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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------------
Form 10-K
(X) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2000
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Registrant, State or other Jurisdiction
Commission of Incorporation or Organization, I.R.S. Employer
File Number Address and Telephone Number Identification No.
----------- --------------------------------- ------------------
333-09033 Southern Investments UK plc None
(Registered in England & Wales)
Avonbank
Feeder Road
Bristol
BS2 0TB, UK
(01144) 117 9332000
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<PAGE>
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. ( X )
Aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates: $0
A description of the registrant's common stock follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Description of Shares Outstanding
Registrant Common Stock at May 31, 2000
---------- -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Southern Investments UK plc Par Value(pound)1 Per Share 902,128,735
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents
PART I PAGE
Item 1 Business
<S> <C>
General.................................................................................. I-1
Overview of the Electric Utility Industry in England and Wales........................... I-2
WPD's Distribution Business.............................................................. I-3
WPD's Ancillary Business Activities...................................................... I-5
Risk Management.......................................................................... I-5
UK Environmental Regulation.............................................................. I-6
Employee Relations....................................................................... I-6
Item 2 Properties.................................................................................. I-7
Item 3 Legal Proceedings........................................................................... I-7
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders......................................... I-8
PART II
Item 5 Market for Registrant's Common Equity....................................................... II-1
Item 6 Selected Financial Data..................................................................... II-1
Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Results of Operations.................................................................... II-2
Financial Condition...................................................................... II-6
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.................................. II-9
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data................................................. II-10
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure...................................................... II-29
PART III
Item 10 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.......................................... III-1
Item 11 Executive Compensation...................................................................... III-3
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.............................. III-4
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............................................. III-6
PART IV
Item 14 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
on Form 8-K.............................................................................. IV-1
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The Company's 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking and historical information. The
Company cautions that there are various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those indicated in the forward-looking information; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such indicated results
will be realized. These factors include legislative and regulatory issues (such as the results of the current review of
regulation, and the impact of the most recent distribution price control review effective April 2000); potential business
strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses or internal restructuring that may be
pursued by the Company or its subsidiaries; the potential introduction of the Euro; changes in or application of environmental
and other laws and regulations to which the Company and its subsidiaries are subject; political, legal and economic conditions
and developments in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate; financial market conditions and the results of financing
efforts; changes in commodity prices and interest rates; weather and other natural phenomena; the performance of projects
undertaken by the Company or its subsidiaries and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; and other
factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports filed from time to time by the Company with the SEC.
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
SELECTED DEFINITIONS
When used in this report, the following terms will have the meanings
indicated.
"Accentacross" means Accentacross Limited, a Director of the Company.
"Authorized Area" means a REC's designated service area as determined
by its PES license.
"Calendar Year" means a year ended December 31.
"Company" means Southern Investments UK plc.
"Distribution Price Control Formula" ("DPCF") is determined by the PES
license. It means a formula of P+RPI-Xd where P reflects the previous
maximum average price per unit of electricity distributed, RPI
reflects the percentage change in the Retail Price Index between the
previous year and the current year and the Xd factor is established
by the Regulator following review.
"Electricity Act" means the Electricity Act 1989.
"EMFs" means electromagnetic fields.
"End Users" means consumers of electricity connected to a distribution
network.
"Fiscal Year" means a year ended March 31.
"Holdings" means WPD Holdings Limited, the direct parent company of the
Company.
"Holdings UK" means WPD Holdings UK, an unlimited liability company and
the direct parent company of Holdings.
"Mighteager" means Mighteager Limited, a Director of the Company.
"NGC" means the National Grid Company which owns and operates the high
voltage transmission system in England and Wales. This network
connects the power stations to regional and local distribution
systems.
"OFGEM" means the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, the body
appointed by the Government of the UK to regulate the gas and
electricity industry in Great Britain.
"PES" means public electricity supplier licensed by the Regulator.
"Pool" means the wholesale trading market for electricity in England
and Wales.
"PPL" means PPL Corporation, a public stock corporation, and ultimate
parent of PPLG and the registered utility Pennsylvania Power and
Light.
"PPLG" means PPLG UK, a direct shareholder in Holdings UK and an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PPL Corporation.
"PPLG Directors" means Accentacross and Mighteager.
"Price Cap" means a maximum price per unit of electricity supplied for
various tariffs as established by the Regulator.
"REC" means one of the 12 regional electricity companies in England and
Wales licensed to distribute, supply, and, to a limited extent,
generate electricity.
"Regulator" means The Director General of Gas and Electricity Supply
in Great Britain.
ii
<PAGE>
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"SFAS" means US Statement of Financial Accounting Standard.
"Southern" means Southern Company, the ultimate parent company of the
Southern Company system.
"Southern Company system" means Southern and its subsidiaries.
"UK" means the United Kingdom.
"UK GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the UK.
"US" means the United States of America.
"US GAAP" means accounting principles generally accepted in the US.
"WPD" means Western Power Distribution, the trading name of South
Western Electricity plc, a subsidiary of the Company, and the main
operating company within the Holdings UK group.
iii
<PAGE>
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling amounts
have been translated into US dollars at the Noon Buying Rate on March 31, 2000
of $1.5922 = (pound)1.00; see Note 1 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements".
General
The Company was incorporated as a public limited company under the laws
of England and Wales in June 1995 as a vehicle for the acquisition of South
Western Electricity plc, one of the 12 RECs in England and Wales licensed to
distribute, supply and, to a limited extent, generate electricity. In September
1995, the Company gained effective control of South Western Electricity plc, and
subsequently replaced South Western Electricity plc's board of directors and
certain senior managers with officers and employees of companies from within the
Southern Company system. The Company's main investment and only significant
asset is the entire share capital of South Western Electricity plc, which is
headquartered in Bristol, England.
The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings, which in turn has
been wholly owned by Holdings UK since June 1998. From September 1995 to July
1996, Holdings was an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Southern. In July
1996, Southern sold a 25% economic interest in Holdings to a subsidiary of PPL.
In June 1998, Southern sold an additional 26% economic interest in Holdings to
PPL, and on the same day both parties agreed to exchange their interests in
Holdings for interests in Holdings UK which carried the same rights. Southern
currently has a 49% economic interest in South Western Electricity plc and the
Holdings UK group, yet retain operational and management control with 50.5% of
the voting rights.
In September 1999, South Western Electricity plc completed the sale of
its electricity supply business (known as "SWEB") and certain related
activities, together with the name `SWEB', to London Electricity plc for
(pound)160 million and the assumption of certain liabilities. South Western
Electricity plc now trades under the name Western Power Distribution ("WPD").
WPD's main business is the distribution of electricity to approximately 1.4
million end users in its Authorized Area in the southwest of England.
WPD's Authorized Area covers approximately 5,560 square miles extending
from Bristol and Bath in the northeast, 188 miles southwest along the peninsula
to Land's End and 28 miles beyond to the Isles of Scilly, and has a resident
population of approximately 2.8 million. The southwest of England, of which the
Authorized Area forms the greater part, has benefited from economic growth (as
measured by Gross Domestic Product) which on average has exceeded the UK rate
during the 1990's and over the longer term. The area has also benefited from an
average unemployment rate during calendar year 1999 of approximately 3.1% which
was below the UK average of 4.3% according to a 2000 study by Cambridge
Econometrics. The largest cities and towns in WPD's Authorized Area are Bath,
Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Taunton. Business activity is generally
concentrated in the population centers around Bristol, Bath and Plymouth. The
Bristol and Bath area is served by the M4 and M5 motorways, a rail network
including a link between Bristol and London, and a commercial port at Avonmouth.
The Company and WPD have undertaken to make WPD a more focused company,
concentrating on the main electricity business of distribution. Several
businesses not related to distribution have been sold since WPD was acquired by
Southern, and the remaining ancillary businesses have been redirected to focus
on support for the main distribution business.
On May 31, 2000 an associate of the Company made a bid of (pound)464
million to purchase the entire ordinary share capital of Hyder plc, the company
which owns and runs the electricity network in South Wales and the water
distribution and waste water treatment business for the whole of Wales. This
represents a bid of (pound)3.00 per share. If the bid is successful, it is
intended that WPD will become involved with the management of the electricity
network in South Wales. The offer will be circulated to Hyder plc shareholders
and final approval could take up to 90 days. This bid follows an earlier bid
from the Principal Finance Group to purchase the company for (pound)2.60 per
share.
I-1
<PAGE>
Overview of the Electric Utility Industry in England and Wales
In 1990, the electric utility industry in Great Britain was privatized,
and South Western Electricity plc was created along with the other 11 RECs in
England and Wales. In connection with the privatization, distribution assets in
England and Wales, previously owned indirectly by Her Majesty's Government, were
allocated among the RECs, licensing requirements were established for the RECs
and price controls were implemented in the areas of distribution and supply. In
England and Wales, generation assets were allocated to two fossil-fired
generators, National Power and PowerGen, and a nuclear generator, Nuclear
Electric. National Power and PowerGen became private companies in 1992, while
Nuclear Electric was privatized as part of British Energy in 1996. At that time
the older nuclear stations were transferred to Magnox Electric, which has
subsequently become part of BNFL (British Nuclear Fuels). The national network
of high voltage transmission assets in England and Wales were allocated to the
newly created National Grid Company ("NGC"). Initially, NGC was jointly owned by
the RECs but was floated on the stock market as an independent company in
December 1995.
The Government's golden shares in the RECs, which prevented takeovers and
mergers, expired in March 1995, resulting in several changes of ownership. Six
RECs are currently owned by US corporations, one by a French company and the
remaining RECs by other utility companies.
The core business of the RECs was originally the distribution of
electricity over the network, and supply of electricity to final customers. Most
RECs still both distribute and supply electricity, but since the beginning of
1999 three RECs (including WPD) have sold their supply businesses and are thus
only engaged in electricity distribution.
Generation
Generators sell electricity to suppliers through the wholesale
electricity market, the Pool. Any generator can gain access to the high voltage
transmission system, subject to meeting the specific technical requirements for
connection. Increased competition in generation, divestment of coal-fired
capacity as required by the Regulator, and increased output from nuclear plant,
and imports across the Scottish and French interconnectors have resulted in a
considerable fall in National Power's and PowerGen's market share of the
generation market.
Transmission
NGC owns and operates the high voltage 275kV and 400kV electricity
transmission system in England and Wales. The transmission system transfers
electricity from generating stations to PES distribution systems at grid supply
points. Large customers can choose to connect directly to the high voltage
transmission system. NGC is responsible for ensuring that the level of
electricity generation is adequate to meet demand. The company also provides
services which underpin the operation of the Pool.
Distribution
The distribution network transfers power from the transmission system to
end users' premises. The initial stage of distribution is generally at 132kV.
Towards the centers of demand, transformers are used to reduce distribution
voltage in stages. Most end users are supplied at low voltage ("LV"), which is
defined as a voltage less than 1kV, with domestic end users being supplied at
230V. Business end users are sometimes supplied at high voltage ("HV"), which is
defined as a voltage greater than 1kV. Distribution is a capital intensive
activity. The distribution systems in England and Wales are owned by the 12
RECs. Until April 2000, distribution businesses also operated and maintained all
of the metering equipment and conducted all meter reading services.
Each distribution business is an effective regional monopoly and is
subject to regulatory control on the prices it can charge and the quality of
supply it must provide. Distributors must provide open access to their
distribution network on a non-discriminatory basis to facilitate competition in
supply. As a result, not all end users to whom RECs distribute electricity are
necessarily their supply customers. Distribution must be operated as a separate
business from supply.
I-2
<PAGE>
Supply
Suppliers purchase electricity in bulk through the wholesale market and
sell that electricity to customers. Supply businesses also provide customer
service functions such as billing and account handling. Any company holding an
electricity supply license can sell electricity. The supply business is a
trading activity rather than capital intensive activity, and a high proportion
of its turnover goes towards purchasing electricity and paying distribution and
transmission use of system charges. The supply market was opened to competition
in three phases, culminating in May 1999 when all customers became eligible to
choose their supplier.
The Pool
At the time of privatization, the Pool was established for bulk trading
of electricity in England and Wales between generators and suppliers. Following
an extensive period of consultation, the Regulator issued proposals in July 1998
for a radical overhaul of electricity trading using market based trading
arrangements. The new trading arrangements are planned to be introduced in
October 2000.
