UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023
or
| Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
| For the transition period from ______________ to ______________ | |||||
Commission File Number 1-3548
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(218 ) 279-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Non-Accelerated Filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☐
Emerging Growth Company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
Common Stock, without par value,
as of March 31, 2023
Index
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
2
Definitions
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the text. References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to ALLETE, Inc., and its subsidiaries, collectively.
| Abbreviation or Acronym | Term | ||||
| AFUDC | Allowance for Funds Used During Construction – the cost of both debt and equity funds used to finance regulated utility plant additions during construction periods | ||||
| ALLETE | ALLETE, Inc. | ||||
| ALLETE Clean Energy | ALLETE Clean Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries | ||||
| ALLETE Properties | ALLETE Properties, LLC and its subsidiaries | ||||
| ALLETE South Wind | ALLETE South Wind, LLC | ||||
| ALLETE Transmission Holdings | ALLETE Transmission Holdings, Inc. | ||||
| ATC | American Transmission Company LLC | ||||
| Bison | Bison Wind Energy Center | ||||
| BNI Energy | BNI Energy, Inc. and its subsidiary | ||||
| Boswell | Boswell Energy Center | ||||
| Cliffs | Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. | ||||
| Company | ALLETE, Inc. and its subsidiaries | ||||
| COVID-19 | 2019 novel coronavirus | ||||
| CSAPR | Cross-State Air Pollution Rule | ||||
| EPA | United States Environmental Protection Agency | ||||
| ESOP | Employee Stock Ownership Plan | ||||
| FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | ||||
| Form 10-K | ALLETE Annual Report on Form 10-K | ||||
| Form 10-Q | ALLETE Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q | ||||
| GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America | ||||
| GHG | Greenhouse Gases | ||||
| Invest Direct | ALLETE’s Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan | ||||
| Item ___ | Item ___ of this Form 10-Q | ||||
| kWh | Kilowatt-hour(s) | ||||
| Laskin | Laskin Energy Center | ||||
| Lampert Capital Markets | Lampert Capital Markets, Inc. | ||||
| Minnesota Power | An operating division of ALLETE, Inc. | ||||
| Minnkota Power | Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. | ||||
| MISO | Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. | ||||
| Moody’s | Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. | ||||
| MPCA | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency | ||||
| MPUC | Minnesota Public Utilities Commission | ||||
| MW | Megawatt(s) | ||||
| NAAQS | National Ambient Air Quality Standards | ||||
| NDPSC | North Dakota Public Service Commission | ||||
| New Energy | New Energy Equity LLC | ||||
| Nobles 2 | Nobles 2 Power Partners, LLC | ||||
| NOL | Net Operating Loss | ||||
NOX | Nitrogen Oxides | ||||
| Northshore Mining | Northshore Mining Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. | ||||
| Note ___ | Note ___ to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q | ||||
| NPDES | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System | ||||
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
3
| Abbreviation or Acronym | Term | ||||
| NTEC | Nemadji Trail Energy Center | ||||
| PPA / PSA | Power Purchase Agreement / Power Sales Agreement | ||||
| PPACA | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 | ||||
| PSCW | Public Service Commission of Wisconsin | ||||
| SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission | ||||
| Silver Bay Power | Silver Bay Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. | ||||
SO2 | Sulfur Dioxide | ||||
| Square Butte | Square Butte Electric Cooperative, a North Dakota cooperative corporation | ||||
| South Shore Energy | South Shore Energy, LLC | ||||
| ST Paper | ST Paper LLC | ||||
| SWL&P | Superior Water, Light and Power Company | ||||
| Taconite Harbor | Taconite Harbor Energy Center | ||||
| U.S. | United States of America | ||||
| USS Corporation | United States Steel Corporation | ||||
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
4
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this report that are not statements of 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 can be no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, future expectations, risks, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, events, uncertainties, financial performance, or growth strategies (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “likely,” “will continue,” “could,” “may,” “potential,” “target,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking.
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 our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ALLETE in this Form 10-Q, in presentations, on our website, in response to questions or otherwise. These statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors, in addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements:
•our ability to successfully implement our strategic objectives;
•global and domestic economic conditions affecting us or our customers;
•changes in and compliance with laws and regulations or changes in tax rates or policies;
•changes in rates of inflation or availability of key materials and supplies;
•the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings (whether civil or criminal) and settlements;
•weather conditions, natural disasters and pandemic diseases, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
•our ability to access capital markets, bank financing and other financing sources;
•changes in interest rates and the performance of the financial markets;
•project delays or changes in project costs;
•changes in operating expenses and capital expenditures and our ability to raise revenues from our customers;
•the impacts of commodity prices on ALLETE and our customers;
•our ability to attract and retain qualified, skilled and experienced personnel;
•effects of emerging technology;
•war, acts of terrorism and cybersecurity attacks;
•our ability to manage expansion and integrate acquisitions;
•population growth rates and demographic patterns;
•wholesale power market conditions;
•federal and state regulatory and legislative actions that impact regulated utility economics, including our allowed rates of return, capital structure, ability to secure financing, industry and rate structure, acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities, operation and construction of plant facilities and utility infrastructure, recovery of purchased power, capital investments and other expenses, including present or prospective environmental matters;
•effects of competition, including competition for retail and wholesale customers;
•effects of restructuring initiatives in the electric industry;
•the impacts on our businesses of climate change and future regulation to restrict the emissions of GHG;
•effects of increased deployment of distributed low-carbon electricity generation resources;
•the impacts of laws and regulations related to renewable and distributed generation;
•pricing, availability and transportation of fuel and other commodities and the ability to recover the costs of such commodities;
•our current and potential industrial and municipal customers’ ability to execute announced expansion plans;
•real estate market conditions where our legacy Florida real estate investment is located may deteriorate; and
•the success of efforts to realize value from, invest in, and develop new opportunities.
Additional disclosures regarding factors that could cause our results or performance to differ from those anticipated by this report are discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2022 Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which that statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of these factors, nor can it assess the impact of each of these factors on the businesses of ALLETE or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by ALLETE in this Form 10-Q and in other reports filed with the SEC that attempt to identify the risks and uncertainties that may affect ALLETE’s business.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
5
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Unaudited
| March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance of $1.7 and $1.6) | |||||||||||
| Inventories – Net | |||||||||||
| Prepayments and Other | |||||||||||
| Total Current Assets | |||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment – Net | |||||||||||
| Regulatory Assets | |||||||||||
| Equity Investments | |||||||||||
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets – Net | |||||||||||
| Other Non-Current Assets | |||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts Payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued Taxes | |||||||||||
| Accrued Interest | |||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | |||||||||||
| Deferred Income Taxes | |||||||||||
| Regulatory Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | |||||||||||
| Other Non-Current Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies (Note 6) | |||||||||||
| Equity | |||||||||||
| ALLETE Equity | |||||||||||
| Common Stock Without Par Value, 80.0 Shares Authorized, 57.3 and 57.2 Shares Issued and Outstanding | |||||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Retained Earnings | |||||||||||
| Total ALLETE Equity | |||||||||||
| Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries | |||||||||||
| Total Equity | |||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
6
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Unaudited
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Millions Except Per Share Amounts | ||||||||
| Operating Revenue | ||||||||
| Contracts with Customers – Utility | $ | $ | ||||||
| Contracts with Customers – Non-utility | ||||||||
| Other – Non-utility | ||||||||
| Total Operating Revenue | ||||||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility | ||||||||
| Transmission Services – Utility | ||||||||
| Cost of Sales – Non-utility | ||||||||
| Operating and Maintenance | ||||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | ||||||||
| Taxes Other than Income Taxes | ||||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Operating Income | ||||||||
| Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||
| Interest Expense | ( | ( | ||||||
| Equity Earnings | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total Other Expense | ( | ( | ||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | ||||||||
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | ( | |||||||
| Net Income | ||||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest | ( | ( | ||||||
| Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $ | $ | ||||||
| Average Shares of Common Stock | ||||||||
| Basic | ||||||||
| Diluted | ||||||||
| Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock | $ | $ | ||||||
| Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
7
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Unaudited
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||||
| Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities | |||||||||||
| Net of Income Tax Expense of $0.1 and $– | ( | ||||||||||
| Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | |||||||||||
| Net of Income Tax Expense of $– and $0.1 | |||||||||||
| Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ( | ||||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income | |||||||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to ALLETE | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
8
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Unaudited
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 31 | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
| Operating Activities | |||||||||||
| Net Income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities: | |||||||||||
| AFUDC – Equity | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income from Equity Investments – Net of Dividends | |||||||||||
| Loss on Investments and Property, Plant and Equipment | |||||||||||
| Depreciation Expense | |||||||||||
| Amortization of PSAs | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Amortization of Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets | |||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Benefit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Share-Based and ESOP Compensation Expense | |||||||||||
| Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Fuel Adjustment Clause | ( | ||||||||||
| Bad Debt Expense | |||||||||||
| Provision for Interim Rate Refund | |||||||||||
| Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable | |||||||||||
| Inventories | ( | ||||||||||
| Prepayments and Other | ( | ||||||||||
| Accounts Payable | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Current Liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash Contributions to Defined Benefit Pension Plans | ( | ||||||||||
| Changes in Regulatory and Other Non-Current Assets | ( | ||||||||||
| Changes in Regulatory and Other Non-Current Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Investing Activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities | |||||||||||
| Payments for Purchase of Available-for-sale Securities | ( | ||||||||||
| Payments for Equity Method Investments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Investing Activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash used in Investing Activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Financing Activities | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from Issuance of Short-Term and Long-Term Debt | |||||||||||
| Repayments of Short-Term and Long-Term Debt | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries – Net | |||||||||||
| Dividends on Common Stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other Financing Activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash provided by (used in) Financing Activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | |||||||||||
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
9
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
Unaudited
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Millions Except Per Share Amounts | ||||||||
| Common Stock | ||||||||
| Balance, Beginning of Period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Common Stock Issued | ||||||||
| Balance, End of Period | ||||||||
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ||||||||
| Balance, Beginning of Period | ( | ( | ||||||
| Other Comprehensive Income – Net of Income Taxes | ||||||||
| Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Debt Securities | ( | |||||||
| Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans | ||||||||
| Balance, End of Period | ( | ( | ||||||
| Retained Earnings | ||||||||
| Balance, Beginning of Period | ||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | ||||||||
| Common Stock Dividends | ( | ( | ||||||
| Balance, End of Period | ||||||||
| Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries | ||||||||
| Balance, Beginning of Period | ||||||||
| Proceeds from Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries – Net | ||||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest | ( | ( | ||||||
| Distributions to Non-Controlling Interest | ( | ( | ||||||
| Balance, End of Period | ||||||||
| Total Equity | $ | $ | ||||||
| Dividends Per Share of Common Stock | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – UNAUDITED
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X, and do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Similarly, the December 31, 2022, Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The presentation of certain prior period amounts on the Consolidated Financial Statements have been adjusted for comparative purposes. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of financial results. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2023. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes included in our 2022 Form 10-K.
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. We consider all investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2023, restricted cash amounts included in Prepayments and Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheet include collateral deposits required under an ALLETE Clean Energy loan. The restricted cash amounts included in Other Non-Current Assets represent collateral deposits required under an ALLETE Clean Energy loan agreement as well as PSAs. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheet that aggregate to the amounts presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Cash included in Prepayments and Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Cash included in Other Non-Current Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Inventories – Net. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories in our Regulated Operations segment are carried at an average cost or first-in, first-out basis. Inventories in our ALLETE Clean Energy segment and Corporate and Other businesses are carried at an average cost, first-in, first-out or specific identification basis.
| Inventories – Net | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
Fuel (a) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Materials and Supplies | |||||||||||
Renewable Energy Facilities Under Development (b) | |||||||||||
| Total Inventories – Net | $ | $ | |||||||||
(a) Fuel consists primarily of coal inventory at Minnesota Power.
