterparty.
The following table presents open gross commodity contract volumes by commodity type for derivative assets and liabilities as of March31, 2016, and December31, 2015. As of March31, 2016, these contracts ran through October 2018, March 2021, May 2032, and January 2019 for fuel oils, natural gas, power, and uranium, respectively.
Quantity (in millions, except as indicated) 2016 2015 Commodity Ameren Missouri AmerenIllinoisAmeren Ameren Missouri AmerenIllinoisAmeren Fuel oils (in gallons)(a)29 (b)29 35 (b)35 Natural gas (in mmbtu)2915017930151181 Power (in megawatthours) 1 9 10 1 10 11 Uranium (pounds in thousands) 428(b)428 494 (b)494(a) Consists of ultra-low-sulfur diesel products.(b) Not applicable.
Authoritative accounting guidance regarding derivative instruments requires that all contracts considered to be derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair values, unless the NPNS exception applies. See Note 7 - Fair Value
Measurements for a discussion of our methods of assessing the
fair value of derivative instruments. Many of our physical
contracts, such as our purchased power contracts, qualify for the NPNS exception to derivative accounting rules. The revenue or
expense on NPNS contracts is recognized at the contract price upon physical delivery.
If we determine that a contract meets the definition of a derivative and is not eligible for the NPNS exception, we review
the contract to determine whether the resulting gains or losses
qualify for regulatory deferral. Derivative contracts that qualify for
regulatory deferral are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair
value recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities in the period in which the change occurs. We believe derivative losses and gains deferred as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities
are probable of recovery or refund through future rates charged
to customers. Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are
amortized to operating income as related losses and gains are reflected in rates charged to customers. Therefore, gains and losses on these derivatives have no effect on operating income.
As of March31, 2016, and December31, 2015, all contracts
received regulatory deferral.
Authoritative accounting guidance permits companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash
collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a liability) against fair value amounts recognized for derivative
instruments that are executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The Ameren
Companies did not elect to adopt this guidance for any eligible
derivative instruments.
21 The following table presents the carrying value and balance sheet location of all derivative commodity contracts, none of which were designated as hedging instruments, as of March31, 2016, and December31, 2015:
Balance Sheet Location Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Ameren 2016 Natural gas Other assets
$-$1$1 Power Other current assets 6-6Total assets (a)$6$1$7 Fuel oils Other current liabilities
$19$-$19 Other deferred credits and liabilities 6-6 Natural gas MTM derivative liabilities (b)36 (b)Other current liabilities 7-43 Other deferred credits and liabilities 7 15 22 Power MTM derivative liabilities (b)15 (b)Other current liabilities
--15 Other deferred credits and liabilities
-172 172 Uranium Other current liabilities 2-2 Other deferred credits and liabilities 2-2Total liabilities (c)$43$238$281 2015 Natural gas Other current assets
$-$1$1 Other assets 1-1 Power Other current assets 16-16Total assets (a)$17$1$18 Fuel oils Other current liabilities
$22$-$22 Other deferred credits and liabilities 7-7 Natural gas MTM derivative liabilities (b)32 (b)Other current liabilities 6-38 Other deferred credits and liabilities 8 18 26 Power MTM derivative liabilities (b)13 (b)Other current liabilities
--13 Other deferred credits and liabilities
-157 157 Uranium Other current liabilities 1-1Total liabilities (c)$44$220$264(a) Because all contracts qualifying for hedge accounting receive regulatory deferral, the cumulative amount of pretax net gains on all derivative instruments is deferred as a regulatory liability.(b) Balance sheet line item not applicable to registrant.(c) Because all contracts qualifying for hedge accounting receive regulatory deferral, the cumulative amount of pretax net losses on all derivative instruments is deferred as a regulatory asset.
Derivative instruments are subject to various credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to the transaction.
Exchange-traded contracts are supported by the financial and credit quality of the clearing members of the respective exchanges and have nominal credit risk. In all other transactions, we are exposed to credit risk. Our credit risk management program involves establishing credit
limits and collateral requirements for counterparties, using master netting arrangements or similar agreements, and reporting daily exposure
to senior management.We believe that entering into master netting arrangements or similar agreements mitigates the level of financial loss that could result from default by allowing net settlement of derivative assets and liabilities. We generally enter into the following master netting arrangements:
(1) the International Swaps and Derivatives Association Agreement, a standardized financial natural gas and electric contract; (2) the Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreement, created by the Edison Electric Institute and the National Energy Marketers Association, a standardized contract for the purchase and sale of wholesale power; and (3) the North American Energy Standards Board Inc. Agreement, a standardized contract for the purchase and sale of natural gas. These master netting arrangements allow the counterparties to net settle sale and purchase transactions. Further, collateral requirements are calculated at the master netting arrangement or similar agreement level by counterparty.
22 The following table provides the recognized gross derivative balances and the net amounts of those derivatives subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement as of March31, 2016, and December31, 2015:
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet Commodity Contracts Eligible to be Offset Gross Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Derivative Instruments Cash Collateral Received/Posted (a)Net Amount 2016 Assets:
Ameren Missouri
$6$2$-$4 Ameren Illinois 1 1--Ameren$7$3$-$4 Liabilities:
Ameren Missouri
$43$2$8$33 Ameren Illinois 238 1 2 235 Ameren$281$3$10$268 2015 Assets:
Ameren Missouri
$17$1$-$16 Ameren Illinois 1--1 Ameren$18$1$-$17 Liabilities:
Ameren Missouri
$44$1$8$35 Ameren Illinois 220-3 217 Ameren$264$1$11$252(a) Cash collateral received reduces gross asset balances and is included in "Other current liabilities" and "Other deferred credits and liabilities" on the balance sheet. Cash collateral posted reduces gross liability balances and is included in "Other current assets" and "Other assets" on the balance sheet.
Concentrations of Credit Risk In determining our concentrations of credit risk related to derivative instruments, we review our individual counterparties and categorize each counterparty into groupings according to the primary business in which each engages. We calculate maximum exposures based on the gross fair value of financial instruments, including NPNS and other accrual contracts. These exposures are calculated on a gross basis, which include affiliate exposure not eliminated at the consolidated Ameren level. The potential loss on counterparty exposures may be reduced or eliminated by the application of master netting arrangements or similar agreements and collateral held. As of March31, 2016, if counterparty groups were to fail completely to perform on contracts, the Ameren Companies' maximum exposure would have been
immaterial with or without consideration of the application of master netting arrangements or similar agreements and collateral held.
Derivative Instruments with Credit Risk-Related Contingent FeaturesOur commodity contracts contain collateral provisions tied to the Ameren Companies' credit ratings. If we were to experience an adverse change in our credit ratings, or if a counterparty with reasonable grounds for uncertainty regarding our ability to satisfy an obligation requested adequate assurance of performance, additional collateral postings might be required. The following table presents, as of March31, 2016 , the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features in a gross liability position, the cash collateral posted, and the aggregate amount of additional collateral that counterparties could require. The additional collateral required is the
net liability position allowed under the master netting arrangements or similar agreements, assuming (1) the credit risk-related contingent features underlying these arrangements were triggered on March31, 2016, and (2) those counterparties with rights to do so requested
collateral.AggregateFairValueof Derivative Liabilities (a)Cash CollateralPosted PotentialAggregateAmountof AdditionalCollateralRequired (b)2016 Ameren Missouri
$88$7$76 Ameren Illinois 77 2 71 Ameren$165$9$147(a) Before consideration of master netting arrangements or similar agreements and including NPNS and other accrual contract exposures.(b) As collateral requirements with certain counterparties are based on master netting arrangements or similar agreements, the aggregate amount of additional collateral required to be posted is determined after consideration of the effects of such arrangements.
23NOTE 7 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in
an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We use various methods to determine fair
value, including market, income, and cost approaches. With
these approaches, we adopt certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including
assumptions about market risk or the risks inherent in the inputs
to the valuation. Inputs to valuation can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or unobservable. We use valuation
techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Authoritative accounting
guidance established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the
inputs used to measure fair value.
All financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of three hierarchy levels. See Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements under Part II, Item 8, of the Form 10-K for information related to hierarchy levels. We perform
an analysis each quarter to determine the appropriate hierarchy
level of the assets and liabilities subject to fair value
measurements. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in
their entirety according to the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. All assets and liabilities
whose fair value measurement is based on significant
unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3.
24The following table describes the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs utilized by the Ameren Companies for the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the periods ended March31, 2016, and December31, 2015:
Fair Value Weighted AverageAssetsLiabilitiesValuation Technique(s)
Unobservable Input Range Level 3 Derivative asset and liability - commodity contracts (a): 2016Natural gas$-$(1)Discounted cash flowNodal basis($/mmbtu)(b)(0.60) - 0(0.50)
Counterparty credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 - 6 0.93 Ameren Illinois credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 (e)Power (f)6(187)Discounted cash flowAverage forward peak and off-peak pricing -
forwards/swaps($/MWh)(g)18 - 37 27 Estimated auction price for FTRs($/MW)(b)(818) - 1,06267 Nodal basis($/MWh)(g)(10) - (1)
(2)Counterparty credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.55 (e)Ameren Illinois credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 (e)Fundamental energy production model Estimated future gas prices($/mmbtu)(b)3 - 5 4 Escalation rate(%)(b)(h)4 (e)Contract price allocationEstimated renewable energy credit costs($/credit)(b)5 - 7 6Uranium-(4)Option modelVolatilities(%)(b)20 (e)Discounted cash flowAverage forward uranium pricing($/pound)(b)28 - 33 31 Ameren Missouri credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 (e)2015Natural gas$1$(1)Option modelVolatilities(%)(b)35 - 55 45 Nodal basis($/mmbtu)(c)(0.30) - 0(0.20)Discounted cash flowNodal basis($/mmbtu)(b)(0.10) - 0(0.10)
Counterparty credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 - 12 7 Ameren Missouri credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 (e)Power (f)16(170)Discounted cash flowAverage forward peak and off-peak pricing -
forwards/swaps($/MWh)(g)22 - 39 29 Estimated auction price for FTRs($/MW)(b)(270) - 2,057211 Nodal basis($/MWh)(g)(10) - (1)
(3)Counterparty credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.86 (e)Ameren Illinois credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 (e)Fundamental energy
production model Estimated future gas prices($/mmbtu)(b)3 - 4 4 Escalation rate(%)(b)(h)3 (e)Contract price allocationEstimated renewable energy credit costs($/credit)(b)5 - 7 6Uranium-(1)Option modelVolatilities(%)(b)20 (e)Discounted cash flowAverage forward uranium pricing($/pound)(b)35 - 42 37 Ameren Missouri credit risk(%)(c)(d)0.40 (e)6(a) The derivative asset and liability balances are presented net of counterparty credit considerations.(b) Generally, significant increases (decreases) in this input in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
(c) Generally, significant increases (decreases) in this input in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
(d) Counterparty credit risk is applied only to counterparties with derivative asset balances. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois credit risk is applied only to counterparties with derivative liability balances.(e) Not applicable.
(f) Power valuations use visible third-party pricing evaluated by month for peak and off-peak demand through 2020. Valuations beyond 2020 use fundamentally modeled pricing by month for peak and off-peak demand.(g) The balance at Ameren is comprised of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois power contracts, which respond differently to unobservable input changes due to their opposing positions. (h) Escalation rate applies to power prices 2031 and beyond for March 31, 2016 and to power prices 2026 and beyond for December 31, 2015.
In accordance with applicable authoritative accounting guidance, we consider nonperformance risk in our valuation of derivative instruments by analyzing the credit standing of our counterparties and considering any counterparty credit enhancements (e.g., collateral).
The guidance also requires that the fair value measurement of liabilities reflect the nonperformance risk of the reporting entity , as applicable.
Therefore, we have factored the impact of our credit standing, as well as any potential credit enhancements, into the fair value measurement
of both derivative assets and derivative liabilities. Included in our valuation, and based on current market conditions, is a valuation adjustment 25 for counterparty default derived from market data such as the price of credit default swaps, bond yields, and credit ratings. No gains or losses related to valuation adjustments for counterparty default risk were recorded at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, or Ameren Illinois in the first quarter of 2016 or 2015. At March31, 2016, and December31, 2015, the counterparty default risk valuation adjustment related to derivative contracts was immaterial for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois.The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March31, 2016:
QuotedPricesin ActiveMarketsforIdentical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)SignificantOther ObservableInputs (Level 2)SignificantOther Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)Total Assets:
AmerenDerivative assets - commodity contracts (a): Natural gas
$-$1$-$1 Power--6 6Total derivative assets - commodity contracts$-$1$6$7 Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
Cash and cash equivalents
$2$-$-$2 Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization 369--369 Debt securities:
U.S. treasury and agency securities
-121-121 Corporate bonds 56 Other-18-18Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund$371$195$-$566 (b)Total Ameren
$371$196$6$573AmerenDerivative assets - commodity contracts (a):MissouriPower
$-$-$6$6 Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
Cash and cash equivalents
$2$-$-$2 Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization 369--369 Debt securities:
U.S. treasury and agency securities
-121-121 Corporate bonds 56 Other-18-18Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund$371$195$-$566 (b)Total Ameren Missouri
$371$195$6$572AmerenDerivative assets - commodity contracts (a):IllinoisNatural gas
$-$1$-$1 Liabilities:
AmerenDerivative liabilities - commodity contracts (a): Fuel oils$25$-$-$25 Natural gas 1 63 1 65 Power--187 187 Uranium--4 4 Total Ameren
$26$63$192$281AmerenDerivative liabilities - commodity contracts (a):MissouriFuel oils
$25$-$-$25 Natural gas 1 13-14 Uranium--4 4 Total Ameren Missouri
$26$13$4$43AmerenDerivative liabilities - commodity contracts (a):IllinoisNatural gas
$-$50$1$51 Power--187 187 Total Ameren Illinois
$-$50$188$238(a) The derivative asset and liability balances are presented net of counterparty credit considerations.(b) Balance excludes $1 million of receivables, payables, and accrued income, net.
26The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December31, 2015:
QuotedPricesin ActiveMarketsforIdentical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1)SignificantOther ObservableInputs (Level 2)SignificantOther Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)Total Assets:AmerenDerivative assets - commodity contracts (a): Natural gas
$-$1$1$2 Power--16 16Total derivative assets - commodity contracts$-$1$17$18 Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
Cash and cash equivalents
$4$-$-$4 Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization 364--364 Debt securities:
U.S. treasury and agency securities
-109-109 Corporate bonds 58 Other-22-22Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund$368$189$-$557 (b)Total Ameren
$368$190$17$575AmerenDerivative assets - commodity contracts (a):MissouriNatural gas
$-$-$1$1 Power--16 16Total derivative assets - commodity contracts$-$-$17$17 Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
Cash and cash equivalents
$4$-$-$4 Equity securities:
U.S. large capitalization 364--364 Debt securities:
U.S. treasury and agency securities
-109-109 Corporate bonds 58 Other-22-22Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund$368$189$-$557 (b)Total Ameren Missouri
$368$189$17$574AmerenDerivative assets - commodity contracts (a): Illinois Natural gas
$-$1$-$1 Liabilities:
AmerenDerivative liabilities - commodity contracts (a): Fuel oils$29$-$-$29 Natural gas 1 62 1 64 Power--170 170 Uranium--1 1 Total Ameren
$30$62$172$264AmerenDerivative liabilities - commodity contracts (a):MissouriFuel oils
$29$-$-$29 Natural gas
-13 1 14 Uranium--1 1 Total Ameren Missouri
$29$13$2$44AmerenDerivative liabilities - commodity contracts (a): Illinois Natural gas
$1$49$-$50 Power--170 170 Total Ameren Illinois
$1$49$170$220(a) The derivative asset and liability balances are presented net of counterparty credit considerations.(b) Balance excludes $(1) million of receivables, payables, and accrued income, net.
