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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011

or

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

   
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter,
   
Commission
 
state of incorporation, address of principal
 
I.R.S. Employer
File Number
 
executive offices and telephone number
 
Identification Number
         
001-32206
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
 
43-1916803
   
(A Missouri Corporation)
   
   
1200 Main Street
   
   
Kansas City, Missouri  64105
   
   
(816) 556-2200
   
         
000-51873
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
44-0308720
   
(A Missouri Corporation)
   
   
1200 Main Street
   
   
Kansas City, Missouri  64105
   
   
(816) 556-2200
   

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.
Great Plains Energy Incorporated
Yes
X
No
_
 
Kansas City Power & Light Company
Yes
X
No
_
   
                         
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Great Plains Energy Incorporated
Yes
X
No
_
 
Kansas City Power & Light Company
Yes
X
No
_
   
                         
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting
company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
             
Great Plains Energy Incorporated
Large accelerated filer
  X
Accelerated filer
  _
     
 
Non-accelerated filer
  _
Smaller reporting company
  _
     
Kansas City Power & Light Company
Large accelerated filer
  _
Accelerated filer
  _
     
 
Non-accelerated filer
  X
Smaller reporting company
  _
     
                               
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Great Plains Energy Incorporated
Yes
_
No
X
 
Kansas City Power & Light Company
Yes
_
No
X
   
                               
On October 31, 2011, Great Plains Energy Incorporated had 136,087,321 shares of common stock outstanding.  On October 31, 2011,
Kansas City Power & Light Company had one share of common stock outstanding and held by Great Plains Energy Incorporated.
 
Kansas City Power & Light Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction (H)(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is
therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
 
 
 
 
This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is being filed by Great Plains Energy Incorporated (Great Plains Energy) and Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L).  KCP&L is a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Plains Energy and represents a significant portion of its assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and operations.  Thus, all information contained in this report relates to, and is filed by, Great Plains Energy.  Information that is specifically identified in this report as relating solely to Great Plains Energy, such as its financial statements and all information relating to Great Plains Energy’s other operations, businesses and subsidiaries, including KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company (GMO), does not relate to, and is not filed by, KCP&L.  KCP&L makes no representation as to that information.  Neither Great Plains Energy nor its other subsidiaries have any obligation in respect of KCP&L’s debt securities and holders of such securities should not consider Great Plains Energy’s or its other subsidiaries’ financial resources or results of operations in making a decision with respect to KCP&L’s debt securities.  Similarly, KCP&L has no obligation in respect of securities of Great Plains Energy or its other subsidiaries.

This report should be read in its entirety.  No one section of the report deals with all aspects of the subject matter.  It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and with the management’s discussion and analysis included in the 2010 Form 10-K for each of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements made in this report that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking, may involve risks and uncertainties, and are intended to be as of the date when made.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the outcome of regulatory proceedings, cost estimates of capital projects and other matters affecting future operations.  In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L are providing a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the provided forward-looking information.  These important factors include: future economic conditions in regional, national and international markets and their effects on sales, prices and costs, including but not limited to possible further deterioration in economic conditions and the timing and extent of economic recovery; prices and availability of electricity in regional and national wholesale markets; market perception of the energy industry, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L; changes in business strategy, operations or development plans; effects of current or proposed state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments, including, but not limited to, deregulation, re-regulation and restructuring of the electric utility industry; decisions of regulators regarding rates the Companies can charge for electricity; adverse changes in applicable laws, regulations, rules, principles or practices governing tax, accounting and environmental matters including, but not limited to, air and water quality; financial market conditions and performance including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates and credit spreads and in availability and cost of capital and the effects on nuclear decommissioning trust and pension plan assets and costs; impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill; credit ratings; inflation rates; effectiveness of risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual commitments; impact of terrorist acts, including, but not limited to, cyber-terrorism; ability to carry out marketing and sales plans; weather conditions including, but not limited to, weather-related damage and their effects on sales, prices and costs; cost, availability, quality and deliverability of fuel; the inherent uncertainties in estimating the effects of weather, economic conditions and other factors on customer consumption and financial results; ability to achieve generation goals and the occurrence and duration of planned and unplanned generation outages; delays in the anticipated in-service dates and cost increases of generation, transmission, distribution or other projects; the inherent risks associated with the ownership and operation of a nuclear facility including, but not limited to, environmental, health, safety, regulatory and financial risks; workforce risks, including, but not limited to, increased costs of retirement, health care and other benefits; and other risks and uncertainties.
 
This list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors.  Part II Item 1A Risk Factors included in this report, together with the risk factors included in the 2010 Form 10-K for each of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L under Part I Item 1A, should be carefully read for further understanding of potential risks for each of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L.  Other sections of this report and other periodic reports filed by each of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should also be read for more information regarding risk factors.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the
 
2
 
 
particular statement.  Great Plains Energy and KCP&L undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
The following is a glossary of frequently used abbreviations or acronyms that are found throughout this report.
 
Abbreviation or Acronym
 
Definition
     
AFUDC
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
ARO
 
Asset Retirement Obligation
BART
 
Best available retrofit technology
Board
 
Great Plains Energy Board of Directors
CAIR
 
Clean Air Interstate Rule
CAMR
 
Clean Air Mercury Rule
Clean Air Act
 
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
CO2
 
Carbon dioxide
Collaboration Agreement
 
Agreement among KCP&L, the Sierra Club and the Concerned
   Citizens of Platte County
Company
 
Great Plains Energy Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries
Companies
 
Great Plains Energy Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries and
   KCP&L and its consolidated subsidiaries
CSAPR
 
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
DOE
 
Department of Energy
ECA
 
Energy Cost Adjustment
EIRR
 
Environmental Improvement Revenue Refunding
EPA
 
Environmental Protection Agency
EPS
 
Earnings per common share
ERISA
 
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
FAC
 
Fuel Adjustment Clause
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
 
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FGIC
 
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
FSS
 
Forward Starting Swaps
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
GMO
 
KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of
   Great Plains Energy as of July 14, 2008
Great Plains Energy
 
Great Plains Energy Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries
ISO
 
Independent System Operator
KCC
 
The State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas
KCP&L
 
 
Kansas City Power & Light Company, a wholly owned subsidiary
   of Great Plains Energy
KDHE
 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
KLT Inc.
 