(b) Renewable Energy Facilities Under Development consists primarily of project costs related to ALLETE Clean Energy’s Northern Wind project sold in the first quarter of 2023 and Red Barn wind project sold in April 2023. (See Other Current Liabilities.)
Goodwill. The aggregate carrying amount of goodwill was $154.9 million as of March 31, 2023 ($154.9 million as of December 31, 2022). There have been no changes to goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
11
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
| Other Non-Current Assets | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
Contract Assets (a) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets | |||||||||||
| ALLETE Properties | |||||||||||
| Restricted Cash | |||||||||||
| Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Other Non-Current Assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Other Current Liabilities | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
Customer Deposits (a) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| PSAs | |||||||||||
| Provision for Interim Rate Refund | |||||||||||
Manufactured Gas Plant (b) | |||||||||||
| Operating Lease Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Other Current Liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
(a) Primarily related to deposits received by ALLETE Clean Energy for the Northern Wind and Red Barn wind projects sold in the first quarter of 2023 and April 2023, respectively. (See Inventories – Net.)
| Other Non-Current Liabilities | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
Asset Retirement Obligation (a) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| PSAs | |||||||||||
| Operating Lease Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Other Non-Current Liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
12
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31 | ||||||||
| Other Income | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Non-Service Credits (a) | $ | $ | ||||||
| Interest and Investment Income | ||||||||
| AFUDC - Equity | ||||||||
| Other | ( | |||||||
| Total Other Income | $ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
| Cash Paid for Interest – Net of Amounts Capitalized | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash Paid for Income Taxes | $ | ||||||||||
| Noncash Investing and Financing Activities | |||||||||||
| Decrease in Accounts Payable for Capital Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment | $( | $( | |||||||||
| Capitalized Asset Retirement Costs | $ | $ | |||||||||
| AFUDC–Equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries. Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and net loss attributable to non-controlling interest on the Consolidated Statement of Income represent the portion of equity ownership and earnings, respectively, of subsidiaries that are not attributable to equity holders of ALLETE. These amounts are primarily related to the tax equity financing structures for ALLETE Clean Energy’s 106 MW Glen Ullin, 80 MW South Peak, 303 MW Diamond Spring and 303 MW Caddo wind energy facilities as well as ALLETE’s equity investment in the 250 MW Nobles 2 wind energy facility.
Subsequent Events. The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date of the financial statements issuance.
On April 5, 2023, ALLETE Clean Energy closed on the sale of the Red Barn wind project and received cash proceeds of approximately $160 million.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
13
NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS
Regulatory matters are summarized in Note 4. Regulatory Matters to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2022 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure provided in the following paragraphs.
Electric Rates. Entities within our Regulated Operations segment file for periodic rate revisions with the MPUC, PSCW or FERC. As authorized by the MPUC, Minnesota Power also recognizes revenue under cost recovery riders for transmission, renewable, and environmental investments and expenditures. Revenue from cost recovery riders was $16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 ($6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022).
2022 Minnesota General Rate Case. On November 1, 2021, Minnesota Power filed a retail rate increase request with the MPUC seeking an average increase of approximately 18 percent for retail customers. The rate filing sought a return on equity of 10.25 percent and a 53.81 percent equity ratio. On an annualized basis, the requested final rate increase would generate approximately $108 million in additional revenue.
In an order dated February 28, 2023, the MPUC made determinations regarding Minnesota Power’s general rate case including allowing a return on common equity of 9.65 percent and a 52.50 percent equity ratio. Upon commencement of final rates, we expect additional revenue from base rates of approximately $60 million and an additional $10 million in revenue recognized under cost recovery riders on an annualized basis, subject to final written order and reconsideration. On March 20, 2023, Minnesota Power filed a petition for reconsideration with the MPUC requesting reconsideration and clarification of certain decisions in the MPUC’s order. Minnesota Power’s petition included requesting reconsideration of the ratemaking treatment of the Taconite Harbor Energy Center and the Company’s prepaid pension asset as well as clarification on interim rate treatment for sales to certain customers that did not operate during 2022. The MPUC denied the requests for reconsideration at a hearing on April 27, 2023, and provided clarification in support of Minnesota Power’s treatment of certain customers that did not operate during 2022. Final rates are expected to commence in the third quarter of 2023; interim rates will be collected through this period with reserves recorded as necessary. Minnesota Power has recorded a reserve for an interim rate refund of $23.5 million pre-tax as of March 31, 2023 ($18.4 million as of December 31, 2022), which is subject to MPUC approval of Minnesota Power’s refund calculation.
Renewable Cost Recovery Rider. Minnesota Power has an approved cost recovery rider in place to charge retail customers on a current basis for the costs of certain renewable investments and expenditures, including a return on the capital invested. Current customer billing rates for the renewable cost recovery rider were approved by the MPUC in an order dated January 24, 2023. On March 29, 2023, Minnesota Power submitted its latest renewable factor filing. If the filing is approved, Minnesota Power would be authorized to include updated billing rates on customer bills.
Fuel Adjustment Clause. Minnesota Power incurred higher fuel and purchased power costs in 2022 than those factored in its fuel adjustment forecast filed in May 2021 for 2022, which resulted in the recognition of an approximately $13 million regulatory asset as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022. Minnesota Power requested recovery of the regulatory asset as part of its annual true-up filing submitted to the MPUC on March 1, 2023.
Conservation Improvement Program. On April 3, 2023, Minnesota Power submitted its 2022 consolidated filing detailing Minnesota Power’s CIP program results and requesting a CIP financial incentive of $2.2 million based upon MPUC procedures, which will be recognized upon approval by the MPUC. In 2022, a CIP financial incentive of $1.9 million was recognized in the second quarter upon approval by the MPUC of Minnesota Power’s 2021 CIP consolidated filing. CIP financial incentives are recognized in the period in which the MPUC approves the filing.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
14
NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. Our regulated utility operations are subject to accounting standards for the effects of certain types of regulation. Regulatory assets represent incurred costs that have been deferred as they are probable for recovery in customer rates. Regulatory liabilities represent obligations to make refunds to customers and amounts collected in rates for which the related costs have not yet been incurred. The Company assesses quarterly whether regulatory assets and liabilities meet the criteria for probability of future recovery or deferral. The recovery, refund or credit to rates for these regulatory assets and liabilities will occur over the periods either specified by the applicable regulatory authority or over the corresponding period related to the asset or liability.
| Regulatory Assets and Liabilities | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
Current Regulatory Assets (a) | |||||||||||
| Fuel Adjustment Clause | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total Current Regulatory Assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Non-Current Regulatory Assets | |||||||||||
| Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Income Taxes | |||||||||||
| Cost Recovery Riders | |||||||||||
| Asset Retirement Obligations | |||||||||||
Taconite Harbor Energy Center (b) | |||||||||||
| Fuel Adjustment Clause | |||||||||||
Manufactured Gas Plant | |||||||||||
| PPACA Income Tax Deferral | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
Current Regulatory Liabilities (c) | |||||||||||
Provision for Interim Rate Refund (d) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Transmission Formula Rates Refund | $ | ||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Current Regulatory Liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Income Taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Wholesale and Retail Contra AFUDC | |||||||||||
| Plant Removal Obligations | |||||||||||
| North Dakota Investment Tax Credits | |||||||||||
| Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | |||||||||||
| Fuel Adjustment Clause | |||||||||||
| Boswell Units 1 and 2 Net Plant and Equipment | |||||||||||
| Non-Jurisdictional Land Sales | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
(a)Current regulatory assets are presented within Prepayments and Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(b)In the first quarter of 2023, Minnesota Power retired Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2. The remaining net book value was reclassified from property, plant and equipment to a regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when the units were retired. Minnesota Power expects to receive recovery of the remaining net book value from customers.
(c)Current regulatory liabilities are presented within Other Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(d)See 2022 Minnesota General Rate Case.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
15
NOTE 3. EQUITY INVESTMENTS
Investment in ATC. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ALLETE Transmission Holdings, owns approximately 8 percent of ATC, a Wisconsin-based utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. We account for our investment in ATC under the equity method of accounting.
| ALLETE’s Investment in ATC | |||||
| Millions | |||||
| Equity Investment Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | ||||
| Cash Investments | |||||
| Equity in ATC Earnings | |||||
| Distributed ATC Earnings | ( | ||||
| Amortization of the Remeasurement of Deferred Income Taxes | |||||
| Equity Investment Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | ||||
ATC’s authorized return on equity was 10.02 percent, or 10.52 percent including an incentive adder for participation in a regional transmission organization, based on a 2020 FERC order which is subject to various outstanding legal challenges related to the return on equity calculation and refund period ordered by the FERC. In August 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated and remanded the 2020 FERC order back to FERC. We cannot predict the return on equity the FERC will ultimately authorize in the remanded proceeding.
In addition, the FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in 2021 proposing to limit the 50 basis point incentive adder for participation in a regional transmission organization to only the first three years of membership in such an organization. If this proposal is adopted, our equity in earnings from ATC would be reduced by approximately $1 million pre-tax annually.
Investment in Nobles 2. Our subsidiary, ALLETE South Wind, owns 49 percent of Nobles 2, the entity that owns and operates a 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern Minnesota pursuant to a 20 -year PPA with Minnesota Power. We account for our investment in Nobles 2 under the equity method of accounting.
| ALLETE’s Investment in Nobles 2 | |||||
| Millions | |||||
| Equity Investment Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | ||||
Equity in Nobles 2 Earnings (a) | |||||
| Distributed Nobles 2 Earnings | ( | ||||
| Equity Investment Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | ||||
(a)The Company also recorded earnings from net loss attributable to non-controlling interest of $3.3 million related to its investment in Nobles 2.
NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
16
NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE (Continued)
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022. Each asset and liability is classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, which may affect the valuation of these assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The estimated fair value of Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheet approximates the carrying amount and therefore is excluded from the recurring fair value measures in the following tables.
| Fair Value as of March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recurring Fair Value Measures | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale – Equity Securities | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale – Corporate and Governmental Debt Securities (b) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Equivalents | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value of Assets | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred Compensation (c) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value of Liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value as of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recurring Fair Value Measures | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Investments (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale – Equity Securities | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale – Corporate and Governmental Debt Securities | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Equivalents | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value of Assets | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred Compensation (c) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value of Liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Included in Other Non-Current Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(b)As of March 31, 2023, the aggregate amount of available-for-sale corporate and governmental debt securities maturing in one year or less was $1.2 million, in one year to less than three years was $2.4 million, in three years to less than five years was $1.7 million and in five or more years was $0.4 million.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. With the exception of the item listed in the following table, the estimated fair value of all financial instruments approximates the carrying amount. The fair value of the item listed in the following table was based on quoted market prices for the same or similar instruments (Level 2).
| Financial Instruments | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (a) | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | |||||||||
(a)Excludes unamortized debt issuance costs.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis. Non-financial assets such as equity method investments, land inventory, and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no indicators of impairment for these non-financial assets.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
17
NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE (Continued)
We continue to monitor changes in the broader energy markets along with wind resource expectations that could indicate impairment at ALLETE Clean Energy wind energy facilities upon contract expirations or for facilities without long-term contracts for their entire output. A continued decline in energy prices or lower wind resource expectations could result in a future impairment.
NOTE 5. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
The following tables present the Company’s short-term and long-term debt as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022:
| March 31, 2023 | Principal | Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Debt | $ | $( | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Debt | $ | $( | $ | ||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | Principal | Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||
| Short-Term Debt | $ | $( | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Long-Term Debt | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Debt | $ | $( | $ | ||||||||||||||
We had $25.3 million outstanding in standby letters of credit and $211.2 million outstanding draws under our lines of credit as of March 31, 2023 ($32.8 million in standby letters of credit and $31.3 million outstanding draws as of December 31, 2022). We also have standby letters of credit outstanding under other letter of credit facilities. (See Note 6. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
On April 27, 2023, ALLETE issued $125 million of its First Mortgage Bonds (Bonds) to certain institutional buyers in the private placement market. The Bonds, which bear interest at 4.98 percent, will mature in April 2033 and pay interest semi-annually in May and November of each year, commencing on November 1, 2023. ALLETE has the option to prepay all or a portion of the Bonds at its discretion, subject to a make-whole provision. The Bonds are subject to additional terms and conditions which are customary for these types of transactions. Proceeds from the sale of the Bonds were used to refinance existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The Bonds were sold in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to institutional accredited investors.