27 The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2016:
Net derivative commodity contracts Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Ameren Natural gas:
Beginning balance at January1, 2016
$-$-$-Settlements
-(1)(1)Ending balance at March 31, 2016
$-$(1)$(1)Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at March 31, 2016$
-$-$-Power:
Beginning balance at January1, 2016
$16$(170)$(154)Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in regulatory assets/liabilities (3)(21)(24)Settlements (7)4 (3)Ending balance at March 31, 2016
$6$(187)$(181)Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at March 31, 2016$
-$(19)$(19)Uranium:
Beginning balance at January1, 2016
$(1)$(a)$(1)Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in regulatory assets/liabilities (3)(a)(3)Ending balance at March 31, 2016
$(4)$(a)$(4)Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at March 31, 2016$
(3)$(a)$(3)(a) Not applicable.
The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended March 31, 2015:
Net derivative commodity contracts Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Ameren Fuel oils:
Beginning balance at January1, 2015
$(6)$(a)$(6)Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in regulatory assets/liabilities (1)(a)(1)Settlements 1 (a)1 Ending balance at March 31, 2015
$(6)$(a)$(6)Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at March 31, 2015$
(3)$(a)$(3)Natural gas:
Beginning balance at January1, 2015
$(1)$-$(1)Purchases-1 1 Ending balance at March 31, 2015
$(1)$1$-Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at March 31, 2015$
-$-$-Power:
Beginning balance at January1, 2015
$9$(142)$(133)Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in regulatory assets/liabilities (2)(25)(27)Settlements (3)3-Ending balance at March 31, 2015
$4$(164)$(160)Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at March 31, 2015$
-$(24)$(24)Uranium:
Beginning balance at January1, 2015
$(2)$(a)$(2)Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in regulatory assets/liabilities 1 (a)1 Ending balance at March 31, 2015
$(1)$(a)$(1)Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at March 31, 2015$1$(a)$1(a) Not applicable.The Ameren Companies' carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. They are considered to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The Ameren Companies' short-term borrowings also
approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. Short-term borrowings are considered to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as they are valued based on market rates for similar market transactions. The estimated fair value of long-term debt and preferred stock is 28 based on the quoted market prices for same or similar issuances for companies with similar credit profiles or on the current rates of fered to the Ameren Companies for similar financial instruments, which fair value measurement is considered to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, capital lease obligations and preferred stock at March31, 2016, and December31, 2015:
March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Amount FairValue Carrying Amount FairValue Ameren: Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)$7,016$7,744
$7,275$7,814 Preferred stock (a)142 126 142 125 Ameren Missouri:
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (including current portion)$3,851$4,280
$4,110$4,449 Preferred stock 80 75 80 75 Ameren Illinois:
Long-term debt (including current portion)$2,472$2,744
$2,471$2,665 Preferred stock 62 51 62 50(a) Preferred stock is recorded in "Noncontrolling Interests" on the consolidated balance sheet.NOTE 8 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Ameren (parent) and its subsidiaries have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, affiliate transactions in the normal course of business. These transactions primarily consist of power
purchases and sales, services received or rendered, and
borrowings and lendings.Transactions between affiliates are reported as intercompany transactions on their respective financial statements but are eliminated in consolidation for Ameren's
financial statements. For a discussion of our material related party agreements, see Note 14 - Related Party Transactions
under Part II, Item8, of the Form 10-K and the money pool arrangements discussed in Note 3 - Short-term Debt and
Liquidity of this report.Electric Power Supply Agreement In April 2016, Ameren Illinois conducted a procurement event, administered by the IPA, to purchase energy products through May 31, 2019. Ameren Missouri was among the winning suppliers in this event. As a result Ameren Missouri and Ameren
Illinois entered into an energy product agreement by which Ameren Missouri agreed to sell and Ameren Illinois agreed to purchase 375,200 megawatthours at an average price of $34.71
per megawatthour during the period of June 1, 2017, through
September 30, 2018.
29The following table presents the impact on Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois of related party transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Three Months Agreement Income Statement Line Item Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Ameren Missouri power supply Operating Revenues2016$9$(a)agreements with Ameren Illinois 2015 1 (a)Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois Operating Revenues 2016 6 1 rent and facility services 2015 6 1 Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois Operating Revenues 2016 (b)(b)miscellaneous support services 2015 (b)(b)Total Operating Revenues2016$15$1 2015 7 1 Ameren Illinois power supply Purchased Power2016$(a)$9 agreements with Ameren Missouri 2015 (a)1 Ameren Illinois transmission Purchased Power 2016 (a)(b)services with ATXI 2015 (a)1 Total Purchased Power2016$(a)$9 2015 (a)2 Ameren Services support services Other Operations and Maintenance2016$34$31 agreement 2015 34 29 Money pool borrowings (advances)
Interest Charges/ Miscellaneous Income2016$(b)$(b)2015 (b)(b)(a) Not applicable.(b) Amount less than $1 million.NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We are involved in legal, tax and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, authorities and governmental agencies with respect to matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve substantial amounts of money. We believe that the final disposition of these proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed in the notes to our financial statements in this report and in our Form 10-K, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.Reference is made to Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters, Note 14 - Related Party Transactions, Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies, and Note 16 - Divestiture Transactions and Discontinued Operations under Part II, Item8, of the Form 10-K. See also Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters, Note 8 - Related Party Transactions, and Note 10 -
Callaway Energy Center.
Callaway Energy CenterThe following table presents insurance coverage at Ameren Missouri's Callaway energy center at March31, 2016. The property coverage and the nuclear liability coverage must be renewed on April1 and January1, respectively, of each year. Both coverages were renewed in 2016.
Type and Source of Coverage MaximumCoverages MaximumAssessments for Single Incidents Public liability and nuclear worker liability:
American Nuclear Insurers$375$-Pool participation 13,114 (a)127 (b)$13,489 (c)$127Property damage:
NEIL$2,750 (d)$30 (e)European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance 450 (f)-$3,200$30 Replacement power:
NEIL$490 (g)$7 (e)(a) Provided through mandatory participation in an industrywide retrospective premium assessment program.(b) Retrospective premium under the Price-Anderson Act. This is subject to retrospective assessment with respect to a covered loss in excess of $375 million in the event of an incident at any licensed United States commercial reactor, payable at $19 million per year.
30(c) Limit of liability for each incident under the Price-Anderson liability provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. A company could be assessed up to $127 million per incident for each licensed reactor it operates with a maximum of $19 million per incident to be paid in a calendar year for each reactor. This limit is subject to change to account for the effects of inflation and changes in the number of licensed reactors.(d) NEIL provides $2.25 billion in property damage, decontamination, and premature decommissioning insurance for radiation events. NEIL provides $2.3 billion in property damage for nonradiation events. An additional $500 million is provided for radiation events only. The total provided by NEIL for radiation and nonradiation events is $2.75 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. (e) All NEIL insured plants could be subject to assessments should losses exceed the accumulated funds from NEIL.
(f) European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance provides $450 million in excess of the $2.75 billion and $2.3 billion property coverage for radiation and nonradiation events, respectively, provided by NEIL.(g) Provides replacement power cost insurance in the event of a prolonged accidental outage. Weekly indemnity up to $4.5 million for 52 weeks, which commences after the first twelve weeks of an outage, plus up to $3.6 million per week for a minimum of 71 weeks thereafter for a total not exceeding the policy limit of $490 million.
Nonradiation events are sub-limited to $328 million.The Price-Anderson Act is a federal law that limits the liability for claims from an incident involving any licensed United States commercial nuclear energy center. The limit is based on the number of licensed reactors. The limit of liability and the maximum potential annual payments are adjusted at least every five years for inflation to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. The most recent five-year inflationary adjustment became effective in September 2013. Owners of a nuclear reactor cover this exposure through a combination of private insurance and mandatory participation in a financial protection pool, as established by the Price-Anderson Act.Losses resulting from terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities are covered under NEIL's policies, subject to an industrywide aggregate policy limit of $3.24 billion within a 12-month period, or $1.83 billion for events not involving radiation contamination.
If losses from a nuclear incident at the Callaway energy center exceed the limits of, or are not covered by insurance, or if coverage is unavailable, Ameren Missouri is at risk for any uninsured losses. If a serious nuclear incident were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on Ameren's and Ameren Missouri's results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Other ObligationsTo supply a portion of the fuel requirements of Ameren Missouri's energy centers, Ameren Missouri has entered into various long-term commitments for the procurement of coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel, and methane gas. Additionally, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have entered into various long-term
commitments for purchased power and natural gas for distribution. At March31, 2016, total obligations related to
commitments for coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel, purchased power, methane gas, equipment, and meter reading services, among other agreements, at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois were $4,566 million, $2,786 million, and $1,729 million, respectively. For additional information regarding our
obligations and commitments at December 31, 2015, see Note 15
- Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8 of the
Form 10-K. In April 2016, Ameren Illinois conducted a procurement event, administered by the IPA, to purchase energy products through May 31, 2019. In this event, Ameren Illinois contracted to purchase approximately 3,609,800 megawatthours of energy products for $105 million, from June 1, 2016, through May 31, 2019. See Note 8 - Related Party Transactions in this report for
additional information regarding the energy product agreement between Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois as a result of this
procurement event.
Environmental MattersWe are subject to various environmental laws and regulations enforced by federal, state, and local authorities. Such requirements can impact the siting, development and operation
of new and existing generation, transmission, distribution and
natural gas storage facilities. Such requirements can encompass emissions, discharges to water, water usage, impacts to air, land, and water, and chemical and waste handling. Complex and
lengthy approval processes are required to obtain, modify or
renew permits and licenses for new or existing facilities.
Additionally, the use and handling of various chemicals or
hazardous materials at some of our facilities require release
prevention plans and emergency response procedures.The EPA has promulgated several environmental regulations that will have a significant impact on the electric utility industry.
Over time, compliance with these regulations could be costly for
Ameren Missouri, which operates coal-fired power plants.
Significant new rules include the regulation of CO 2 emissions from existing power plants through the Clean Power Plan and
from new power plants through the revised NSPS; the CSAPR, which requires further reductions of SO 2 emissions and NO x emissions from power plants; a regulation governing management and storage of CCR; the MATS, which require reduction of emissions of mercury, toxic metals, and acid gases from power plants; revised NSPS for particulate matter, SO 2 , and NO x emissions from new sources; new effluent standards applicable to wastewater discharges from power plants; and new regulations under the Clean Water Act that could require
significant capital expenditures, such as modifications to water intake structures or new cooling towers at Ameren Missouri's energy centers. The EPA also periodically reviews and revises
national ambient air quality standards, including those standards
associated with emissions from power plants, such as particulate matter, ozone, SO 2 and NO x. Certain of these new regulations are being or are likely to be challenged through litigation, so their
ultimate implementation, as well as the timing of any such implementation, is uncertain. Although many details of future regulations are unknown, the individual or combined effects of
new environmental regulations could result in significant capital expenditures and increased operating costs for Ameren and
Ameren Missouri. Compliance with all of these environmental
laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive, result in 31the closure or alteration of the operation of some of Ameren Missouri's energy centers, or require capital investment. Ameren and Ameren Missouri expect that these costs would be recoverable through rates, subject to MoPSC prudence review, but the nature and timing of costs and their recovery could result
in regulatory lag.
Ameren Missouri's current plan for compliance with existing environmental regulations for air emissions includes burning
ultra-low-sulfur coal and installing new or optimizing existing pollution control equipment. Ameren and Ameren Missouri estimate that they will need to make capital expenditures of $600 million to $700 million in the aggregate from 2016 through 2020 in order to comply with existing environmental regulations. Ameren
Missouri may be required to install additional air emissions controls within the next six to 10 years. This estimate includes
capital expenditures required for the CCR regulations, the rule
applicable to cooling water intake structures at existing power plants under the Clean Water Act, and the effluent limitation
guidelines applicable to steam electric generating units under the Clean Water Act, all of which are discussed below. These
estimates do not include the impacts of the Clean Power Plan discussed below. Considerable uncertainty remains in these estimates. The actual amount of capital expenditures required to
comply with existing environmental regulations may vary
substantially from the above estimate due to uncertainty as to the
precise compliance strategies that will be used and their ultimate
cost, among other things.
The following sections describe the more significant new environmental laws and rules and environmental enforcement and remediation matters that affect or could affect our operations.Clean Air Act Federal and state laws require significant reductions in SO 2 and NO x through either emission source reductions or the use and retirement of emission allowances. The CSAPR became effective in 2015. There will be further emission reduction
requirements in 2017 and potentially more in subsequent years.
To achieve compliance with CSAPR, Ameren Missouri burns ultra-low-sulfur coal, operates two scrubbers at its Sioux energy center, and optimizes other existing pollution control equipment.
Ameren Missouri does not expect to make additional capital
investments to comply with the current CSAPR requirements.
However, Ameren Missouri expects to incur additional costs to
lower its emissions at one or more of its energy centers to comply with the CSAPR in future years. These higher costs are expected to be recovered from customers through the FAC or higher base
rates.CO 2 Emissions Standards The Clean Power Plan, which sets forth CO 2 emissions standards applicable to existing power plants, was issued by the EPA in August 2015 but stayed by the United States Supreme
Court in February 2016 pending the outcome of various appeals, as discussed below.
If upheld, the Clean Power Plan would require Missouri and Illinois to reduce CO 2 emissions from power plants within their states significantly below 2005 levels by 2030. The rule contains
interim compliance periods commencing in 2022 that would
require each state to demonstrate progress in achieving its CO 2 reduction target. Ameren is evaluating the Clean Power Plan's
potential impacts to its operations, including those related to electric system reliability, and to its level of investment in customer energy efficiency programs, renewable energy, and
other forms of generation investment. Significant uncertainty
exists regarding the impact of the Clean Power Plan, as its
implementation will depend upon plans to be developed by the
states. Numerous legal challenges are pending, which could
result in the rule being declared invalid or the nature and timing of
CO 2 emissions reductions being revised. In February 2016, the United States Supreme Court stayed the Clean Power Plan and
all implementation requirements until such time as legal appeals are concluded. The District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals
has scheduled hearings for June 2016 on the legality of the rule.
A decision by the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals is
expected to be issued in 2016 and subsequent appeals to the United States Supreme Court are likely. Appeals are expected to take several years to conclude. We cannot predict the outcome of
such legal challenges or their impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. If the rule is ultimately upheld and
implemented in substantially similar form to the rule when issued, compliance measures could result in the closure or alteration of the operation of some of Ameren Missouri's coal and natural-gas-
fired energy centers, which could result in increased operating costs and require Ameren Missouri to make new or accelerated capital expenditures. Ameren Missouri expects substantially all of
these increased costs to be recoverable, subject to MoPSC prudence review, through higher rates to customers, which could
be significant.Also, in 2015, the EPA issued final regulations that set CO 2 emissions standards for new power plants. These new standards
establish separate emissions limits for new natural-gas-fired
combined cycle plants and new coal-fired plants.