KLT Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Plains Energy
KW
 
Kilowatt
kWh
 
Kilowatt hour
L&P
 
St. Joseph Light & Power, a division of GMO
MACT
 
Maximum achievable control technology
MD&A
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
   
   Results of Operations
MDNR
 
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
MGP
 
Manufactured gas plant
MPS Merchant
 
MPS Merchant Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GMO
MPSC
 
Public Service Commission of the State of Missouri
MW   Megawatt
 
3
 
 
Abbreviation or Acronym
  Definition
MWh
 
Megawatt hour
NERC
 
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NEIL
 
Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited
NOx
 
Nitrogen oxide
NPNS
 
Normal purchases and normal sales
NRC
 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
OCI
 
Other Comprehensive Income
PCB
 
Polychlorinated biphenyls
PRB
 
Powder River Basin
QCA
 
Quarterly Cost Adjustment
Receivables Company
 
Kansas City Power & Light Receivables Company, a wholly owned
   subsidiary of KCP&L
RTO
 
Regional Transmission Organization
SCR
 
Selective catalytic reduction
SEC
 
Securities and Exchange Commission
SERP
 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Services
 
Great Plains Energy Services Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of
   Great Plains Energy
SO2
 
Sulfur dioxide
SPP
 
Southwest Power Pool, Inc.
Syncora
 
Syncora Guarantee Inc.
WCNOC
 
Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation
Westar
 
Westar Energy, Inc., a Kansas utility company
Wolf Creek
 
Wolf Creek Generating Station
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
4
 
 
PART 1 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   
Great Plains Energy Incorporated
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders’ Equity and Noncontrolling Interest
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
                   
Kansas City Power & Light Company
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholder’s Equity
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
                   
Combined Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for Great Plains Energy Incorporated and
 Kansas City Power & Light Company
 
Note 1:
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Note 2:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
Note 3:
Receivables
 
Note 4:
Nuclear Plant
 
Note 5:
Regulatory Matters
 
Note 6:
Pension Plans, Other Employee Benefits and Voluntary Separation Program
 
Note 7:
Equity Compensation
 
Note 8:
Short-Term Borrowings and Short-Term Bank Lines of Credit
 
Note 9:
Long-Term Debt
 
Note 10:
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Note 11:
Legal Proceedings
 
Note 12:
Related Party Transactions and Relationships
 
Note 13:
Derivative Instruments
 
Note 14:
Fair Value Measurements
 
Note 15:
Taxes
 
Note 16:
Segments and Related Information
 
Note 17:
Goodwill
 
5
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
 
September 30
December 31
 
2011
2010
ASSETS
(millions, except share amounts)
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 8.9   $ 10.8  
Funds on deposit
  1.4     5.2  
Receivables, net
  275.6     241.7  
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral
  95.0     95.0  
Fuel inventories, at average cost
  72.2     85.1  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
  137.6     132.8  
Deferred refueling outage costs
  33.4     9.6  
Refundable income taxes
  15.4     2.1  
Deferred income taxes
  6.7     14.3  
Derivative instruments
  1.2     1.1  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
  17.2     13.9  
Total
  664.6     611.6  
Utility Plant, at Original Cost
Electric
  10,821.5     10,536.9  
Less-accumulated depreciation
  4,184.4     4,031.3  
Net utility plant in service
  6,637.1     6,505.6  
Construction work in progress
  260.3     307.5  
Nuclear fuel, net of amortization of $124.8 and $131.1
  77.3     79.2  
Total
  6,974.7     6,892.3  
Investments and Other Assets
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund
  125.5     129.2  
Regulatory assets
  977.2     924.0  
Goodwill
  169.0     169.0  
Derivative instruments
  8.1     7.8  
Other
  86.0     84.3  
Total
  1,365.8     1,314.3  
Total
$ 9,005.1   $ 8,818.2  
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
6
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
         
 
September 30
December 31
 
2011
2010
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
(millions, except share amounts)
Current Liabilities
       
Notes payable
$ 28.0   $ 9.5  
Collateralized note payable
  95.0     95.0  
Commercial paper
  10.5     263.5  
Current maturities of long-term debt
  951.4     485.7  
Accounts payable
  193.7     276.3  
Accrued taxes
  91.9     26.6  
Accrued interest
  69.3     75.4  
Accrued compensation and benefits
  38.2     46.8  
Pension and post-retirement liability
  4.1     4.1  
Derivative instruments
  -     20.8  
Other
  29.0     35.6  
Total
  1,511.1     1,339.3  
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
           
Deferred income taxes
  638.9     518.3  
Deferred tax credits
  131.9     133.4  
Asset retirement obligations
  147.2     143.3  
Pension and post-retirement liability
  446.0     427.5  
Regulatory liabilities
  257.8     258.2  
Other
  99.1     129.4  
Total
  1,720.9     1,610.1  
Capitalization
           
Great Plains Energy common shareholders' equity
           
Common stock - 250,000,000 shares authorized without par value
           
136,340,645 and 136,113,954 shares issued, stated value
  2,328.5     2,324.4  
Retained earnings
  711.9     626.5  
Treasury stock - 266,889 and 400,889 shares, at cost
  (5.6 )   (8.9 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (52.0 )   (56.1 )
Total
  2,982.8     2,885.9  
Noncontrolling interest
  1.2     1.2  
Cumulative preferred stock $100 par value
           
3.80% - 100,000 shares issued
  10.0     10.0  
4.50% - 100,000 shares issued
  10.0     10.0  
4.20% - 70,000 shares issued
  7.0     7.0  
4.35% - 120,000 shares issued
  12.0     12.0  
Total
  39.0     39.0  
Long-term debt (Note 9)
  2,750.1     2,942.7  
Total
  5,773.1     5,868.8  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
           
Total
$ 9,005.1   $ 8,818.2  
             
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
7
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
                 
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
Operating Revenues
(millions, except per share amounts)
Electric revenues
$ 773.7   $ 728.8   $ 1,831.7   $ 1,787.7  
Operating Expenses
                       