WPD's Distribution Business
WPD's distribution business is the ownership, management and operation of
the electricity distribution network within WPD's Authorized Area. The
distribution network consists of overhead lines, cables, switchgear,
transformers, control systems and meters to enable the transfer of electricity
from the transmission system to end users' premises. Virtually all electricity
supplied to consumers in WPD's Authorized Area is transported through its
distribution network, thus providing WPD with distribution volume that is stable
from year to year. As a holder of a PES license, WPD is subject to a regulatory
framework that provides economic incentives to increase the number of units of
electricity distributed and to operate in a more cost-efficient manner.
WPD's distribution business has grown in both its end user base and in
the number of units distributed, primarily reflecting population and economic
growth in the southwest of England. At March 31, 2000 WPD had experienced a
5-year compound annual growth rate of 0.94% in end users and 2.07% in units
distributed.
Strategy
Since being acquired by the Company, WPD has reviewed and refined its
distribution strategy and has established key goals of cost reduction and
improved levels of service and network performance.
Staff reductions have played a key role in cost savings. Since
acquisition, WPD has implemented a plan of voluntary and other staff reductions,
mainly in the distribution business. Part of these reductions were made possible
due to new work practices which WPD developed with the cooperation of WPD's
unions. Team restructuring in the engineering division and the establishment of
multi-skilled independent field teams has also contributed to improved cost
efficiency. In addition, management restructuring has produced a flatter
organizational structure by reducing management levels from seven to three. WPD
implemented further staff reductions in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000
as a consequence of a regulatory price reduction.
Monitoring the satisfaction of end users connected to the network with
the quality of supply provided is a key element of WPD's strategy. WPD aims to
meet or exceed all the performance criteria established by the Regulator.
Network performance is measured by three key criteria:
* Availability the minutes each end user is without supply;
* Security the number of supply interruptions per 100 end users;
* Quality of Service the number of end users whose supply is restored
within one hour of an interruption, which is more
challenging than the regulatory target of three
hours.
In fiscal year 2000 the average time an end user was without supply was
64.4 minutes. This represents a 52% improvement on the performance in 1995, and
surpasses the regulatory target of 93 minutes. This was achieved despite severe
gales and lightning in late December. On average, WPD's end users experience
I-3
<PAGE>
less than one interruption (0.9) per year and excellent progress has also been
made in end user restoration. The initiative known as "target 60", which is
unique in the industry, aims to ensure that as many end users as possible have
their supply restored within the first 60 minutes of an interruption. For fiscal
year 2000 WPD achieved a one-hour restoration rate of 71.6%. The three-hour rate
of 93.7% exceeded our regulatory target of 90%.
WPD will closely monitor the performance of the network in the coming
year and will continue with a range of successful initiatives to deliver
improved performance:
* Refurbishment of 11kV aluminum overhead lines;
* Rural reliability schemes;
* Use of rubber glove working allowing work to take place on the live
network without disrupting supplies;
* Tree cutting adjacent to overhead lines;
* A concentrated program of refurbishment and maintenance;
* The use of remotely operated equipment to speed restoration.
The introduction of ENMAC (computerized Electrical Network Management and
Control) will integrate control, fault management and power analysis systems
that currently operate independently. This will help to deliver faster, more
responsive network management and a better service to electricity users.
End Users
A high proportion of WPD's distribution end users are domestic and
smaller businesses. WPD's fastest growing category of end user is commercial,
e.g. retail. Commercial activity in WPD's Authorized Area is mostly service
based and includes financial and business services, electronics and
technology-related businesses. WPD also distributes electricity to a number of
larger industrial concerns in its Authorized Area. The principal activities of
WPD's largest end users include china clay extraction, ship repair, fertilizer
production, aerospace, defense engineering, cement and paper manufacturing.
WPD's 20 largest end users accounted for 10% of total electricity distributed by
WPD in fiscal year 2000 in terms of units distributed, with no single end user
exceeding 3% of total electricity distributed.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The following table sets out details of WPD's end users, units
distributed and distribution revenues.
Distribution Business
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution End Users Electricity Units Distributed Revenues(4)
------------------------------ --------------------------------- -----------
% of 5 year Volume % of 5 year % of
Number(1) Total CAGR(2) Twh(3) Total CAGR(2) Total
-------- ----- ------- ------ ----- ------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
not more than 100kW........... 1,353,353 99.77 0.94% 8.9 62 1.83% 79
above 100kW to 1MW............ 2,887 0.21 4.00 2.6 18 4.87 13
above 1MW..................... 225 0.02 0.69 2.9 20 0.54 8
--------- ------ ---- --- ----
Total 1,356,465 100.00 0.94 14.4 100 2.07 100
========= ====== ==== === ===
---------------
(1) At March 31, 2000.
(2) Represents the compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") for the period from
April 1, 1995 through March 31, 2000.
(3) In terawatt hours for fiscal year 2000.
(4) For fiscal year 2000.
</TABLE>
Distribution Facilities
Electricity is transported across NGC's transmission system at 400kV or
275kV to eleven grid supply points connected to WPD's distribution network,
where it is transformed to 132kV and enters WPD's distribution system.
Substantially all electricity which enters WPD's system is received at these
eleven grid supply points.
I-4
<PAGE>
At March 31, 2000, WPD's electricity distribution network (excluding
service connections to end users) included overhead lines and underground cables
at the operating voltage levels and approximate lengths as indicated in the
table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Overhead lines Underground cables
Operating voltage: (Circuit miles) (Circuit miles)
--------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
132kV........................................................................ 910 37
33kV......................................................................... 1,762 577
11kV......................................................................... 10,638 3,864
6.6kV........................................................................ 15 77
480 or 415/240V.............................................................. 4,868 7,065
------ ------
Total................................................................... 18,193 11,620
====== ======
In addition to the circuits referred to above, WPD's distribution facilities also include approximately:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregate Capacity
(mega Volt-
Number Amperes)
------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Transformers:
------------
132kV/lower voltages......................................................... 89 5,565
33kV/11kV or 6.6kV........................................................... 540 7,750
11kV or 6.6kV/lower voltages (including 36,782 pole mounted transformers) 48,644 6,751
Substations:
-----------
132kV/33kV................................................................... 47
33kV/11kV or 6.6kV........................................................... 311
11kV or 6.6kV/415V or 240V................................................... 12,273
</TABLE>
Substantially all substations are owned in freehold, and most of the
balance are held on leases which will not expire within 10 years.
Operation and control of WPD's distribution system is continuously
monitored and coordinated from a control center located in Exeter. Electricity
is received by end users at various voltages depending upon their requirements.
At March 31, 2000, WPD's distribution system was connected to 1.4 million end
users.
WPD's Ancillary Business Activities
WPD also has ancillary business activities that support its main
electricity distribution business. These include electricity generation, real
estate and telecommunications. WPD owns generating assets with 12 MW of capacity
used to back up the distribution network. In addition, WPD owns minority
interests in windfarms and a 7.69% interest in Teesside Power Limited, owner of
a 1,875 MW natural gas-fired, combined cycle plant. WPD markets and develops
real estate no longer used in the distribution business, and is developing an
income stream from the rental of fiber optic cables primarily attached to WPD's
overhead distribution network.
Risk Management
The Company and WPD utilize certain financial derivative contracts for
the sole purpose of hedging business exposure in connection with fluctuations in
interest rates and currency rates. Interest rate swaps are used to assure the
stability of future interest charges by effectively converting a portion of
outstanding variable-rate debt into fixed rates. In addition, the US dollar
liabilities associated with certain of the Company's and WPD's debt are
converted into pounds sterling by entering into foreign currency hedging
contracts.
I-5
<PAGE>
UK Environmental Regulation
WPD's businesses are subject to numerous regulatory requirements with
respect to the protection of the environment. The Electricity Act obligates the
President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to
take into account the effect of electricity generation and transmission
activities upon the physical environment in approving applications for the
construction of generating facilities and the location of overhead power lines.
The Electricity Act requires WPD to have regard to the desirability of
preserving natural beauty and the conservation of natural and man-made features
of particular interest when it formulates proposals for development in
connection with certain of its activities. WPD mitigates the effects its
proposals have on natural and man-made features and is required to carry out an
environmental assessment when it intends to lay cables, construct overhead lines
or carry out any other development in connection with its licensed activities.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 addresses waste management and
contaminated land issues and imposes certain obligations and duties on companies
which handle and dispose of waste or who cause contamination of land or occupy
contaminated land. WPD believes that it is in compliance with applicable
standards in such regard.
Possible adverse health effects of EMFs from various sources, including
transmission and distribution lines, have been the subject of a number of
studies and public discussion. Scientific research has not shown any causal link
between EMFs and adverse health effects. UK standards for exposure to power
frequency EMFs are those promulgated by the National Radiological Protection
Board and relate to the levels above which non-reversible physiological effects
may be observed. WPD fully complies with these standards. However, there is the
possibility that the future introduction and passage of legislation and change
of regulatory standards would require measures to mitigate EMFs, with resulting
increases in capital and operating costs. In addition, the potential exists for
public liability with respect to lawsuits brought by plaintiffs claiming damages
for adverse health effects caused by EMFs.
WPD believes that it has taken and continues to take measures to comply
with the applicable laws and governmental regulations for the protection of the
environment. There are no material legal or administrative proceedings pending
against WPD or the Company with respect to any environmental matter.
Employee Relations
At March 31, 2000, WPD had 1,679 employees (1,661 full time equivalent)
and the Company had no employees. Of WPD's employees, 95% are represented by
labor unions. All WPD employees who are not party to a personal employment
contract are subject to one of two collective bargaining agreements. One is
called The Electricity Business Agreement, which covered 1,493 employees at
March 31, 2000 (1,475 full time equivalent); it may be amended by agreement
between WPD and the unions and is terminable with 12 months notice by either
side. The other is called the Meter Reading Services Handbook of Agreements,
which covered 107 employees at March 31, 2000 (107 full time equivalent); it may
be amended by agreement between WPD and the unions and is terminable by written
notice (with no period specified) by either side. WPD believes that its
relations with its employees are favorable. Legal proceedings concerning the
Electricity Supply Pension Scheme involving a company other than WPD were taken.
These proceedings may affect WPD in the future. See "Item 3 - Legal
Proceedings".
I-6
<PAGE>
Item 2. PROPERTIES
WPD has both network and non-network land and buildings.
Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 2000 WPD had freehold and leasehold interests in over 12,000
network properties, comprising principally substation sites. The recorded cost
of total network land and buildings at March 31, 2000 was (pound)80 million
($127 million).
Non-Network Land and Buildings
At March 31, 2000 WPD had freehold and leasehold interests in non-network
properties comprising chiefly offices, former retail outlets, depots, warehouses
and workshops and included the freehold of its former principal executive
offices in Bristol. The recorded cost of total non-network land and buildings at
March 31, 2000 was (pound)36 million ($57 million).
The number of properties in each category is:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Freehold or
Long Leasehold Leasehold
-------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Depots................................................................... 18 1
Offices.................................................................. 4 -
Surplus property (largely unused retail sites)........................... 39 10
</TABLE>
WPD markets and develops property no longer used in the main electricity
distribution business.
Reference is made to Item 1 "Business - WPD's Distribution Business"
herein for a discussion of other properties and other assets of WPD.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company and WPD are routinely party to legal proceedings arising in
the ordinary course of business which are not material, either individually or
in aggregate. Neither the Company nor WPD is a party to any material legal
proceedings nor are they currently aware of any threatened material legal
proceedings. As described below, the Company is aware of an issue which could
subsequently impact WPD.