Federal and state legislation or regulations that mandate limits on the emission of CO 2 may result in significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs, which could lead to
increased liquidity needs and higher financing costs. Mandatory
limits on the emission of CO 2 could increase costs for Ameren Missouri's customers or have a material adverse effect on Ameren's and Ameren Missouri's results of operations, financial
position, and liquidity if regulators delay or deny recovery in rates of these compliance costs. The cost of Ameren Illinois' purchased power and gas purchased for resale could increase. However, Ameren Illinois expects these costs would be recovered from customers with no material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. Ameren's and Ameren
Missouri's earnings might benefit from increased investment to
comply with CO 2 emission limitations to the extent that the investments are reflected and recovered on a timely basis in
rates charged to customers.
32NSR and Clean Air Litigation In January 2011, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a complaint against Ameren Missouri in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The EPA's complaint, as amended in October 2013, alleges that in
performing projects at its Rush Island coal-fired energy center in 2007 and 2010, Ameren Missouri violated provisions of the Clean Air Act and Missouri law. Ameren Missouri anticipates that a trial of this case will occur in 2016. Ameren Missouri believes its defenses are meritorious and is defending itself vigorously.
However, there can be no assurances that it will be successful in its efforts. The ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of Ameren and Ameren Missouri. A resolution of this
matter could result in increased capital expenditures for the
installation of pollution control equipment and increased operations and maintenance expenses. We are unable to predict
the ultimate resolution of these matters or the costs that might be
incurred. Clean Water ActIn 2014, the EPA issued its final rule applicable to cooling water intake structures at existing power plants.The rule requires a case-by-case evaluation and plan for reducing aquatic organisms impinged on the facility's intake screens or entrained
through the plant's cooling water system.
All of Ameren Missouri's coal-fired and nuclear energy centers are subject to this rule.
Each of Ameren Missouri's affected energy centers will become
subject to the revised limitations when the energy center renews its water discharge permit. These permits are scheduled to be renewed between 2018 and 2023. The rule could have an adverse effect on Ameren's and Ameren Missouri's results of
operations, financial position, and liquidity if its implementation
requires the installation of cooling towers or extensive
modifications to the cooling water systems at our energy centers
and if those investments are not recovered on a timely basis in electric rates charged to Ameren Missouri's customers.In 2015, the EPA issued its final rule under the Clean Water Act to revise the effluent limitation guidelines applicable to steam electric generating units. Effluent limitation guidelines are national
standards for water discharges that are based on the effectiveness of available control technology. The EPA's rule prohibits effluent discharges of certain waste streams and
imposes more stringent limitations on certain components in water discharges from power plants. All of Ameren Missouri's
coal-fired energy centers are subject to this rule, which will be
applied when each energy center renews its water discharge permit beginning as early as 2018. Ameren Missouri is evaluating the final rule, which became effective in January 2016, and the possible effects on its operations. The rule could have an adverse effect on Ameren's and Ameren Missouri's results of operations, financial position, and liquidity if its implementation requires extensive changes in the water discharge systems at Ameren Missouri's energy centers and if these investments are not recovered on a timely basis through electric rates charged to Ameren Missouri's customers.
Ash ManagementIn 2015, the EPA issued regulations regarding the management and disposal of CCR. These regulations will affect CCR disposal and handling costs at Ameren Missouri's energy centers. The regulations allow for the management of CCR as a
solid waste, as well as for its continued beneficial uses, such as recycling, which could reduce the amount to be disposed. The regulations also establish criteria regarding the structural integrity, location, and operation of CCR impoundments and landfills. They
require groundwater monitoring, and closure of impoundments if the groundwater standards are not achieved. Ameren Missouri's
capital expenditure plan includes the cost of constructing landfills
as part of its environmental compliance plan.
The new regulations do not apply to ash ponds at plants no longer in operation, such as Ameren's Meredosia and Hutsonville
energy centers.
RemediationThe Ameren Companies are involved in a number of remediation actions to clean up sites impacted from the use or disposal of materials containing hazardous substances. Federal
and state laws can require responsible parties to fund
remediation actions regardless of their degree of fault, the legality of original disposal, or the ownership of a disposal site. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have each been identified by federal
or state governments as a potentially responsible party at several
contaminated sites. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Illinois owned or was otherwise responsible for 44 former MGP sites in Illinois, which
are in various stages of investigation, evaluation, remediation, and closure. Ameren Illinois estimates it could substantially conclude remediation efforts by 2025. The ICC allows Ameren
Illinois to recover remediation and litigation costs associated with its former MGP sites from its electric and natural gas utility
customers through environmental adjustment rate riders. Costs are subject to annual review by the ICC. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Illinois estimated the obligation related to these former MGP sites at $224 million to $313 million. Ameren and Ameren Illinois recorded a liability of $224 million to represent the
estimated minimum obligation for these sites, as no other amount
within the range was a better estimate. The scope and extent to which these former MGP sites are remediated may increase as remediation efforts continue.
Considerable uncertainty remains in these estimates because
many site specific factors can influence the ultimate actual costs, including unanticipated underground structures, the degree to
which groundwater is encountered, regulatory changes, local ordinances, and site accessibility. The actual costs may vary
substantially from these estimates.
Ameren Illinois formerly used a third-party owned landfill in connection with the operation of a previously-owned energy 33center. While no litigation is pending, Ameren Illinois could be required to perform certain maintenance activities at that landfill, which is now closed. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Illinois estimated the obligation related to this site at $0.5 million to $6 million. Ameren Illinois recorded a liability of $0.5 million to
represent its estimated minimum obligation for this site, as no other amount within the range was a better estimate. Ameren
Illinois is also responsible for the cleanup of some underground storage tanks and a water treatment plant in Illinois. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Illinois recorded a liability of $0.7 million
to represent its best estimate of the obligation for these sites.In 2008, the EPA issued an administrative order to three companies including Ameren Missouri pertaining to a former coal
tar distillery in St. Louis, Missouri operated by Koppers Company or its predecessor and successor companies. While Ameren
Missouri is the current owner of the site, it did not conduct any of
the manufacturing operations involving coal tar or its byproducts.
Site investigation activities have been concluded and reports have been submitted to the EPA for review and approval. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Missouri estimated its obligation at $2 million to $5 million. Ameren Missouri recorded a liability of $2 million to represent its estimated minimum obligation for this site, as no other amount within the range was a better estimate.
Ameren Missouri also participated in the investigation of various sites known as Sauget Area 2 located in Sauget, Illinois.
In 2000, the EPA notified Ameren Missouri and numerous other
companies, including Solutia, Inc., that former landfills and
lagoons at those sites may contain soil and groundwater contamination. From about 1926 until 1976, Ameren Missouri operated an energy center adjacent to Sauget Area 2. Ameren Missouri currently owns a parcel of property at Sauget Area 2 that
was once used by others as a landfill. In December 2013, the EPA issued its record of decision for Sauget Area 2 approving the investigation and the remediation
alternatives recommended by the potentially responsible parties.
Further negotiation among the potentially responsible parties will determine how to fund the implementation of the EPA-approved cleanup remedies. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Missouri estimated its obligation related to Sauget Area 2 at $1 million to
$2.5 million. Ameren Missouri recorded a liability of $1 million to
represent its estimated minimum obligation for this site, as no
other amount within the range was a better estimate.In December 2012, Ameren Missouri signed an administrative order with the EPA and agreed to investigate soil and groundwater conditions at an Ameren Missouri-owned substation in St. Charles, Missouri. As of March31, 2016, Ameren Missouri estimated and recorded a $0.6 million liability related to the site. Although monitoring will continue for some
time, no significant remediation measures are anticipated.
Our operations or those of our predecessor companies involve the use of, disposal of, and in appropriate circumstances, the cleanup of substances regulated under environmental laws.
We are unable to determine whether such practices will result in future environmental commitments or will affect our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.Ameren Missouri Municipal TaxesThe cities of Creve Coeur and Winchester, Missouri, on behalf of themselves and other municipalities in Ameren Missouri's service area, filed a class action lawsuit in November 2011, against Ameren Missouri in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri. The lawsuit alleges that Ameren Missouri failed
to collect and pay gross receipts taxes or license fees on certain revenues. Ameren and Ameren Missouri recorded immaterial liabilities on their respective balance sheets as of March31, 2016
and December 31, 2015, representing their estimate of taxes and fees due as a result of this lawsuit. Ameren Missouri believes its
defenses are meritorious and is defending itself vigorously; however, there can be no assurances that Ameren Missouri will be successful in its efforts. The ultimate resolution of any unpaid municipal tax or fees could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of Ameren and Ameren Missouri. NOTE 10 - CALLAWAY ENERGY CENTERUnder the NWPA, the DOE is responsible for disposing of spent nuclear fuel from the Callaway energy center and other commercial nuclear energy centers. Under the NWPA, Ameren
and other utilities that own and operate those energy centers are responsible for paying the disposal costs. The NWPA established
the fee that these utilities pay the federal government for disposing of the spent nuclear fuel at one mill, or one-tenth of one
cent, for each kilowatthour generated and sold by those plants.
The NWPA also requires the DOE to review the nuclear waste
fee annually against the cost of the nuclear waste disposal
program and to propose to the United States Congress any fee adjustment necessary to offset the costs of the program. As required by the NWPA, Ameren Missouri and other utilities have
entered into standard contracts with the DOE. Consistent with the NWPA and its standard contract, Ameren Missouri had historically
collected one mill from its electric customers for each
kilowatthour of electricity that it generated and sold from its Callaway energy center. Because the federal government is not
meeting its disposal obligation, the collection of this fee is
currently suspended.Although both the NWPA and the standard contract stated that the DOE would begin to dispose of spent nuclear fuel by 1998, the DOE is not meeting its disposal obligation. The DOE's
delay in carrying out its obligation to dispose of spent nuclear fuel
from the Callaway energy center is not expected to adversely affect the continued operations of the energy center.
As a result of the DOE's failure to begin to dispose of spent nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear energy centers and fulfill its contractual obligations, Ameren Missouri and other nuclear
energy center owners sued the DOE to recover costs, such as
certain NRC fees and Missouri ad valorem taxes, incurred for ongoing storage of their spent fuel. The lawsuit resulted in a
settlement agreement that provides for annual recovery of additional spent fuel storage and related costs. Ameren Missouri 34 will continue to apply for reimbursement from the DOE for allowable costs associated with the ongoing storage of spent fuel.
Electric utility rates charged to customers provide for the recovery of the Callaway energy center's decommissioning costs, which include decontamination, dismantling, and site restoration costs, over the expected life of the nuclear energy center.
Amounts collected from customers are deposited into the
external nuclear decommissioning trust fund to provide for the Callaway energy center's decommissioning. It is assumed that
the Callaway energy center site will be decommissioned through
the immediate dismantlement method and removed from service.
Ameren and Ameren Missouri have recorded an ARO for the
Callaway energy center decommissioning costs at fair value, which represents the present value of estimated future cash outflows. Annual decommissioning costs of $7 million are included in the costs used to establish electric rates for Ameren
Missouri's customers. Every three years, the MoPSC requires
Ameren Missouri to file an updated cost study and funding analysis for decommissioning its Callaway energy center. In April
2016, the MoPSC approved no change in electric service rates for decommissioning costs based on Ameren Missouri's updated cost study and funding analysis filed in April 2015. The fair value of the trust fund for Ameren Missouri's Callaway energy center is reported as "Nuclear decommissioning trust fund" in Ameren's and Ameren Missouri's balance sheets.
This amount is legally restricted and may be used only to fund
the costs of nuclear decommissioning. Changes in the fair value
of the trust fund are recorded as an increase or decrease to the nuclear decommissioning trust fund, with an offsetting adjustment to the related regulatory liability. If the assumed return on trust assets is not earned, Ameren Missouri believes that it is probable
that any such earnings deficiency will be recovered in rates.NOTE 11 - RETIREMENT BENEFITSAmeren's pension plans are funded in compliance with income tax regulations and to meet federal funding or regulatory requirements. As a result, Ameren expects to fund its pension plans at a level equal to the greater of the pension expense or the legally required minimum contribution. Considering Ameren's assumptions at March31, 2016, the plan's estimated investment performance through March31, 2016, and Ameren's pension funding policy, Ameren expects to make annual contributions of $40 million to $70 million through 2020, with aggregate estimated contributions of $280 million. These amounts are estimates which may change with actual investment performance, changes in interest rates, any pertinent changes in government regulations, and any voluntary contributions. Separately, our policy for postretirement benefits is primarily to fund the voluntary employees' beneficiary association trusts to match the annual postretirement
expense.The following table presents the components of the net periodic benefit cost (benefit) incurred for Ameren's pension and postretirement benefit plans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits Three Months Three Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost
$20$24$5$5 Interest cost 47 44 12 12 Expected return on plan assets(63)(62)(18)(17)Amortization of:
Prior service benefit
--(1)(1)Actuarial loss (gain) 9 18 (3)1 Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)
$13$24$(5)$-Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois are responsible for their respective shares of Ameren's pension and postretirement costs. The following table presents the pension costs and the postretirement benefit costs (benefit) incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2016
and 2015:Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits Three Months Three Months 2016 2015 2016 2015 Ameren Missouri (a)$8$15$(1)$1 Ameren Illinois 5 9 (4)(1)Ameren (a)(b)$13$24$(5)$-(a) Does not include the impact of the regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of pension and postretirement benefit costs incurred by Ameren Missouri under GAAP and the level of such costs included in rates.(b) Includes amounts for Ameren registrants and nonregistrant subsidiaries.
35NOTE 12 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONSOn January 31, 2014, Medina Valley completed the sale of the Elgin, Gibson City, and Grand Tower gas-fired energy centers to Rockland Capital for a total purchase price of $168 million. The agreement with Rockland Capital required a portion of the purchase price to be held in escrow until January 31, 2016, to fund certain indemnity obligations, if any, of Medina Valley. Medina Valley received the amount held in escrow from Rockland Capital in the first quarter of 2016 and paid Genco its portion of the escrow amount in April 2016. See Note 16 -
Divestiture Transactions and Discontinued Operations under Part II, Item 8, of the Form 10-K for additional information related to
discontinued operations.NOTE 13 - SEGMENT INFORMATIONAmeren has two reportable segments: Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois each have one reportable segment. The Ameren Missouri segment for both Ameren and Ameren Missouri includes all of the operations of Ameren Missouri's business as described in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The Ameren Illinois segment for both Ameren and Ameren Illinois includes all of the operations of Ameren Illinois' business as described in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The category called Other primarily includes Ameren parent company activities, Ameren Services, and ATXI. The following table presents information about the reported revenues and net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, and total assets of continuing operations as of March31, 2016, and December31, 2015:
Three Months Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Other IntersegmentEliminationsAmeren 2016 External revenues$726$676$32$-$1,434 Intersegment revenues 15 1-(16)-Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders from continuing operations 14 59 32-105 2015 External revenues$793$744$19$-$1,556 Intersegment revenues 7 1 1 (9)-Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders from continuing operations 41 53 14-108 As of March 31, 2016:
Total assets$13,443$8,944$1,214$(230)$
23,371 (a)As of December 31, 2015:
Total assets$13,851$8,903$1,139$(267)$
23,626 (a)(a) Excludes total assets from discontinued operations of $14 million as of March31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
36 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q as well as Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations and Risk Factors contained in the Form 10-K.We intend for this discussion to provide the reader
with information that will assist in understanding our financial
statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial
statements, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, as well as how certain accounting principles affect our financial statements. The discussion also provides information
about the financial results of our business segments to provide a
better understanding of how those segments and their results affect the financial condition and results of operations of Ameren as a whole. Also see the Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations at
the front of this report and in the Form 10-K.