Fuel
  146.5     127.3     365.8     333.2  
Purchased power
  68.1     68.0     178.4     171.4  
Transmission of electricity by others
  8.6     8.1     23.1     20.9  
Utility operating and maintenance expenses
  169.1     147.7     487.7     447.3  
Voluntary separation program
  -     -     12.7     -  
Depreciation and amortization
  65.9     85.3     205.9     248.5  
General taxes
  52.3     43.6     134.6     119.2  
Other
  0.5     5.0     4.0     6.5  
Total
  511.0     485.0     1,412.2     1,347.0  
Operating income
  262.7     243.8     419.5     440.7  
Non-operating income
  1.4     7.5     5.8     34.8  
Non-operating expenses
  (1.3 )   (3.4 )   (6.3 )   (7.1 )
Interest charges
  (60.8 )   (45.5 )   (156.0 )   (138.7 )
Income before income tax expense and loss from
                       
equity investments
  202.0     202.4     263.0     329.7  
Income tax expense
  (75.4 )   (70.4 )   (90.6 )   (112.1 )
Loss from equity investments, net of income taxes
  -     -     (0.1 )   (0.9 )
Net income
  126.6     132.0     172.3     216.7  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
  (0.1 )   -     -     (0.1 )
Net income attributable to Great Plains Energy
  126.5     132.0     172.3     216.6  
Preferred stock dividend requirements
  0.4     0.4     1.2     1.2  
Earnings available for common shareholders
$ 126.1   $ 131.6   $ 171.1   $ 215.4  
                         
Average number of basic common shares outstanding
  135.7     135.2     135.6     135.1  
Average number of diluted common shares outstanding
  138.3     136.9     138.5     136.8  
                         
Basic earnings per common share
$ 0.93   $ 0.97   $ 1.26   $ 1.59  
Diluted earnings per common share
$ 0.91   $ 0.96   $ 1.24   $ 1.57  
                         
Cash dividends per common share
$ 0.2075   $ 0.2075   $ 0.6225   $ 0.6225  
                         
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
8
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
         
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
(millions)
Net income
$ 172.3   $ 216.7  
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash from operating activities:
           
Depreciation and amortization
  205.9     248.5  
Amortization of:
           
Nuclear fuel
  13.5     19.7  
Other
  7.5     (4.1 )
Deferred income taxes, net
  124.0     127.0  
Investment tax credit amortization
  (1.5 )   (1.8 )
Loss from equity investments, net of income taxes
  0.1     0.9  
Other operating activities (Note 2)
  (154.3 )   (199.2 )
Net cash from operating activities
  367.5     407.7  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
           
Utility capital expenditures
  (317.8 )   (465.2 )
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
  (3.1 )   (26.9 )
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments
  (15.5 )   (78.3 )
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust investments
  13.0     75.6  
Other investing activities
  (17.4 )   (9.1 )
Net cash from investing activities
  (340.8 )   (503.9 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
           
Issuance of common stock
  4.5     4.7  
Issuance of long-term debt
  747.1     249.9  
Issuance fees
  (6.2 )   (11.7 )
Repayment of long-term debt
  (448.5 )   (1.3 )
Net change in short-term borrowings
  (234.5 )   (207.1 )
Net change in collateralized short-term borrowings
  -     95.0  
Dividends paid
  (85.9 )   (85.6 )
Other financing activities
  (5.1 )   (6.0 )
Net cash from financing activities
  (28.6 )   37.9  
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  (1.9 )   (58.3 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
  10.8     65.9  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$ 8.9   $ 7.6  
             
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
9
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interest
(Unaudited)
                 
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Common Stock
(millions, except share amounts)
Beginning balance
  136,113,954   $ 2,324.4     135,636,538   $ 2,313.7  
Issuance of common stock
  226,691     4.5     269,855     5.1  
Issuance of restricted common stock
  -     -     130,137     2.3  
Equity compensation expense, net of forfeitures
        0.2           1.1  
Unearned Compensation
                       
Issuance of restricted common stock
        (3.5 )         (2.3 )
Forfeiture of restricted common stock
        0.9           0.6  
Compensation expense recognized
        1.7           1.9  
Other
        0.3           0.1  
Ending balance
  136,340,645     2,328.5     136,036,530     2,322.5  
Retained Earnings
                       
Beginning balance
        626.5           529.2  
Net income attributable to Great Plains Energy
        172.3           216.6  
Loss on reissuance of treasury stock
        (0.7 )         -  
Dividends:
                       
Common stock
        (84.7 )         (84.4 )
Preferred stock - at required rates
        (1.2 )         (1.2 )
Performance shares
        (0.3 )         (0.2 )
Ending balance
        711.9           660.0  
Treasury Stock
                       
Beginning balance
  (400,889 )   (8.9 )   (213,423 )   (5.5 )
Treasury shares acquired
  (125,024 )   (2.3 )   (172,913 )   (3.1 )
Treasury shares reissued
  259,024     5.6     917     -  
Ending balance
  (266,889 )   (5.6 )   (385,419 )   (8.6 )
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                       
Beginning balance
        (56.1 )         (44.9 )
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax
        4.0           (15.0 )
Change in unrecognized pension expense, net of tax
        0.1           0.1  
Ending balance
        (52.0 )         (59.8 )
Total Great Plains Energy Common Shareholders' Equity
  $ 2,982.8         $ 2,914.1  
                         
Noncontrolling Interest
                       
Beginning balance
      $ 1.2         $ 1.2  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
        -           0.1  
Distribution
        -           (0.1 )
Ending balance
      $ 1.2         $ 1.2  
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
10
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
                 
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Net income
$ 126.6   $ 132.0   $ 172.3   $ 216.7  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                       
Loss on derivative hedging instruments
  (0.1 )   (10.3 )   (5.5 )   (32.4 )
Income tax benefit
  0.1     4.0     2.2     12.6  
Net loss on derivative hedging instruments
  -     (6.3 )   (3.3 )   (19.8 )
Reclassification to expenses, net of tax
  3.1     2.0     7.3     4.8  
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax
  3.1     (4.3 )   4.0     (15.0 )
Defined benefit pension plans
                       
Amortization of net gains included in net periodic benefit costs
  -     -     0.2     0.2  
Income tax expense
  -     -     (0.1 )   (0.1 )
Net change in unrecognized pension expense
  -     -     0.1     0.1  
Comprehensive income
  129.7     127.7     176.4     201.8  
Less:  comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
  (0.1 )   -     -     (0.1 )
Comprehensive income attributable to Great Plains Energy
$ 129.6   $ 127.7   $ 176.4   $ 201.7  
                         
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
11
 
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
         
 
September 30
December 31
 
2011
2010
ASSETS
(millions, except share amounts)
Current Assets
       
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 3.2   $ 3.6  
Funds on deposit
  0.2     0.4  
Receivables, net
  223.1     169.4  
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral
  95.0     95.0  
Fuel inventories, at average cost
  42.0     44.9  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
  98.7     94.4  
Deferred refueling outage costs
  33.4     9.6  
Refundable income taxes
  13.9     9.0  
Deferred income taxes
  -     5.6  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
  15.2     10.0  
Total
  524.7     441.9  
Utility Plant, at Original Cost
           