The Pensions Ombudsman (a UK statutorily appointed independent
arbitrator) has issued a determination in favor of complaints made by members of
the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme ("ESPS") relating to another employer's
use of ESPS surplus to offset the employer's costs of providing early pensions
on redundancies and certain other items. Under that determination the Pensions
Ombudsman directed the employer to pay into ESPS the amount of that use of the
surplus plus interest. The determination was challenged in the High Court by the
employer, and the High Court upheld the employer's appeal in a judgment
delivered in June 1997. The High Court also granted the complainants leave to
appeal to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hearing took place in October
1998, and its judgment was given in February 1999. While the complainants'
appeal was successful, the Court of Appeal indicated that it may be possible to
validate the employer's actions by a retrospective rule amendment. The Court of
Appeal gave leave in principle for a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords
(the UK Supreme Court), but also made arrangements for a further hearing held in
May 1999. The Court of Appeal declined to hear further arguments and told the
parties that any outstanding matters would have to be addressed by the House of
Lords. The parties agreed a form of order, stayed pending the further appeal,
which contains a requirement for the amounts offset against the surplus, plus
interest, to be paid into the pension fund. It is unlikely a hearing will take
place before the House of Lords earlier than Fall 2000. NGC, together with
National Power PLC, have now initiated appeals in the House of Lords. NGC and
National Power PLC have executed deeds of amendment, which purport to cancel
their accrued contribution obligations arising from the Court of Appeal's
judgment. The House of Lords is unlikely to rule whether such amendments are
effective before December 2000. WPD is considering whether to execute similar
amendments. Based on the Company's assessment of the current legal position, it
anticipates that a payment into the ESPS of (pound)24 million will ultimately be
required. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 87,
"Employers' Accounting for Pensions", there will be no immediate impact to Net
Income.
I-7
<PAGE>
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
I-8
<PAGE>
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
There is no established public trading market for the Company's common
stock, all of which is owned indirectly by Southern and PPL.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In Millions)
Period from |
inception (2) | Period from
(June 23, | April 1,
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal 1995 to | 1995 to
Year Year Year Year March 31, | September
2000 (1) 1999 (1) 1998 (1) 1997 (1) 1996 (1) | 17, 1995
Successor Successor Successor Successor Successor | Predecessor
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- | ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> | <C>
Operating Revenues from |
continuing operations........(pound) 275 $ 438 (pound) 261 (pound) 245 (pound) 257 (pound) 144 | (pound) 122
Net Income (Loss) from |
continuing operations (3).... 82 131 76 (27) 50 45 | 24
Total Assets.................... 2,057 3,275 2,139 1,728 1,721 1,690 | 795
Long-term Debt.................. 301 479 301 301 301 - | 95
Preferred Securities (4)........ 50 80 50 50 50 - | -
Common Dividend |
Declared....................... 188 299 70 34 37 191 | 75
-------------
(1) Successor periods are not comparable to predecessor periods due to acquisition related adjustments (including the revaluation
of assets and liabilities) and to increases in debt as a result of the acquisition.
(2) The Company was incorporated on June 23, 1995, as a vehicle for the acquisition of South Western Electricity plc. Effective
control was gained on September 18, 1995 and designated as the acquisition date; the operating results of South Western
Electricity plc have been included in the Company's financial statements from that date. Given that South Western Electricity
plc represents substantially all of the current operations of the Company, South Western Electricity plc is considered the
"Predecessor" Company. The Company and its subsidiaries is considered the "Successor" Company.
(3) The Net Loss in fiscal year 1998 is stated after a one-off windfall levy charge of (pound)90 million ($143 million). The
results for 1999 and 1998 have benefited from a decrease in UK income tax rates which served to reduce the Company's
provision for deferred income taxes with a corresponding reduction in income tax expense of (pound)11 million ($18
million) and (pound)22 million ($35 million) respectively.
(4) Company Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities of Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I Holding Company
Junior Subordinated Debentures. See Note 10 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto. The consolidated
financial statements discussed in this Section are presented in accordance with
US GAAP. Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling
amounts have been translated into US dollars at the Noon Buying Rate on March
31, 2000 of $1.5922 = (pound)1.00; see Note 1 in the "Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements".
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview of Consolidated Earnings
In September 1999, South Western Electricity plc completed the sale of
its supply business (known as `SWEB') and certain related activities, together
with the name `SWEB', to London Electricity plc for (pound)160 million and the
assumption of certain liabilities. The Company recorded an after tax gain on the
sale of (pound)125 million. The remaining distribution business was renamed
Western Power Distribution. The Consolidated Statements of Income for all
periods shown reflect the supply business segment as discontinued.
Earnings from continuing operations increased by (pound)6 million (8%) to
(pound)82 million in fiscal year 2000 from (pound)76 million in fiscal year
1999, which had increased by (pound)103 million from a net loss of (pound)27
million in fiscal year 1998. Reported earnings in each fiscal year reflected
significant items not related to the normal day-to-day business activities.
The UK electricity Regulator is introducing competition in metering
activities, namely meter fixing (meter provision, installation, certification,
and repair) and meter reading. Meter fixing must be undertaken by authorized
providers, of which WPD is one. Based on the proposed regulation, the current
carrying value of metering assets will be impaired. As a result the Company
recorded an impairment loss of (pound)22 million, in the third quarter of fiscal
year 2000, to reflect the amount by which the carrying value of metering assets
exceeds their fair value. The fair value is assessed by reference to the present
value of estimated future cash flows attributable to the assets, using a
discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.
There are certain incremental costs relating to the ongoing business,
which are a direct consequence of the sale of the supply business and related
activities to London Electricity plc. These costs total (pound)3 million in
fiscal year 2000 and principally involve the establishment of a new computer
environment and data migration.
In December 1998 a more efficient capital structure for Holdings UK and
the Company was put in place. At that time, Holdings UK became a co-obligor of
the Company's existing long-term debt and subordinated debentures - reference is
made to Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein. This
arrangement has benefited net interest by (pound)20 million in fiscal year 2000
and (pound)6 million in fiscal year 1999 as reported by the Company but has no
impact at the Holdings UK group level.
Earnings in fiscal years 1999 and 1998 benefited from decreases in the UK
corporation tax rate which reduced the Company's provision for deferred income
taxes by (pound)11 million and (pound)22 million respectively. Earnings in
fiscal year 1998 were adversely affected by a (pound)90 million windfall levy
assessed against WPD.
Fiscal year 1999 benefited from a (pound)7 million gain on the sale of
non-core assets.
After excluding these items, earnings from continuing operations
increased by (pound)30 million (54%) to (pound)86 million in fiscal year 2000
from (pound)56 million in fiscal year 1999. Operating income increased by
(pound)35 million (29%) to (pound)157 million in fiscal year 2000 from
(pound)122 million in fiscal year 1999. This increase is due to a (pound)14
million increase in operating income from ancillary businesses (net of
eliminations), and a (pound)21 million increase in the distribution business.
Investment income increased by (pound)2 million and customary income taxes
increased by (pound)7 million, largely as a result of the increased operating
income above.
After excluding these items, earnings from continuing operations
increased by (pound)15 million (37%) to (pound)56 million in fiscal year 1999
from (pound)41 million in fiscal year 1998. Operating income increased by
(pound)12 million (11%) to (pound)122 million in fiscal year 1999 from
II-2
<PAGE>
(pound)110 million in fiscal year 1998. This increase is due to a (pound)7
million increase in operating income from ancillary businesses (net of
eliminations), and a (pound)5 million increase in the distribution business.
Other expense increased by (pound)8 million and customary income taxes decreased
by (pound)11 million. The movement on income tax was principally due to a
reduction to the income tax provision in fiscal year 1999, which was prudently
increased in fiscal year 1998 to cover possible disallowable items, following
the resolution of some of these items.
Revenues
Operating revenues increased by (pound)14 million (5%) to (pound)275
million in fiscal year 2000 from (pound)261 million in fiscal year 1999 which
had increased by (pound)16 million (7%) from (pound)245 million in fiscal year
1998 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Revenues Operating Revenues
(Decrease) Increase from Increase (Decrease) from
Fiscal Year 1999 Fiscal Year 1998
to Fiscal Year 2000 to Fiscal Year 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------
((pound)millions, except %) ((pound)millions, except %)
<S> <C> <C>
Electricity distribution............ - 19
Other (1)........................... (3) 5
Intra-business (2).................. 17 (8)
-- ----
Total operating revenues............ 14 16
-- ----
Percentage change................... 5% 7%
-------------
(1) "Other" includes WPD's ancillary activities as well as corporate items not allocated to distribution.
(2) Intra-business revenues relate to the elimination of intra-business revenues in consolidation.
</TABLE>
Two factors determine the amount of revenues produced by the distribution
business: the unit price of the electricity distributed (which is controlled by
the Distribution Price Control Formula) and the number of electricity units
distributed. The present distribution price control limits average revenue to
increase by no more than the rate of inflation as measured by the Retail Price
Index less a specified level of X, which was 3% for WPD for the period under
review. The number of units distributed depends on the demand of WPD's customers
for electricity. That demand varies based in part upon weather conditions and
economic activity. Revenues from the distribution business were (pound)247
million for fiscal years 2000 and 1999. Revenues for fiscal year 1999 increased
by (pound)19 million (8%) from fiscal year 1998. The movements are a result of
the following factors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Revenues from Operating Revenues from
Electricity Distribution Electricity Distribution
(Decrease) Increase from Increase from
Fiscal Year 1999 Fiscal Year 1998
to Fiscal Year 2000 to Fiscal Year 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------
((pound)millions, except %) ((pound)millions, except %)
<S> <C> <C>
Application of Distribution Price Control Formula.......... (1) 7
Sales growth............................................... 2 4
Other revenue attributable to distribution business........ (1) 8
---- ---
Total distribution revenues................................ - 19
---- ---
Percentage change.......................................... -% 8%
</TABLE>
Revenues from "other" decreased by (pound)3 million (6%) to (pound)46
million in fiscal year 2000 from (pound)49 million for fiscal year 1999. The
decrease was principally due to work undertaken by the information resources
business to implement systems required to facilitate competition in the
electricity supply market, which was substantially completed in fiscal year
1999. This was partially offset by a (pound)9 million revision to the unbilled
revenue receivable during fiscal year 1999, due to uncertainty over the
recoverability of an element of the balance with the introduction of competition
into electricity supply.
Revenues from "other" increased by (pound)5 million (11%) to (pound)49
million in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)44 million for the fiscal year 1998.
The increase was principally due to the setting up of an energy purchasing
business in April 1998 to manage the purchase price risk of the supply business,
and to higher revenue from the information resources business, which was
primarily due to the Year 2000 project. This was partially offset by lower
II-3
<PAGE>
reported sales in the gas retailing business due to a restructuring of that
business, including a teaming arrangement with another organization effective
October 1997. In addition, due to the introduction of competition into
electricity supply, which commenced in WPD's Authorized Area in November 1998, a
(pound)9 million revision to the unbilled revenue receivable was reflected as a
corporate item in fiscal year 1999 due to uncertainty over recoverability.
Intra-business eliminations for fiscal year 2000 decreased by (pound)17
million (49%) from fiscal year 1999 which increased by (pound)8 million (30%)
from fiscal year 1998. The movements are primarily due to internal charges from
the information resources business relating to the Year 2000 project and to the
implementation of systems required to facilitate competition in the electricity
supply market.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses amounted to (pound)123 million for fiscal years 2000
and 1999. The underlying year on year movements include a (pound)5 million
increase in depreciation and amortization, a (pound)2 million decrease in
maintenance costs, a (pound)28 million decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses, a (pound)22 million write down of meters in fiscal year
2000, and (pound)3 million incremental expenses incurred as a direct consequence
of the disposal of the supply business. The decrease in selling, general, and
administrative expenses is primarily attributed to the finalization of certain
liabilities relating to the sale of the supply business and the outcome of the
recent distribution price review, published in December 1999. These include the
release of certain severance related liabilities and costs associated with
implementing the Regulator's final proposals.
Operating expenses increased by (pound)7 million (6%) to (pound)123
million in the fiscal year 1999 from (pound)116 million in the fiscal year 1998.
The increase was principally due to a (pound)5 million increase in depreciation
and amortization, a (pound)3 million increase in maintenance costs, partly
offset by a (pound)1 million decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by (pound)1 million (2%) to (pound)56 million
in fiscal year 2000 from (pound)55 million in fiscal year 1999. This increase is
largely due to interest payable on group taxation relief payable from WPD to
Holdings.
The weighted average balance of debt outstanding during fiscal year 2000
was (pound)689 million at a weighted average interest rate of 7.7% compared to
(pound)686 million at 7.9% during fiscal year 1999.
Interest expense increased by (pound)3 million (6%) to (pound)55 million
in fiscal year 1999 from (pound)52 million in fiscal year 1998. This increase is
largely due to increased short term borrowings to finance the first and second
installments of the windfall levy, paid in the third quarters of fiscal years
1998 and 1999, respectively.