Financial Covenants. Our long-term debt arrangements contain customary covenants. In addition, our lines of credit and letters of credit supporting certain long-term debt arrangements contain financial covenants. Our compliance with financial covenants is not dependent on debt ratings. The most restrictive financial covenant requires ALLETE to maintain a ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as the amounts are calculated in accordance with the respective long-term debt arrangements) of less than or equal to 0.65 to 1.00, measured quarterly. As of March 31, 2023, our ratio was approximately 0.38 to 1.00. Failure to meet this covenant would give rise to an event of default if not cured after notice from the lender, in which event ALLETE may need to pursue alternative sources of funding. Some of ALLETE’s debt arrangements contain “cross-default” provisions that would result in an event of default if there is a failure under other financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe other covenants that would result in an acceleration of payments due. ALLETE has no significant restrictions on its ability to pay dividends from retained earnings or net income. As of March 31, 2023, ALLETE was in compliance with its financial covenants.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
18
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
Power Purchase and Sale Agreements. Our long-term PPAs have been evaluated under the accounting guidance for variable interest entities. We have determined that either we have no variable interest in the PPAs or, where we do have variable interests, we are not the primary beneficiary; therefore, consolidation is not required. These conclusions are based on the fact that we do not have both control over activities that are most significant to the entity and an obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity’s performance. Our financial exposure relating to these PPAs is limited to our capacity and energy payments.
Our PPAs are summarized in Note 9. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2022 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure provided in the following paragraphs.
Square Butte PPA. As of March 31, 2023, Square Butte had total debt outstanding of $187.0 million. Fuel expenses are recoverable through Minnesota Power’s fuel adjustment clause and include the cost of coal purchased from BNI Energy under a long-term contract. Minnesota Power’s cost of power purchased from Square Butte during the three months ended March 31, 2023, was $22.1 million ($20.3 million for the same period in 2022). This reflects Minnesota Power’s pro rata share of total Square Butte costs based on the 50 percent output entitlement. Included in this amount was Minnesota Power’s pro rata share of interest expense of $1.3 million ($1.0 million for the same period in 2022). Minnesota Power’s payments to Square Butte are approved as a purchased power expense for ratemaking purposes by both the MPUC and the FERC.
Minnkota Power PSA. Minnesota Power has a PSA with Minnkota Power, which commenced in 2014. Under the PSA, Minnesota Power is selling a portion of its entitlement from Square Butte to Minnkota Power, resulting in Minnkota Power’s net entitlement increasing and Minnesota Power’s net entitlement decreasing until Minnesota Power’s share is eliminated at the end of 2025. Of Minnesota Power’s 50 percent output entitlement, Minnesota Power sold to Minnkota Power approximately 37 percent in 2023 and 32 percent in 2022.
Environmental Matters.
Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters by various federal, state and local authorities. A number of regulatory changes to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and various waste management requirements have been promulgated by both the EPA and state authorities over the past several years. Minnesota Power’s facilities are subject to additional requirements under many of these regulations. Minnesota Power is reshaping its generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal, has installed cost-effective emission control technology, and advocates for sound science and policy during rulemaking implementation.
We consider our businesses to be in substantial compliance with currently applicable environmental regulations and believe all necessary permits have been obtained. We anticipate that with many state and federal environmental regulations and requirements finalized, or to be finalized in the near future, potential expenditures for future environmental matters may be material and require significant capital investments. Minnesota Power has evaluated various environmental compliance scenarios using possible outcomes of environmental regulations to project power supply trends and impacts on customers.
Air. The electric utility industry is regulated both at the federal and state level to address air emissions. Minnesota Power’s thermal generating facilities mainly burn low-sulfur western sub-bituminous coal. All of Minnesota Power’s coal-fired generating facilities are equipped with pollution control equipment such as scrubbers, baghouses and low NOX technologies. Under currently applicable environmental regulations, these facilities are substantially compliant with emission requirements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
19
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). The CSAPR requires certain states in the eastern half of the U.S., including Minnesota, to reduce power plant emissions that contribute to ozone or fine particulate pollution in other states. The CSAPR does not require installation of controls but does require facilities have sufficient allowances to cover their emissions on an annual basis. These allowances are allocated to facilities from each state’s annual budget, and can be bought and sold. The EPA’s CSAPR Update Rule issued in March 2021 revising the 2016 CSAPR Update does not apply to the state of Minnesota and is therefore not currently projected to affect Minnesota Power’s CSAPR compliance. Minnesota Power will continue to monitor ongoing CSAPR rulemakings and compliance implementation, including the EPA’s new Good Neighbor Rule finalized on March 15, 2023, to modify certain aspects of the CSAPR’s program scope and extent.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The EPA is required to review the NAAQS every five years. If the EPA determines that a state’s air quality is not in compliance with the NAAQS, the state is required to adopt plans describing how it will reduce emissions to attain the NAAQS. Minnesota Power actively monitors NAAQS developments and compliance costs for existing standards or proposed NAAQS revisions are not currently expected to be material. The EPA is currently reviewing the secondary NAAQS for NOx and SO2, as well as particulate matter. In June 2021, the EPA announced it would reconsider the December 2020 final rule retaining the 2012 particulate matter NAAQS. On January 6, 2023, the EPA announced a proposed rule to revise the primary annual particulate matter NAAQS from its current level while retaining the other primary and secondary particulate matter NAAQS. A final rule is expected by the end of 2023. The EPA also announced in October 2021 that it was reconsidering the 2020 Ozone NAAQS rule finalized in December 2020, and issued an initial draft policy assessment on April 28, 2022, recommending retention of the current standard. A second version of the draft policy assessment was then published for public comment, and a proposed ozone NAAQS rule is expected in the first half of 2023. Anticipated compliance costs related to the proposed and expected NAAQS revisions cannot yet be estimated; however, costs could be material. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a rate proceeding.
EPA Good Neighbor Plan for 2015 Ozone NAAQS. On March 15, 2023, the EPA published a final rule, the Good Neighbor Plan, to address regional ozone transport for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS by reducing NOx emissions during the period of May 1 through September 30 (ozone season). This rule addresses certain good neighbor or interstate transport provisions of the Clean Air Act relative to the 2015 Ozone NAAQS. In the justification for the final rule, the EPA asserts that 23 states, including Minnesota, are modeled as significant contributors to downwind states’ challenges in attaining or maintaining ozone NAAQS compliance within their state borders. The Good Neighbor Plan is designed to resolve this interstate transport issue by implementing a variety of NOx reduction strategies, including federal implementation plan requirements, NOx emission limitations, and ozone season allowance program requirements, beginning during the 2023 ozone season and sixty days after the final rule is published in the Federal Register. The final rule imposes restrictions on fossil-fuel fired power plants in 22 states and on certain industrial sources in 20 states. Implementation of the rule will occur in part through changes to the existing CSAPR program for power plants.
Minnesota Power previously submitted public comments to the EPA on the April 2022 proposed Good Neighbor Rule. Concerns noted by Minnesota Power and other entities included the technical accuracy of the EPA’s assumptions and methods used to identify Minnesota as a significant contributor state, as well as the proposed rule’s intended timeline. The Company is now reviewing the EPA’s final rule in light of previously expressed concerns with the draft rule, while preparing to comply when the rule becomes effective during the 2023 ozone season. Anticipated compliance costs related to the final Good Neighbor Rule cannot yet be estimated due to uncertainties about allowance costs and facility emissions during the ozone season; however, the costs could be material, including costs of additional NOx controls, emission allowance program participation, or operational changes, if any are required. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a rate proceeding. On February 13, 2023, the EPA also published its final rule to partially disapprove the Good Neighbor State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and to disapprove 19 other SIP submissions. The SIP final action subjects Minnesota to the final Good Neighbor Plan and associated compliance costs will be known when the final SIP rule evaluation and implementation has been completed. On April 14, 2023, Minnesota Power and a coalition of other Minnesota utilities and industry (“the parties”) co-filed challenges to the EPA’s final Minnesota SIP disapproval, submitting a petition for reconsideration and stay to the EPA and a petition for judicial review to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The parties are challenging and requesting reconsideration of certain technical components of the EPA’s review and subsequent partial disapproval of the state of Minnesota’s SIP, including the rulemaking process, air modeling practices and other emissions inventory aspects.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
20
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters (Industrial Boiler MACT) Rule. A final rule issued by the EPA for Industrial Boiler MACT became effective in 2013 with compliance required at major existing sources in 2016. Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Renewable Energy Center and Rapids Energy Center are subject to this rule. Compliance with the Industrial Boiler MACT Rule consisted largely of adjustments to fuels and operating practices and compliance costs were not material. Subsequent to this initial rulemaking, litigation from 2016 through 2018 resulted in court orders directing that the EPA reconsider certain aspects of the regulation including the basis for and numerical value of several different emission limits. On October 6, 2022, the EPA published a final rule in the Federal Register incorporating these changes. The rule became effective on December 5, 2022, imposing a 3-year compliance deadline of October 6, 2025. Minnesota Power’s initial review of this new rule indicates that the revisions should not significantly impact the Company’s affected units. As such, compliance costs associated with the new Industrial Boiler MACT Rule are not currently expected to be material; however, Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a rate proceeding.
EPA Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule. On April 5, 2023, the EPA released a proposed revision to the existing MATS Rule as part of its mandatory 2020 MATS review. In this proposed rule, the EPA is proposing to alter certain compliance and operational requirements, and to lower several emission limits including filterable particulate matter as well as mercury for lignite units. Compliance would be due in the 2026 to 2027 timeframe. The MATS regulation applies at Minnesota Power’s Boswell Energy Center, which is currently well-controlled for these emissions and is in full compliance with existing requirements. The Company is currently reviewing the proposed rule. Compliance costs cannot yet be estimated; however, recovery of any additional costs would be sought through a rate proceeding.
Climate Change. The scientific community generally accepts that emissions of GHGs are linked to global climate change which creates physical and financial risks. Physical risks could include, but are not limited to: increased or decreased precipitation and water levels in lakes and rivers; increased or other changes in temperatures; increased risk of wildfires; and changes in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. These all have the potential to affect the Company’s business and operations. We are addressing climate change by taking the following steps that also ensure reliable and environmentally compliant generation resources to meet our customers’ requirements:
•Expanding renewable power supply for both our operations and the operations of others;
•Providing energy conservation initiatives for our customers and engaging in other demand side management efforts;
•Improving efficiency of our generating facilities;
•Supporting research of technologies to reduce carbon emissions from generating facilities and carbon sequestration efforts;
•Evaluating and developing less carbon intensive future generating assets such as efficient and flexible natural gas‑fired generating facilities;
•Managing vegetation on right-of-way corridors to reduce potential wildfire or storm damage risks; and
•Practicing sound forestry management in our service territories to create landscapes more resilient to disruption from climate-related changes, including planting and managing long-lived conifer species.