Electric
  7,762.6     7,540.9  
Less-accumulated depreciation
  3,209.0     3,104.4  
Net utility plant in service
  4,553.6     4,436.5  
Construction work in progress
  181.9     227.6  
Nuclear fuel, net of amortization of $124.8 and $131.1
  77.3     79.2  
Total
  4,812.8     4,743.3  
Investments and Other Assets
           
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund
  125.5     129.2  
Regulatory assets
  700.6     679.6  
Other
  35.8     32.3  
Total
  861.9     841.1  
Total
$ 6,199.4   $ 6,026.3  
             
The disclosures regarding KCP&L included in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
12
 
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
         
 
September 30
December 31
 
2011
2010
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
(millions, except share amounts)
Current Liabilities
       
Collateralized note payable
$ 95.0   $ 95.0  
Commercial paper
  10.5     263.5  
Current maturities of long-term debt
  162.7     150.3  
Accounts payable
  151.2     201.7  
Accrued taxes
  66.1     21.3  
Accrued interest
  34.1     26.2  
Accrued compensation and benefits
  38.2     46.8  
Pension and post-retirement liability
  2.6     2.6  
Deferred income taxes
  1.4     -  
Other
  15.1     7.8  
Total
  576.9     815.2  
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
           
Deferred income taxes
  776.6     692.0  
Deferred tax credits
  128.4     129.4  
Asset retirement obligations
  132.2     129.7  
Pension and post-retirement liability
  426.1     407.3  
Regulatory liabilities
  135.6     141.3  
Other
  65.1     76.7  
Total
  1,664.0     1,576.4  
Capitalization
           
Common shareholder's equity
           
Common stock - 1,000 shares authorized without par value
           
1 share issued, stated value
  1,563.1     1,563.1  
Retained earnings
  526.1     478.3  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (32.5 )   (36.4 )
Total
  2,056.7     2,005.0  
Long-term debt (Note 9)
  1,901.8     1,629.7  
Total
  3,958.5     3,634.7  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
           
Total
$ 6,199.4   $ 6,026.3  
             
The disclosures regarding KCP&L included in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
 
13
 
 
  KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
                 
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
Operating Revenues
(millions)
Electric revenues
$ 506.3   $ 486.5   $ 1,220.5   $ 1,194.7  
Operating Expenses
                       
Fuel
  99.3     83.8     249.0     213.2  
Purchased power
  24.9     25.0     66.7     63.2  
Transmission of electricity by others
  5.7     4.4     14.2     11.3  
Operating and maintenance expenses
  120.2     102.9     350.7     323.5  
Voluntary separation program
  -     -     9.2     -  
Depreciation and amortization
  45.4     66.4     147.0     192.2  
General taxes
  41.6     37.2     108.9     99.3  
Other
  -     3.2     1.3     3.2  
Total
  337.1     322.9     947.0     905.9  
Operating income
  169.2     163.6     273.5     288.8  
Non-operating income
  0.8     6.1     1.8     23.3  
Non-operating expenses
  (1.0 )   (2.5 )   (3.4   (4.7 )
Interest charges
  (30.8 )   (20.1 )   (81.2   (63.8 )
Income before income tax expense
  138.2     147.1     190.7     243.6  
Income tax expense
  (52.8 )   (54.5 )   (67.9   (83.6 )
Net income
$ 85.4   $ 92.6   $ 122.8   $ 160.0  
                         
The disclosures regarding KCP&L included in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral
part of these statements.
 
14
 
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
         
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
(millions)
Net income
$ 122.8   $ 160.0  
Adjustments to reconcile income to net cash from operating activities:
       
Depreciation and amortization
  147.0     192.2  
Amortization of:
           
Nuclear fuel
  13.5     19.7  
Other
  22.3     18.1  
Deferred income taxes, net
  87.2     63.5  
Investment tax credit amortization
  (1.0 )   (1.2 )
Other operating activities (Note 2)
  (74.3 )   (171.1 )
Net cash from operating activities
  317.5     281.2  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
           
Utility capital expenditures
  (236.7 )   (349.1 )
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
  (1.6 )   (21.3 )
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments
  (15.5 )   (78.3 )
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust investments
  13.0     75.6  
Net money pool lending
  (18.8 )   6.0  
Other investing activities
  (9.3 )   (6.0 )
Net cash from investing activities
  (268.9 )   (373.1 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
           
Issuance of long-term debt
  397.4     -  
Issuance fees
  (3.7 )   (5.0 )
Repayment of long-term debt
  (113.1 )   (0.2 )
Net change in short-term borrowings
  (253.0 )   22.9  
Net change in collateralized short-term borrowings
  -     95.0  
Net money pool borrowings
  (1.6 )   34.8  
Dividends paid to Great Plains Energy
  (75.0 )   (70.0 )
Net cash from financing activities
  (49.0 )   77.5  
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  (0.4 )   (14.4 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
  3.6     17.4  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$ 3.2   $ 3.0  
             
The disclosures regarding KCP&L included in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of these statements.
 
15
 
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholder's Equity
(Unaudited)
                 
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
 
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
 
(millions, except share amounts)
Common Stock
  1   $ 1,563.1     1   $ 1,563.1  
Retained Earnings
                       
Beginning balance
        478.3           410.1  
Net income
        122.8           160.0  
Dividends:
                       
Common stock held by Great Plains Energy
        (75.0 )         (70.0 )
Ending balance
        526.1           500.1  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
                       
Beginning balance
        (36.4 )         (41.5 )
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax
        3.9           3.7  
Ending balance
        (32.5 )         (37.8 )
Total Common Shareholder's Equity
      $ 2,056.7         $ 2,025.4  
                         
The disclosures regarding KCP&L included in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these statements.
 
16
 
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
                 
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Net income
$ 85.4   $ 92.6   $ 122.8   $ 160.0  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                       
Loss on derivative hedging instruments
  (0.1 )   (0.4 )   (0.2   (1.0 )
Income tax benefit
  0.1     0.2     0.1     0.4  
Net loss on derivative hedging instruments
  -     (0.2 )   (0.1   (0.6 )
Reclassification to expenses, net of tax
  1.3     1.6     4.0     4.3  
Derivative hedging activity, net of tax
  1.3     1.4     3.9     3.7  
Comprehensive income
$ 86.7   $ 94.0   $ 126.7   $ 163.7  
                         
The disclosures regarding KCP&L included in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
integral part of these statements.
 