Investment Income
Investment income increased by (pound)2 million (40%) to (pound)7 million
in fiscal year 2000 from (pound)5 million in fiscal year 1999, which decreased
by (pound)4 million (44%) from (pound)9 million in fiscal year 1998. The
movements are mainly due to timing of dividends received from an investment in
generating plant.
Future Earnings Potential
The results of operations for the past three years are not necessarily
indicative of future earnings potential. The level of future earnings also
depends on numerous factors including the impact of current and future
regulation.
Each REC's distribution business constitutes an effective regional
monopoly and is subject to control on the prices it can charge and the quality
of supply it must provide.
Distribution revenues are subject to price cap regulation. The Regulator
applies a price control formula ("DPCF"), P + RPI - X, where P is the price
level at the beginning of each new regulatory period, RPI is the change in the
Retail Price Index and X is an adjustment factor determined by the Regulator.
The DPCF is usually set for a five-year period, subject to more frequent
adjustments as determined necessary by the Regulator. At each review, the
Regulator can require a one-time price adjustment.
II-4
<PAGE>
Distribution businesses must also meet the Guaranteed and Overall
Standards of Performance, which are set by the Regulator to ensure an
appropriate level of quality of supply. If a company fails to provide the level
of service specified, it must make a fixed payment to the end user affected.
In December 1999, the Regulator published final price proposals for
distribution price control for the 14 regional electricity distribution
businesses. The outcome from the review is made up of two elements: the price or
revenue that a company is allowed to recover over the duration of the price
control and the quality of supply which it is expected to deliver in return. For
WPD, these proposals represent a 20% reduction to distribution prices effective
April 2000, followed by a reduction in real terms of 3% each year from April
2001. This price control is scheduled to operate until March 2005. In response,
management plans to maximize efficiency and customer service as a focused
distribution company. The implementation of the plans has necessitated an
overall reduction in staffing levels. The reductions are focused on
administrative and corporate functions, with minimal impact on field staff,
ensuring customer service is not affected. Management are evaluating further
opportunities to reduce ongoing operating costs.
Improvements in quality of supply, particularly to the worst served end
users, form an important part of the final proposals. Revised targets for system
performance, in terms of the security and availability of supply, were proposed
with new targets for reductions in minutes lost and interruptions.
As part of the price control review the Regulator recognized that further
analysis was required to address some of the weaknesses associated with the
existing framework of price regulation. This included a commitment to an ongoing
program of work - the Information and Incentives Project. A major objective of
the Project is to strengthen the financial incentives on distribution businesses
with regards to the quality of service that they deliver. Although the
Guaranteed and Overall Standards of Performance impose penalty payments for not
meeting specific targets, there is no explicit mechanism whereby RECs are
financially rewarded for improved quality of supply. The final proposals
indicated that the Regulator intends to introduce additional incentive
mechanisms relating to quality of supply from April 2002. The financial impact
of any additional mechanisms would be limited to +/-2% of price control revenue
during the price control period from April 2002 until the end of March 2005.
Charges for connections to the distribution system are not covered by the
current distribution price control. From April 1995, suitably approved
independent contractors were allowed to undertake some of the connection work.
Part of the connection work (called the non-contestable element) still needs to
be done by the REC. This includes the design and specification of the new
connection, deciding on the point of connection, obtaining consents and
wayleaves, removal of existing assets, and inspection and monitoring of
competitors' work and final connection and energization. The remaining
(so-called contestable) elements which include supplying all materials, site
preparation and construction of electrical infrastructure between the customers'
premises and the point of connection, and recording the location of equipment,
can be done by a contractor chosen by the customer and approved by the REC.
In March 1998 the government published a discussion paper ("Green Paper")
on the regulation of the water, electricity, gas and telecommunications
utilities within the UK entitled "A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernizing the
Framework for Utility Regulation". The government's stated objective for the
review is to set a long term stable framework for utilities which is seen to be
fair by all the interested groups involved. The guiding principles are that
regulation must be transparent, consistent and predictable. In July 1998 the
government announced its conclusions on reform of utility regulation. Key
decisions include merging the electricity and gas regulators, the retention of
the RPI - X approach to regulation, social and environmental actions to be
issued by Ministers, and greater transparency.
In September 1998 the Government published a consultation paper on
consumer councils. In April 1999 the Government announced its decision to
establish independent consumer councils and decided that the interests of both
gas and electricity customers would be best represented by a single national
consumer council, with broader functions and responsibilities than the existing
regional Consumers' Committees.
In October 1998 the Government published a consultation paper entitled
"The Future of Gas and Electricity Regulation" setting out their proposals on
issues related to the areas of general regulatory principles, the regulatory
system, separation of supply and distribution of electricity, and consequent
changes to separate electricity distribution and supply licenses, metering, and
other specific provisions. In October 1999 the Government published its
proposals for legislation. This has formed the basis of the Utilities Bill which
will provide the Regulator with powers to impose penalties on license holders in
circumstances where they are in breach of license conditions and certain other
requirements including requirements relating to specific standards of
II-5
<PAGE>
performance. At present the Utilities Bill is passing through Parliament and is
expected to receive Royal Assent in July 2000. Until the Bill is finalized it is
not possible to complete a financial appraisal.
Effective April 2000, responsibility for obtaining meter readings and the
data processing and data aggregation functions was transferred from distribution
to supply businesses, with the aim of facilitating effective competition in
metering activities. Suppliers, on behalf of customers, can contract these
services from any company holding an appropriate license, of which WPD is one.
Distribution businesses will only be obliged to provide, on a non discriminatory
basis, existing meter assets and maintain those assets, where requested by the
supplier, and will continue to provide maintained metering equipment within its
authorized area until the supplier or customer introduces alternative
arrangements.
A possible further impact on future earnings is a court ruling related to
a pension matter. See Note 2 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements" herein for discussion of this matter.
New Accounting Standard
The Company continues to analyze the effects of adoption of the rules
promulgated by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Statement No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". This statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments,
including certain derivative instruments imbedded in other contracts, and for
hedging activities. The FASB recently deferred implementation of the provisions
of the Statement No. 133 to fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2000. The
Company intends to adopt the provisions of Statement No. 133 within this time
frame and in accordance with the requirements provided by that Statement. In
addition, FASB has issued an exposure draft that would, if adopted, narrow the
applicability of the pronouncement to certain purchase and sales contracts and
would allow hedge accounting for certain other specific hedging relationships.
Management is currently assessing the financial statement impact; however, such
impact is not determinable at this time. Adoption of Statement No. 133 could
increase volatility of earnings and other comprehensive income.
Year 2000 challenge
The work undertaken by the Company to prepare critical computer systems
and other date sensitive devices to function correctly in the Year 2000 was
successful. There were no material incidents reported and no disruption of
electric service within its Authorized Area. There were no reports of
significant events regarding third parties that impacted revenues or expenses.
Final costs of WPD's Year 2000 program were (pound)13 million. These
costs included labor necessary to identify, test, and renovate affected devices
and systems.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Overview
The Company's financial condition continues to remain strong. South
Western Electricity plc sold its supply business for (pound)160 million, and the
assumption of certain liabilities. Excluding interest income on the
inter-company loan between the Company and Holdings UK, income before income
taxes has remained at approximately the same level for the last three fiscal
years. During fiscal year 2000 WPD incurred expenditure of approximately
(pound)67 million on property, plant, and equipment, largely in respect of the
distribution network. This compared with (pound)75 million during fiscal year
1999. The funds required for such additions were derived primarily from
operations. It is expected that WPD's capital requirements in the foreseeable
future for its investment in property, plant, and equipment will be generated
from operating activities.
Demand for electricity in Great Britain, in general, and in WPD's
Authorized Area, in particular, is seasonal, with demand being higher in the
winter months and lower in the summer months. WPD balances the effect of this
and other cyclical influences on its working capital needs with drawings under
its available credit facilities.
The Company's main investment and only significant asset is the entire
share capital of WPD. The Company is primarily dependent upon dividends from WPD
II-6
<PAGE>
for its cash flow. WPD can make distributions of dividends to the Company under
English law to the extent that it has distributable reserves, subject to the
retention of sufficient financial resources to conduct its distribution business
as required by its regulatory license. The Company believes that currently
sufficient distributable reserves will continue to exist at WPD to allow for
reasonable and necessary dividends from WPD, through operations, to be
distributed to the Company. In the UK, the Accounting Standards Board is
currently reviewing the treatment of deferred income tax accounting. If full
provision for deferred tax were required, WPD's distributable reserves could be
eliminated. In addition, in September 1999, the Regulator varied the licenses
under which all RECs (including WPD) operate such that the directors of a REC
must certify to the Regulator that it is reasonably foreseeable that the REC
will not breach any of its license conditions if it declares a dividend. WPD has
no reason to believe that a breach of its license would occur from declaring a
reasonable dividend.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to market risks, including changes in interest
rates, and currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility attributable to
these exposures, the Company has entered into various derivative transactions,
the sole purpose of which is to hedge exposure in these areas.
The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to hedge certain debt
obligations. These swaps hedge specific debt issuances and currently qualify for
hedge accounting. Consequently, the interest rate differential associated with
the swap is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the
instruments.
If the Company sustained a 100 basis point change in interest rates for
all variable rate debt in all currencies, the change would affect annualized
interest expense by approximately (pound)0.6 million (1%) on (pound)61 million
of variable rate debt as at March 31, 2000. Based on the Company's overall
interest rate exposure at March 31, 2000, including derivative and other
interest rate sensitive instruments, a 100 basis point change in interest rates
would not materially affect the consolidated financial statements.
Currency swaps are also utilized by the Company to hedge US dollar
denominated debt. These swaps offset the dollar cash flows, thereby effectively
converting the debt to sterling.
For all derivative financial instruments, the Company is exposed to
losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivative
financial instruments. The Company has established controls to determine and
monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties in order to mitigate the
Company's exposure to counterparty credit risk. The Company is not aware of any
counterparties to financial derivatives that will fail to meet their
obligations.
The Company has derivative financial instruments with an affiliate,
Holdings UK. Reference is made to Note 10 in the "Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements" of the Company in Item 8 herein for additional
information.
Financing Activities
In December 1998 a more efficient capital structure for Holdings UK and
the Company was put in place. At that time, Holdings UK became a co-obligor of
the Company's existing long-term debt and subordinated debentures - reference is
made to Note 10 in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements".
The Company has a US commercial paper program, which is fully supported
by a swingline and revolving credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks,
under which the maximum available is $520 million. At March 31, 2000 the amount
available under these facilities was (pound)58 million. WPD enters into foreign
currency contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and
principal of each utilization under this program.
WPD actively manages its short-term debt, which includes a number of bank
lines of credit in addition to the commercial paper program. At March 31, 2000
the Company and WPD together had short-term debt of (pound)342 million ($545
million) outstanding ($432 million from a swingline and revolving credit
facility, and $113 million in other short-term loans).
To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, the Company and WPD
together had at March 31, 2000 approximately (pound)2 million of cash and
(pound)90 million of unutilized committed lines of credit with banks. Also
available was (pound)58 million of the swingline and revolving credit facility
mentioned above.
II-7
<PAGE>
Excluding swap agreements between the Company and Holdings UK, at March 31,
2000, the Company and WPD have sterling interest rate swaps expiring between
2001 and 2012, with notional amounts totaling (pound)600 million, and have cross
currency swaps expiring between 2001 and 2007, with notional amounts totaling
(pound)350 million.
II-8
<PAGE>
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The Company's 2000 Annual Report Form 10-K contains forward-looking and
historical information. The Company cautions that there are various important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
indicated in the forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors include
legislative and regulatory issues (such as the results of the current review of
regulation, and the impact of the most recent distribution price review
effective April 2000); potential business strategies, including acquisitions or
dispositions of assets or businesses or internal restructuring that may be
pursued by the Company or its subsidiaries; the potential introduction of the
Euro; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and regulations
to which the Company and its subsidiaries are subject; political, legal and
economic conditions and developments in which the Company and its subsidiaries
operate; financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts;
changes in commodity prices and interest rates; weather and other natural
phenomena; the performance of projects undertaken by the Company or its
subsidiaries and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new
opportunities; and other factors discussed herein and in other reports filed
from time to time by the Company with the SEC.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Reference is made to information in Item 1 "Business Risk Management"
above, and in the Company's "Management's Discussion and Analysis - Derivative
Financial Instruments" above, and to Notes 1 and 7 in the "Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements" under the heading "Financial Instruments"
contained herein.