Ameren, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company under PUHCA 2005. Ameren's primary assets are its equity interests in its subsidiaries, including Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois. Ameren's subsidiaries are separate, independent legal entities with separate businesses, assets, and liabilities. Dividends on Ameren's common stock and the payment of expenses by Ameren depend on distributions made to it by its subsidiaries. Ameren's principal subsidiaries are listed below.
- Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren
Missouri, operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission and distribution business and a rate-regulated
natural gas transmission and distribution business in
Missouri.* Ameren Illinois Company, doing business as Ameren Illinois, operates rate-regulated electric and natural gas transmission
and distribution businesses in Illinois.
Ameren has various other subsidiaries that conduct activities such as the provision of shared services. Ameren also has a subsidiary, ATXI, that operates a FERC rate-regulated electric transmission business. ATXI is developing MISO-
approved electric transmission projects, including the Illinois Rivers, Spoon River, and Mark Twain projects. Ameren is also
pursuing projects to improve electric transmission system reliability within Ameren Missouri's and Ameren Illinois' service
territories as well as competitive electric transmission investment
opportunities outside of these territories, including investments
outside of MISO.
Unless otherwise stated, the following sections of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations exclude discontinued operations for all
periods presented. See Note 12 - Discontinued Operations under
Part I, Item 1, of this report and Note 16 - Divestiture Transactions and Discontinued Operations under Part II, Item 8, of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the
divestiture transactions and discontinued operations
presentation.Ameren's financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis, and therefore include the accounts of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have no
subsidiaries, and therefore their financial statements are not prepared on a consolidated basis. All tabular dollar amounts are
in millions, unless otherwise indicated.
In addition to presenting results of operations and earnings amounts in total, we present certain information in cents per share. These amounts reflect factors that directly affect Ameren's earnings. We believe this per share information helps readers to understand the impact of these factors on Ameren's earnings per
share.OVERVIEWNet income attributable to Ameren common shareholders from continuing operations was $105 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared with $108 million in the first quarter of 2015. Net income was unfavorably affected by decreased electric sales
volumes primarily due to milder winter temperatures and the reduction in Noranda sales volumes at Ameren Missouri. The absence in 2016 of a January 2015 ICC order regarding Ameren Illinois' cumulative power usage cost and its purchased power mechanism also unfavorably affected earnings. Earnings also
decreased as a result of the absence of net shared benefits and the carryover effect from MEEIA 2013 at Ameren Missouri.
Earnings were favorably affected by an income tax benefit recorded at Ameren (parent) pursuant to the adoption of new
accounting guidance related to share-based compensation; increased Ameren Illinois and ATXI electric transmission service and Ameren Illinois electric delivery service earnings, reflecting Ameren's strategy to allocate incremental capital to those businesses; and increased rates for Ameren Illinois' natural gas delivery service pursuant to a December 2015 order.
Ameren remains focused on executing its strategy of investing in and operating its utilities in a manner consistent with
existing regulatory frameworks, enhancing those frameworks and
advocating for responsible energy policies, as well as creating
and capitalizing on opportunities for investment for the benefit of its customers and shareholders. Ameren continues to allocate
significant amounts of capital to those businesses that are
supported by regulatory frameworks that provide predictable and timely cost-recovery. Ameren invested approximately $300 million of its $496 million in capital expenditures during the first three
months of 2016 in FERC-regulated electric transmission projects and Ameren Illinois electric and natural gas delivery service infrastructure. Consistent with its strategic plan, one of Ameren's
goals is to earn at or close to the allowed return on common equity in each of its jurisdictions. Ameren remains focused on
improving operating performance, disciplined cost management, and strategic capital allocation.Construction continues on ATXI's $1.4 billion Illinois Rivers transmission project, and ATXI anticipates line construction to begin on the Spoon River project in late 2016. In April 2016, the MoPSC granted ATXI a certificate of convenience and necessity for the Mark Twain project. Starting construction under the 37certificate is subject to ATXI obtaining assents from the five counties where the line will be constructed.
With respect to the FERC-regulated electric transmission businesses, Ameren and Ameren Illinois transmission earnings
continued to be reduced by the recognition of a liability for a
potential refund to customers based on the pending FERC
complaint cases regarding the allowed base return on common equity. The FERC is expected to issue a final order on the November 2013 complaint case in the fourth quarter of 2016. The
initial decision from an administrative law judge in the February
2015 complaint case, which will subsequently require FERC
approval, is expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2016.
Ameren Illinois has invested approximately $145 million in electric and natural gas delivery infrastructure projects in the first
three months of 2016, including those that are part of its
modernization action plan. It remains on track to meet its remaining investment, reliability, and advanced metering goals under the IEIMA. In April 2016, Ameren Illinois filed with the ICC
its annual electric delivery service formula rate update to
establish the revenue requirement used for 2017 rates. Pending ICC approval, Ameren Illinois' update filing will result in a $14 million decrease in Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service revenue requirement, beginning in January 2017. This update
reflects an increase to the annual formula rate based on 2015
actual costs and expected net plant additions for 2016, an
increase to include the 2015 revenue requirement reconciliation
adjustment, and a decrease for the conclusion of the 2014
revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment, which will be fully collected from customers in 2016.
Ameren Missouri continues to pursue a modernized regulatory framework that supports investment to upgrade aging electric infrastructure and reduces regulatory lag. Ameren Missouri's MEEIA 2016 provides for timely recovery of both energy efficiency program costs and revenue losses resulting
from these programs as well as the potential to earn a performance incentive. Ameren Missouri expects to recognize revenues relating to the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive of at least $19 million in 2016, subject to MoPSC approval. In the first quarter of 2016, Noranda, historically Ameren Missouri's largest customer, idled production at its aluminum smelter. In addition, Noranda filed voluntary petitions for a court-supervised restructuring process under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Ameren Missouri expects to be paid in full for utility services provided to Noranda. Ameren Missouri
expects to file an electric rate case in 2016 to reflect additional
infrastructure investments and rising costs, including
depreciation, transmission service, and property tax expenses, and expects the resulting new rates to reflect Noranda's actual
sales volumes, which would prospectively eliminate the impact of the current revenue shortfall from Noranda sales levels. Ameren
Missouri may seek recovery of lost revenues in a filing with the
MoPSC to recover certain costs incurred but not
contemporaneously recovered by rate revenues as a result of Noranda's reduced operations. Ameren Missouri will continue to monitor Noranda's sales volumes and to evaluate regulatory and
legislative options that might mitigate adverse financial impacts.RESULTS OF OPERATIONSOur results of operations and financial position are affected by many factors. Weather, economic conditions, energy efficiency
investments by our customers and us, and the actions of key customers can significantly affect the demand for our services.
Our results are also affected by seasonal fluctuations in winter heating and summer cooling demands. We are also affected by
nuclear refueling and other energy center maintenance outages at Ameren Missouri. Additionally, fluctuations in interest rates and conditions in the capital and credit markets affect our cost of
borrowing and our pension and postretirement benefits costs.
Almost all of Ameren's revenues are subject to state or federal regulation. This regulation has a material impact on the prices we
charge for our services. Our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity are affected by our ability to align our
overall spending, both operating and capital, with regulatory
frameworks established by our regulators.
Ameren Missouri principally uses coal, nuclear fuel, and natural gas for fuel in its electric operations and purchases natural gas for its customers. Ameren Illinois purchases power and natural gas for its customers. The prices for these
commodities can fluctuate significantly because of the global economic and political environment, weather, supply and demand, and many other factors. We have natural gas cost
recovery mechanisms for our Illinois and Missouri natural gas
delivery service businesses, a purchased power cost recovery mechanism for Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service business, and a FAC for Ameren Missouri's electric utility business.
Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service utility business, pursuant to the IEIMA, conducts an annual reconciliation of the
revenue requirement necessary to reflect the actual costs
incurred in a given year with the revenue requirement included in customer rates for that year, with recoveries from, or refunds to, customers made in a subsequent year. Included in Ameren
Illinois' revenue requirement reconciliation is a formula for the return on equity, which is equal to the average of the monthly yields of 30-year United States Treasury bonds plus 580 basis points. Therefore, Ameren Illinois' annual return on equity is directly correlated to yields on United States Treasury bonds.
Ameren Illinois and ATXI use a company-specific, forward-looking rate formula framework in setting their transmission rates. These
forward-looking rates are updated each January with forecasted information. A reconciliation during the year, which adjusts for the
actual revenue requirement and actual sales volumes, is used to adjust billing rates in a subsequent year. Ameren Illinois' and ATXI's electric transmission service businesses and Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service business
operate under formula ratemaking, designed to provide for the
recovery of actual costs of service that are prudently incurred as well as a return on equity. While rate-regulated, Ameren Illinois' natural gas business and Ameren Missouri do not operate under formula ratemaking. Ameren (parent) is not rate-regulated.
38We employ various risk management strategies to reduce our exposure to commodity risk and other risks inherent in our business. The reliability of Ameren Missouri's energy centers and
our transmission and distribution systems and the level of
purchased power costs, operations and maintenance costs, and
capital investment are key factors that we seek to manage in
order to optimize our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.
Earnings SummaryThe following table presents a summary of Ameren's earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Three Months20162015 Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders - continuing operations$105$108 Earnings per common share - basic and diluted - continuing operations 0.43 0.45Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders from continuing operations decreased $3 million, or 2 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2016 compared with the same period in 2015. The decrease between periods was due to a $27 million decrease in net income from the Ameren Missouri segment partially offset by an $18 million increase in net income from Ameren (parent) and nonregistrant subsidiaries, which included an increase in ATXI's net income of $5 million, as well as a $6 million increase in net income from the Ameren Illinois
segment.Compared with 2015, 2016 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were unfavorably affected by:* decreased demand primarily due to milder winter temperatures in 2016 (estimated at 10 cents per share);* decreased Ameren Illinois earnings resulting from the absence in 2016 of a January 2015 ICC order regarding Ameren Illinois' cumulative power usage cost and its
purchased power rider mechanism (4 cents per share);
- decreased Ameren Missouri earnings resulting from the absence in 2016 of MEEIA net shared benefits due to the expiration of MEEIA 2013 (3 cents per share); and* excluding the estimated effects of weather, a decrease in electric demand at Ameren Missouri, primarily as a result of
a reduction in Noranda sales volumes and the carryover effect of MEEIA 2013 partially offset by the additional day in
2016 as a result of the leap year and growth (estimated at 2
cents per share).
Compared with 2015, 2016 earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were favorably affected by:
- a decrease in the effective tax rate primarily due to an income tax benefit recorded at Ameren (parent) pursuant to the adoption of new accounting guidance related to share-
based compensation (8 cents per share);
- increased Ameren Illinois and ATXI electric transmission service and Ameren Illinois electric delivery service earnings
under formula ratemaking primarily due to additional rate base investment (5 cents per share). These earnings were
reduced by the recognition of a liability for a potential refund
to customers based on the pending FERC complaint cases
regarding the allowed base return on common equity (1 cent
per share);* higher natural gas distribution rates at Ameren Illinois pursuant to a December 2015 order (4 cents per share); and* increased Ameren Illinois natural gas distribution rates due to seasonal rate redesign, which is not expected to materially affect earnings comparisons on an annual basis
(2 cents per share).
The cents per share information presented in the explanations above is based on the average diluted shares outstanding in the first quarter of 2015. For additional details regarding the Ameren Companies' results of operations, including
explanations of Margins, Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses, Depreciation and Amortization, Taxes Other Than Income Taxes, Other Income and Expenses, Interest Charges, and Income Taxes, see the major headings below.
39Below is a table of income statement components by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Other /IntersegmentEliminationsAmeren Three Months 2016:
Electric margins$449$288$24$761 Natural gas margins 26 154-180 Other operations and maintenance(212)(194)6(400)Depreciation and amortization(127)(77)(3)(207)Taxes other than income taxes(73)(38)(3)(114)Other income 13--13 Interest charges(52)(35)(8)(95)Income taxes(9)(38)16 (31)Income from continuing operations 15 60 32 107 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income 15 60 32 107 Noncontrolling interests - preferred dividends(1)(1)-(2)Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders
$14$59$32$105 Three Months 2015:
Electric margins$497$288$13$798 Natural gas margins 27 150-177 Other operations and maintenance(211)(202)12(401)Depreciation and amortization(118)(73)(2)(193)Taxes other than income taxes(80)(43)(2)(125)Other income (expense) 8 2 (2)8 Interest charges(55)(33)-(88)Income taxes(26)(35)(5)(66)Income from continuing operations 42 54 14 110 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income 42 54 14 110 Noncontrolling interests - preferred dividends(1)(1)-(2)Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders
$41$53$14$108 Margins The following table presents the favorable (unfavorable) variations by segment for electric and natural gas margins in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015. Electric margins are defined as electric revenues less fuel and purchased power costs. Natural gas margins are defined as gas revenues less gas purchased for resale. We consider electric and natural gas margins useful measures to analyze the change in profitability of our electric and natural gas operations between periods. We have included the analysis below as a complement to the financial information we provide in accordance with GAAP. However, these margins may not be a presentation defined under GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies' presentations or more useful than the GAAP information we provide elsewhere
in this report.
Three Months Ameren Missouri AmerenIllinoisOther (a)Ameren Electric revenue change:Effect of weather (estimate)(b)$(37)$(12)$-$(49)Base rates (estimate)2919-48 Sales volume (excluding Noranda and the estimated effect of weather) 5 (5)--Noranda revenues(24)--(24)Off-system sales and transmission services revenues14--14 MEEIA 2013 net shared benefits(11)--(11)Transmission services revenues
-71219 Purchased power rider order in 2015-(15)-(15)Other54 (7)2Cost recovery mechanisms - offset in fuel and purchased power: (c)Power supply costs 8 Recovery of FAC under-recovery(21)--(21) 40 Three Months Ameren Missouri AmerenIllinoisOther (a)Ameren Other cost recovery mechanisms: (d)Bad debt, energy efficiency programs, and environmental remediation cost riders-(4)-(4)Gross receipts tax (4)--(4)MEEIA 2013 program costs (4)--(4)Total electric revenue change$(48)$2$5$
(41)Fuel and purchased power change:
Energy costs$(11)$-$-$(11)Noranda energy costs11--11Effect of weather (estimate)(b)11 6-17 Effect of higher net energy costs included in base rates(24)--(24)FAC exclusion of transmission services expenses (e)(5)--(5)Other (3)-63Cost recovery mechanisms - offsets in electric revenue: (c)Power supply costs-(8)-(8)Recovery of FAC under-recovery21--21 Total fuel and purchased power change
$-$(2)$6$4 Net change in electric margins$(48)$-$11$(37)Natural gas revenue change:Effect of weather (estimate)(b)$(9)$(29)$-$(38)Base rates (estimate)-14-14 Seasonal rate redesign 9Cost recovery mechanism - offset in gas purchased for resale: (c)Purchased gas costs (2)(49)-(51)Other cost recovery mechanisms: (d)Bad debt, energy efficiency programs, and environmental remediation cost riders-(12)-(12)Gross receipts tax-(3)-(3)Total natural gas revenue change$(11)$(70)$-$(81)Gas purchased for resale change:Effect of weather (estimate)(b)$8$25$-$33Cost recovery mechanism - offset in natural gas revenue: (c)Purchased gas costs 249-51 Total gas purchased for resale change
$10$74$-$84 Net change in natural gas margins
$(1)$4$-$3(a) Primarily includes amounts for ATXI and intercompany eliminations.(b) Represents the estimated variation resulting primarily from changes in cooling and heating degree-days on electric and natural gas demand compared with the prior-year period; this variation is based on temperature readings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather stations at local airports in our service
territories.(c) Electric and natural gas revenue changes are offset by corresponding changes in Fuel, Purchased power, and Gas purchased for resale, resulting in no change to electric and gas margins.(d) See Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses or Taxes Other Than Income Taxes in this section for the related offsetting increase or decrease to expense. These items have no overall impact on earnings.(e) Ameren Missouri amounts are subsequent to May 30, 2015, due to the exclusion of transmission revenues and substantially all transmission charges from the FAC as a result of the April 2015 MoPSC electric rate order.