EPA Regulation of GHG Emissions. In 2019, the EPA finalized several separate rulemakings regarding regulating carbon emissions from electric utility generating units. These rulemakings included repealing the Clean Power Plan (CPP) and adopting the Affordable Clean Energy Rule under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate CO2 emissions at existing coal-fired power plants. The CPP was first announced as a proposed rule under Section 111(d) of the CAA for existing power plants entitled “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Generating Units”. The Affordable Clean Energy Rule established emissions guidelines for states to use when developing plans to limit CO2 from coal-fired power plants. The EPA also published regulations for the state implementation of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule and other Section 111(d) rules. Affected facilities for Minnesota Power included Boswell Units 3 and 4, Hibbard Units 3 and 4, and Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2; however, Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2 are now retired.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
21
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
In January 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) issued an opinion vacating the Affordable Clean Energy Rule and remanded the Affordable Clean Energy Rule back to the EPA for further consideration, consistent with the D.C. Circuit’s finding that the EPA erred in interpreting the CAA, pending rehearing or appeal. Four petitions for review of the D.C. Circuit’s opinion were subsequently granted by the U.S. Supreme Court in October 2021, consolidated under West Virginia v. EPA et al. On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court released its opinion in favor of West Virginia and aligned parties. The Supreme Court found the EPA’s CPP structure of generation shifting to be disallowed under Section 111(d) of the CCA on grounds of the major questions doctrine. The court did not opine upon the regulatory approach the EPA proposed in the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The petitions were remanded to the D.C. Circuit. The EPA has indicated that it intends to issue a proposed rule in the first half of 2023 with a new set of emission guidelines for states to follow in submitting state plans to establish and implement standards of performance for GHG emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. Minnesota Power will continue to monitor any related guidelines and rulemakings issued by the EPA or state regulatory authorities.
In April 2021, the Biden Administration announced a goal to reach 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 as part of the Nationally Determined Contributions pledge, which is part of an international effort to limit global warming. At this time, no specific regulatory pathway to achieve these reductions has been proposed. Minnesota Power will continue to monitor these developments.
Minnesota had already initiated several measures consistent with those called for under the now repealed CPP and vacated Affordable Clean Energy Rule. Minnesota Power continues implementing its EnergyForward strategic plan that provides for significant emission reductions and diversifying its electricity generation mix to include more renewable and natural gas energy. We are unable to predict the GHG emission compliance costs we might incur as a result of a replacement for the Affordable Clean Energy Rule or other future laws, regulations or administrative policies; however, the costs could be material. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a rate proceeding.
Additionally in January 2021, the EPA issued a rulemaking to apply CO2 emission New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to new, modified and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired electric generating units under Section 111(b) of the CAA. Currently, the EPA is a performing a comprehensive review of the Section 111(b) GHG NSPS for electric generating units. Minnesota Power is monitoring the NSPS final rule and any further Section 111(b) developments including their potential impact to the Company. The proposed combined-cycle natural gas-fired generating facility, NTEC, is expected to meet these NSPS requirements.
On March 15, 2023, the EPA sent a proposed new CAA Section 111 regulation to the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for interagency review, where OMB documentation now indicates this proposal may include proposed regulations for both new, modified and reconstructed sources (Section 111(b) of the CCA) as well as existing (Section 111(d) of the CCA) sources). The EPA’s Fall 2022 unified agenda identified the EPA’s goal of issuing draft regulations in April 2023 and final regulations by June 2024. Minnesota Power will continue to closely track this GHG rulemaking and analyze its potential impacts to our existing and proposed thermal generating facilities.
Water. The Clean Water Act requires NPDES permits be obtained from the EPA (or, when delegated, from individual state pollution control agencies) for any wastewater discharged into navigable waters. We have obtained all necessary NPDES permits, including NPDES storm water permits for applicable facilities, to conduct our operations.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
22
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Limitations Guidelines. In 2015, the EPA issued revised federal effluent limitation guidelines (ELG) for steam electric power generating stations under the Clean Water Act. It set effluent limits and prescribed BACT for several wastewater streams, including flue gas desulphurization (FGD) water, bottom ash transport water and coal combustion landfill leachate. In 2017, the EPA announced a two-year postponement of the ELG compliance date of November 1, 2018, to November 1, 2020, while the agency reconsidered the bottom ash transport water (BATW) and FGD wastewater provisions. On April 12, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated and remanded back to the EPA portions of the ELG that allowed for continued discharge of legacy wastewater and leachate. On October 13, 2020, the EPA published a final ELG Rule allowing re-use of bottom ash transport water in FGD scrubber systems with limited discharges related to maintaining system water balance. The rule sets technology standards and numerical pollutant limits for discharges of bottom ash transport water and FGD wastewater. Compliance deadlines depend on subcategory, with compliance generally required as soon as possible, beginning after October 13, 2021, but no later than December 31, 2025, or December 31, 2028, in some specific cases. The rule also established new subcategories for retiring high-flow and low-utilization units, and established a voluntary incentives program for FGD wastewater. In accordance with the January 2021 Executive Order 13990, the EPA was mandated to conduct a review of actions and polices taken during the prior administration, including the 2020 ELG Rule. On September 14, 2021, the EPA published a notice of availability for its preliminary effluent guidelines program plan. In the plan, the EPA confirmed the agency is initiating a rulemaking process to strengthen wastewater pollution limitations from FGD and bottom ash transport water discharges while the 2020 ELG Rule remains in effect.
On March 29, 2023, the EPA published a proposed new ELG rule in the Federal Register to update the 2020 ELGs; the public comment period is open until May 30, 2023. In the proposed rule, the EPA is revising ELGs for existing sources, including establishing zero discharge limitations for BATW and FGD wastewater; new limits for combustion residual leachate; and allowing states to set discharge limits for legacy wastewater in surface impoundments based on best professional judgement. The rule proposes to preserve flexibility and maintain exemptions for units permanently ceasing coal combustion by 2028, and adds a new category for units that have already complied with the 2020 ELG rule and which will retire by 2032. Additionally, the EPA is encouraging state permitting authorities to conduct functional equivalency tests for facilities with landfills or CCR surface impoundments to identify groundwater to surface water point source discharges. More stringent limitations would apply where point source discharges occur.
Bottom ash transport and FGD wastewater ELGs are not expected to have a significant impact on Minnesota Power operations. Boswell Energy Center, where these ELGs are applicable, completed conversion to dry bottom ash handling and installed a FGD dewatering system in September 2022. The dry conversion projects eliminated bottom ash transport water and minimized wastewater from the FGD system. Re-use and onsite consumption is planned for the remaining FGD waste stream and for dewatering legacy wastewater from Boswell’s existing impoundments.
The EPA’s reconsideration of legacy wastewater and leachate discharge requirements has the potential to impact dewatering associated with the closed impoundment at Laskin Energy Center and the closed Taconite Harbor Energy Center dry ash landfill.
At this time, we estimate no additional material compliance costs for ELG bottom ash water and FGD requirements. Compliance costs we might incur related to other ELG waste streams (e.g., leachate) or other potential future water discharge regulations at Minnesota Power facilities cannot be estimated; however, the costs could be material, including costs associated with wastewater treatment and re-use. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a rate proceeding.
Permitted Water Discharges – Sulfate. In 2017, the MPCA released a draft water quality standard in an attempt to update Minnesota’s existing 10 mg/L sulfate limit for waters used for the production of wild rice with the proposed rulemaking heard before an administrative law judge (ALJ). In 2018, the ALJ rejected significant portions of the proposed rulemaking and the MPCA subsequently withdrew the rulemaking. The existing 10 mg/L limit remains in place, but the MPCA is currently prohibited under state law from listing wild rice waters as impaired or requiring sulfate reduction technology.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
23
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
In April 2021, the MPCA’s proposed list of impaired waters submitted pursuant to the Clean Water Act was partially rejected by the EPA due to the absence of wild rice waters listed for sulfate impairment. The EPA transmitted a final list of 32 EPA-added wild rice waters to the MPCA in November 2021. This list could subsequently be used to set sulfate limits in discharge permits for power generation facilities and municipal and industrial customers, including paper and pulp facilities, and mining operations. At this time we are unable to determine the specific impacts these developments may have on Minnesota Power operations, if any. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a rate proceeding.
Solid and Hazardous Waste. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 regulates the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. We are required to notify the EPA of hazardous waste activity and, consequently, routinely submit reports to the EPA.
Coal Ash Management Facilities. Minnesota Power produces the majority of its coal ash at Boswell, with small amounts of ash generated at Hibbard Renewable Energy Center. Ash storage and disposal methods include storing ash in clay-lined onsite impoundments (ash ponds), disposing of dry ash in a lined dry ash landfill, applying ash to land as an approved beneficial use, and trucking ash to state permitted landfills.
Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities (CCR). In 2015, the EPA published the final rule (2015 Rule) regulating CCR as nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the Federal Register. The rule includes additional requirements for new landfill and impoundment construction as well as closure activities related to certain existing impoundments. Costs of compliance for Boswell and Laskin are expected to be incurred primarily over the next 15 years and be between approximately $65 million and $120 million. Compliance costs for CCR at Taconite Harbor are not expected to be material. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of additional costs through a rate proceeding.
Minnesota Power continues to work on minimizing costs through evaluation of beneficial re-use and recycling of CCR and CCR-related waters. In 2017, the EPA announced its intention to formally reconsider the CCR rule under Subtitle D of the RCRA. In March 2018, the EPA published the first phase of the proposed rule revisions in the Federal Register. In 2018, the EPA finalized revisions to elements of the CCR rule, including extending certain deadlines by two years, the establishment of alternative groundwater protection standards for certain constituents and the potential for risk-based management options at facilities based on site characteristics. In 2018, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia decision vacated specific provisions of the CCR rule. The court decision resulted in a change to the status of three existing clay-lined impoundments at Boswell that must now be considered unlined. The EPA proposed additional rule revisions in 2019 to address outstanding issues from litigation and closure timelines for unlined impoundments, respectively. The first of these rules, CCR Part A Rule, was finalized in September 2020. The Part A Rule revision requires unlined impoundments to cease disposal of waste as soon as technically feasible but no later than April 11, 2021. Minnesota Power sought EPA approval under the Part A Rule to extend the closure date for two active Boswell impoundments in November 2020. Upon completion of dry ash conversion activities, Boswell ceased disposal in both impoundments on September 17, 2022 and formally withdrew the CCR Part A Application. The EPA acknowledged the Part A variance application withdrawal on September 20, 2022, and indicated that no further EPA review of Boswell’s Part A variance application will occur. Both impoundments are now inactive and have initiated closure.
Additionally, the EPA released a proposed Part B rulemaking in February 2020 addressing options for beneficial reuse of CCR materials, alternative liner demonstrations, and other CCR regulatory revisions. Portions of the Part B Rule addressing alternative liner equivalency standards were finalized in November 2020. According to the EPA’s updated fall 2022 regulatory agenda, finalization of the remainder of the proposed Part B Rule is expected in late 2023. Two additional rulemakings are also expected in mid-2023, the proposed Legacy Impoundment Rule and the Final Federal Permit Rule. The Legacy Impoundment Rule will include a revised definition for legacy CCR impoundments which could regulate impoundments that had closed prior to the effective date of the 2015 Rule. The Final Federal Permit Rule will finalize procedures for implementing a CCR Federal Permit Program. Expected compliance costs at Boswell due to the 2018 court decision and subsequent rule revisions are reflected in our estimate of compliance costs for the CCR rule noted previously.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
24
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
Other Environmental Matters.
Manufactured Gas Plant Site. We are reviewing and addressing environmental conditions at a former manufactured gas plant site located in Superior, Wisconsin, and formerly operated by SWL&P. SWL&P has been working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in determining the extent and location of contamination at the site and surrounding properties. As of March 31, 2023, we have recorded a liability of approximately $15 million for remediation costs at this site. SWL&P has recorded the site as an associated regulatory asset as we expect recovery of these remediation costs to be allowed by the PSCW. Remediation costs are expected to be incurred through 2024.
Other Matters.
Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds.
We have multiple credit facility agreements in place that provide the ability to issue standby letters of credit to satisfy contractual security requirements across our businesses. As of March 31, 2023, we had $178.3 million of outstanding letters of credit issued, including those issued under our revolving credit facility.
Regulated Operations. As of March 31, 2023, we had $28.2 million outstanding in standby letters of credit at our Regulated Operations which are pledged as security to MISO, the NDPSC and a state agency.