17
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
 
The notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements that follow are a combined presentation for Great Plains Energy Incorporated and Kansas City Power & Light Company, both registrants under this filing.  The terms “Great Plains Energy,” “Company,” “KCP&L,” and “Companies” are used throughout this report.  “Great Plains Energy” and the “Company” refer to Great Plains Energy Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.  “KCP&L” refers to Kansas City Power & Light Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.  “Companies” refers to Great Plains Energy Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries and KCP&L and its consolidated subsidiaries.  The Companies’ interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include normal, recurring adjustments) that are necessary, in the opinion of management, for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.
 
1.  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Organization
Great Plains Energy, a Missouri corporation incorporated in 2001, is a public utility holding company and does not own or operate any significant assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries.  Great Plains Energy’s wholly owned direct subsidiaries with operations or active subsidiaries are as follows:
 
·  
KCP&L is an integrated, regulated electric utility that provides electricity to customers primarily in the states of Missouri and Kansas.  KCP&L has one active wholly owned subsidiary, Kansas City Power & Light Receivables Company (Receivables Company).
 
·  
KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company (GMO) is an integrated, regulated electric utility that primarily provides electricity to customers in the state of Missouri.  GMO also provides regulated steam service to certain customers in the St. Joseph, Missouri area.  GMO wholly owns MPS Merchant Services, Inc. (MPS Merchant), which has certain long-term natural gas contracts remaining from its former non-regulated trading operations.
 
Each of Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s consolidated financial statements includes the accounts of their subsidiaries.  Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
 
Great Plains Energy’s sole reportable business segment is electric utility.  See Note 16 for additional information.
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share Calculation
To determine basic EPS, preferred stock dividend requirements and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest are deducted from net income before dividing by the average number of common shares outstanding.  The effect of dilutive securities, calculated using the treasury stock method, assumes the issuance of common shares applicable to performance shares, restricted stock, stock options and Equity Units.
 
18
 
 
The following table reconciles Great Plains Energy’s basic and diluted EPS.
         
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
Income
(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income
$ 126.6   $ 132.0   $ 172.3   $ 216.7  
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
  0.1     -     -     0.1  
Less: preferred stock dividend requirements
  0.4     0.4     1.2     1.2  
Earnings available for common shareholders
$ 126.1   $ 131.6   $ 171.1   $ 215.4  
Common Shares Outstanding
                       
Average number of common shares outstanding
  135.7     135.2     135.6     135.1  
Add: effect of dilutive securities
  2.6     1.7     2.9     1.7  
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding
  138.3     136.9     138.5     136.8  
Basic EPS
$ 0.93   $ 0.97   $ 1.26   $ 1.59  
Diluted EPS
$ 0.91   $ 0.96   $ 1.24   $ 1.57  
                         
The computation of diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2011, excludes anti-dilutive shares consisting of 102,032 performance shares, 22,818 restricted stock shares and 80,140 stock options.
 
The computation of diluted EPS year to date September 30, 2011, excludes anti-dilutive shares consisting of 102,032 performance shares, 45,648 restricted stock shares and 80,140 stock options.
 
The computation of diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2010, excludes anti-dilutive shares consisting of 107,958 performance shares, 103,114 restricted stock shares and 203,879 stock options.
 
The computation of diluted EPS year to date September 30, 2010, excludes anti-dilutive shares consisting of 116,388 performance shares, 278,452 restricted stock shares and 209,837 stock options.
 
Dividends Declared
In November 2011, Great Plains Energy’s Board of Directors (Board) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2125 per share on Great Plains Energy’s common stock.  The common dividend is payable December 20, 2011, to shareholders of record as of November 29, 2011.  The Board also declared regular dividends on Great Plains Energy’s preferred stock, payable March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record as of February 7, 2012.
 
In November 2011, KCP&L’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend payable to Great Plains Energy of $25 million payable on December 19, 2011.
 
19
 
 
2.  
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
Great Plains Energy Other Operating Activities
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
Cash flows affected by changes in:
(millions)
Receivables
$ (41.2 ) $ (45.9 )
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral
  -     (95.0 )
Fuel inventories
  12.9     4.9  
Materials and supplies
  (4.8 )   (10.0 )
Accounts payable
  (71.5 )   (79.1 )
Accrued taxes
  52.5     54.6  
Accrued interest
  (6.1 )   (2.0 )
Deferred refueling outage costs
  (23.8 )   8.0  
Fuel adjustment clauses
  (27.3 )   (2.3 )
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations
  22.0     15.5  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
  (0.3 )   (25.5 )
Interest rate hedge settlements
  (26.1 )   (6.9 )
Iatan Nos. 1 and 2 impact of disallowed construction costs
  2.3     4.0  
Uncertain tax positions
  (20.2 )   (1.4 )
Other
  (22.7 )   (18.1 )
Total other operating activities
$ (154.3 ) $ (199.2 )
Cash paid during the period:
           
Interest
$ 195.1   $ 175.4  
Income taxes
$ 2.4   $ 0.4  
Non-cash investing activities:
           
Liabilities assumed for capital expenditures
$ 34.8   $ 36.4  
             
KCP&L Other Operating Activities
Year to Date September 30
 2011  2010
Cash flows affected by changes in:
(millions)
Receivables
$ (39.5 ) $ (0.1 )
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral
  -     (95.0 )
Fuel inventories
  2.9     0.1  
Materials and supplies
  (4.3 )   (7.2 )
Accounts payable
  (43.2 )   (87.2 )
Accrued taxes
  40.3     (6.3 )
Accrued interest
  7.9     10.3  
Deferred refueling outage costs
  (23.8 )   8.0  
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations
  32.1     31.1  
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
  -     (21.7 )
Kansas Energy Cost Adjustment
  (22.0 )   (5.4 )
Iatan Nos. 1 and 2 impact of disallowed construction costs
  1.5     3.0  
Uncertain tax positions
  (10.1 )   (1.6 )
Other
  (16.1 )   0.9  
Total other operating activities
$ (74.3 ) $ (171.1 )
Cash paid during the period:
           
Interest
$ 74.6   $ 60.3  
Income taxes
$ 0.1   $ 71.6  
Non-cash investing activities:
           
Liabilities assumed for capital expenditures
$ 30.7   $ 31.6  
             
 
20
 
 
Significant Non-Cash Items
On January 1, 2010, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L adopted new accounting guidance for transfers of financial assets, which resulted in the recognition of $95.0 million of accounts receivable pledged as collateral and a corresponding short-term collateralized note payable on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s balance sheets.  As a result, cash flows from operating activities were reduced by $95.0 million and cash flows from financing activities were raised by $95.0 million with no impact to the net change in cash year to date September 30, 2010.
 