Ameren CorporationAmeren's electric margins decreased $37 million, or 5%, in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015. Ameren's natural gas margins increased $3 million, or 2%, in the
first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015.
Ameren's results were primarily driven by the Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois results, as discussed below, as well as ATXI's results of operations. ATXI's transmission services revenues increased $12 million in the first quarter of 2016 compared with
the first quarter of 2015 because of higher rate base investment
and recoverable costs under forward-looking formula ratemaking.
Ameren MissouriAmeren Missouri has a FAC cost recovery mechanism that allows it to recover or refund, through customer rates, 95% of changes in net energy costs greater or less than the amount set
in base rates without a traditional rate proceeding, subject to
MoPSC prudence reviews. Net energy costs, as defined in the FAC, include fuel and purchased power costs, including transportation, net of off-system sales. As of May 30, 2015, transmission revenues and
substantially all transmission charges are excluded from net energy costs as a result of the April 2015 MoPSC electric rate order, which unfavorably affected margins as discussed below.
Ameren Missouri accrues as a regulatory asset net energy costs that exceed the amount set in base rates (FAC under-recovery).
Net recovery of these costs through customer rates does not affect Ameren Missouri's electric margins, as any change in revenue is offset by a corresponding change in fuel expense to 41reduce the previously recognized FAC regulatory asset.Ameren Missouri's electric margins decreased $48 million, or 10%, in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015. The following items had an unfavorable effect on
Ameren Missouri's electric margins in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015:* Temperatures were milder in 2016 as heating degree-days decreased 22%, which decreased margins by an estimated $26 million. The change in margins due to weather is the sum of the effect of weather (estimate) on electric revenues
(-$37 million) and the effect of weather (estimate) on fuel and purchased power (+$11 million) in the above table.
- Noranda's operations were idled in the first quarter of 2016, which decreased margins by $13 million. The change in margins is the sum of Noranda revenues (-$24 million) and Noranda energy costs (+$11 million) in the above table.
Noranda energy costs include the impact of a provision in the FAC tariff that, under certain circumstances, allows
Ameren Missouri to retain a portion of the revenues from any off-system sales it makes as a result of reduced tariff
sales to Noranda. See Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory
Matters under Part I, Item 1, of this report for information
regarding Noranda.
- The absence in 2016 of net shared benefits due to the expiration of MEEIA 2013, which decreased margins by $11 million. Net shared benefits compensated Ameren Missouri for lower sales volumes from energy-efficiency related
volume reductions in current and future periods.* The exclusion of transmission revenues and substantially all transmission charges from the FAC beginning May 30, 2015, which decreased margins by $5 million. The following items had a favorable effect on Ameren Missouri's electric margins in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015:* Higher electric base rates, effective May 30, 2015, as a result of the April 2015 MoPSC electric rate order, which included a rate shift from Noranda to other customers, increased margins by an estimated $5 million. The change in
electric base rates is the sum of the change in base rates (estimate) (+$29 million) and the effect of higher net energy costs included in base rates (-$24 million) in the above table.* Excluding the estimated effect of weather and reduced sales to Noranda, total retail sales volumes increased 1%, which increased margins by $5 million. The benefits of an additional day in 2016 as a result of the leap year, as well as growth, exceeded the carryover effect of MEEIA 2013.
- Lower net energy costs, primarily due to higher MISO capacity revenues, which increased margins by $3 million.
The change in net energy costs is the sum of the change in off-system sales and transmission services revenues (+$14 million) and the change in energy costs (-$11 million) in the
above table.
Ameren Missouri has a cost recovery mechanism for natural gas purchased on behalf of its customers. These pass-through purchased gas costs do not affect Ameren Missouri's natural gas margins as they are offset by a corresponding amount in
revenues.Ameren Missouri's natural gas margins were comparable between periods.
Ameren Illinois Ameren Illinois has a cost recovery mechanism for power purchased, and transmission services incurred, on behalf of its electric customers. These amounts do not affect Ameren Illinois' electric margins, as any change in costs is offset by a
corresponding amount in revenues.The provisions of the IEIMA and the FERC's electric transmission formula rate framework provide for annual
reconciliations of the electric delivery and electric transmission
service revenue requirements necessary to reflect the actual
costs incurred in a given year with the revenue requirements in customer rates for that year, including an allowed return on equity. See Operations and Maintenance Expenses in this section
for additional information regarding the components of the
revenue requirements. In each of those electric jurisdictions, if the
current year's revenue requirement is greater than the revenue requirement reflected in that year's customer rates, an increase to electric operating revenues with an offset to a regulatory asset
is recorded to reflect the expected recovery of those additional
costs from customers within the next two years. In each
jurisdiction, if the current year's revenue requirement is less than the revenue requirement reflected in that year's customer rates, a reduction to electric operating revenues with an offset to a
regulatory liability is recorded to reflect the expected refund to customers within the next two years. The increases or reductions
to electric operating revenues are shown in base rates (estimate)
and transmission services revenues, in the above table, for the
electric delivery and electric transmission service revenues, respectively. See Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part I, Item 1, of this report for information regarding Ameren
Illinois' revenue requirement reconciliation pursuant to the IEIMA.
Ameren Illinois' electric margins were flat in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015. The following items had a favorable effect on Ameren Illinois' electric margins in
the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015:
- Electric delivery service revenues increased by an estimated $19 million, primarily due to increased rate base investment
and higher recoverable costs under formula ratemaking
pursuant to the IEIMA.* Transmission services revenues increased by $7 million, primarily due to increased rate base investment and higher
recoverable costs under forward-looking formula
ratemaking. The following items had an unfavorable effect on Ameren Illinois' electric margins:
- The absence in 2016 of a January 2015 ICC order regarding Ameren Illinois' cumulative power usage cost and its purchased power rider mechanism, which increased
margins by $15 million in the first quarter of 2015.
42* Temperatures were milder as heating degree-days decreased 20%, which decreased margins by an estimated
$6 million. The change in margins due to weather is the sum of the effect of weather (estimate) on electric revenues (-$12 million) and the effect of weather (estimate) on fuel and purchased power (+$6 million) in the above table.
- Excluding the estimated effect of weather, total retail sales volumes decreased 4%, which decreased margins by an estimated $5 million. Lower retail sales volumes were due to
industrial sales volumes, which decreased 8% and have less
of a margin impact than residential and commercial sales
volumes, which decreased a combined 2%.
Ameren Illinois has a cost recovery mechanism for natural gas purchased on behalf of its customers. These pass-through purchased gas costs do not affect Ameren Illinois' natural gas margins as they are offset by a corresponding amount in
revenues.Ameren Illinois' natural gas margins increased $4 million, or 3%, in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the first quarter of 2015. The following items had a favorable effect on Ameren Illinois' natural gas margins in the first quarter of 2016, compared
with the first quarter of 2015:* Higher natural gas base rates in 2016, which increased margins by an estimated $14 million.
- The implementation of redesigned seasonal rates in 2016, which increased margins by $9 million. These redesigned rates have an effect on quarterly earnings comparisons but are not expected to materially affect annual earnings. Ameren Illinois' natural gas margins were unfavorably affected by the absence of colder-than-normal winter temperatures, which increased margins by $4 million in the first quarter of 2015, while the VBA for residential and small
nonresidential customers eliminated the impact of weather on natural gas margins in the first quarter of 2016. The change in margins due to weather is the sum of the effect of weather (estimate) on natural gas revenues (-$29 million) and the effect of weather (estimate) on gas purchased for resale (+$25 million) in
the above table.
Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses Ameren Corporation Other operations and maintenance expenses were comparable in the first quarter of 2016 with the first quarter of 2015. Other operations and maintenance expenses were comparable at Ameren Missouri, decreased $8 million at Ameren Illinois, and increased $6 million at nonregistrant subsidiaries.
Ameren Missouri Other operations and maintenance expenses were comparable in the first quarter of 2016 with the first quarter of 2015. The following items increased other operations and
maintenance expenses between periods:* Amortization of previously deferred solar rebate costs increased by $7 million, as a result of the April 2015 MoPSC electric rate order. Electric revenues from customer billings increased by a corresponding amount, with no overall effect
on net income.* Refueling and maintenance outage costs at the Callaway energy center increased by $4 million, primarily due to
preparation costs for the 2016 scheduled outage that began in April. There was no scheduled outage in 2015.
The following items decreased other operations and maintenance expenses between periods:* MEEIA customer energy efficiency program costs decreased by $4 million, due to the expiration of MEEIA 2013. The MEEIA 2016 customer programs began in March
2016. Electric revenues from customer billings decreased by a corresponding amount, with no overall effect on net
income.* Energy center maintenance costs decreased by $4 million, primarily due to fewer major outages at coal-fired energy
centers.* Employee benefit costs decreased by $3 million, primarily due to a change in pension and postretirement expenses allowed in rates, as a result of the April 2015 MoPSC electric rate order. Electric revenues from customer billings
decreased by a corresponding amount, with no overall effect on net income.
Ameren IllinoisPursuant to the provisions of the IEIMA's and the FERC's formula rate frameworks, recoverable electric service costs that
are not recovered through separate cost recovery mechanisms are included in Ameren Illinois' revenue requirement
reconciliations, which result in corresponding adjustments to electric operating revenues, with no overall effect on net income.
These recoverable electric service costs include other operations
and maintenance expenses, depreciation and amortization, taxes
other than income taxes, interest charges, and income taxes.Other operations and maintenance expenses were $8 million lower in the first quarter of 2016, as compared with the first quarter of 2015. The following items decreased other
operations and maintenance expenses between periods:* Bad debt, customer energy efficiency, and environmental remediation costs decreased by $16 million. These expenses are included in cost riders that result in lower
electric and natural gas revenues, resulting in no overall effect on net income.* Employee benefit costs decreased by $5 million, primarily due to lower pension and postretirement expenses caused
by changes in actuarial assumptions and the performance of
plan assets.
The following items increased other operations and maintenance expenses between periods:
- Storm-related repair costs increased by $4 million.* Electric delivery maintenance expenditures increased by $4 million, primarily related to increased system repair, circuit
maintenance, and vegetation management work as a result
of regulatory compliance requirements.
43* Labor costs increased by $3 million, primarily because of staff additions to meet enhanced reliability standards and customer service goals related to the IEIMA.Depreciation and Amortization Ameren CorporationDepreciation and amortization expenses increased $14 million in the first quarter of 2016, as compared with the first quarter of 2015, primarily because of increased expenses at Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, as discussed below.
Ameren MissouriDepreciation and amortization expenses increased $9 million, primarily because of increased depreciation rates resulting from the April 2015 MoPSC electric rate order.
Ameren IllinoisDepreciation and amortization expenses increased $4 million, primarily because of electric system capital additions.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
Ameren CorporationTaxes other than income taxes decreased $11 million in the first quarter of 2016, as compared with the first quarter of 2015, primarily because of decreased expenses at Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, as discussed below. See Excise Taxes in Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part I, Item 1, of this report for additional information.
Ameren MissouriTaxes other than income taxes decreased $7 million, primarily because of decreased gross receipts taxes resulting from lower electric sales volumes, and an increase in capitalized
property taxes. Electric revenues for gross receipts taxes from
customer billings decreased by a corresponding amount, with no overall effect on net income.
Ameren IllinoisTaxes other than income taxes decreased $5 million, primarily because of decreased gross receipts taxes resulting from lower natural gas sales volumes and prices. Natural gas
revenues for gross receipts taxes from customer billings decreased by a corresponding amount, with no overall effect on
net income.
Other Income and Expenses
Ameren CorporationOther income, net of expenses, increased $5 million in the first quarter of 2016, as compared with the first quarter of 2015, primarily because of a $3 million reduction in donations at Ameren (parent) due to the timing of charitable contributions. An increase at Ameren Missouri was partially offset by a decrease at Ameren Illinois, as discussed below. See Note 5 - Other Income
and Expenses under Part I, Item 1, of this report for additional
information.
Ameren MissouriOther income, net of expenses, increased $5 million, primarily because of an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction, resulting from higher capital
expenditures.
Ameren IllinoisOther income, net of expenses, decreased $2 million, primarily because of decreased income from customer-requested construction.
Interest Charges
Ameren CorporationInterest charges increased $7 million in the first quarter of 2016, as compared with the first quarter of 2015, primarily because of a $7 million increase in interest charges at Ameren (parent), resulting from the issuance of senior unsecured notes in
November 2015 and the absence in 2016 of a 2015 uncertain tax position resolution. A reduction in interest charges at Ameren Missouri was partially offset by an increase in interest charges at Ameren Illinois, as discussed below.
Ameren MissouriInterest charges decreased $3 million, primarily because of an increase in the allowance for funds used during construction, resulting from higher capital expenditures, and the maturity of
senior secured notes in February 2016, which was repaid with cash on hand and lower-cost commercial paper.
Ameren IllinoisInterest charges increased $2 million, primarily because of the issuance of senior secured notes in December 2015.
Income TaxesThe following table presents effective income tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Three Months (a)20162015 Ameren 22%38%Ameren Missouri 38%38%Ameren Illinois 39%39%(a) Based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the tax effect of items discrete to the relevant period.
44 Ameren CorporationThe effective tax rate was lower in the first quarter of 2016, as compared with the first quarter of 2015, primarily because of the recognition of excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation resulting from the difference between the
deduction for tax purposes and the compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes. See Accounting and
Reporting Developments in Note 1 - Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies under Part I, Item 1, of this report for
additional information.
Ameren MissouriThe effective tax rate was comparable between periods.
Ameren IllinoisThe effective tax rate was comparable between periods.LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCESOur tariff-based gross margins are our principal source of cash from operating activities. A diversified retail customer mix, primarily consisting of rate-regulated residential, commercial, and
industrial customers, provides us with a reasonably predictable
source of cash. In addition to using cash generated from
operating activities, we use available cash, credit agreement
borrowings, commercial paper issuances, money pool borrowings, or, in the case of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, other short-term borrowings from affiliates to support normal operations and temporary capital requirements. We may
reduce our short-term borrowings with cash from operations, long-term borrowings, or, in the case of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, capital contributions from Ameren (parent). We
expect to make significant capital expenditures over the next five
years as we invest in our electric and natural gas utility infrastructure to support overall system reliability, environmental compliance, and other improvements. We intend to fund those
capital expenditures with available cash on hand, cash generated
from operating activities, and commercial paper and debt
issuances so that we maintain an equity ratio around 50%,
assuming constructive regulatory environments.