II-9
<PAGE>
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Southern Investments UK plc and Subsidiaries
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
Management's Report............................................................ II-11
Report of Independent Public Accountants....................................... II-12
Consolidated Statements of Income.............................................. II-13
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity..................... II-14
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.......................................... II-15
Consolidated Balance Sheets.................................................... II-16
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements................................. II-18
</TABLE>
II-10
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT
2000 Annual Report
The management of the Company has prepared, and is responsible for, the
consolidated financial statements and related information included in this
report. These statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States appropriate in the circumstances and
necessarily include amounts that are based on the best estimates and judgments
of management. Financial information throughout this annual report is consistent
with the financial statements.
The Company maintains a system of internal accounting controls to provide
reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that books and records
reflect only authorized transactions of the Company. Limitations exist in any
system of internal controls, however, based on a recognition that the cost of
the system should not exceed its benefits. The Company believes its system of
internal accounting controls maintains an appropriate cost/benefit relationship.
The Company's system of internal accounting controls is evaluated on an
ongoing basis by the Company's internal audit staff. The Company's independent
public accountants also consider certain elements of the internal control system
in order to determine their auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the financial statements.
Management believes that its policies and procedures provide reasonable
assurance that the Company's operations are conducted according to a high
standard of business ethics.
In management's opinion, the consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations,
and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/Barney S. Rush /s/D. Charl S. Oosthuizen
Barney S. Rush D. Charl S. Oosthuizen
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
June 15, 2000
II-11
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of Southern Investments UK plc:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SOUTHERN
INVESTMENTS UK plc (the "Company" being a company incorporated in England and
Wales) and SUBSIDIARIES as of March 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholder`s equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2000. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Southern Investments UK plc and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2000 and 1999 and
the consolidated results of its operations, changes in stockholder's equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2000, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ARTHUR ANDERSEN
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Bristol, England
June 15, 2000
II-12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000, 1999, AND 1998
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Millions)
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
(Note 1)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUES (pound) 275 $ 438 (pound) 261 (pound) 245
COST OF SALES 20 32 16 19
----- ----- ----- -----
GROSS MARGIN 255 406 245 226
----- ----- ----- -----
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Maintenance 35 56 37 34
Depreciation and amortization 56 89 51 46
Selling, general and administrative 7 11 35 36
Write down of meters (Note 3) 22 35 - -
Incremental expenses incurred as a direct
consequence of the disposal of the supply
business (Note 13) 3 5 - -
----- ----- ----- -----
Total operating expenses 123 196 123 116
----- ----- ----- -----
OPERATING INCOME FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS 132 210 122 110
----- ----- --- -----
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income 2 3 1 2
Interest income from affiliated companies 20 32 6 -
Interest expense (56) (89) (55) (52)
Investment income 7 11 5 9
Gain on sale of assets - - 7 -
----- ----- ----- -----
Total other expense (27) (43) (36) (41)
----- ----- ----- -----
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
BEFORE INCOME TAXES 105 167 86 69
(PROVISION) BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES:
Customary (23) (36) (21) (28)
Effect of change in tax rates (Note 6) - - 11 22
Windfall levy (Note 6) - - - (90)
----- ----- ----- -----
NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS 82 131 76 (27)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Income from operations of supply business, less
applicable income taxes of(pound)2 ($3),(pound)5 and(pound)5 4 6 11 12
Gain on disposal of supply business, less
applicable income taxes of(pound)49 ($78) (Note 13) 125 199 - -
----- ------- ----- -----
NET INCOME (LOSS) (pound) 211 $ 336 (pound) 87 (pound) (15)
===== ===== ===== =====
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
II-13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000, 1999, AND 1998
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(In Millions)
Number of Retained Total
Ordinary Share Earnings/ Stockholder's
Shares Capital (Deficit)(2) Equity
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, March 31, 1997 500 (pound) 500 (pound) (114) (pound) 386
Net loss (1) - - (15) (15)
Dividends declared on common stock - - (34) (34)
--- --- ----- ----
Balance, March 31, 1998 500 500 (163) 337
Issue of share capital 402 402 - 402
Net income - - 87 87
Dividends declared on common stock - - (70) (70)
--- --- ----- ----
Balance, March 31, 1999 902 902 (146) 756
Net income - - 211 211
Dividends declared on common stock - - (188) (188)
--- --- ----- ----
Balance, March 31, 2000 902 (pound) 902 (pound)(123) (pound) 779
=== === ===== ====
-------------
(1) The Net Loss is stated after a one-off windfall levy charge of (pound)90 million.
(2) The Company shows a retained earnings deficit primarily due to dividends in the amount of (pound)191
million being declared and paid by the Company during the fiscal year 1996 as proceeds from the sale
of South Western Electricity plc's shares in The National Grid Group plc provided cash in addition to
that provided from operations. In addition, the first budget of the Labour government included a
"one-off windfall levy on the excess profits of the privatized utilities"; South Western Electricity
plc's liability was assessed at (pound)90 million.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
II-14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000, 1999, AND 1998
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Millions)
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
(Note 1)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) (pound) 211 $ 336 (pound) 87 (pound) (15)
----- ----- ---- ----
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from
operating activities:
Income from operations of discontinued supply business (4) (6) (11) (12)
Gain on disposal of supply business (Note 13) (125) (199) - -
Depreciation and amortization 56 89 47 54
Write down of meters (Note 3) 22 35 - -
Deferred income taxes 5 8 2 (16)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net (49) (78) 6 13
Accounts payable 37 58 (14) 2
Accrued income taxes (4) (6) (34) 52
Other, net (25) (40) (11) (38)
----- ----- ---- ----
Total adjustments (87) (139) (15) 55
----- ----- ---- ----
Net cash provided from operating activities 124 197 72 40
----- ----- ---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (67) (107) (75) (81)
Proceeds from sale of supply business (Note 13) 160 255 - -
Proceeds from sales of assets - - 10 2
Proceeds from sales of investments 5 8 2 1
----- ----- ---- ----
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities 98 156 (63) (78)
----- ----- ---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM financing ACTIVITIES:
Change in short term borrowings (57) (91) 37 79
Issue of share capital - - 402 -
Loans to affiliated company - - (351) -
Payment of premium in respect of loans to affiliated
company and related hedges - - (42) -
Payment of dividends (188) (299) (70) (59)
----- ----- ---- ----
Net cash (used for) provided from financing activities (245) (390) (24) 20
----- ----- ---- ----
CASH PROVIDED BY DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 20 32 15 20
----- ----- ---- ----
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS (3) (5) - 2
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
YEAR 5 8 5 3
----- ---- ---- ----
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR (pound) 2 $ 3 (pound) 5 (pound) 5
===== ==== ==== ====
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized) (pound) 56 $ 89 (pound) 54 (pound) 51
===== ==== ==== =====
Income taxes:
Customary 25 40 2 20
Windfall levy (Note 6) - - 45 45
----- ---- ---- -----
Total cash paid for income taxes (pound) 25 $ 40 (pound) 47 (pound) 65
===== ==== ==== =====
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
II-15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AT MARCH 31, 2000 and 1999
(In Millions)
ASSETS 2000 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- -----------
(Note 1)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (pound) 1,467 $ 2,336 (pound) 1,452
Less accumulated depreciation 202 322 151
------- -------- ------
Property, plant, and equipment, net 1,265 2,014 1,301
------- -------- -----
OTHER ASSETS:
Investments 16 25 16
Prepaid pension cost (Note 2) 145 231 134
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of(pound)20 ($32)
at March 31, 2000 and(pound)16 at March 31, 1999 163 259 167
Loans to affiliated company (Note 10) 351 559 351
Premium in respect of loans to affiliated company and
related hedges, net of accumulated amortization of
(pound)12 ($19) at March 31, 2000 and(pound)3 at March
31,1999 (Note 10) 30 48 39
------- -------- -------
Total other assets 705 1,122 707
------- -------- -------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents 2 3 5
Investments 13 21 15
Receivables:
Customer accounts, less provision for uncollectables of
(pound)2 ($3) at March 31, 2000 and(pound)10 at March 31, 1999 50 80 80
Other 14 22 17
------- -------- -------
Receivables, net 64 102 97
Materials and supplies 2 3 3
Prepaid expenses 6 10 11
------- -------- -------
Total current assets 87 139 131
-------- -------- -------
TOTAL ASSETS (pound) 2,057 $ 3,275 (pound)2,139
======== ======== =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
</TABLE>
II-16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AT MARCH 31, 2000 and 1999
(In Millions)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 2000 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ -----------
(Note 1)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
Common stock, (pound)1 par value, 902,128,735 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding at March 31,
2000, and March 31, 1999 (pound) 902 $ 1,436 (pound) 902
Retained deficit (123) (196) (146)
------- ------- -------
Total stockholder's equity 779 1,240 756
------- ------- -------
COMPANY OBLIGATED MANDATORILY
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SECURITIES OF
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK CAPITAL
TRUST I HOLDING COMPANY JUNIOR
SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES (Note 10) 50 80 50
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT MATTERS
(Notes 2,3,4,7, and 10)
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt 301 479 301
Deferred income taxes (Note 6) 417 664 363
Provision for loss contracts - - 69
Other 16 25 36
------- ------- -------
Total non-current liabilities 734 1,168 769
------- ------- -------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Commercial paper - - 94
Notes payable to banks 311 495 273
Notes payable to affiliated company 26 42 25
Other notes payable 5 8 7
Accounts payable 4 6 44
Accrued income taxes 44 70 48
Accrued interest 8 13 9
Other 96 153 64
-------- ------- -------
Total current liabilities 494 787 564
-------- ------- -------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND
LIABILITIES (pound) 2,057 $ 3,275 (pound) 2,139
======== ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
</TABLE>
II-17
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2000
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Southern Investments UK plc ("the Company") was incorporated as a public
limited company under the laws of England and Wales in June 1995 as a vehicle
for the acquisition of South Western Electricity plc, one of the 12 Regional
Electricity Companies ("RECs") in England and Wales licensed to distribute,
supply and, to a limited extent, generate electricity. In September 1995, the
Company gained effective control of South Western Electricity plc, and
subsequently replaced South Western Electricity plc's board of directors and
certain senior managers with officers and employees of companies from within the
Southern Company system. The Company's main investment and only significant
asset is the entire share capital of South Western Electricity plc, which is
headquartered in Bristol, England.
The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of WPD Holdings Limited
("Holdings"), which in turn has been wholly owned by WPD Holdings UK ("Holdings
UK") since June 1998. From September 1995 to July 1996, Holdings was an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company ("Southern"). In July 1996, Southern
sold a 25% economic interest in Holdings to a subsidiary of PPL Corporation
("PPL"). In June 1998, Southern sold an additional 26% economic interest in
Holdings to PPL, and on the same day both parties agreed to exchange their
interests in Holdings for interests in Holdings UK that carried the same rights.
Southern currently has a 49% economic interest in South Western Electricity plc
and the Holdings UK group, yet retain operational and management control with
50.5% of the voting rights.
In September 1999, South Western Electricity plc completed the sale of
its electricity supply business (known as "SWEB") and certain related
activities, together with the name SWEB, to London Electricity plc for
(pound)160 million and the assumption of certain liabilities. South Western
Electricity plc now trades under the name Western Power Distribution ("WPD").
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements of the Company are presented in pounds sterling
((pound)) and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States ("US GAAP"). The accompanying financial statements have not been
prepared in accordance with the policies of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
("SFAS No. 71"). This pronouncement, under which most US electric utilities
report financial statements, applies to entities which are subject to cost-based
rate regulation. By contrast, WPD is not subject to rate regulation, but, rather
is subject to price cap regulation (Note 3) and therefore the provisions of SFAS
No. 71 do not apply. Financial statements presented in accordance with SFAS No.
71 contain deferred items which have not yet been included in rates charged to
customers in compliance with the respective regulatory authorities, but which
would have been included in the income statement of enterprises in general under
US GAAP. The accompanying financial statements of the Company do not contain
such deferrals.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries and have been prepared from
records maintained by WPD in the United Kingdom. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in
companies in which the Company's ownership interests range from 20% to 50% and
the Company exercises significant influence over operating and financial
policies are accounted for using the equity method. Other investments are
accounted for using the cost method (Note 11).