3.  
RECEIVABLES
 
Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s receivables are detailed in the following table.
       
   September 30  December 31
 
2011
 2010
Great Plains Energy
(millions)
Customer accounts receivable - billed
$ 122.3   $ 62.0  
Customer accounts receivable - unbilled
  74.3     82.3  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  (3.8   (2.7 )
Other receivables
  82.8     100.1  
Total
$ 275.6   $ 241.7  
KCP&L
           
Customer accounts receivable - billed
$ 43.5   $ 6.5  
Customer accounts receivable - unbilled
  45.8     50.1  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  (2.5 )   (1.5 )
Intercompany receivables
  68.2     43.2  
Other receivables
  68.1     71.1  
Total
$ 223.1   $ 169.4  
             
Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s other receivables at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, consisted primarily of receivables from partners in jointly owned electric utility plants and wholesale sales receivables.
 
Sale of Accounts Receivable – KCP&L
KCP&L sells all of its retail electric accounts receivable to its wholly owned subsidiary, Receivables Company, which in turn sells an undivided percentage ownership interest in the accounts receivable to Victory Receivables Corporation, an independent outside investor.  Receivables Company’s sale of the undivided percentage ownership interest in accounts receivable to Victory Receivables Corporation is accounted for as a secured borrowing with $95.0 million of accounts receivables pledged as collateral and a corresponding short-term collateralized note payable recognized on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s balance sheets at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010.
 
KCP&L sells its receivables at a fixed price based upon the expected cost of funds and charge-offs.  These costs comprise KCP&L’s loss on the sale of accounts receivable.  KCP&L services the receivables and receives an annual servicing fee of 1.5% of the outstanding principal amount of the receivables sold to Receivables Company.  KCP&L does not recognize a servicing asset or liability because management determined the collection agent fee earned by KCP&L approximates market value.  In September 2011, the agreement was extended to September 2014 and amended to allow for $110 million in aggregate outstanding principal amount at any time.
 
21
 
 
Information regarding KCP&L’s sale of accounts receivable to Receivables Company is reflected in the following tables.
       
   
Receivables
Consolidated
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
KCP&L
Company
KCP&L
 
(millions)
Receivables (sold) purchased
$ (468.8 ) $ 468.8   $ -  
Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable (a)
  (5.9 )   5.8     (0.1 )
Servicing fees
  0.9     (0.9 )   -  
Fees to outside investor
  -     (0.3 )   (0.3 )
                   
Cash flows during the period
                 
Cash from customers transferred to Receivables Company
  (463.4 )   463.4     -  
Cash paid to KCP&L for receivables purchased
  457.6     (457.6 )   -  
Servicing fees
  0.9     (0.9 )   -  
Interest on intercompany note
  0.2     (0.2 )   -  
                   
                   
   
Receivables
Consolidated
Year to Date September 30, 2011
KCP&L
Company
KCP&L
 
(millions)
Receivables (sold) purchased
$ (1,108.4 ) $ 1,108.4   $ -  
Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable (a)
  (14.0 )   13.6     (0.4 )
Servicing fees
  2.0     (2.0 )   -  
Fees to outside investor
  -     (0.9 )   (0.9 )
                   
Cash flows during the period
                 
Cash from customers transferred to Receivables Company
  (1,081.6 )   1,081.6     -  
Cash paid to KCP&L for receivables purchased
  1,068.0     (1,068.0 )   -  
Servicing fees
  2.0     (2.0 )   -  
Interest on intercompany note
  0.4     (0.4 )   -  
                   
                   
   
Receivables
Consolidated
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
KCP&L
Company
KCP&L
 
(millions)
Receivables (sold) purchased
$ (442.0 ) $ 442.0   $ -  
Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable (a)
  (5.6 )   5.4     (0.2 )
Servicing fees
  0.8     (0.8 )   -  
Fees to outside investor
  -     (0.3 )   (0.3 )
                   
Cash flows during the period
                 
Cash from customers transferred to Receivables Company
  (430.9 )   430.9     -  
Cash paid to KCP&L for receivables purchased
  425.5     (425.5 )   -  
Servicing fees
  0.8     (0.8 )   -  
Interest on intercompany note
  0.2     (0.2 )   -  
                   
 
22
 
 
               
     
Receivables
Consolidated
Year to Date September 30, 2010
KCP&L
Company
KCP&L
   
(millions)
Receivables (sold) purchased
$ (1,067.7 ) $ 1,067.7   $ -  
Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable (a)
  (13.5 )   12.9     (0.6 )
Servicing fees
  1.9     (1.9 )   -  
Fees to outside investor
  -     (0.9 )   (0.9 )
                     
Cash flows during the period
                 
Cash from customers transferred to Receivables Company
  (1,029.8 )   1,029.8     -  
Cash paid to KCP&L for receivables purchased
  1,016.9     (1,016.9 )   -  
Servicing fees
  1.9     (1.9 )   -  
Interest on intercompany note
  0.4     (0.4 )   -  
(a)
Any net gain (loss) is the result of the timing difference inherent in collecting receivables and
 
over the life of the agreement will net to zero.
 
4.  
NUCLEAR PLANT
 
KCP&L owns 47% of Wolf Creek Generating Station (Wolf Creek), its only nuclear generating unit.  Wolf Creek is located in Coffey County, Kansas, just northeast of Burlington, Kansas.  Wolf Creek’s operating license expires in 2045.  Wolf Creek is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with respect to licensing, operations and safety-related requirements. Wolf Creek is operating in the category of nuclear plants receiving the lowest level of NRC oversight.
 