The use of cash from operating activities and short-term borrowings to fund capital expenditures and other long-term
investments may periodically result in a working capital deficit, defined as current liabilities exceeding current assets, as was the case at March31, 2016, for Ameren and Ameren Illinois. The working capital deficit as of March31, 2016, was primarily the
result of current maturities of long-term debt and commercial
paper issuances. Considering the credit capacity available under the Credit Agreements and our cash and cash equivalents, the Ameren Companies, in the aggregate, had access to $1.5 billion of liquidity at March31, 2016.The following table presents net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Net Cash Provided By (Used In)Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used In)Investing Activities Net CashProvided by (Used In)Financing Activities20162015Variance20162015Variance20162015Variance Ameren (a) - continuing operations$350$311$39$(524)$(439)$(85)$(118)$128$(246)Ameren (a) - discontinued operations(1)1(2)14-14---Ameren Missouri 16915712(170)(169)(1)(198)12(210)Ameren Illinois 229254(25)(269)(207)(62)(31)(48)17(a) Includes amounts for Ameren registrant and nonregistrant subsidiaries and intercompany eliminations.Cash Flows from Operating Activities Ameren CorporationAmeren's cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations increased $39 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. The following
items contributed to the increase:* A $57 million increase resulting from electric and natural gas margins, as discussed in Results of Operations, excluding certain noncash items, as well as the change in customer
receivable balances.
- A $42 million insurance receipt at Ameren Missouri related to the Taum Sauk breach. See Note 15 - Commitments and
Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, in the Form 10-K for
additional information.
- A $21 million increase in net energy costs collected from Ameren Missouri customers under the FAC.* A $16 million decrease in the cost of coal inventory at Ameren Missouri, as additional coal was purchased in 2015
to compensate for delivery disruptions experienced in 2014.* An $8 million increase in cash associated with the recovery of Ameren Illinois' IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustments. The 2014 revenue requirement reconciliation
adjustment, which is being recovered from customers in
2016, was greater than the 2013 revenue requirement
reconciliation adjustment, which was recovered from
customers in 2015.* Income tax refunds of $3 million in 2016, compared with income tax payments of $1 million in 2015. In 2016, Ameren
continued to generate net operating losses due to bonus
depreciation, resulting in no current federal income tax liability.
45The following items partially offset the increase in Ameren's cash from operating activities associated with continuing operations between periods:* A $42 million increase in the cost of natural gas held in storage caused primarily by fewer withdrawals as a result of milder winter temperatures compared with the prior year.* A $36 million increase in payments to purchase stock associated with share-based compensation plan awards.* A $15 million increase in purchased power commodity costs incurred compared with amounts collected from Ameren
Illinois customers.
- An $8 million increase in interest payments, primarily due to the issuance of senior unsecured notes at Ameren (parent)
in November 2015 and the issuance of senior secured notes at Ameren Illinois in December 2015.* A $6 million increase in major storm restoration costs at Ameren Illinois.
- A $5 million increase in property tax payments at Ameren Missouri caused by higher assessed property tax values.Ameren's cash from operating activities associated with discontinued operations was comparable between periods.
Ameren MissouriAmeren Missouri's cash from operating activities increased $12 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. The following items contributed to the increase:* A $42 million insurance receipt related to the Taum Sauk breach. See Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, in the Form 10-K for additional
information.
- A $21 million increase in net energy costs collected from customers under the FAC.* A $16 million decrease in the cost of coal inventory, as additional coal was purchased in 2015 to compensate for
delivery disruptions experienced in 2014.The following items partially offset the increase in Ameren Missouri's cash from operating activities between periods:
- A $52 million increase in income taxes paid to Ameren (parent) pursuant to the tax allocation agreement, primarily related to the absence in 2016 of audit settlement refunds
received in 2015.* A $7 million increase in the cost of natural gas held in storage caused primarily by fewer withdrawals as a result of milder winter temperatures compared with the prior year.* A $5 million increase in property tax payments caused by higher assessed property tax values.
Ameren IllinoisAmeren Illinois' cash from operating activities decreased $25 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. The following items contributed to the decrease:* A $35 million increase in the cost of natural gas held in storage caused primarily by fewer withdrawals as a result of milder winter temperatures compared with the prior year.* A $22 million increase in income taxes paid to Ameren (parent) pursuant to the tax allocation agreement, primarily
related to the absence in 2016 of audit settlement refunds
received in 2015.* A $15 million increase in purchased power commodity costs incurred compared with amounts collected from customers.* A $6 million increase in major storm restoration costs.
- A $5 million increase in interest payments, primarily due to the issuance of senior secured notes in December 2015.The following items partially offset the decrease in Ameren Illinois' cash from operating activities between periods:* A $53 million increase resulting from electric and natural gas margins, as discussed in Results of Operations, excluding certain noncash items, as well as the change in customer
receivable balances.* An $8 million increase in cash associated with the recovery of IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustments.
The 2014 revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment, which is being recovered from customers in 2016, was
greater than the 2013 revenue requirement reconciliation
adjustment, which was recovered from customers in 2015.Cash Flows from Investing ActivitiesAmeren's cash used in investing activities associated with continuing operations increased $85 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. Capital expenditures increased
$79 million as a result of the activity at Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, as discussed below, and a
$7 million increase in ATXI's capital expenditures, which primarily
related to the Spoon River project.
Cash provided by investing activities associated with discontinued operations was $14 million in the first quarter of
2016, due to the receipt of the amount held in escrow from the sale to Rockland Capital. In April 2016, Medina Valley paid
Genco its portion of the escrow amount. In the first quarter of
2015, no cash was used or provided by discontinued operations.Ameren Missouri's cash used in investing activities was comparable to 2015, as a return of a $36 million money pool advance in 2016 was offset by increased capital expenditures in
2016 of $33 million primarily related to electric distribution system
reliability and energy center projects. Ameren Illinois' cash used in investing activities increased $62 million due to a $37 million increase in capital expenditures
primarily related to transmission projects, and a $25 million
increase in money pool advances.
46 Ameren Missouri continually reviews its generation portfolio and expected power needs. As a result, Ameren Missouri could modify its plan for generation capacity, the type of generation
asset technology that will be employed, and whether capacity or power may be purchased, among other changes. Additionally, we
continually review the reliability of our transmission and
distribution systems, expected capacity needs, and opportunities for transmission investments.The timing and amount of investments could vary because of changes in expected capacity, the condition of transmission and distribution systems, changes
in laws or regulations, and our ability and willingness to pursue transmission investments, among other factors. Any changes in
future generation, transmission, or distribution needs could result
in significant capital expenditures or impairment losses, which
could be material. Compliance with environmental regulations
could also have significant impacts on the level of capital
expenditures. See Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies in
Part I, Item 1, of this report for additional information.Cash Flows from Financing ActivitiesAmeren's financing activities associated with continuing operations used net cash of $118 million during the first quarter of 2016, compared to providing net cash of $128 million during the same period in 2015. The cash used in financing activities during
2016 primarily resulted from the payment at maturity of certain
Ameren Missouri long-term debt, the payment of common stock
dividends, and the remittance of employee payroll taxes related to share-based payments. The cash used in financing activities in 2016 was partially offset by an increase in short-term debt. In the first quarter of 2016, Ameren and its registrant subsidiaries
issued short term debt, used cash on hand, and cash provided by
operating activities to repay at maturity long-term debt, fund
investing activities, and pay dividends. In comparison, during the first quarter of 2015, Ameren and its registrant subsidiaries
issued short-term debt and used cash provided by operating
activities to fund investing activities and pay dividends.Ameren Missouri's financing activities used net cash of $198 million during the first quarter of 2016, compared to providing net cash of $12 million during the same period in 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, Ameren Missouri paid common stock dividends of $140 million, issued $165 million of short-term debt, repaid at
maturity $260 million in long term-debt, and received a capital
contribution of $38 million. During the first quarter of 2016, Ameren Missouri used cash provided by operating activities
along with cash on hand to fund investing activities and pay dividends. In 2015, Ameren Missouri issued $43 million of short-term debt, borrowed $61 million from the money pool, paid
common stock dividends of $315 million, and received a capital
contribution of $224 million. During the first quarter of 2015, Ameren Missouri used cash provided by these financing activities
and cash provided by operating activities to fund investing
activities and pay dividends. Ameren Illinois' cash used in financing activities decreased $17 million during the first quarter of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, Ameren Illinois
paid common stock dividends of $30 million. In the first quarter of 2015, Ameren Illinois repaid $32 million of short-term debt and
$15 million to the money pool. During the first quarter of 2016, Ameren Illinois used cash provided by operating activities along
with cash on hand to fund investing activities and pay dividends.
During the first quarter of 2015, Ameren Illinois used cash
provided by operating activities to fund investing and financing
activities.
Credit Facility Borrowings and LiquidityThe liquidity needs of Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois are typically supported through the use of available cash, short-term intercompany borrowings, drawings under committed credit agreements or commercial paper issuances. See Note 3 - Short-term Debt
and Liquidity under Part I, Item 1, of this report for additional information on credit agreements, short-term borrowing activity , commercial paper issuances, relevant interest rates, and borrowings under Ameren's money pool arrangements.The following table presents Ameren's consolidated liquidity as of March31, 2016:Available at March 31, 2016 Ameren and Ameren Missouri:Missouri Credit Agreement
- borrowing capacity (a)$1,000 Less: Ameren (parent) commercial paper outstanding 408Missouri Credit Agreement
- credit available 592 Ameren and Ameren Illinois:Illinois Credit Agreement
- borrowing capacity (a)1,100 Less: Ameren (parent) commercial paper outstanding 173 Less: Letters of credit 4Illinois Credit Agreement
- credit available 923 Total Credit Available
$1,515 Cash and cash equivalents 13 Total Liquidity
$1,528(a) Expires in December 2019.
47The Credit Agreements are used to borrow cash, to issue letters of credit, and to support issuances under Ameren's, Ameren Missouri's, and Ameren Illinois' commercial paper programs. Either of the Credit Agreements are available to Ameren to support issuances under Ameren's commercial paper program, subject to borrowing sublimits. The Missouri Credit Agreement is available to support issuances under Ameren Missouri's commercial paper program. The Illinois Credit Agreement is available to support issuances under Ameren Illinois' commercial paper program. Issuances under the Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois commercial paper
programs were available at lower interest rates than the interest rates available under the Credit Agreements.As such, commercial paper issuances were a preferred source of third-
party short-term debt relative to credit facility borrowings. In addition, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois may borrow cash from the utility money pool when funds are available. The
rate of interest depends on the composition of internal and external funds in the utility money pool. Ameren Missouri and
Ameren Illinois borrow from the utility money pool when funds are available before utilizing the Credit Agreements and commercial
paper programs because the utility money pool interest rates are lower.The issuance of short-term debt securities by Ameren's utility subsidiaries is subject to approval by the FERC under the Federal Power Act. In February 2016, the FERC issued an order authorizing Ameren Missouri to issue up to $1 billion of short-term
debt securities thorough March 2018.The Ameren Companies continually evaluate the adequacy and appropriateness of their liquidity arrangements given
changing business conditions. When business conditions
warrant, changes may be made to existing credit agreements or
to other short-term borrowing arrangements.
Long-term Debt and EquityIn February 2016, $260 million principal amount of Ameren Missouri's 5.40% senior secured notes matured and was repaid
with cash on hand and commercial paper borrowings. The Ameren Companies did not issue any common stock during the first quarter of 2016 or 2015. In March 2016 and 2015, Ameren Missouri received cash capital contributions of $38 million and $224 million, respectively, from Ameren (parent). The Ameren Companies may sell securities registered under their effective registration statements if market conditions and capital requirements warrant such sales. Any offer and sale will
be made only by means of a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Indebtedness Provisions and Other Covenants See Note 3 - Short-term Debt and Liquidity and Note 4 -
Long-term Debt and Equity Financings under Part I, Item1, of this report and Note 4 - Short-term Debt and Liquidity and Note 5 - Long-term Debt and Equity Financings under Part II, Item8, of
the Form 10-K for a discussion of covenants and provisions (and
applicable cross-default provisions) contained in our credit agreements and in certain of the Ameren Companies' indentures
and articles of incorporation.At March31, 2016, the Ameren Companies were in compliance with the provisions and covenants contained within
their credit agreements, indentures, and articles of incorporation.We consider access to short-term and long-term capital markets a significant source of funding for capital requirements
not satisfied by cash generated from our operating activities.
Inability to raise capital on reasonable terms, particularly during times of uncertainty in the capital markets, could negatively affect our ability to maintain and expand our businesses. After assessing its current operating performance, liquidity, and credit ratings (see Credit Ratings below), Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois each believes that it will continue to have access to the capital markets. However, events beyond Ameren's, Ameren Missouri's, and Ameren Illinois' control may
create uncertainty in the capital markets or make access to the
capital markets uncertain or limited. Such events could increase our cost of capital and adversely affect our ability to access the
capital markets.
DividendsThe amount and timing of dividends payable on Ameren's common stock are within the sole discretion of Ameren's board of directors. Ameren's board of directors has not set specific targets
or payout parameters when declaring common stock dividends but considers various factors, including Ameren's overall payout
ratio, payout ratios of our peers, projected cash flow and potential future cash flow requirements, historical earnings and cash flow, projected earnings, impacts of regulatory orders or legislation, and other key business considerations. Ameren expects its
dividend payout ratio to be between 55% and 70% of earnings over the next few years. On April 29, 2016, Ameren's board of
directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of 42.5
cents per share payable on June 30, 2016, to shareholders of
record on June 8, 2016.
See Note 4 - Short-term Debt and Liquidity and Note 5 -
Long-term Debt and Equity Financings under Part II, Item8, of
the Form 10-K for additional discussion of covenants and provisions contained in certain of the Ameren Companies'
financial agreements and articles of incorporation that would restrict the Ameren Companies' payment of dividends in certain circumstances. At March31, 2016, none of these circumstances existed at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, or Ameren Illinois and, as a
result, these companies were not restricted from paying
dividends.
48 The following table presents common stock dividends declared and paid by Ameren Corporation to its common shareholders and by Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois to their parent, Ameren Corporation, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Three Months 2016 2015 Ameren Missouri
$140$315 Ameren Illinois 30-Ameren 103 99 Contractual Obligations For a listing of our obligations and commitments, see Other Obligations in Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies under Part I, Item1, of this report. See Note 11 - Retirement Benefits
under Part I, Item1, of this report for information regarding
expected minimum funding levels for our pension plan.At March31, 2016, total obligations related to commitments for coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel, purchased power, methane
gas, equipment, and meter reading services, among other agreements, at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois were $4,566 million, $2,786 million, and $1,729 million, respectively. Off-Balance-Sheet ArrangementsAt March31, 2016, none of the Ameren Companies had off-balance-sheet financing arrangements, other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business, letters of credit, and Ameren parent guarantee arrangements on behalf of its subsidiaries. None of the Ameren Companies expect to engage in any significant off-balance-sheet financing
arrangements in the near future.
Credit RatingsThe credit ratings of the Ameren Companies affect our liquidity, access to the capital markets and credit markets, cost of borrowing under credit facilities, commercial paper programs, and
collateral posting requirements under commodity contracts.
The following table presents the principal credit ratings of the Ameren Companies by Moody's and S&P effective on the
date of this report:Moody'sS&P Ameren:
Issuer/corporate credit ratingBaa1BBB+Senior unsecured debtBaa1BBB Commercial paperP-2A-2 Ameren Missouri:
Issuer/corporate credit ratingBaa1BBB+Secured debtA2A Senior unsecured debtBaa1BBB+Commercial paperP-2A-2 Ameren Illinois:
Issuer/corporate credit ratingA3BBB+Secured debtA1A Senior unsecured debtA3BBB+Commercial paperP-2A-2A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold securities. It should be evaluated independently of any other
rating. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time
by the rating organization.