Solely for the convenience of the reader, certain pounds sterling amounts
included in the financial statements have been translated into US dollars at the
exchange rate of $1.5922 = (pound)1.00, the noon buying rate in New York City
for cable transfers in pounds sterling as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York on March 31, 2000. This presentation has not
been translated in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation".
II-18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table sets out the exchange rate for previous periods:
Fiscal Year Period end Average (1) High Low
----------- ---------- ----------- ---- ---
($ per(pound)1.00)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996.......................................... 1.53 1.53 1.56 1.50
1997.......................................... 1.64 1.59 1.71 1.49
1998.......................................... 1.68 1.65 1.69 1.61
1999.......................................... 1.61 1.65 1.70 1.60
2000.......................................... 1.59 1.61 1.65 1.58
(1) The average of the Noon Buying Rates in effect on the last business day of each month during the relevant period.
</TABLE>
Use of Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
WPD records revenue net of value added tax ("VAT") and accrues revenues
for services provided but unbilled at the end of each reporting period.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term investments with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at fair market value as
adjusted at the acquisition date in accordance with Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 16, "Accounting for Business Combinations" ("APB No. 16"). Items
capitalized subsequent to the acquisition are recorded at original cost, which
includes materials, labor, appropriate administrative and general costs, and the
estimated cost of funds used during construction. The cost of maintenance,
repairs, and replacement of minor items of property is charged to maintenance
expense.
Depreciation of the recorded cost of depreciable property, plant, and
equipment is provided primarily by using composite straight-line rates, which
approximate 3.2% per year (2.5% per year for depreciable utility plant in
service). Upon the retirement or sale of assets, the costs of such assets and
the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the
gain or loss, if any, is included in income.
Information Technology Consultancy and Development Costs
Significant information technology ("IT") consultancy and development
costs are capitalized when they become technologically feasible and are
amortized over their estimated useful economic life from the date of first use.
Other IT consultancy and development costs are charged to income in the period
in which they are incurred.
Goodwill
The Company amortizes costs in excess of fair value of net assets of the
business acquired using the straight-line method over a period of 40 years.
Goodwill shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements relates to
the acquisition of South Western Electricity plc.
II-19
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangibles
The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including goodwill and
identifiable intangibles, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The determination of
whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted
future cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared to the carrying value
of the assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment
recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of the assets and
recording a provision for loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair
value (Note 3).
Investments
The Company accounts for its current investments in accordance with SFAS
No. 115, "Accounting for Investments for Certain Debt and Equity Securities".
These investments represent investments in debt securities, which management
classifies as available-for-sale securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115. The
Company's long-term investments consist of investments accounted for using the
cost method (Note 11).
Income Taxes
SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", requires the asset and
liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for deferred income
taxes. The Company uses the liability method of accounting for deferred income
taxes and provides deferred income taxes for all significant income tax
temporary differences.
Comprehensive Income
There were no items for inclusion in a consolidated statement of
comprehensive income other than net income as shown on the condensed
consolidated statements of income.
Financial Instruments
Non-trading derivative financial instruments are used to hedge exposures
to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Gains and
losses on qualifying hedges are deferred and recognized either in income or as
an adjustment to the carrying amount when the hedged transaction occurs.
2. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
WPD has two pension plans, a defined contribution plan and a defined
benefit plan. The measurement date for plan assets and obligations is December
31 for each year.
Defined Contribution Plan
The defined contribution plan was established in fiscal year 1994. The
assets of the defined contribution plan are held and administered by an
independent trustee. Contributions to the plan by WPD on behalf of its employees
were (pound)0.2 million ($0.3 million) for the fiscal year 2000, (pound)0.3
million for the fiscal year 1999 and (pound)0.2 million for the fiscal year
1998.
Defined Benefit Plan
WPD participates in the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme ("ESPS"), which
provides pension and other related defined benefits, based on final pensionable
pay, to substantially all employees throughout the Electricity Supply Industry
in the United Kingdom ("UK"). Contributions to the plan by WPD on behalf of its
employees were (pound)0.2 million ($0.3 million) for the fiscal year 2000,
(pound)0.3 for the fiscal year 1999 and (pound)0.3 million for the fiscal year
1998.
II-20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and the fair
value of the plan assets were as follows (in millions):
March 31, 2000 March 31, 1999
-------------- --------------
Change in projected benefit obligation
--------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Benefit obligation at beginning of year........................... (pound) 639 $ 1,017 (pound) 542
Service cost .................................................... 8 13 7
Interest cost..................................................... 36 57 39
Amendments 26 41 -
Actuarial (gain)/loss............................................. (56) (89) 87
Divestiture ..................................................... (30) (48) -
Benefits paid..................................................... (43) (68) (36)
----- ------- ------
Benefit obligations at end of year................................ (pound) 580 $ 923 (pound) 639
----- ------- ------
Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.................... (pound) 786 $ 1,251 (pound) 701
Actual return on plan assets...................................... 144 229 117
Divestiture ..................................................... (36) (57) -
Employee contributions............................................ 2 3 4
Benefits paid..................................................... (43) (68) (36)
----- ------- ------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year.......................... (pound) 853 $ 1,358 (pound) 786
----- ------- ------
Reconciliation of funded status
Funded status of plan............................................. (pound) 273 $ 435 (pound) 147
Unrecognized prior service cost................................... 26 41 2
Unrecognized net gain............................................. (154) (245) (15)
----- ----- ------
Prepaid pension cost in the Consolidated Balance Sheet............ (pound) 145 $ 231 (pound) 134
----- ----- ------
The components of the plan's net periodic income (excluding the impact of
the Supply sale) were as follows (in millions):
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Service cost..................................................... (pound) 8 $ 13 (pound) 7 (pound) 7
Interest cost..................................................... 36 57 39 43
Expected return on plan assets.................................... (60) (96) (60) (60)
Amortization of prior service cost................................ 1 2 - -
----- ----- ----- -----
Gross benefit credit.............................................. (15) (24) (14) (10)
Employee contributions............................................ (2) (3) (4) (3)
------ ----- ------ -----
Net pension income................................................ (17) (27) (18) (13)
----- ----- ------ -----
The assumptions used in the actuarial calculations were as follows:
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Discount rate..................................................... 6.50% 5.75% 7.50%
Expected rate of return on assets................................. 8.75% 8.75% 9.50%
Rate of pay increase.............................................. 4.00% 4.00% 4.75%
</TABLE>
II-21
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Pensions Contingency
The Pensions Ombudsman (a UK statutorily appointed independent
arbitrator) has issued a determination in favor of complaints made by members of
the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme ("ESPS") relating to another employer's
use of ESPS surplus to offset the employer's costs of providing early pensions
on redundancies and certain other items. Under that determination the Pensions
Ombudsman directed the employer to pay into ESPS the amount of that use of the
surplus plus interest. The determination was challenged in the High Court by the
employer, and the High Court upheld the employer's appeal in a judgment
delivered in June 1997. The High Court also granted the complainants leave to
appeal to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal hearing took place in October
1998, and its judgment was given in February 1999. While the complainants'
appeal was successful, the Court of Appeal indicated that it may be possible to
validate the employer's actions by a retrospective rule amendment. The Court of
Appeal gave leave in principle for a subsequent appeal to the House of Lords
(the UK Supreme Court), but also made arrangements for a further hearing held in
May 1999. The Court of Appeal declined to hear further arguments and told the
parties that any outstanding matters would have to be addressed by the House of
Lords. The parties agreed a form of order, stayed pending the further appeal,
which contains a requirement for the amounts offset against the surplus, plus
interest, to be paid into the pension fund. It is unlikely a hearing will take
place before the House of Lords earlier than Fall 2000. National Grid Company
("NGC"), together with National Power PLC, have now initiated appeals in the
House of Lords. NGC and National Power PLC have executed deeds of amendment,
which purport to cancel their accrued contribution obligations arising from the
Court of Appeal's judgment. The House of Lords is unlikely to rule whether such
amendments are effective before December 2000. WPD is considering whether to
execute similar amendments. Based on the Company's assessment of the current
legal position, it anticipates that a payment into the ESPS of (pound)24 million
will ultimately be required. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
Statement No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions", there will be no
immediate impact to Net Income.
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
Distribution revenues are subject to price cap regulation. The Director
General of Gas and Electricity Supply ("Regulator") applies a price control
formula ("DPCF"), P + RPI - X, where P is the price level at the beginning of
each new regulatory period, RPI is the change in the Retail Price Index and X is
an adjustment factor determined by the Regulator. The DPCF is usually set for a
five-year period, subject to more frequent adjustments as determined necessary
by the Regulator. At each review, the Regulator can require a one-time price
adjustment.
In December 1999, the Regulator published final price proposals for
distribution price control for the 14 regional electricity distribution
businesses. For WPD, these proposals represent a 20% reduction to distribution
prices effective April 2000, followed by a reduction in real terms of 3% each
year from April 2001. This price control is scheduled to operate until March
2005. In response, management plans to maximize efficiency and customer service
as a focused distribution company. The implementation of the plans has
necessitated an overall reduction in staffing levels. The reductions are focused
on administrative and corporate functions, with minimal impact on field staff,
ensuring customer service is not affected. Management are evaluating further
opportunities to reduce ongoing operating costs.
The UK electricity Regulator is introducing competition in metering
activities, namely meter fixing (meter provision, installation, certification,
and repair) and meter reading. Meter fixing must be undertaken by authorized
providers, of which WPD is one. Based on the proposed regulation, the current
carrying value of metering assets will be impaired. As a result the Company
recorded an impairment loss of (pound)22 million ($35 million), in the third
quarter of fiscal year 2000, to reflect the amount by which the carrying value
of metering assets exceeded their fair value. The fair value is assessed by
reference to the present value of estimated future cash flows attributable to
the assets, using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.
II-22
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
4. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT MATTERS
Operating Leases
WPD has commitments under operating leases with various terms and
expiration dates. Expenses associated with these commitments totaled (pound)6
million ($10 million) for the fiscal year 2000, (pound)6 million for the fiscal
year 1999, and (pound)5 million for the fiscal year 1998. At March 31, 2000,
estimated minimum rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases were as
follows (in millions):
Fiscal year
2001..................................... (pound) 1 $ 2
2002..................................... 1 2
2003..................................... 1 2
2004..................................... 1 2
2005..................................... 1 2
2006 and thereafter...................... 3 5
----- ----
Total minimum payment...................... (pound) 8 $ 15
===== ====
Labor Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreement
Substantially all of WPD's employees are subject to one of two collective
bargaining agreements. Such agreements are ongoing in nature, and WPD's employee
participation level is consistent with that of the electric utility industry in
the UK.
5. SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION
The Company's principal business segment is electricity distribution,
which involves the transfer of electricity from the high voltage transmission
system, and its delivery, across lower voltage distribution systems, to
consumers. Included in "Other" are ancillary business activities that generally
support WPD's distribution business, including electricity generation for
standby purposes, property and telecommunications, as well as corporate items
and assets not allocated to specific segments. Interest expense and taxes are
wholly allocated to "Other" and are disclosed in the Consolidated Income
Statements. With the exception of total assets employed and capital
expenditures, the values below exclude discontinued operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Business Segments
-----------------
Fiscal Year Distribution Other Eliminations Consolidated
----------- -------------- -------------- -------------- ------------
(in millions)
2000
----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating revenues (pound) 247 $ 393 (pound)46 $ 73 (pound)(18) $ (28) (pound)275 $ 438
Depreciation and Amortization 52 83 4 6 - - 56 89
Operating income 107 170 25 40 - - 132 210
Total assets employed at year-end 1,592 2,535 465 740 - - 2,057 3,275
Capital expenditures 63 101 4 6 - - 67 107
1999
----
Operating revenues (pound) 247 (pound) 49 (pound) (35) (pound) 261
Depreciation and Amortization 45 6 - 51
Operating income 111 12 (1) 122
Total assets employed at year-end 1,599 540 - 2,139
Capital expenditures 70 3 - 73
1998
----
Operating revenues (pound) 228 (pound) 44 (pound) (27) (pound) 245
Depreciation and Amortization 39 7 - 46
Operating income 106 4 - 110
Total assets employed at year-end 1,540 188 - 1,728
Capital expenditures 78 4 (1) 81
</TABLE>
II-23
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
6. INCOME TAXES
Details of the income tax provisions are as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total provision for income taxes:
Customary:
Currently payable (pound) 23 $ 36 (pound) 8 (pound) 22
Deferred - - 13 6
------ ---- ----- ------
23 36 21 28
Effect of change in tax rates - - (11) (22)
Windfall levy - - - 90
------ ---- ----- ------
Total income taxes charged to continuing operations (pound) 23 $ 36 (pound) 10 (pound) 96
====== ==== ===== ======
</TABLE>
The decrease in customary income taxes from fiscal year 1998 to fiscal
year 1999 is primarily due to an increase to the income tax provision in fiscal
year 1998 to cover possible disallowable items. In the fiscal year 1999, the
provision was reduced following the resolution of some of these items. This also
explains the increase in taxes from fiscal year 1999 to fiscal year 2000.