In March 2011, the NRC established a task force to conduct a 90-day review and a longer-term review of U.S. nuclear power plant safety in the aftermath of a March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami that eventually resulted in station blackout and a level 7 event on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (the highest level event on the scale) at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.  On July 12, 2011, the task force issued an extensive report on the ramifications of the Fukushima earthquake/tsunami for nuclear power plant regulation in the U.S.  In October 2011, the NRC received recommendations from the NRC staff on how to proceed with the task force report.  The recommendations break down the task force report into three tiers of actions.  The first tier of recommendations includes actions that the nuclear industry has already taken or believes need near-term attention.  The second tier recommendations require further study before action can be taken and the third tier recommendations require NRC rulemaking, additional study and stakeholder involvement to finalize the specific details.  The timing and effects of any NRC action cannot be determined at this time.

Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste
Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel.  KCP&L pays the DOE a quarterly fee of one-tenth of a cent for each kWh of net nuclear generation delivered and sold for the future disposal of spent nuclear fuel.  These disposal costs are charged to fuel expense.  In March 2010, the DOE filed a motion to withdraw its application to the NRC to construct a national repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, which would bring the licensing process to an end.  An NRC board denied the DOE’s motion to withdraw its application in June 2010, and the DOE appealed that decision to the full NRC in July 2010.  In September 2011, the NRC issued an evenly split decision on the appeal and also ordered the licensing board to close out its work on the DOE’s application by the end of September 2011 due to a lack of funding.  Wolf Creek has an on-site storage facility designed to hold all spent fuel generated at the plant through 2025, and believes it will be able to expand on-site storage as needed past 2025.  Management cannot predict when, or if, an alternative disposal site will be available to receive Wolf Creek’s spent nuclear fuel and will continue to monitor this activity.  See Note 11 for a related legal proceeding.
 
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Low-Level Radioactive Waste
Wolf Creek disposes of most of its low-level radioactive waste (Class A waste) at an existing third-party repository in Utah.  Management expects that the site located in Utah will remain available to Wolf Creek for disposal of its Class A waste.  Wolf Creek has contracted with a waste processor that will process, take title and store in another state most of the remainder of Wolf Creek’s low-level radioactive waste (Classes B and C waste, which is higher in radioactivity but much lower in volume).  Should on-site waste storage be needed in the future, Wolf Creek has current storage capacity on site for about four years’ generation of Classes B and C waste and believes it will be able to expand that storage capacity as needed if it becomes necessary to do so.
 
Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Costs
The MPSC and KCC require KCP&L and the other owners of Wolf Creek to submit an updated decommissioning cost study every three years and to propose funding levels.  The most recent study was submitted to the MPSC and KCC in August 2011 and is the basis for the current cost of decommissioning estimates in the following table.  Funding levels included in KCP&L retail rates have not changed.
           
   
Total
KCP&L's
   
Station
47% Share
   
(millions)
Current cost of decommissioning (in 2011 dollars)
$ 630   $ 296  
Future cost of decommissioning (in 2045-2053 dollars) (a)
  2,455     1,154  
               
Annual escalation factor
  3.73 %      
Annual return on trust assets (b)
  6.89 %      
(a)
Total future cost over an eight year decommissioning period.
(b)
The 6.89% rate of return is through 2025. The rate then systematically decreases
 
through 2053 to 1.81% based on the assumption that the fund's investment mix
 
will become increasingly more conservative as the decommissioning period
 
approaches.
 
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund
The following table summarizes the change in Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund.
         
 
September 30
December 31
 
2011
2010
Decommissioning Trust
(millions)
Beginning balance January 1
$ 129.2   $ 112.5  
Contributions
  2.5     3.7  
Earned income, net of fees
  4.0     2.0  
Net realized gains
  0.3     6.7  
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  (10.5 )   4.3  
Ending balance
$ 125.5   $ 129.2  
             
 
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The nuclear decommissioning trust is reported at fair value on the balance sheets and is invested in assets as detailed in the following table.
                                   
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
Cost
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
 
Cost
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
 
Basis
Gains
Losses
Value
 
Basis
Gains
Losses
Value
 
(millions)
Equity securities
$ 75.3   $ 6.5   $ (6.6 ) $ 75.2     $ 73.4   $ 13.1   $ (1.0 ) $ 85.5  
Debt securities
  42.7     4.4     (0.2 )   46.9       38.1     2.6     (0.1 )   40.6  
Other
  3.4     -     -     3.4       3.1     -     -     3.1  
   Total
$ 121.4   $ 10.9   $ (6.8 ) $ 125.5     $ 114.6   $ 15.7   $ (1.1 ) $ 129.2  
                                                   
The weighted average maturity of debt securities held by the trust at September 30, 2011, was approximately 7 years.  The costs of securities sold are determined on the basis of specific identification.  The following table summarizes the realized gains and losses from the sale of securities in the nuclear decommissioning trust fund.
                 
  Three Months Ended Year to Date
  September 30 September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Realized gains
$ 0.2   $ 0.2   $ 1.0   $ 7.2  
Realized losses
  -     (0.1 )   (0.7 )   (0.6 )
                         
5.  
REGULATORY MATTERS

KCP&L Kansas Rate Case Proceedings
In November 2010, KCC issued an order, effective December 1, 2010, for KCP&L, authorizing an increase in annual revenues of $21.8 million, a return on equity of 10.0%, an equity ratio of approximately 49.7% and a Kansas jurisdictional rate base of $1.781 billion.  The annual revenue increase was subsequently adjusted by KCC in a January 2011 reconsideration order to $22.0 million.  In February 2011, KCC issued an order granting KCP&L and another party to the case their respective petitions for reconsideration regarding rate case expenses and therefore, approximately $1.4 million of the annual revenue increase is considered as interim subject to refund or true-up pending the outcome of the reconsideration proceedings regarding rate case expenses.  A hearing was held in September 2011 with a decision expected in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The rates authorized by KCC are effective unless and until modified by KCC or stayed by a court.
 
KCP&L Missouri Rate Case Proceedings
On June 4, 2010, KCP&L filed a request with the MPSC to increase its Missouri retail electric annual revenues by $92.1 million.  The request was ultimately adjusted during the rate case proceedings by KCP&L to $66.5 million as the net result of lower fuel and purchased power costs and other updates to the case.  KCP&L’s initial and updated requests reflected, among other things, a proposed annual offset to its revenue requirement for the Missouri jurisdictional portion of KCP&L’s annual non-firm wholesale electric sales margin (wholesale margin offset); the final update included a proposed wholesale margin offset of approximately $29.4 million.  On April 12, 2011, the MPSC issued its order and on April 14, 2011, the MPSC Staff filed a report which quantified the authorized revenue increase as approximately $34.8 million on an annual basis, which reflects a wholesale margin offset of approximately $45.9 million and authorizes a return on equity of 10.0%, an equity ratio of approximately 46.3% and a Missouri jurisdictional rate base of approximately $2.0 billion.  If the actual Missouri jurisdiction wholesale margin amount exceeds the $45.9 million level reflected in the MPSC order, the difference will be recorded as a regulatory liability and will be returned, with interest, to KCP&L Missouri customers in a future rate case.  The MPSC order provides the opportunity for KCP&L to retain a larger amount of non-firm wholesale
 
25
 
 
electric sales margin than KCP&L proposed; however, there are no assurances that KCP&L will achieve the $45.9 million wholesale margin offset amount and there are no means for KCP&L to recover any shortfall through its retail rates.  The rates established by the MPSC order took effect on May 4, 2011.
 