Collateral Postings Any adverse change in our credit ratings may reduce access to capital and trigger additional collateral postings and prepayments. Such changes may also increase the cost of borrowing, resulting in an adverse effect on earnings. Cash
collateral postings and prepayments made with external parties, including postings related to exchange-traded contracts, and
cash collateral posted by external parties were immaterial at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois at March31, 2016. Sub-investment-grade issuer or senior unsecured debt rating (lower than "BBB-" or "Baa3") at March31, 2016, could have resulted in Ameren, Ameren Missouri, or Ameren Illinois
being required to post additional collateral or other assurances
for certain trade obligations amounting to $147 million, $76 million, and $71 million, respectively.
Changes in commodity prices could trigger additional collateral postings and prepayments. Based on credit ratings at March31, 2016, if market prices were 15% higher or lower than March31, 2016 levels in the next 12 months and 20% higher or
lower thereafter through the end of the term of the commodity contracts, then Ameren, Ameren Missouri, or Ameren Illinois
would only be required to post collateral or other assurances for
certain trade obligations that would be immaterial compared to each company's liquidity.
49 OUTLOOKWe seek to earn competitive returns on investments in our businesses. We are seeking to improve our regulatory frameworks and cost recovery mechanisms and simultaneously
pursuing constructive regulatory outcomes within existing frameworks. We are seeking to align our overall spending, both
operating and capital, with economic conditions and with
regulatory frameworks established by our regulators.
Consequently, we are focused on minimizing the gap between allowed and earned returns on equity. We intend to allocate capital resources to our business opportunities that offer the most
attractive risk-adjusted return potential.
Below are some key trends, events, and uncertainties that are reasonably likely to affect our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity, as well as our ability to achieve strategic
and financial objectives, for 2016 and beyond.
Operations
- Our strategy for earning competitive returns on our investments involves meeting customer energy needs in an efficient fashion, working to enhance regulatory frameworks, making timely and well-supported rate case filings, and
aligning overall spending with those rate case outcomes, economic conditions, and return opportunities.* Ameren continues to pursue its plans to invest in FERC-regulated electric transmission. MISO has approved three electric transmission projects to be developed by ATXI. The
first project, Illinois Rivers, involves the construction of a
transmission line from western Indiana across the state of Illinois to eastern Missouri. The last section of this project is expected to be completed by 2019. The Spoon River project in northwest Illinois and the Mark Twain project in northeast
Missouri are the other two MISO-approved projects to be constructed by ATXI. These two projects are expected to be completed in 2018. The Illinois Rivers and the Spoon River
projects have received all of the necessary commission approvals to authorize their construction. In April 2016, the MoPSC granted ATXI a certificate of convenience and necessity for the Mark Twain project. Starting construction under the certificate is subject to ATXI obtaining assents from the five counties where the line will be constructed.
Extended difficulties in obtaining the assents could delay the completion date. The total investment in all three projects is
expected to be more than $1.0 billion from 2016 through 2019. This total includes over $60 million of investment by
Ameren Illinois to construct connections to its existing
transmission system. In addition to its investment in the MISO-approved projects, Ameren Illinois expects to invest
$1.9 billion in electric transmission assets from 2016 through
2020 to address load growth and reliability requirements.
- Both Ameren Illinois and ATXI use a forward-looking rate calculation with an annual revenue requirement reconciliation for each company's electric transmission business. With the rates that became effective on January 1, 2016, and the currently allowed 12.38% return on equity, the 2016 revenue requirement for Ameren Illinois' electric transmission business would be $241 million, which
represents a $42 million increase over the 2015 revenue requirement due to rate base growth. These rates reflect a
capital structure composed of 51.9% common equity and a
projected rate base of $1.2 billion. With the rates that became effective on January 1, 2016, and the currently allowed 12.38% return on equity, the 2016 revenue requirement for ATXI's electric transmission business would
be $140 million, which represents a $60 million increase
over the 2015 revenue requirement due to rate base growth, primarily as a result of the Illinois Rivers project. These rates
reflect a capital structure composed of 56.1% common
equity and a projected rate base of $0.9 billion.
- The 12.38% return on common equity is the subject of two FERC complaint proceedings, the November 2013
complaint case and the February 2015 complaint case, that
challenge the allowed base return on common equity for
MISO transmission owners. In December 2015, a FERC
administrative law judge issued an initial decision in the
November 2013 complaint case that would lower the allowed base return on common equity to 10.32%. The
FERC is expected to issue a final order on the November 2013 complaint case by the fourth quarter of 2016. The
initial decision from an administrative law judge in the
February 2015 complaint case, which will subsequently
require FERC approval, is expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2016. A 50 basis point reduction in the
FERC-allowed base return on common equity would reduce Ameren's and Ameren Illinois' annual earnings by an estimated $6 million and $3 million, respectively, based on each company's 2016 projected rate base. Ameren and
Ameren Illinois recorded current regulatory liabilities on their respective March31, 2016 balance sheets, representing
their estimate of the potential refunds from November 2013
through March 2016.
- In January 2015, a FERC-approved incentive adder of up to 50 basis points on the allowed base return on common equity for our participation in an RTO became effective.
Upon the issuance of the final order addressing the
November 2013 complaint case, beginning with its January 2015 effective date, the incentive adder will reduce any
refund to customers relating to a reduction of the base return on common equity.
- In April 2015, the MoPSC issued an order approving an increase in Ameren Missouri's annual revenues for electric service. The order also approved Ameren Missouri's request for continued use of the FAC; however, it changed the FAC
to exclude all transmission revenues and substantially all transmission charges. This change to Ameren Missouri's FAC is contributing to regulatory lag. For example, the April
2015 MoPSC electric rate order included $29 million of
transmission charges in base rates that were previously included in the FAC. Ameren Missouri expects transmission
charges to increase to $53 million in 2016, with further cost increases expected in the foreseeable future. However, transmission revenues included in base rates in the April
2015 MoPSC electric rate order totaled $34 million and are
expected to remain relatively constant in 2016 and into the
near future.
50* Ameren Missouri supplies electricity to Noranda's aluminum smelter located in southeast Missouri. In its April 2015 electric rate order, the MoPSC approved a rate design that
established $78 million in annual revenues, net of fuel and purchased power costs, as Noranda's portion of Ameren Missouri's revenue requirement. The portion of Ameren Missouri's annual revenue requirement reflected in Noranda's electric rate is based on the smelter using approximately 4.2 million megawatthours annually, which is almost 100% of its operating capacity. In the first quarter of 2016, Noranda idled production at its aluminum smelter. In
addition, Noranda filed voluntary petitions for a court-supervised restructuring process under Chapter 11 of the
United States Bankruptcy Code. Noranda stated it would
maintain the flexibility to restart operations at the smelter should conditions allow. As a result of these events in 2016, actual sales volumes to Noranda will be significantly below the sales volumes reflected in rates, and therefore, Ameren
Missouri will not fully recover its revenue requirement until
rates are adjusted by the MoPSC in a future electric rate case to reflect Noranda's actual sales volumes. Ameren
Missouri estimates a $38 million reduction in 2016 earnings, compared to 2015, relating to the significantly lower
expected electric sales volumes to Noranda after consideration of the FAC-tariff provision that allows Ameren Missouri to retain a portion of its off-system sales. Ameren
Missouri expects to file an electric rate case in 2016 to
reflect additional infrastructure investments and rising costs, including depreciation, transmission service, and property
tax expenses, and expects the resulting new rates to reflect
Noranda's actual sales volumes, which would prospectively
eliminate the impact of the current revenue shortfall from
Noranda sales levels. Rate case proceedings take place over a period of up to 11 months from the date of filing.
Ameren Missouri will continue to monitor Noranda's sales
volumes and to evaluate its regulatory and legislative options that might mitigate adverse financial impacts. The reduction in Noranda's sales volumes have adversely affected and will continue to adversely affect Ameren's and Ameren Missouri's results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity until customer rates are adjusted in a future rate
case.
- The MEEIA 2013 performance incentive allowed Ameren Missouri an opportunity to earn additional revenues by achieving certain customer energy efficiency goals, including $19 million if 100% of the goals were achieved
during the three-year period, with the potential to earn a larger performance incentive if Ameren Missouri's energy
savings exceeded those goals. In November 2015, the
MoPSC issued an order that clarified how an input used in
the calculation of the performance incentive would be determined. Ameren Missouri filed an appeal of the order with the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District. If the Missouri Court of Appeals upholds the MoPSC order, the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive will be significantly less than the performance incentive calculated using Ameren Missouri's interpretation. A decision from the Missouri Court of Appeals is expected in 2016. Separately, an order from the MoPSC determining the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive is also expected in 2016. Ameren Missouri has not recorded any revenues associated with the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive. Ameren Missouri believes it will
ultimately be found to have exceeded 100% of the customer energy efficiency goals, and it therefore expects to recognize revenues relating to the MEEIA 2013 performance
incentive of at least $19 million in 2016.* The throughput disincentive recovery under MEEIA 2016 replaced the net shared benefits that were collected under MEEIA 2013. Net shared benefits compensated Ameren
Missouri for the current year and longer-term financial impacts of customer energy efficiency programs in each year of the program from 2013 through 2015. The throughput disincentive included in MEEIA 2016, on the
other hand, is designed to be earnings neutral each year by compensating Ameren Missouri for the lost sales volumes from its customer energy efficiency programs that occur in that year, and does not compensate for the longer-term
financial impacts of these programs until sales volumes are lost in a future year. The unfavorable effects of sales volume reductions in 2016 from the MEEIA 2013 energy efficiency
programs were previously recognized during 2013 through
2015 as net shared benefits, and therefore, any such lost
sales volumes have impacted and will continue to negatively
impact 2016 earnings.* The IEIMA provides for an annual reconciliation of the revenue requirement necessary to reflect the actual costs
incurred in a given year with the revenue requirement that was reflected in customer rates for that year. Consequently, Ameren Illinois' 2016 electric delivery service revenues will
be based on its 2016 actual recoverable costs, rate base, and return on common equity as calculated under the
IEIMA's performance-based formula ratemaking framework.
The 2016 revenue requirement is expected to be higher
than the 2015 revenue requirement because of an expected increase in recoverable costs and rate base growth. A 50
basis point change in the average monthly yields of the 30-year United States Treasury bonds would result in an estimated $6 million change in Ameren's and Ameren Illinois'
net income, based on its 2016 projected rate base.* In December 2015, the ICC issued an order with respect to Ameren Illinois' annual update filing. The ICC approved a
$106 million increase in Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service revenue requirement beginning in January 2016.
These rates have affected and will continue to affect Ameren
Illinois' cash receipts during 2016, but will not be the sole
determinant of its electric delivery service operating
revenues, which will instead be largely determined by the IEIMA's 2016 revenue requirement reconciliation. The 2016
revenue requirement reconciliation, as discussed above, is
expected to result in a regulatory asset that will be collected
from customers in 2018.* In April 2016, Ameren Illinois filed with the ICC its annual electric delivery service formula rate update to establish the
revenue requirement used for 2017 rates. Pending ICC approval, Ameren Illinois' update filing will result in a $14 million decrease in Ameren Illinois' electric delivery service revenue requirement, beginning in January 2017. This
update reflects an increase to the annual formula rate based 51 on 2015 actual costs and expected net plant additions for 2016, an increase to include the 2015 revenue requirement
reconciliation adjustment, and a decrease for the conclusion
of the 2014 revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment, which will be fully collected from customers in 2016. These rates will affect Ameren Illinois' cash receipts during 2017, but will not be the sole determinant of its electric delivery
service operating revenues, which will instead be largely
determined by the IEIMA's 2017 revenue requirement
reconciliation.* Ameren Missouri's Callaway energy center's scheduled refueling and maintenance outage began on April 2, 2016, and is expected to conclude in May. Ameren Missouri
expects to incur approximately $37 million of maintenance expenses in 2016 related to this outage. There was no
refueling outage scheduled in 2015. During a scheduled
outage, which occurs every 18 months, maintenance
expenses increase relative to non-outage years.
Additionally, depending on the availability of its other generation sources and the market prices for power, Ameren
Missouri's purchased power costs may increase and the
amount of excess power available for sale may decrease
versus non-outage years. Changes in purchased power
costs and excess power available for sale are included in the FAC, which results in limited impacts to earnings.* As we continue to experience cost increases and to make infrastructure investments, Ameren Missouri and Ameren
Illinois expect to seek regular electric and natural gas rate
increases and timely cost recovery and tracking mechanisms from their regulators. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois will also seek, as necessary, legislative
solutions to address regulatory lag and to support
investment in their utility infrastructure for the benefit of their customers, including Ameren Missouri's current efforts to
advocate for a legislative solution to support Noranda's operations and modernize the state's regulatory framework.
Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois continue to face cost
recovery pressures including limited economic growth in their service territories, customer conservation efforts, the impacts of additional customer energy efficiency programs, increased customer use of innovative and increasingly cost-effective technological advances including distributed
generation and storage, increased investments and
expected future investments for environmental compliance, system reliability improvements, and new generation capacity, including renewable energy requirements.
Increased investments also result in higher depreciation and
financing costs. Increased costs are also expected from
rising employee benefit costs and higher property and
income taxes, among other costs.
For additional information regarding recent rate orders and related appeals and pending requests filed with state and federal regulatory commissions, see Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory
Matters under Part I, Item 1, of this report and Note 2 - Rate and
Regulatory Matters under Part II, Item 8, of the Form 10-K.
Liquidity and Capital Resources* We expect to incur significant capital expenditures in order to make investments to improve our electric and natural gas
utility infrastructure and to comply with existing environmental regulations. We estimate that we will incur up to $11.5 billion (Ameren Missouri - up to $4.3 billion; Ameren Illinois - up to $6.2 billion; ATXI- up to $1.0 billion)
of capital expenditures during the period from 2016 through
2020, excluding the impact of the Clean Power Plan.* Environmental regulations, including those related to CO 2 emissions, or other actions taken by the EPA could result in
significant increases in capital expenditures and operating costs. These costs could be prohibitive at some of Ameren Missouri's coal-fired energy centers. Ameren Missouri's
capital expenditures are subject to MoPSC prudence
reviews, which could result in cost disallowances as well as regulatory lag. The cost of Ameren Illinois' purchased power and gas purchased for resale could increase. However, Ameren Illinois expects these costs would be recovered from customers with no material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. Ameren's and
Ameren Missouri's earnings could benefit from increased
investment to comply with environmental regulations if those
investments are reflected and recovered on a timely basis in
rates charged to customers.