ALLETE Clean Energy. ALLETE Clean Energy’s wind energy facilities have various PSAs in place for some or all of their output that expire in various years between 2024 and 2039. As of March 31, 2023, ALLETE Clean Energy has $110.3 million outstanding in standby letters of credit, the majority of which are pledged as security under these PSAs and PSAs for wind energy facilities under development. ALLETE Clean Energy does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding letters of credit will be drawn upon.
Corporate and Other.
New Energy. As of March 31, 2023, New Energy had $4.2 million outstanding in standby letters of credit pledged as security in connection with the acquisition of solar equipment for projects under development. New Energy does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding letters of credit will be drawn upon.
BNI Energy. As of March 31, 2023, BNI Energy had surety bonds outstanding of $82.4 million related to the reclamation liability for closing costs associated with its mine and mine facilities. Although its coal supply agreements obligate the customers to provide for the closing costs, additional assurance is required by federal and state regulations. BNI Energy’s total reclamation liability is currently estimated at $82.1 million. BNI Energy does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding surety bonds will be drawn upon.
Investment in Nobles 2. The Nobles 2 wind energy facility requires standby letters of credit as security for certain contractual obligations. As of March 31, 2023, ALLETE South Wind has $11.7 million outstanding in standby letters of credit, related to its portion of the security requirements relative to its ownership in Nobles 2. We do not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding letters of credit will be drawn upon.
South Shore Energy. As of March 31, 2023, South Shore Energy had $23.9 million outstanding in standby letters of credit pledged as security in connection with the development of NTEC. South Shore Energy does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding letters of credit will be drawn upon.
Legal Proceedings.
We are involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. Also in the normal course of business, we are involved in tax, regulatory and other governmental audits, inspections, investigations and other proceedings that involve state and federal taxes, safety, and compliance with regulations, rate base and cost of service issues, among other things. We do not expect the outcome of these matters to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
25
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Legal Proceedings (Continued)
In the first quarter of 2023, an ALLETE Clean Energy subsidiary initiated arbitration proceedings seeking damages against a counterparty for non-performance under a contract. Arbitration hearings are expected to be held in the second quarter of 2023 with a decision expected in the third quarter of 2023. We are unable to predict the outcome of the arbitration proceedings.
NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE AND COMMON STOCK
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted | Dilutive | Dilutive | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings Per Share | Basic | Securities | Diluted | Basic | Securities | Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Millions Except Per Share Amounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Common Shares | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings Per Share | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NOTE 8. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
| March 31 | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Millions | ||||||||||||||
Current Income Tax Expense (a) | ||||||||||||||
| Federal | $ | |||||||||||||
| State | $ | |||||||||||||
| Total Current Income Tax Expense | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | ||||||||||||||
Federal (b) | $( | $( | ||||||||||||
| State | ||||||||||||||
| Investment Tax Credit Amortization | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Total Deferred Income Tax Benefit | $( | $( | ||||||||||||
| Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ | $( | ||||||||||||
(a)For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the federal and state current tax expense was minimal due to NOLs which resulted from the bonus depreciation provisions of certain tax legislation. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the federal current tax expense was partially offset by production tax credits.
(b)For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the federal income tax benefit is primarily due to production tax credits.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
26
NOTE 8. INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Continued)
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Taxes from Federal Statutory | March 31 | ||||||||||
| Rate to Total Income Tax Expense | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate | % | % | |||||||||
| Income Taxes Computed at Statutory Federal Rate | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Increase (Decrease) in Income Tax Due to: | |||||||||||
| State Income Taxes (Credit) – Net of Federal Income Tax Benefit | |||||||||||
Production Tax Credits (a) | ( | ( | |||||||||
Investment Tax Credits (a) | ( | ||||||||||
| Regulatory Differences – Excess Deferred Tax | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ | $( | |||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate was an expense of 3.8 percent (benefit of 9.2 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2022). The effective tax rate for 2023 and 2022 was primarily impacted by production tax credits.
Uncertain Tax Positions. As of March 31, 2023, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $1.1 million ($1.3 million as of December 31, 2022). Of the total gross unrecognized tax benefits, $0.6 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. The unrecognized tax benefit amounts have been presented as an increase to the net deferred tax liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
ALLETE and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return as well as combined and separate state income tax returns in various jurisdictions. The examination by the state of Wisconsin for the tax years 2018 through 2020 has been closed with no findings. ALLETE has no open federal or state audits, and is no longer subject to federal examination for years before 2019, or state examination for years before 2018. Additionally, the statute of limitations related to the federal tax credit carryforwards will remain open until those credits are utilized in subsequent returns.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
27
NOTE 9. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
| Pension | Other Postretirement | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service Cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Non-Service Cost Components (a) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected Return on Plan Assets | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Prior Service Credits | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of Net Loss | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) | $ | $ | $( | $( | |||||||||||||||||||
Employer Contributions. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, we contributed $6.5 million in cash to the defined benefit pension plans (none for the three months ended March 31, 2022); we expect to contribute an additional approximately $10 million to our defined benefit pension plans in 2023. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, we made no contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans; we do no t expect to make any contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans in 2023.
NOTE 10. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Regulated Operations includes three operating segments which consist of our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC. ALLETE Clean Energy is our business focused on developing, acquiring and operating clean and renewable energy projects. We also present Corporate and Other which includes New Energy, a renewable energy development company, BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota, ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment, along with our investment in Nobles 2, South Shore Energy, our non-rate regulated, Wisconsin subsidiary developing NTEC, other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, land holdings in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
28
NOTE 10. BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
| Operating Revenue | ||||||||
| Regulated Operations | ||||||||
| Residential | $ | $ | ||||||
| Commercial | ||||||||
| Municipal | ||||||||
| Industrial | ||||||||
| Other Power Suppliers | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total Regulated Operations | ||||||||
| ALLETE Clean Energy | ||||||||
| Long-term PSA | ||||||||
| Sale of Wind Energy Facility | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total ALLETE Clean Energy | ||||||||
| Corporate and Other | ||||||||
| Long-term Contract | ||||||||
| Sale of Renewable Development Projects | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total Corporate and Other | ||||||||
| Total Operating Revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
| Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ALLETE | ||||||||
| Regulated Operations | $ | $ | ||||||
| ALLETE Clean Energy | ||||||||
| Corporate and Other | ( | |||||||
| Total Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $ | $ | ||||||
| March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Regulated Operations | $ | $ | ||||||
| ALLETE Clean Energy | ||||||||
| Corporate and Other | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
29
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to those statements, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations from our 2022 Form 10-K, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our disclosures in this Form 10-Q, including Part II, Item 1A Risk Factors, and our 2022 Form 10-K under the headings: “Forward-Looking Statements” located on page 6 and “Risk Factors” located in Part I, Item 1A, beginning on page 24 of our 2022 Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described in this Form 10-Q and our 2022 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently consider immaterial, may also affect our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer if the risks are realized.
Regulated Operations includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 150,000 retail customers. Minnesota Power also has 14 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated utility electric, natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility operations include retail and wholesale activities under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities. (See Note 2. Regulatory Matters.)
ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in seven states, more than 1,200 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation with a majority contracted under PSAs of various durations. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy also engages in the development of wind energy facilities to operate under long-term PSAs or for sale to others upon completion.
Corporate and Other is comprised of New Energy, a renewable development company; our investment in Nobles 2, an entity that owns and operates a 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern Minnesota; South Shore Energy, our non-rate regulated, Wisconsin subsidiary developing NTEC, an approximately 600 MW proposed combined-cycle natural gas-fired generating facility; BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota; ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment; other business development and corporate expenditures; unallocated interest expense; a small amount of non-rate base generation; land holdings in Minnesota; and earnings on cash and investments.
ALLETE is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota. Our corporate headquarters are in Duluth, Minnesota. Statistical information is presented as of March 31, 2023, unless otherwise indicated. All subsidiaries are wholly-owned unless otherwise specifically indicated. References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Financial Overview
The following net income discussion summarizes a comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2023, to the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Net income attributable to ALLETE for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was $58.2 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared to $66.3 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the same period in 2022. Earnings per share dilution in 2023 was $0.08 due to additional shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2023.
Regulated Operations net income attributable to ALLETE was $40.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $51.5 million for the same period in 2022. Net income at Minnesota Power was lower than 2022 primarily due to lower kWh sales to retail and municipal customers, interim rate refund reserves recognized during 2023 as result of Minnesota Power’s 2022 general rate case, and higher operating and maintenance expense. Net income at SWL&P was lower than 2022 primarily due to higher operating and maintenance expense. Our after-tax equity earnings in ATC were similar to 2022. (See Note 3. Equity Investments.)
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
30
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy net income attributable to ALLETE was $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $16.5 million for the same period in 2022. Net income in 2023 reflected lower wind resources and availability, and higher operating and maintenance expense compared to 2022. Net income in 2022 included earnings from the legacy Northern Wind facilities, which were decommissioned in April 2022 as part of ALLETE Clean Energy’s project to repower and sell the Northern Wind project.
Corporate and Other net income attributable to ALLETE was $9.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $1.7 million for the same period in 2022. Net income in 2023 reflects net income from New Energy of $4.1 million, which was acquired in April 2022, and lower income taxes compared to 2022. The net loss in 2022 includes transaction costs of $1.4 million after-tax related to the acquisition of New Energy.
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022
(See Note 10. Business Segments for financial results by segment.)
Regulated Operations
| Three Months Ended March 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
| Operating Revenue – Utility | $312.6 | $329.0 | ||||||
| Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility | 118.6 | 137.4 | ||||||
| Transmission Services – Utility | 20.1 | 19.9 | ||||||
| Operating and Maintenance | 61.9 | 58.4 | ||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 44.5 | 43.4 | ||||||
| Taxes Other than Income Taxes | 15.9 | 15.2 | ||||||
| Operating Income | 51.6 | 54.7 | ||||||
| Interest Expense | (15.5) | (13.9) | ||||||
| Equity Earnings | 6.0 | 5.4 | ||||||
| Other Income | 2.5 | 1.8 | ||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 44.6 | 48.0 | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 4.0 | (3.5) | ||||||
| Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $40.6 | $51.5 | ||||||
Operating Revenue – Utility decreased $16.4 million from 2022 primarily due to lower kWh sales, interim rate revenue and fuel adjustment clause recoveries, partially offset by higher cost recovery rider revenue.
Lower kWh sales reduced revenue $19.3 million from 2022 reflecting lower sales to residential, commercial, municipal and industrial customers as well as lower sales to other power suppliers. Sales to residential, commercial and municipal customers decreased from 2022 primarily due to warmer weather in 2023 compared to 2022. Sales to municipal customers also decreased as a result of a new contract entered into with Hibbing Public Utilities in April 2022 with sales under the new contract classified under other power suppliers. Sales to industrial customers decreased primarily due to lower sales to taconite customers reflecting Cliffs’ Northshore mine being idled in 2023. (See Outlook - Customers - Northshore Mining.) Sales to other power suppliers, which are sold at market-based prices into the MISO market on a daily basis or through PSAs of various durations, decreased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to fewer market sales and lower market prices in 2023 compared to 2022.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
31
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Continued)
Regulated Operations (Continued)
| Kilowatt-hours Sold | Variance | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | 2023 | 2022 | Quantity | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regulated Utility | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail and Municipal | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | 321 | 355 | (34) | (9.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 347 | 360 | (13) | (3.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial | 1,658 | 1,766 | (108) | (6.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal | 128 | 158 | (30) | (19.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Retail and Municipal | 2,454 | 2,639 | (185) | (7.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other Power Suppliers | 696 | 981 | (285) | (29.1) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold | 3,150 | 3,620 | (470) | (13.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue from electric sales to taconite customers accounted for 30 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2023 (31 percent in 2022). Revenue from electric sales to paper, pulp and secondary wood product customers accounted for 4 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2023 (4 percent in 2022). Revenue from electric sales to pipelines and other industrial customers accounted for 11 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2023 (9 percent in 2022).