The UK government's 1998 Finance Act included a reduction in the rate of
UK corporation tax from 31% to 30% effective April 1999. This decrease resulted
in a reduction to WPD's provision for deferred income taxes and a corresponding
decrease in income tax expense of approximately (pound)11 million, during fiscal
year 1999.
In fiscal year 1998, the UK corporation tax rate was reduced from 33%
to 31%, effective April 1997, which resulted in a reduction to the Company's
provision for deferred income taxes and a corresponding decrease in income tax
expense of approximately (pound)22 million.
In July 1997 the Labour government presented its first budget which
included a "one-off windfall levy on the excess profits of the privatized
utilities". Based upon the legislation, WPD's liability was assessed at
(pound)90 million. The levy was paid by installments; the first half in December
1997 and the second half in two tranches in November and December 1998.
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities in the financial statements and their respective tax
bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows
(in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, March 31,
2000 1999
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant, and equipment basis differences............................ (pound)334 $ 532 (pound) 345
Pensions.................................................................... 43 68 41
Heldover gain................................................................ 49 78 -
---- ----- ----
Total................................................................ 426 678 386
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals, including acquisition related items....................... 9 14 23
----- ----- -----
Net deferred tax liabilities in consolidated balance sheet (pound) 417 $ 664 (pound) 363
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
II-24
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Excluding the effect of the change in tax rates in fiscal years 1999 and
1998, and the effect of the windfall levy in fiscal year 1998, the
reconciliation of the UK statutory rate to the effective customary income tax
rate is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
UK statutory rate 30% 31% 31%
Nondeductible amortization of goodwill 1 1 2
Other permanent differences (9) (7) 5
--- --- ---
Effective customary income tax rate 22% 25% 38%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company and WPD utilize interest rate swaps to mitigate their
exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by allowing them to convert their
outstanding variable rate debt into fixed rate debt. These swaps are designated
as hedges of underlying debt obligations and, as such, the interest rate
differential is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of
the swaps. At March 31, 2000, sterling interest rate swaps expiring between 2001
and 2012 with notional amounts totaling (pound)600 million, resulted in a
cumulative unrealized loss of (pound)27 million.
Foreign currency swaps embedded in cross currency swaps and interest rate
swap hybrid instruments are used by the Company and WPD to hedge exposure to
currency fluctuations for US dollar denominated debt. Gains and losses on these
hedges are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the carrying amount when
the hedged transaction occurs. At March 31, 2000, currency swaps expiring
between 2001 and 2007 with notional amounts totaling (pound)350 million,
resulted in a cumulative unrealized profit of (pound)5 million.
The Company is exposed to losses related to financial instruments in the
event of counterparties' nonperformance. The Company has established controls to
determine and monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties in order to
mitigate the Company's exposure to counterparty credit risk. The Company is
unaware of any counterparties that will fail to meet their obligations.
Other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal
fair value at March 31 were as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 2000 March 31, 1999
-------------- --------------
Carrying Fair Value Carrying Fair Value
Amount Amount
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Long-term debt (pound) 301 (pound) 298 (pound) 301 (pound) 314
Preferred securities (pound) 50 (pound) 46 (pound) 50 (pound) 49
The fair values for long-term debt and preferred securities were based on the closing market price.
</TABLE>
II-25
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
8. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant, and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 2000 March 31, 1999
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Distribution network.............................................. (pound) 1,244 $ 1,980 (pound) 1,231
Non-network land and buildings.................................... 34 54 33
Other ................................................... 40 64 78
Consumer contributions............................................ (53) (84) (41)
----- -------- -------
Property, plant, and equipment, net............................... (pound) 1,265 $ 2,014 (pound) 1,301
----- ------- -------
</TABLE>
9. CAPITAL BUDGET
The Company's capital expenditure for the fiscal year 2000 was (pound)67
million ($107 million); for the fiscal years 2001 and 2002 capital expenditures
are estimated to be (pound)69 million and (pound)68 million respectively. The
capital budget is subject to periodic review and revision, and actual capital
cost incurred may vary from the above statement because of numerous factors. The
factors include: changes in business conditions; revised load growth
projections; change in regulatory requirements; and increasing costs of labor,
equipment, and materials.
10. FINANCING
The Company has $500 million Senior Notes in the US, of which some $168
million of the Senior Notes are due for redemption in November 2001 and $332
million in 2006; the Senior Notes are at rates of 6.375% and 6.8% respectively.
The Company entered into currency swap transactions that effectively convert the
US dollar obligations of the Senior Notes into pounds sterling obligations, with
a nominal value of (pound)300 million.
Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I (the "Trust") issued $82 million
of its 8.23% preferred securities and invested the proceeds thereof in 8.23%
subordinated debentures issued by the Company, which are scheduled to mature on
February 1, 2027. The Company guarantees the Trust's obligations under the
preferred securities. The Company has also entered into foreign currency swap
contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and principal
on the preferred securities, by swapping the US dollar liabilities back to
pounds sterling for the period to February 2007. The nominal value of the
swapped liabilities is (pound)50 million. The Company owns all of the common
securities of the Trust, all of the assets of which are the aforementioned
subordinated debentures of the Company in the aggregate principal amount of
$84.5 million.
The Company considers that the mechanisms and obligations relating to the
preferred securities, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional
guarantee by the Company of the Trust's payment obligations with respect to the
preferred securities.
In December 1998 a more efficient capital structure for Holdings UK and
the Company was put in place. At that time, Holdings UK became a co-obligor of
the Company's existing long-term debt and subordinated debentures. Sums totaling
(pound)402 million were contributed to the Company for newly issued shares and
the Company made three US dollar loans, totaling $584 million ((pound)351
million) to Holdings UK on the same terms as the existing long-term debt and
subordinated debentures. In consideration of entering into these loans and their
related currency and interest rate swaps, the Company made premium payments
(independently calculated as a fair arms-length value between unconnected
parties) of $84 million ((pound)51 million) to Holdings UK. Of the premium
payments, (pound)42 million is being amortized over the life of the respective
loans and swaps, and (pound)9 million represented accrued interest.
II-26
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Company has a US commercial paper program, which is fully supported by
a swingline and revolving credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks,
under which the maximum available is $520 million. At March 31, 2000 the amount
unutilized under these facilities was $92 million. WPD enters into foreign
currency contracts to hedge the currency risk associated with the interest and
principal of each utilization under this program.
Excluding swap agreements between the Company and Holdings UK, at March 31,
2000, the Company and WPD have sterling interest rate swaps expiring between
2001 and 2012 with notional amounts totalling (pound)600 million, and cross
currency swaps expiring between 2001 and 2007 with notional amounts totalling
(pound)350 million.
11. INVESTMENTS
The Company's long-term investments accounted for under the cost method
consist of its 7.69% ownership of Teesside Power Limited, the fair value of
which is not readily determinable. The Company's (pound)13 million of short-term
investments are classified as available-for-sale under SFAS No. 115, the fair
value of which approximated cost at March 31, 2000.
12. COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
The Company's main investment and only significant asset is the entire
share capital of WPD. The Company is primarily dependent upon dividends from WPD
for its cash flow. WPD can make distribution of dividends to the Company under
English law to the extent that it has distributable reserves, subject to the
retention of sufficient financial resources to conduct its distribution business
as required by its regulatory license. The Company believes that currently
sufficient distributable reserves will exist at WPD to allow for any and all
cash flow generated at WPD through operations to be distributed to the Company
through dividends to the Company. In the UK, the Accounting Standards Board is
currently reviewing the treatment of deferred income tax accounting. If full
provision for deferred tax were required, WPD's distributable reserves could be
eliminated. In addition, in September 1999, the Regulator varied the licenses
under which all RECs (including WPD) operate such that the directors of a REC
must certify to the Regulator that it is reasonably foreseeable that the REC
will not breach any of its license conditions if it declares a dividend. WPD has
no reason to believe that a breach of its license would occur from declaring a
reasonable dividend.
13. ASSET SALES
In September 1999, South Western Electricity plc completed the sale of
its electricity supply business (known as `SWEB') and certain related
activities, together with the name `SWEB', to London Electricity plc for
(pound)160 million and the assumption of certain liabilities. The Company
recorded an after tax gain on the sale of (pound)125 million. The remaining
distribution business was renamed Western Power Distribution ("WPD"). The
Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods shown reflect the supply
business segment as discontinued.
There are certain incremental costs relating to the ongoing business
which are a direct consequence of the sale of the supply business and related
activities to London Electricity plc. These costs total (pound)3 million and
principally involve the establishment of a new computer environment and data
migration.
II-27
<PAGE>
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 17, 2000, Southern Energy, Inc., an indirect parent of the
Company, approved plans to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission
shares of Southern Energy common stock. Southern Energy is currently a wholly
owned subsidiary of Southern Company. Upon completion of this offering, Southern
Company will own over 80% of the outstanding shares of the common stock.
Southern Company has announced that it plans to complete a spin-off of Southern
Energy within 12 months after the completion of the offering by distributing the
remaining shares of common stock to the holders of Southern Company's common
stock. There can be no assurance that this offering will be completed.
On May 31, 2000 an associate of the Company made a bid of (pound)464
million to purchase the entire ordinary share capital of Hyder plc, the company
which owns and runs the electricity network in South Wales and the water
distribution and waste water treatment business for the whole of Wales. This
represents a bid of (pound)3 per share. If the bid is successful, it is intended
that WPD will become involved with the management of the electricity network in
South Wales. The offer will be circulated to Hyder plc shareholders and final
approval could take up to 90 days. This bid follows an earlier bid from the
Principal Finance Group to purchase the company for (pound)2.60 per share.
II-28
<PAGE>
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
II-29
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of the Company as of March 31, 2000:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
---- --- ----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Barney S. Rush................................... 47 Director, Chief Executive Officer
D. Charl S. Oosthuizen........................... 42 Director, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
Robert A. Symons................................. 47 Director
Maurice E. Fletcher.............................. 50 Director
Accentacross Limited............................. Director
Mighteager Limited............................... Director
</TABLE>
Barney S. Rush - Chief Executive Officer of the Company since October
1999. Mr. Rush currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Southern
Energy-Europe Group, a position he has held since August 1999, and is also
Senior Vice President of Southern Energy, Inc. He previously served as President
of Southern Energy Development-Europe.
D. Charl S. Oosthuizen - Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the
Company since June 1999 and also Finance Director of WPD since that date. He
previously served as General Manager, Information Resources at WPD from April
1999 to May 1999, and as Assistant to the Chief Executive at WPD from December
1997 to March 1999. He was Treasurer of WPD until November 1997.
Robert A. Symons - Director of the Company since October 1997 and also
Distribution Director of WPD from that date. Effective March 31, 2000, he was
appointed Chief Executive Officer of WPD. He previously served as Network
Services Manager in Plymouth for WPD from December 1994 to September 1997.
Maurice E. Fletcher - Director of the Company since October 1999 and also
a Director of WPD since that date. He previously served as Officer responsible
for Human Resources for WPD.
Accentacross Limited ("Accentacross") - Director of the Company since July
1996. Paul Champagne represents Accentacross at meetings of the Directors
of the Company. Mr. Champagne has represented Accentacross at meetings of
the Directors of the Company since March 2000. From May 1999 to the
present, Mr. Champagne has served as President of PPL Global, Inc.