- Ameren is evaluating the Clean Power Plan's potential impacts to its operations, including those related to electric system reliability, and its level of investment in customer energy efficiency programs, renewable energy, and other
forms of generation investment. In February 2016, the
United States Supreme Court stayed the Clean Power Plan
and all implementation requirements until the legal appeals are concluded. Appeals are expected to take several years
to conclude. If the rule is ultimately upheld and implemented in substantially similar form to the rule when issued, Ameren
Missouri expects to incur increased net fuel and operating
costs, and make new or accelerated capital expenditures, in
addition to the costs of making modifications to existing
operations in order to achieve compliance. Compliance
measures could result in the closure or alteration of the operation of some of Ameren Missouri's coal and natural-
gas-fired energy centers, which could result in increased
operating costs.* Ameren Missouri files a nonbinding integrated resource plan with the MoPSC every three years. Ameren Missouri's
integrated resource plan filed with the MoPSC in October
2014, prior to the issuance of the Clean Power Plan, was a
20-year plan that supported a more fuel-diverse energy portfolio in Missouri, including coal, solar, wind, natural gas, and nuclear power. The plan involves expanding renewable
generation, retiring coal-fired generation as energy centers
reach the end of their useful lives, continuation and expansion of the then-existing energy efficiency programs, and adding natural gas-fired combined cycle generation.* The Ameren Companies have multiyear credit agreements that cumulatively provide $2.1 billion of credit through
December 2019, subject to a 364-day repayment term in the case of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois. See Note 3 -
52 Short-term Debt and Liquidity under Part I, Item 1, of this report for additional information regarding the Credit Agreements. Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois
believe that their liquidity is adequate given their expected
operating cash flows, capital expenditures, and related financing plans. However, there can be no assurance that
significant changes in economic conditions, disruptions in
the capital and credit markets, or other unforeseen events will not materially affect their ability to execute their
expected operating, capital, or financing plans.* In December 2015, a federal tax law was enacted that authorized the continued use of bonus depreciation that
allows for an acceleration of deductions for tax purposes at a rate of 50% for 2015, 2016, and 2017. The rate will be
reduced to 40% in 2018 and then to 30% in 2019. Bonus
depreciation will be phased out in 2020 unless a new law is
enacted. Bonus depreciation is expected to increase cash flow through at least 2020. Ameren expects to use this
incremental cash flow to make capital investments in utility
infrastructure for the benefit of its customers. Without these
investments, bonus depreciation would reduce rate base, which reduces our revenue requirements and future earnings growth. The impact of bonus depreciation on Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI will vary based on investment levels at each company.* As of March31, 2016, Ameren had $557 million in tax benefits from federal and state net operating loss carryforwards (Ameren Missouri - $74 million and Ameren
Illinois - $142 million) and $137 million in federal and state
income tax credit carryforwards (Ameren Missouri - $27 million and Ameren Illinois - $2 million). In addition, Ameren
has $37 million of expected state income tax refunds and
state overpayments. Consistent with the tax allocation agreement between Ameren and its subsidiaries, these carryforwards are expected to partially offset income tax liabilities for Ameren Missouri until 2019 and Ameren Illinois until 2021. Ameren does not expect to make material federal income tax payments until 2021. These tax benefits, primarily at the Ameren (parent) level, when realized, would be available to fund ATXI transmission investments.* Ameren expects its cash used for capital expenditures and dividends to exceed cash provided by operating activities over the next several years. Ameren expects to use debt to
fund such cash shortfalls; it does not currently expect to
issue equity over the next several years.* The use of cash from operating activities and short-term borrowings to fund capital expenditures and other long-term
investments may periodically result in a working capital
deficit, defined by current liabilities exceeding current assets, as was the case at March31, 2016, for Ameren and Ameren Illinois. The working capital deficit as of March31, 2016, was primarily the result of current maturities of long-
term debt and commercial paper issuances. With the credit capacity available under the Credit Agreements and our cash and cash equivalents, the Ameren Companies had access to $1.5 billion of liquidity, at March31, 2016.
The above items could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. Additionally, in the ordinary course of business, we evaluate strategies to enhance our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. These
strategies may include acquisitions, divestitures, and
opportunities to reduce costs or increase revenues, and other strategic initiatives to increase Ameren's shareholder value. We are unable to predict which, if any, of these initiatives will be executed. The execution of these initiatives may have a material
impact on our future results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.REGULATORY MATTERS See Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters under Part I, Item 1, of this report.ITEM3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Market risk is the risk of changes in value of a physical asset or a financial instrument, derivative or nonderivative, caused by
fluctuations in market variables such as interest rates, commodity prices, and equity security prices. A derivative is a contract whose
value is dependent on, or derived from, the value of some underlying asset or index. The following discussion of our risk
management activities includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
We handle market risk in accordance with established policies, which may include entering into various derivative transactions.
In the normal course of business, we also face risks that are
either nonfinancial or nonquantifiable. Such risks, principally
business, legal, and operational risks, are not part of the following
discussion.
Our risk management objectives are to optimize our physical generating assets and to pursue market opportunities within
prudent risk parameters. Our risk management policies are set by
a risk management steering committee, which is composed of senior-level Ameren officers, with Ameren board of directors
oversight.
There have been no material changes to the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about interest rate risk, credit risk, equity price risk, commodity price risk, and commodity supplier
risk included in the Form 10-K. Regarding commodity supplier risk, in April 2016, Ameren Missouri's primary supplier of ultra-low
sulfur coal announced that it had filed a voluntary petition for restructuring under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. At this time, Ameren and Ameren Missouri believe the restructuring proceeding will not affect the supplier's performance under the terms of its existing contracts with Ameren Missouri, and therefore do not expect any material impact to Ameren Missouri's operations as a result of this restructuring proceeding.
See Item7A under Part II of the Form 10-K for a more detailed
discussion of our market risk.
53Fair Value of ContractsWe use derivatives principally to manage the risk of changes in market prices for natural gas, power, and uranium, as well as the risk of changes in rail transportation surcharges through fuel oil hedges. The following table presents the favorable (unfavorable) changes in the fair value of all derivative contracts marked-to-market during the three months ended March 31, 2016. We use various methods to determine the
fair value of our contracts. In accordance with authoritative accounting guidance for fair value hierarchy levels, the sources we used to
determine the fair value of these contracts were active quotes (Level 1), inputs corroborated by market data (Level 2), and other modeling and valuation methods that are not corroborated by market data (Level 3). See Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements under Part I, Item1, of this
report for additional information regarding the methods used to determine the fair value of these contracts.
Ameren Missouri Ameren Illinois Ameren Fair value of contracts at beginning of year, net
$(27)$(219)$(246)Contracts realized or otherwise settled during the period (1)11 10 Other changes in fair value (9)(29)(38)Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period, net
$(37)$(237)$(274)The following table presents maturities of derivative contracts as of March31, 2016, based on the hierarchy levels used to determine the fair value of the contracts:
Sources of Fair Value Maturity Lessthan1 Year Maturity1-3Years Maturity3-5Years Maturityin Excessof5 YearsTotalFairValue Ameren Missouri:
Level 1$(20)$(6)$-$-$(26)Level 2 (a)(5)(6)(2)-(13)Level 3 (b)3 (1)--2 Total$(22)$(13)$(2)$-$(37)Ameren Illinois:
Level 1$-$-$-$-$-Level 2 (a)(36)(13)--(49)Level 3 (b)(15)(28)(27)(118)(188)Total$(51)$(41)$(27)$(118)$(237)
Ameren:
Level 1$(20)$(6)$-$-$(26)Level 2 (a)(41)(19)(2)-(62)Level 3 (b)(12)(29)(27)(118)(186)Total$(73)$(54)$(29)$(118)$(274)(a) Principally fixed-price vs. floating over-the-counter power swaps, power forwards, and fixed-price vs. floating over-the-counter natural gas swaps.(b) Principally power forward contract values based on information from external sources, historical results, and our estimates. Level 3 also includes option contract values based on an option valuation model.ITEM4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and ProceduresAs of March31, 2016, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of each of the Ameren Companies, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of such registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on those evaluations, as of March31, 2016, the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of each of the Ameren Companies concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in such registrant's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its principal executive and its principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.(b) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial ReportingThere has been no change in any of the Ameren Companies' internal control over financial reporting during their most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, each of their internal control over financial reporting.PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 54ITEM1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.We are involved in legal and administrative proceedings before various courts and agencies with respect to matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve substantial amounts of money. We believe that the final disposition of these proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed in this report, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Risk of loss is mitigated, in some cases, by insurance or contractual or statutory indemnification. Material legal and administrative
proceedings, which are discussed in Note 2 - Rate and Regulatory Matters, Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies, and Note 10 -
Callaway Energy Center, under Part I, Item1, of this report include the following:* Ameren Missouri's appeal to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, regarding the calculation of the MEEIA 2013 performance incentive;* Ameren Illinois' annual electric delivery service formula rate update filed with the ICC in April 2016;* ATXI's requests for assents from the five counties where the Mark Twain transmission project will be constructed;
- the complaint cases filed with the FERC seeking a reduction in the allowed base return on common equity under the MISO tariff;
- remediation matters associated with former MGP and waste disposal sites of the Ameren Companies; and
- class action lawsuit against Ameren Missouri relating to municipal taxes.ITEM1A. RISK FACTORS.
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in the Form 10-K.ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.The following table presents Ameren Corporation's purchases of equity securities reportable under Item703 of Regulation S-K:
Period(a)TotalNumber of Shares (or Units)
Purchased (a)(b)AveragePrice Paid per Share (or Unit)(c)TotalNumberofShares (orUnits)PurchasedasPart ofPubliclyAnnouncedPlans or Programs (d)MaximumNumber(orApproximateDollarValue)ofShares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs January1 - January 31, 201614,574$42.79--February1 - February 29,2016 1,060,000 47.30--March1 - March 31, 2016 29,844 47.00--Total1,104,418$
47.23--(a) The January shares were purchased in open-market transactions to fund Ameren's obligations under its directors' stock compensation awards, which were granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan. The February and March shares of Ameren common stock were purchased in open-market transactions to fund Ameren's obligation with respect to vested performance units, which were granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan. Ameren does not have any publicly announced equity securities repurchase plans or
programs.Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois did not purchase equity securities reportable under Item703 of Regulation S-K during the period from January 1, 2016 to March31, 2016.
55 ITEM6. EXHIBITS. The documents listed below are being filed or have previously been filed on behalf of the Ameren Companies and are incorporated herein by reference from the documents indicated and made a part hereof. Exhibits not identified as previously filed are filed herewith.
ExhibitDesignationRegistrant(s)
Nature of Exhibit Previously Filed as Exhibit to:
Material Contracts 10.1 Ameren Consulting Agreement between Jack D. Woodard and the Nuclear and Operations Committee of the Board of Directors of Ameren Corporation, effective May 1, 2016 Statement re: Computation of Ratios 12.1 Ameren Ameren's Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 12.2 Ameren Missouri Ameren Missouri's Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges and Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend
Requirements 12.3 Ameren Illinois Ameren Illinois' Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
and Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certifications 31.1 Ameren Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Ameren 31.2 Ameren Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Ameren 31.3 Ameren Missouri Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Ameren
Missouri 31.4 Ameren Missouri Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Ameren
Missouri 31.5 Ameren Illinois Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Ameren
Illinois 31.6 Ameren Illinois Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Ameren
Illinois Section 1350 Certifications 32.1 Ameren Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of Ameren 32.2 Ameren Missouri Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial
Officer of Ameren Missouri 32.3 Ameren Illinois Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial
Officer of Ameren Illinois Interactive Data Files101.INSAmeren Companies XBRL Instance Document101.SCHAmeren Companies XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document101.CALAmeren Companies XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document101.LABAmeren Companies XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document101.PREAmeren Companies XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document101.DEFAmeren Companies XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition DocumentThe file number references for the Ameren Companies' filings with the SEC are: Ameren, 1-14756; Ameren Missouri, 1-2967; and Ameren Illinois, 1-3672.
Each registrant hereby undertakes to furnish to the SEC upon request a copy of any long-term debt instrument not listed above that such registrant has not filed as an exhibit pursuant to the exemption provided by Item601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.
56SIGNATURESPursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature for each undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company or its subsidiaries.AMEREN CORPORATION (Registrant)
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (Registrant)
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (Registrant)
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Date: May 10, 2016 Exhibit 12.1 Ameren Corporation Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Thousands of Dollars, Except Ratios)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Earnings available for fixed charges, as defined:
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Ameren Corporation$105,426 Tax expense based on income 31,061 Fixed charges excluding subsidiary preferred stock dividends tax adjustment 103,377 Earnings available for fixed charges, as defined$239,864 Fixed charges, as defined:
Interest expense on short-term and long-term debt$93,760 Estimated interest cost within rental expense 2,339 Amortization of net debt premium, discount, and expenses 5,667 Subsidiary preferred stock dividends 1,611 Adjust subsidiary preferred stock dividends to pretax basis 989 Total fixed charges, as defined$104,366 Consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.30 Exhibit 12.2 Union Electric Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements (Thousands of Dollars, Except Ratios)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Earnings available for fixed charges, as defined:
Net income
$14,426 Tax expense based on income 8,611 Fixed charges 57,144 Earnings available for fixed charges, as defined
$80,181 Fixed charges, as defined:
Interest expense on short-term and long-term debt
$54,491 Estimated interest cost within rental expense 1,107 Amortization of net debt premium, discount, and expenses 1,546 Total fixed charges, as defined
$57,144 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.40 Earnings required for combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends:
Preferred stock dividends
$855 Adjustment to pretax basis 510$1,365 Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements
$58,509 Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements 1.37 Exhibit 12.3 Ameren Illinois Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements (Thousands of Dollars, Except Ratios)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Earnings available for fixed charges, as defined:
Net income$59,855 Tax expense based on income 37,916 Fixed charges 37,440 Earnings available for fixed charges, as defined$135,211 Fixed charges, as defined:
Interest expense on short-term and long-term debt$32,605 Estimated interest cost within rental expense 1,239 Amortization of net debt premium, discount, and expenses 3,596 Total fixed charges, as defined$37,440 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 3.61 Earnings required for combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends:
Preferred stock dividends
$756 Adjustment to pretax basis 479$1,235 Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements$38,675 Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements 3.50 Exhibit 31.1RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONOF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AMEREN CORPORATION(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) I, Warner L. Baxter, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of Ameren Corporation;
- 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Warner L. BaxterWarner L. BaxterChairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Exhibit 31.2RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONOF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OF AMEREN CORPORATION(required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) I, Martin J. Lyons, Jr., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of Ameren Corporation;
- 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Exhibit 31.3RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONOF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) I, Michael L. Moehn, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of UnionElectric Company; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Michael L. Moehn Michael L. Moehn Chairman and President (Principal Executive Officer)
Exhibit 31.4RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONOF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OF UNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) I, Martin J. Lyons, Jr., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of UnionElectric Company; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Exhibit 31.5RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONOF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) I, Richard J. Mark, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of Ameren Illinois Company; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Richard J. Mark Richard J. Mark Chairman and President (Principal Executive Officer)
Exhibit 31.6RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONOF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OF AMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) I, Martin J. Lyons, Jr., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of Ameren Illinois Company; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Exhibit 32.1SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OFAMEREN CORPORATION (required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)In connection with the report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of AmerenCorporation (the"Registrant") as filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission onthe date hereof (the "Form 10-Q"), each undersigned officer of the Registrant does hereby certify, pursuant to 18U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:(1) The Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and(2) The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Warner L. BaxterWarner L. BaxterChairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Exhibit 32.2SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERAND THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OFUNION ELECTRIC COMPANY (required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
In connection with the report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of UnionElectric Company (the "Registrant") as filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commissiononthe date hereof (the "Form 10-Q"), each undersigned officer of the Registrant does hereby certify, pursuant to 18U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:(1) The Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and(2) The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Michael L. Moehn Michael L. Moehn Chairman and President (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Exhibit 32.3SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERAND THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER OFAMEREN ILLINOIS COMPANY (required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)In connection with the report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016 of Ameren Illinois Company (the "Registrant") as filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission onthe date hereof (the "Form 10-Q"), each undersigned officer of the Registrant does herebycertify, pursuant to 18U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:(1) The Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and(2) The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
Date: May 10, 2016
/s/ Richard J. Mark Richard J. Mark Chairman and President (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Martin J. Lyons, Jr.Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)