Interim retail rate revenue for Minnesota Power, subject to refund, decreased $6.5 million from 2022 primarily due to interim refund reserves recognized during 2023 as a result of Minnesota Power’s 2022 general rate case. (See Note 2. Regulatory Matters.)
Fuel adjustment clause revenue decreased $4.7 million due to lower fuel and purchased power costs attributable to retail and municipal customers. (See Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility.)
Cost recovery rider revenue increased $9.8 million primarily due to fewer production tax credits recognized by Minnesota Power. If production tax credits are recognized at a level below those assumed in Minnesota Power’s retail rates, an increase in cost recovery rider revenue is recognized to offset the impact of lower production tax credits on income tax expense.
Operating Expenses decreased $13.3 million, or 5 percent, from 2022.
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility expense decreased $18.8 million, or 14 percent, from 2022 primarily due to lower kWh sales, purchased power prices and fuel costs.
Operating and Maintenance expense increased $3.5 million, or 6 percent, from 2022 primarily due to higher salaries and wages, vegetation management costs, software maintenance and materials purchased for use in generation facilities.
Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $1.1 million, or 3 percent, from 2022 primarily due to a higher plant in service balance in 2023.
Income Tax Expense increased $7.5 million from 2022 primarily due to lower production tax credits. We expect our annual effective tax rate in 2023 to be an income tax expense compared to a benefit in 2022 primarily due to lower production tax credits.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
32
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy
| Three Months Ended March 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
| Operating Revenue | ||||||||
| Contracts with Customers – Non-utility | $200.2 | $25.4 | ||||||
Other – Non-utility (a) | 1.3 | 2.8 | ||||||
| Cost of Sales – Non-utility | 181.6 | — | ||||||
| Operating and Maintenance | 14.3 | 11.4 | ||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 14.4 | 15.4 | ||||||
| Taxes Other than Income Taxes | 2.9 | 3.0 | ||||||
| Operating Loss | (11.7) | (1.6) | ||||||
| Interest Expense | (0.3) | (1.1) | ||||||
| Other Income | 0.2 | 0.1 | ||||||
| Loss Before Income Taxes | (11.8) | (2.6) | ||||||
| Income Tax Benefit | (3.0) | (2.5) | ||||||
| Net Loss | (8.8) | (0.1) | ||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest | (17.3) | (16.6) | ||||||
| Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $8.5 | $16.5 | ||||||
(a)Represents non-cash amortization of differences between contract prices and estimated market prices on assumed PSAs.
Operating Revenue increased $173.3 million from 2022 primarily due to the sale of ALLETE Clean Energy’s Northern Wind project. This increase was partially offset by lower wind resources and availability at other wind energy facilities in our East, Midwest and West regions. In 2022, operating revenue included revenue from the legacy Northern Wind facilities, which were decommissioned in April 2022 as part of ALLETE Clean Energy’s Northern Wind project.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Production and Operating Revenue | kWh | Revenue | kWh | Revenue | ||||||||||
| Millions | ||||||||||||||
| Wind Energy Regions | ||||||||||||||
| East | 79.4 | $7.4 | 87.3 | $8.0 | ||||||||||
| Midwest | 155.2 | 4.9 | 287.6 | 9.6 | ||||||||||
| South | 618.9 | 3.4 | 602.9 | 4.6 | ||||||||||
| West | 197.1 | 4.0 | 258.3 | 6.0 | ||||||||||
| Sale of Wind Energy Facility | — | 181.8 | — | — | ||||||||||
| Total Production and Operating Revenue | 1,050.6 | $201.5 | 1,236.1 | $28.2 | ||||||||||
Cost of Sales – Non-utility increased $181.6 million from 2022 reflecting the sale of ALLETE Clean Energy’s Northern Wind project in the first quarter of 2023.
Operating and Maintenance expense increased $2.9 million, or 25 percent, from 2022 primarily due to higher contract and professional services.
Depreciation and Amortization expense decreased $1.0 million, or 6 percent, from 2022 reflecting the decommissioning of the legacy Northern Wind facilities in April 2022 as part of ALLETE Clean Energy’s project to repower and sell the Northern Wind project.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
33
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 AND 2022 (Continued)
Corporate and Other
Operating Revenue increased $24.5 million, or 93 percent, from 2022 reflecting revenue from New Energy, which was acquired in April 2022, and higher revenue at BNI Energy, which operates under cost-plus fixed fee contracts, as a result of higher expenses and more tons sold in 2023 compared to 2022.
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE was $9.1 million in 2023 compared to a net loss of $1.7 million in 2022. Net income in 2023 reflects net income from New Energy of $4.1 million, which was acquired in April 2022, and lower income taxes compared to 2022. The net loss in 2022 includes transaction costs of $1.4 million after-tax related to the acquisition of New Energy.
Income Taxes – Consolidated
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate was an expense of 3.8 percent (benefit of 9.2 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2022). The effective tax rate for 2023 was an expense primarily due to lower production tax credits.
We expect our annual effective tax rate in 2023 to be an expense primarily due to lower production tax credits and higher estimated pre-tax income. The estimated annual effective tax rate can differ from what a quarterly effective tax rate would otherwise be on a standalone basis, and this may cause quarter to quarter differences in the timing of income taxes. (See Note 8. Income Tax Expense.)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Certain accounting measurements under GAAP involve management’s judgment about subjective factors and estimates, the effects of which are inherently uncertain. Accounting measurements that we believe are most critical to our reported results of operations and financial condition include: regulatory accounting, pension and postretirement health and life actuarial assumptions, goodwill, impairment of long-lived assets, and taxation. These policies are reviewed with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors on a regular basis and summarized in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2022 Form 10-K.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
34
OUTLOOK
For additional information see our 2022 Form 10-K.
ALLETE is an energy company committed to earning a financial return that rewards our shareholders, allows for reinvestment in our businesses, and sustains growth. The Company has a long-term objective of achieving consolidated earnings per share growth within a range of 5 percent to 7 percent.
ALLETE is predominately a regulated utility through Minnesota Power, SWL&P, and an investment in ATC. ALLETE’s strategy is to remain predominately a regulated utility while investing in ALLETE Clean Energy and New Energy and its Corporate and Other businesses to complement its regulated businesses, balance exposure to the utility’s industrial customers, and provide potential long-term earnings growth. ALLETE expects net income from Regulated Operations to be approximately 75 percent of total consolidated net income in 2023. ALLETE expects its businesses to generally provide regulated, contracted or recurring revenues, and to support sustained growth in net income and cash flow.
Minnesota Carbon-Free Legislation. On February 7, 2023, the Minnesota Governor signed into law legislation that updates the state’s renewable energy standard and requires Minnesota electric utilities to source retail sales with 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2040. The law increases the renewable energy standard from 25 percent renewable by 2025 to 55 percent renewable by 2035, and requires investor-owned Minnesota utilities to provide 80 percent carbon-free energy by 2030, 90 percent carbon-free energy by 2035 and 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2040. The law utilizes renewable energy credits as the means to demonstrate compliance with both the carbon-free and renewable standards, includes an off-ramp provision that enables the MPUC to protect reliability and customer costs through modification or delay of either the renewable energy standard, the carbon-free standard, or both, and streamlines development and construction of wind energy projects and transmission in Minnesota. The Company is evaluating the law to identify challenges and opportunities it could present.
Regulated Operations. Minnesota Power’s long-term strategy is to be the leading electric energy provider in northeastern Minnesota by providing safe, reliable and cost-competitive electric energy, while complying with environmental permit conditions and renewable energy requirements. Keeping the cost of energy production competitive enables Minnesota Power to effectively compete in the wholesale power markets and minimizes retail rate increases to help maintain customer viability. As part of maintaining cost competitiveness, Minnesota Power intends to reduce its exposure to possible future carbon and GHG legislation by reshaping its generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal. Minnesota Power has a goal of delivering 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2050. (See EnergyForward.) We will monitor and review proposed environmental regulations and may challenge those that add considerable cost with limited environmental benefit. Minnesota Power will continue to pursue customer growth opportunities and cost recovery rider approvals for transmission, renewable and environmental investments, as well as work with regulators to earn a fair rate of return.
2022 Minnesota General Rate Case. On November 1, 2021, Minnesota Power filed a retail rate increase request with the MPUC seeking an average increase of approximately 18 percent for retail customers. The rate filing sought a return on equity of 10.25 percent and a 53.81 percent equity ratio. On an annualized basis, the requested final rate increase would generate approximately $108 million in additional revenue.
In an order dated February 28, 2023, the MPUC made determinations regarding Minnesota Power’s general rate case including allowing a return on common equity of 9.65 percent and a 52.50 percent equity ratio. Upon commencement of final rates, we expect additional revenue from base rates of approximately $60 million and an additional $10 million in revenue recognized under cost recovery riders on an annualized basis, subject to final written order and reconsideration. On March 20, 2023, Minnesota Power filed a petition for reconsideration with the MPUC requesting reconsideration and clarification of certain decisions in the MPUC’s order. Minnesota Power’s petition included requesting reconsideration of the ratemaking treatment of the Taconite Harbor Energy Center and the Company’s prepaid pension asset as well as clarification on interim rate treatment for sales to certain customers that did not operate during 2022. The MPUC denied the requests for reconsideration at a hearing on April 27, 2023, and provided clarification in support of Minnesota Power’s treatment of certain customers that did not operate during 2022. Final rates are expected to commence in the third quarter of 2023; interim rates will be collected through this period with reserves recorded as necessary. Minnesota Power has recorded a reserve for an interim rate refund of $23.5 million pre-tax as of March 31, 2023 ($18.4 million as of December 31, 2022), which is subject to MPUC approval of Minnesota Power’s refund calculation. Minnesota Power plans to file its next rate case in the fourth quarter of 2023.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
35
OUTLOOK (Continued)
Industrial and Municipal Customers and Prospective Additional Load.
Industrial Customers. Electric power is one of several key inputs in the taconite mining, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, pipeline and other industries. Approximately 53 percent of our regulated utility kWh sales in the three months ended March 31, 2023, were made to our industrial customers (49 percent in the three months ended March 31, 2022).
Taconite.
Northshore Mining. Cliffs idled all production at its Northshore mine in 2022. Northshore Mining resumed partial pellet plant production in April 2023. Cliffs indicated it will continue to utilize Northshore Mining as a swing facility and does not expect it to operate at full production in 2023. Northshore Mining has the capability to produce approximately 6 million tons annually. Minnesota Power has a PSA through 2031 with Silver Bay Power, which provides the majority of the electric service requirements for Northshore Mining.
USS Corporation. USS Corporation has announced plans to invest approximately $150 million to construct a system dedicated to producing direct reduced-grade (DR-grade) pellets at its Keetac plant. USS Corporation broke ground on the project in the third quarter of 2022, which is expected to be completed in late 2023. This will enable the existing pelletizing plant to not only create DR-grade pellets for use as a feedstock for a direct reduced iron (DRI) or hot briquetted iron (HBI) process that ultimately supplies electric arc furnace steelmaking but also maintains the optionality to continue producing blast furnace-grade pellets. USS Corporation’s Minntac and Keetac plants are large power industrial customers of Minnesota Power. USS Corporation has the capability to produce approximately 15 million and 5 million tons annually at its Minntac and Keetac plants, respectively.
Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products.
ST Paper. In May 2021, ST Paper announced it had completed the purchase of the Duluth Mill from Verso Corporation. ST Paper completed a project at the Duluth Mill to produce tissue and began production early in 2023. In January 2022, Minnesota Power entered into an electric service agreement with ST Paper that would begin Large Power Customer service with a minimum term of six years upon start-up of operations Upon start-up of operations, ST Paper became a Large Power Customer.