Mighteager Limited ("Mighteager") - Director of the Company since July
1996. Dale M. Kleppinger represents Mighteager at meetings of the Directors
of the Company. Mr. Kleppinger has represented Mighteager at meetings of the
Directors of the Company since March 2000. From March 1999 to March 2000,
Mr. Kleppinger served as Treasurer of WPD. From April 2000, Mr. Kleppinger
has served as Director of Treasury at PPL Corporation.
Accentacross and Mighteager were elected by PPLG to the board of the
Company pursuant to a Shareholders' Agreement dated July 1, 1996 among Southern
Electric International-Europe Inc. ("SEI-Europe"), PPLG and Holdings and
reaffirmed under a revised Shareholders' Agreement of June 18, 1998 (the
"Shareholders' Agreement") between SEI-Europe, PPLG and Holdings UK. The
Shareholders' Agreement provides that holders of a majority of the A shares can
appoint the majority of directors to the board and that holders of a majority of
the B shares can appoint a number of directors that is one less than the number
of directors that the holders of the A shares have the right to appoint. This
applies not only to the board of directors of Holdings UK but also extends to
the boards of Holdings and of the Company as wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Holdings UK. During the period under review Holdings UK as holder of the B
shares exercised this right to the extent of electing Accentacross and
Mighteager to the board of the Company. Accentacross and Mighteager are
represented on the board of directors of the Company by Messrs. Champagne and
Kleppinger respectively.
III-1
<PAGE>
On April 1, 2000, Richard F. Owen was appointed a Director of the
Company. Mr. Owen currently serves as Vice President of Operations and
Business Development of Southern Energy's European businesses. He previously
served as Vice President of Operations and Business Development for the
Caribbean region and South America.
III-2
<PAGE>
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Accentacross and Mighteager (the "PPLG Directors") do not receive
compensation for their services as Directors of the Company. Messrs. Oosthuizen,
Symons, and Fletcher have received, and will continue to receive, compensation
in respect of services performed as WPD Officers, WPD being their primary
employer and a subsidiary of the Company. They receive no cash or non-cash
compensation as a result of these arrangements beyond that which they would
otherwise receive from WPD for their services performed for WPD. Mr. Rush has
received, and will continue to receive, compensation in respect of services
performed in his capacity as an Officer of Southern Energy, his primary employer
and an affiliate of the Company. Mr. Rush received no cash or non-cash
compensation as a result of these arrangements beyond that which he would
otherwise receive from Southern Energy for the services performed by him for
Southern Energy.
III-3
<PAGE>
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security ownership of certain beneficial owners. The authorized share capital of
the Company consists of 902,128,735 ordinary shares of (pound)1 each, all of
which have been issued fully paid and are held by Holdings. Holdings is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings UK. The following table sets forth, as of
March 31, 2000, certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Holdings
UK common stock held by each person known by the Company to own beneficially
more than 10% of Holdings UK outstanding common stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address Amount and Nature Percent
of Beneficial of Beneficial of
Title of Class Owner Ownership Class
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
A Ordinary The Southern Company 12,184,716 (1) 100%
270 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
B Ordinary PPL Corporation 11,936,049 (2) 100%
2 North Ninth Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
C Ordinary PPL Corporation 746,003 (2) 100%
2 North Ninth Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
D Ordinary PPL Corporation 5,100,000 (2) 100%
2 North Ninth Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101
E Ordinary The Southern Company 4,900,000 (1) 100%
270 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(1) Such shares are owned by SEI-Europe UK Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern.
(2) Such shares are owned by PPLG UK, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PPL.
</TABLE>
The A Ordinary shares and the B Ordinary shares have the same voting rights,
while the C Ordinary shares have no voting rights. The only other material
difference between them is the requirement for dividends attributable to the
calendar year ended December 31, 1998 aggregating up to (pound)30.4 million to
be allocated 61% to the holder(s) of the A shares and 39% to the holders of the
B shares and the C shares collectively, and for dividends attributable to the
calendar year ended December 31, 1998 in excess of (pound)30.4 million to be
allocated pro-rata to the shareholders in accordance with their ownership of
shares. The D Ordinary shares and E Ordinary shares were issued in December 1999
to provide certain rights and restrictions over the D and E Ordinary shares of
Holdings. Except with respect to certain specific matters, holders of the D
Ordinary shares and E Ordinary shares are not entitled to vote at general
meetings of Holdings UK.
III-4
<PAGE>
Security ownership of management. The following table shows the number of shares
of Southern common stock owned by the directors, nominees and executive officers
as of March 31, 2000. It is based on information furnished by the directors,
nominees and executive officers. The shares owned by all directors, nominees and
executive officers as a group constitute less than one percent of the total
number of shares outstanding on March 31, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name of Directors,
Nominees and Number of Shares
Executive Officers Title of Class Beneficially Owned1,2
------------------ -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Barney S. Rush Southern Common 10,181
The directors, nominees, and
executive officers as a group (6 persons) Southern Common 10,181
1 As used in this table, "beneficial ownership" means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct the
voting of, a security and/or investment power with respect to a security, or any combination thereof.
2 The shares shown include shares of Southern common stock of which certain directors and executive
officers have the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days pursuant to the Executive Stock Plan,
as follows: Mr. Rush 6,426 shares.
Messrs. Symons, Oosthuizen, and Fletcher, and the two corporate directors, Accentacross Limited and Mighteager
Limited, do not own any equity securities of the Company or any of its parents or subsidiaries.
Changes in control. The Company knows of no arrangements which may at a subsequent date result in any change in control.
</TABLE>
III-5
<PAGE>
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Transactions with management and others.
None.
Certain business relationships.
See Item 11 herein.
Indebtedness of management.
None.
Transactions with promoters.
None.
III-6
<PAGE>
PART IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report on this Form
10-K:
(1) Financial Statements:
The financial statements and the related reports of independent
public accountants filed as a part of this annual report are
listed under Item 8 herein.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
Report of Independent Public Accountants as to Schedules for
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc and Subsidiaries is included herein
on page S-1
Financial Statement Schedules for the Company are included
herein on page S-2.
(3) Exhibits:
Exhibits are listed in the Exhibit Index on page E-1 and E-2.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The registrant has not filed any reports on Form 8-K during the last
quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000.
IV-1
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant, Southern Investments UK plc, a public limited
company incorporated and existing under the laws of England and Wales, has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on the 15th day of June,
2000.
SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc
By: Barney S. Rush
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
By:/s/ WAYNE BOSTON
Wayne Boston
Attorney-in-Fact
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following directors and officers of Southern
Investments UK plc in the capacities and on the date indicated:
Signature Title Date
BARNEY S. RUSH Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
D. CHARL S. OOSTHUIZEN Chief Financial and
Accounting Officer
ROBERT A. SYMONS |
|
MAURICE E. FLETCHER |
|
RICHARD F. OWEN |
|
ACCENTACROSS LIMITED |
|
By: Paul Champagne |
Director |
|
| Directors
|
MIGHTEAGER LIMITED |
|
By: Dale M. Kleppinger |
Director |
/s/ WAYNE BOSTON June 15, 2000
Wayne Boston
Attorney-in-Fact
IV-2
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AS TO SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of Southern Investments UK plc:
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
financial statements of SOUTHERN INVESTMENTS UK plc AND SUBSIDIARIES included in
this report and have issued our report thereon dated June 15, 2000. Our audit
was made for the purposes of forming an opinion on the basic financial
statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in Item 14 (a) (2) is the
responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our
opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to
be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole.
/s/ARTHUR ANDERSEN
ARTHUR ANDERSEN
Bristol, England
June 15, 2000
S-1
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000, 1999, AND 1998
(In Millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Additions
-------------------------------
Balance at Charged Charged to Balance
Beginning (Credited) Other at End of
of Period to Income Accounts Deductions Period
(pound) (pound) (pound) (pound) (pound)
----------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Provision for Uncollectable
Accounts
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year-Ended March 31, 1998................ 12 (2) - (1) 9
=== === === === ===
Year-Ended March 31, 1999................ 9 2 - (1) 10
=== === === === ==
Year-Ended March 31, 2000................ 10 (6) - (2) 2
=== === === === ===
-------------
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits indicated by an asterisk preceding the exhibit number are filed herewith. The balance of the exhibits
have heretofore been filed with the SEC, respectively, as the exhibits and in the file numbers indicated and are incorporated
herein by reference.
<S> <C>
3.1 -- Memorandum of Association of the Company. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as
Exhibit 3.1.)
3.2 -- Articles of Association of the Company. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit
3.2.)
4.1 -- Trust Indenture dated as of November 21, 1996, between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as
trustee. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 4.1.)
4.2 -- First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 21, 1996 between the Company and Bankers Trust
Company, as trustee. (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.2.)
4.3 -- Deposit Agreement dated as of November 21, 1996 between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as
book-entry depositary. (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.3.)
4.4 -- Subordinated Debenture Indenture dated as of January 29, 1997, among the Company, Bankers Trust Company,
as trustee, and Bankers Trust Luxembourg S.A., as paying agent and transfer agent. (Designated in Form S-4
Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.1.)
4.5 -- Certificate of Trust of Southern Investments UK Capital Trust I (Designated in Form S-4 Registration
No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.3.)
4.6 -- Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated as of January 29, 1997 of Southern Investments UK
Capital Trust I. (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.4.)
4.7 -- Form of Exchange Guarantee of the Company relating to the Exchange Capital Securities. (Designated in
Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.6.)
4.8 -- Capital Securities Guarantee dated as of January 29, 1997 of the Company relating to the Original
Capital Securities. (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.8.)
4.9 -- Common Securities Guarantee dated as of January 29, 1997 of the Company relating to the Common
Securities. (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.9.)
4.10 -- Deposit Agreement dated as of January 29, 1997 between the Company and Bankers Trust Company, as
book-entry depositary. (Designated in Form S-4 Registration No. 333-26939 as Exhibit 4.10.)
* 10.1 -- South Western Electricity plc Public Electricity Supply License dated September 1999.
10.2 -- Pooling and Settlement Agreement (as amended and restated at July 28, 1997) together with modifications
dated September 19, 1997 and May 14, 1998 between South Western Electricity plc, Energy Settlements and
Information Services (as Settlement System Administrator), Energy Pool Funds Administration Limited (as Pool
Funds Administrator), NGC (as Grid Operator and Ancillary Services Provider) and Other Parties. (Designated
in Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1998 as Exhibit 10.3).
10.3 -- Master Connection and Use of System Agreement dated as of March 30, 1990 among NGC and its users
(including South Western Electricity plc). (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as
Exhibit 10.4.)
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10.4 -- Form of Supplemental Agreement between NGC and South Western Electricity plc. (Designated in Form S-1
Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.5.)
10.5 -- Variations dated April 1, 1998, March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1998 to the Master Connection and Use of System
Agreement dated as of March 30, 1990 among NGC and its users (including South Western Electricity plc) and to
the Form of Supplemental Agreement between NGC and South Western Electricity plc. (Designated in Form 10-K
for the year ended March 31, 1998 as Exhibit 10.6).
10.6 -- Master Agreement dated as of October 25, 1995 among The National Grid Holding plc, NGC, South Western
Electricity plc and the other RECs. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit
10.6.)
10.7 -- Memorandum of Understanding between NGG, South Western Electricity plc and each of the RECs, dated
November 17, 1995. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.7.)
10.8 -- Form of South Western Electricity plc Use of Distribution System Agreement. (Designated in Form 10-K
for the year ended March 31, 1998 as Exhibit 10.9).
10.9 -- Form of Agreement for the Connection of an Exit Point, generally applicable to commercial customers.
(Designated in Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1999 as Exhibit 10.10).
10.10 -- Form of Agreement for the Connection of an Exit Point, generally applicable to residential customers.
(Designated in Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1998 as Exhibit 10.11).
10.11 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between Southern Electric International, Inc. (now
Southern Energy, Inc.) and the Company. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit
10.10.)
10.12 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between Southern Electric International, Inc. (now
Southern Energy, Inc.) and South Western Electricity plc. (Designated in Form S-1 Registration No.
333-09033 as Exhibit 10.11.)
10.13 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between South Western Electricity plc and Holdings.
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.12.)
10.14 -- Services Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between the Company and South Western Electricity plc.
(Designated in Form S-1 Registration No. 333-09033 as Exhibit 10.13.)
* 21.1 -- Subsidiaries of Registrant.
* 24.1 -- Power of Attorney and Resolution.
* 27.1 -- Financial Data Schedule.
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