Pipeline and Other Industries.
Cenovus Energy. In 2018, a fire at Cenovus Energy’s refinery in Superior, Wisconsin, which was owned by Husky Energy at that time, disrupted operations at the facility. Under normal operating conditions, SWL&P provides approximately 14 MW of average monthly demand to the refinery in addition to water service. The Company announced in April 2023 that it had commenced restart of the facility, and the refinery is expected to resume normal operations in the second quarter of 2023.
Transmission.
Duluth Loop Reliability Project. In October 2021, Minnesota Power submitted an application for a certificate of need for the Duluth Loop Reliability Project. This transmission project was proposed to enhance reliability in and around Duluth, Minnesota. The project includes the construction of a new 115-kV transmission line; construction of an approximately one-mile extension of an existing 230-kV transmission line; and upgrades to several substations. A certificate of need was granted and a route permit was issued by the MPUC on April 3, 2023. The Duluth Loop Reliability Project is expected to be completed and in service by 2025, with an estimated cost of $50 million to $70 million.
ALLETE Clean Energy.
ALLETE Clean Energy will pursue growth through acquisitions or project development. ALLETE Clean Energy is targeting acquisitions of existing operating portfolios which have a mix of long-term PSAs in place and/or available for repowering and recontracting. Further, ALLETE Clean Energy will evaluate actions that will lead to the addition of complimentary clean energy products and services. At this time, ALLETE Clean Energy is focused on actions that will optimize its clean energy project portfolio of operating and development projects, which may include recontracting, repowering, entering into partnerships and divestitures along with continued acquisitions or development of new projects including wind, solar, energy storage or storage ready facilities across North America.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
36
OUTLOOK (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy (Continued)
In 2021, ALLETE Clean Energy announced that it acquired the rights to the approximately 92 MW Red Barn wind development project and the approximately 68 MW Whitetail renewable development project in southwestern Wisconsin. ALLETE Clean Energy also signed an asset sale agreement for the completed Red Barn wind project with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Madison Gas and Electric Company. The PSCW approved the sale of the Red Barn wind project, which closed in April 2023 at which time ALLETE Clean Energy received cash proceeds of approximately $160 million. We expect to record a gain on the sale in the second quarter of 2023.
Corporate and Other.
Corporate and Other includes New Energy, a renewable energy development company, BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota and ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment, along with our investment in Nobles 2, South Shore Energy, our non-rate regulated, Wisconsin subsidiary developing NTEC, other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity Position. ALLETE is well-positioned to meet the Company’s liquidity needs. As of March 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $29.9 million, $231.6 million in available consolidated lines of credit, 2.1 million original issue shares of common stock available for issuance through a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets and a debt-to-capital ratio of 37 percent. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy received approximately $160 million in proceeds from the sale of its Red Barn project and ALLETE issued $125 million in first mortgage bonds in April 2023. (See Working Capital.)
Capital Structure. ALLETE’s capital structure is as follows:
| March 31, 2023 | % | December 31, 2022 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ALLETE Equity | $2,715.5 | 51 | $2,691.9 | 51 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries | 642.2 | 12 | 656.4 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (a) | 1,939.9 | 37 | 1,929.1 | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||
| $5,297.6 | 100 | $5,277.4 | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(a)Excludes unamortized debt issuance costs.
Cash Flows. Selected information from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows is as follows:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Millions | |||||||||||
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period | $40.2 | $47.7 | |||||||||
| Cash Flows provided by (used in) | |||||||||||
| Operating Activities | 92.4 | (4.8) | |||||||||
| Investing Activities | (74.7) | (60.1) | |||||||||
| Financing Activities | (18.3) | 92.2 | |||||||||
| Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash | (0.6) | 27.3 | |||||||||
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period | $39.6 | $75.0 | |||||||||
Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities was higher in 2023 compared to 2022. Cash provided by operating activities in 2023 reflected lower payments for inventories compared to 2022 primarily related to fewer payments for ALLETE Clean Energy’s Northern Wind and Red Barn projects which were sold to third parties in the first quarter of 2023 and April 2023, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities in 2023 also increased due to the timing of recovery under Minnesota Power’s fuel adjustment clause.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was higher in 2023 compared to 2022. Cash used in investing activities in 2023 reflected higher cash payments for additions to property, plant and equipment compared to 2022.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
37
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (Continued)
Cash Flows (Continued)
Financing Activities. Cash used in financing activities in 2023 was higher compared to 2022. Cash used in financing activities in 2023 reflected lower proceeds from non-controlling interest in subsidiaries compared to 2022.
Working Capital. Additional working capital, if and when needed, generally is provided by consolidated bank lines of credit and the issuance of securities, including long-term debt, common stock and commercial paper. As of March 31, 2023, we had consolidated bank lines of credit aggregating $468.1 million ($475.7 million as of December 31, 2022), the majority of which expire in January 2026. We had $25.3 million outstanding in standby letters of credit and $211.2 million outstanding draws under our lines of credit as of March 31, 2023 ($32.8 million in standby letters of credit and $31.3 million outstanding draws as of December 31, 2022). We also have other credit facility agreements in place that provide the ability to issue up to $264.0 million in standby letters of credit. As of March 31, 2023, we had $153.0 million outstanding in standby letters of credit under these agreements.
ALLETE Clean Energy also received approximately $160 million in proceeds from the sale of its Red Barn project in April 2023, which was primarily used to repay a portion of outstanding draws under our consolidated bank lines of credit.
In addition, as of March 31, 2023, we had 2.8 million original issue shares of our common stock available for issuance through Invest Direct, our direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan, and 2.1 million original issue shares of common stock available for issuance through a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets. (See Securities.) The amount and timing of future sales of our securities will depend upon market conditions and our specific needs.
Securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we issued 0.1 million shares of common stock through Invest Direct, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and the Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership Plan, resulting in net proceeds of $3.3 million (0.1 million shares were issued for the three months ended March 31, 2022, resulting in net proceeds of $3.3 million).
Financial Covenants. See Note 5. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt for information regarding our financial covenants.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans. Management considers various factors when making funding decisions, such as regulatory requirements, actuarially determined minimum contribution requirements and contributions required to avoid benefit restrictions for the defined benefit pension plans. (See Note 9. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Off-balance sheet arrangements are summarized in our 2022 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure in Note 6. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.
Credit Ratings. Access to reasonably priced capital markets is dependent in part on credit and ratings. Our securities have been rated by S&P Global Ratings and by Moody’s. Rating agencies use both quantitative and qualitative measures in determining a company’s credit rating. These measures include business risk, liquidity risk, competitive position, capital mix, financial condition, predictability of cash flows, management strength and future direction. Some of the quantitative measures can be analyzed through a few key financial ratios, while the qualitative ones are more subjective. Our current credit ratings are listed in the following table:
| Credit Ratings | S&P Global Ratings | Moody’s | ||||||
| Issuer Credit Rating | BBB | Baa1 | ||||||
| Commercial Paper | A-2 | P-2 | ||||||
| First Mortgage Bonds | (a) | A2 | ||||||
(a) Not rated by S&P Global Ratings.
The disclosure of these credit ratings is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our securities. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Capital Requirements. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, capital expenditures totaled $58.4 million ($34.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022). The expenditures were primarily made in the Regulated Operations segment.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
38
OTHER
Environmental Matters.
Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters by various federal, state and local authorities. A number of regulatory changes to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and various waste management requirements have been promulgated by both the EPA and state authorities over the past several years. Minnesota Power’s facilities are subject to additional requirements under many of these regulations. Minnesota Power is reshaping its generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal, has installed cost-effective emission control technology, and advocates for sound science and policy during rulemaking implementation. (See Note 6. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
Employees.
As of March 31, 2023, ALLETE had 1,514 employees, of which 1,482 were full-time.
Minnesota Power and SWL&P have an aggregate of 487 employees covered under collective bargaining agreements, of which most are members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 31. The current labor agreement with IBEW Local 31 expires on January 31, 2024, for SWL&P. The labor agreement with IBEW Local 31 expired on April 30, 2023, for Minnesota Power. Minnesota Power and IBEW Local 31 have reached a tentative agreement that is expected to be ratified and expire on April 30, 2026.
BNI Energy has 170 employees, of which 126 are subject to a labor agreement with IBEW Local 1593. The current labor agreement with IBEW Local 1593 expires on March 31, 2026.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
New accounting pronouncements are discussed in Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
SECURITIES INVESTMENTS
Available-for-Sale Securities. As of March 31, 2023, our available-for-sale securities portfolio consisted primarily of securities held in other postretirement plans to fund employee benefits.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Our regulated utility operations incur costs for power and fuel (primarily coal and related transportation) in Minnesota, and power and natural gas purchased for resale in our regulated service territory in Wisconsin. Minnesota Power’s exposure to price risk for these commodities is significantly mitigated by the current ratemaking process and regulatory framework, which allows recovery of fuel costs in excess of those included in base rates or distribution of savings in fuel costs to ratepayers. SWL&P’s exposure to price risk for natural gas is significantly mitigated by the current ratemaking process and regulatory framework, which allows the commodity cost to be passed through to customers. We seek to prudently manage our customers’ exposure to price risk by entering into contracts of various durations and terms for the purchase of power and coal and related transportation costs (Minnesota Power), and natural gas (SWL&P).
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
39
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Continued)
POWER MARKETING
Minnesota Power’s power marketing activities consist of: (1) purchasing energy in the wholesale market to serve its regulated service territory when energy requirements exceed generation output; and (2) selling excess available energy and purchased power. From time to time, Minnesota Power may have excess energy that is temporarily not required by retail and municipal customers in our regulated service territory. Minnesota Power actively sells any excess energy to the wholesale market to optimize the value of its generating facilities.
We are exposed to credit risk primarily through our power marketing activities. We use credit policies to manage credit risk, which includes utilizing an established credit approval process and monitoring counterparty limits.
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to risks resulting from changes in interest rates as a result of our issuance of variable rate debt. We manage our interest rate risk by varying the issuance and maturity dates of our fixed rate debt, limiting the amount of variable rate debt, and continually monitoring the effects of market changes in interest rates. We may also enter into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to mitigate interest rate exposure. Interest rates on variable rate long-term debt are reset on a periodic basis reflecting prevailing market conditions. Based on the variable rate debt outstanding as of March 31, 2023, an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would impact the amount of pre-tax interest expense by $2.3 million. This amount was determined by considering the impact of a hypothetical 100 basis point increase to the average variable interest rate on the variable rate debt outstanding as of March 31, 2023.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of March 31, 2023, evaluations were performed, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, on the effectiveness of the design and operation of ALLETE’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)). Based upon those evaluations, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in ALLETE’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 our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For information regarding material legal and regulatory proceedings, see Note 4. Regulatory Matters and Note 9. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2022 Form 10-K and Note 2. Regulatory Matters and Note 6. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies herein. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
40
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2022 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) requires issuers to include in periodic reports filed with the SEC certain information relating to citations or orders for violations of standards under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Safety Act). Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and this Item are included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number | |||||||||||
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||||||||
| 101.SCH | XBRL Schema | ||||||||||
| 101.CAL | XBRL Calculation | ||||||||||
| 101.DEF | XBRL Definition | ||||||||||
| 101.LAB | XBRL Label | ||||||||||
| 101.PRE | XBRL Presentation | ||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | ||||||||||
ALLETE agrees to furnish to the SEC upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt that ALLETE has not filed as an exhibit pursuant to the exemption provided by Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
41
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| ALLETE, INC. | ||||||||
| May 3, 2023 | /s/ Steven W. Morris | |||||||
| Steven W. Morris | ||||||||
| Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
| (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2023 Form 10-Q
42
Exhibit 31(a)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Bethany M. Owen, of ALLETE, Inc. (ALLETE), certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2023, of ALLETE;
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; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| May 3, 2023 | /s/ Bethany M. Owen | |||||||
| Bethany M. Owen | ||||||||
| Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
Exhibit 31(b)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Steven W. Morris, of ALLETE, Inc. (ALLETE), certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2023, of ALLETE;
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; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| May 3, 2023 | /s/ Steven W. Morris | |||||||
| Steven W. Morris | ||||||||
| Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Exhibit 32
Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report
By the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, each of the undersigned officers of ALLETE, Inc. (ALLETE), does hereby certify that:
1.The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of ALLETE for the period ended March 31, 2023, (Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m); and
2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ALLETE.
| May 3, 2023 | |||||||||||
| /s/ Bethany M. Owen | |||||||||||
| Bethany M. Owen | |||||||||||
| Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||||
| May 3, 2023 | |||||||||||
| /s/ Steven W. Morris | |||||||||||
| Steven W. Morris | |||||||||||
| Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||
This certification shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to liability pursuant to that section. Such certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that ALLETE specifically incorporates it by reference.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to ALLETE and will be retained by ALLETE and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Exhibit 95
Mine Safety Disclosure
| Mine or Operating Name/MSHA Identification Number | Section 104 S&S Citations (#) | Section 104(b) Orders (#) | Section 104(d) Citations and Orders (#) | Section 110(b)(2) Violations (#) | Section 107(a) Orders (#) | Total Dollar Value of MSHA Assessments Proposed ($) | Total Number of Mining Related Fatalities (#) | Received Notice of Pattern of Violation Under Section 104(e) (yes/no) | Received Notice of Potential to Have Pattern Under Section 104(e) (yes/no) | Legal Actions Pending as of Last Day of Period (#) | Legal Actions Initiated During Period (#) | Legal Actions Resolved During Period (#) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Center Mine / 3200218 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | No | No | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, BNI Energy, owner of Center Mine, received no citations under Section 104(a) of the Mine Safety Act. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, BNI Energy paid $288 in penalties for citations closed during the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, there were no citations, orders, violations or notices under Sections 104(b), 104(d), 107(a), 104(e) or 110(b)(2) of the Mine Safety Act and there were no fatalities.
 | Exhibit 99 | |||||||
| For Release: | May 3, 2023 | |||||||
| Investor Contact: | Vince Meyer | |||||||
| 218-723-3952 | ||||||||
| NEWS | vmeyer@allete.com | |||||||
ALLETE, Inc. reports first quarter earnings of $1.02 per share
Reaffirms 2023 earnings guidance range of $3.55 to $3.85 per share
DULUTH, Minn. - ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) today reported first quarter 2023 earnings of $1.02 per share on net income of $58.2 million. Last year’s first quarter results were $1.24 per share on net income of $66.3 million.
“The entire ALLETE team’s execution of our Sustainability in Action strategy was excellent throughout the quarter, and we are excited about the year ahead,” said ALLETE Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Bethany Owen. “New Energy is starting the first full year under ALLETE ownership with strong financial results in the quarter; ALLETE Clean Energy closed on two projects – Northern Wind in January and Red Barn in April; and our assets operated well in spite of challenging weather conditions, while Minnesota Power’s taconite customers are operating at near-full production levels. And just recently we were pleased that two large power customers, that had been idled for some time, announced plans to restart operations.”
“Our results for the first quarter 2023 were lower than last year’s first quarter due to timing of reserves for interim rates resulting from Minnesota Power’s February rate case order, and overall weather conditions in the quarter impacting consolidated earnings by approximately 10 cents per share versus last year.” said ALLETE Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steve Morris. “However, our regulated operations are in line with internal expectations, as higher taconite margins offset negative weather impacts on other regulated retail sales. In addition, New Energy had a record first quarter with approximately 30 megawatts of project closings and is on track to achieve full year earnings projections. Although ALLETE Clean Energy was below our expectations for the quarter due to weather impacts causing lower wind resources and availability across much of the fleet, the profitable sale of the Red Barn project will be a positive impact to our second quarter financial results. We are reaffirming our 2023 guidance as we remain confident in our earnings range of $3.55 to $3.85 per share.”
ALLETE’s Regulated Operations segment, which includes Minnesota Power, Superior Water, Light and Power (SWL&P) and the Company’s investment in the American Transmission Company (ATC), recorded first quarter 2023 net income of $40.6 million, compared to $51.5 million in the first quarter a year ago. Earnings at Minnesota Power were down primarily due to warmer weather compared to the first quarter of 2022 resulting in lower sales to retail and municipal customers, as well as interim rate refund reserves recognized in 2023, as a result of Minnesota Power’s 2022 general rate case outcome; the full interim rate reserve was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022. Also reflected in the first quarter of 2023 are higher operating and maintenance expense. Net income at SWL&P was lower during the first quarter of 2023 primarily due to warmer weather and higher operating and maintenance expense.
ALLETE Clean Energy recorded first quarter 2023 net income of $8.5 million compared to $16.5 million in 2022. Earnings in 2023 reflect lower wind resources and availability across much of its fleet as well as higher operating and maintenance expense. Net income in 2022 also included earnings from the Northern Wind facilities which were decommissioned in April 2022 as part of ALLETE Clean Energy’s project to repower and sell the Northern Wind project.
Page 1 of 4
ALLETE · 30 West Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55802
Corporate and Other businesses, which include New Energy, BNI Energy, ALLETE Properties and our investments in renewable energy facilities, recorded net income of $9.1 million in the first quarter of 2023, compared to a net loss of $1.7 million in 2022. Net income in 2023 reflects New Energy’s earnings of $4.1 million; 2022 net income included $1.4 million of transaction costs related to the New Energy acquisition which closed in April last year.
Earnings per share dilution in 2023 was approximately 8 cents due to additional shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2023.
Live Webcast on May 3, 2023; 2023 first quarter slides posted on company website
ALLETE’s earnings conference call will be at 10:00 a.m. (EST), May 3, 2023, at which time management will discuss the first quarter of 2023 financial results. Interested parties may participate live by registering for the call at allete.com/earnings call or may listen to the live audio-only webcast accompanied by supporting slides, which will be available on ALLETE’s Investor Relations website investor.allete.com/events-presentations. The webcast will be accessible for one year at allete.com.
ALLETE is an energy company headquartered in Duluth, Minn. In addition to its electric utilities, Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin, ALLETE owns ALLETE Clean Energy, based in Duluth, BNI Energy in Bismarck, N.D., New Energy Equity in Annapolis, MD, and has an eight percent equity interest in the American Transmission Co. More information about ALLETE is available at www.allete.com. ALE-CORP
The statements contained in this release and statements that ALLETE may make orally in connection with this release that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in documents filed by ALLETE with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ALLETE's press releases and other communications may include certain non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial measures. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is defined as a numerical measure of a company's financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the company's financial statements.
Non-GAAP financial measures utilized by the Company include presentations of earnings (loss) per share. ALLETE's management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors by removing the effect of variances in GAAP reported results of operations that are not indicative of changes in the fundamental earnings power of the Company's operations. Management believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures is appropriate and enables investors and analysts to more accurately compare the company's ongoing financial performance over the periods presented.
Page 2 of 4
ALLETE · 30 West Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55802
ALLETE, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Income
Millions Except Per Share Amounts - Unaudited
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31 | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Operating Revenue | ||||||||
| Contracts with Customers – Utility | $312.6 | $329.0 | ||||||
| Contracts with Customers – Non-utility | 251.0 | 51.7 | ||||||
| Other – Non-utility | 1.3 | 2.8 | ||||||
| Total Operating Revenue | 564.9 | 383.5 | ||||||
| Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility | 118.6 | 137.4 | ||||||
| Transmission Services – Utility | 20.1 | 19.9 | ||||||
| Cost of Sales – Non-utility | 210.5 | 17.0 | ||||||
| Operating and Maintenance | 85.7 | 75.3 | ||||||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 62.3 | 61.7 | ||||||
| Taxes Other than Income Taxes | 19.4 | 18.8 | ||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 516.6 | 330.1 | ||||||
| Operating Income | 48.3 | 53.4 | ||||||
| Other Income (Expense) | ||||||||
| Interest Expense | (19.3) | (18.3) | ||||||
| Equity Earnings | 6.0 | 5.5 | ||||||
| Other | 4.1 | 2.0 | ||||||
| Total Other Expense | (9.2) | (10.8) | ||||||
| Income Before Income Taxes | 39.1 | 42.6 | ||||||
| Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 1.5 | (3.9) | ||||||
| Net Income | 37.6 | 46.5 | ||||||
| Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest | (20.6) | (19.8) | ||||||
| Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $58.2 | $66.3 | ||||||
| Average Shares of Common Stock | ||||||||
| Basic | 57.3 | 53.3 | ||||||
| Diluted | 57.3 | 53.3 | ||||||
| Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock | $1.02 | $1.24 | ||||||
| Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock | $1.02 | $1.24 | ||||||
| Dividends Per Share of Common Stock | $0.6775 | $0.65 | ||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Millions - Unaudited
| Mar. 31 | Dec. 31, | Mar. 31 | Dec. 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Liabilities and Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | $29.9 | $36.4 | Current Liabilities | $464.4 | $716.2 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Current Assets | 539.8 | 681.6 | Long-Term Debt | 1,755.5 | 1,648.2 | |||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment – Net | 4,979.3 | 5,004.0 | Deferred Income Taxes | 156.3 | 158.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Regulatory Assets | 469.1 | 441.0 | Regulatory Liabilities | 526.4 | 526.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Equity Investments | 323.9 | 322.7 | Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | 173.8 | 179.7 | |||||||||||||||
| Goodwill and Intangibles – Net | 155.5 | 155.6 | Other Non-Current Liabilities | 270.4 | 269.0 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Non-Current Assets | 207.0 | 204.3 | Equity | 3,357.7 | 3,348.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $6,704.5 | $6,845.6 | Total Liabilities and Equity | $6,704.5 | $6,845.6 | |||||||||||||||
Page 3 of 4
ALLETE · 30 West Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55802
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| ALLETE, Inc. | March 31 | |||||||
| Income (Loss) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
| Regulated Operations | $40.6 | $51.5 | ||||||
| ALLETE Clean Energy | 8.5 | 16.5 | ||||||
| Corporate and Other | 9.1 | (1.7) | ||||||
| Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $58.2 | $66.3 | ||||||
| Diluted Earnings Per Share | $1.02 | $1.24 | ||||||
| Statistical Data | ||||||||
| Corporate | ||||||||
| Common Stock | ||||||||
| High | $66.64 | $68.61 | ||||||
| Low | $57.88 | $58.37 | ||||||
| Close | $64.37 | $66.98 | ||||||
| Book Value | $47.38 | $45.95 | ||||||
| Kilowatt-hours Sold | ||||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
| Regulated Utility | ||||||||
| Retail and Municipal | ||||||||
| Residential | 321 | 355 | ||||||
| Commercial | 347 | 360 | ||||||
| Industrial | 1,658 | 1,766 | ||||||
| Municipal | 128 | 158 | ||||||
| Total Retail and Municipal | 2,454 | 2,639 | ||||||
| Other Power Suppliers | 696 | 981 | ||||||
| Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold | 3,150 | 3,620 | ||||||
| Regulated Utility Revenue | ||||||||
| Millions | ||||||||
| Regulated Utility Revenue | ||||||||
| Retail and Municipal Electric Revenue | ||||||||
| Residential | $42.4 | $48.5 | ||||||
| Commercial | 44.0 | 45.4 | ||||||
| Industrial | 143.4 | 146.5 | ||||||
| Municipal | 8.9 | 12.1 | ||||||
| Total Retail and Municipal Electric Revenue | 238.7 | 252.5 | ||||||
| Other Power Suppliers | 35.9 | 41.0 | ||||||
| Other (Includes Water and Gas Revenue) | 38.0 | 35.5 | ||||||
| Total Regulated Utility Revenue | $312.6 | $329.0 | ||||||
This exhibit has been furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Page 4 of 4
ALLETE · 30 West Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55802