As a result of disallowances in the MPSC order, KCP&L recognized losses of $1.5 million for construction costs related to Iatan No. 2 and the Iatan No. 1 environmental project year to date September 30, 2011.  KCP&L also recorded a $2.4 million loss for other disallowed costs in the MPSC order.
 
In a related order, the MPSC required KCP&L and GMO to apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reallocate approximately $26.5 million of Iatan No. 2 qualifying advance coal project tax credits from KCP&L to GMO.  KCP&L and GMO did apply to the IRS but in September 2011, the IRS denied KCP&L’s and GMO’s request.  The MPSC has indicated it will consider the ratemaking treatment of the tax credits in a future rate case.  Certain ratemaking treatments that may be pursued by the MPSC could trigger the loss or repayment to the IRS of a portion of unamortized deferred investment tax credits.  At September 30, 2011, KCP&L and GMO had $128.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred investment tax credits.
 
GMO Missouri Rate Case Proceedings
On June 4, 2010, GMO filed requests with the MPSC to increase its Missouri retail electric annual revenues by $75.8 million for its Missouri Public Service division, and $22.1 million for its St. Joseph Light & Power (L&P) division.  GMO subsequently adjusted its requests during the rate case proceedings to $65.9 million and $23.2 million, respectively, as the net result of updates to the cases.  On May 4, 2011, the MPSC issued its order and on May 10, 2011, the MPSC Staff filed a report which quantified the authorized revenue increases on an annual basis as $30.1 million for GMO’s Missouri Public Service division and $29.3 million for GMO’s L&P division.  The MPSC order authorized a return on equity of 10.0%, an equity ratio of approximately 46.6% and a Missouri jurisdictional rate base of $1.76 billion.  In response to applications for clarification and rehearing of the MPSC order, the MPSC, on May 27, 2011, issued an order of clarification and modification.  The modified MPSC order revised the authorized annual revenue increase to approximately $35.7 million for GMO’s Missouri Public Service division and approximately $29.8 million for GMO’s L&P division, resulting primarily from a clarification of the amount of fuel costs shifted from GMO’s fuel adjustment clause to base rates.  However, because the MPSC authorized an annual revenue increase that was greater than the amount originally requested by GMO and communicated to GMO’s customers, the modified MPSC order deferred approximately $7.7 million of the L&P division increase, which is the amount over GMO’s requested $22.1 million increase for that division, and will phase in the deferred revenue amount in equal parts over a two-year period, plus carrying costs.

As a result of disallowances in the MPSC order, GMO recognized losses of $0.8 million for construction costs related to Iatan No. 2 and the Iatan No. 1 environmental project year to date September 30, 2011.  GMO also recorded a $1.5 million loss for other disallowed costs in the MPSC order.
 
Additionally, with respect to GMO’s Missouri Public Service division, the MPSC concluded that GMO’s decision to add Crossroads Energy Center (Crossroads) to its generation asset resources was prudent and reasonable; however, the order disallowed from rate base approximately $50 million for Crossroads, disallowed $4.9 million in associated annual transmission expense and offset rate base by approximately $15 million to reflect accumulated deferred taxes associated with Crossroads.  GMO’s request included a net plant amount of approximately $104 million for Crossroads.  In assessing the impact of the Crossroads disallowances, management considered that KCP&L’s and GMO’s generation asset resources include a diverse fuel mix consisting primarily of coal and nuclear fuel providing base load generation with natural gas facilities such as Crossroads to provide critical peaking and capacity support.  This combined collection of generating assets meets KCP&L’s and GMO’s service obligations and produces joint cash flows based on system-wide average costs.  Great Plains Energy conducted an analysis to assess the recoverability of the combined collection of generation asset resources and determined that no potential impairment exists.
 
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The rates established by the modified MPSC order took effect on June 25, 2011.  On June 24, 2011, GMO filed its appeal of the MPSC order with the Cole County, Missouri, Circuit Court regarding the Crossroads issues discussed above.  Other parties to the case have also filed appeals of the MPSC order.  However, the rates authorized by the modified MPSC order will be effective unless and until modified by the MPSC or stayed by a court.
 
SPP and NERC Inquiries
The Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP) conducted a compliance inquiry regarding a transmission system outage that occurred in the St. Joseph, Missouri area in the summer of 2009.  The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is also investigating the circumstances surrounding this transmission system outage.  The outcome of the outage inquiry cannot be predicted at this time.
 
MPSC Regulatory Approval of the GMO Acquisition
Appeals of the MPSC order approving the GMO acquisition were filed with the Cole County, Missouri, Circuit Court, which affirmed the order in June 2009.  That decision was appealed and the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, upheld the MPSC order in August 2010.  The case was transferred to the Missouri Supreme Court in December 2010.  On July 19, 2011, the Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the Circuit Court’s ruling that affirmed the MPSC order approving the GMO acquisition.
 
27
 
 
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s regulatory assets and liabilities are detailed in the following tables.
                 
             
Great
September 30, 2011
KCP&L
GMO
Plains Energy
Regulatory Assets
(millions)
Taxes recoverable through future rates
$ 119.0     $ 24.9     $ 143.9  
Loss on reacquired debt
  6.5  
(a)
  0.6  
(a)
  7.1  
Cost of removal
  7.0       -       7.0  
Asset retirement obligations
  30.4       13.6       44.0  
Pension and post-retirement costs
  373.2  
(b)
  120.4  
(b)
  493.6  
Deferred customer programs
  48.2  
(c)
  19.5       67.7  
Rate case expenses
  9.9  
(d)
  4.5  
(d)
  14.4  
Skill set realignment costs
  3.7  
(e)
  -       3.7  
Fuel adjustment clauses
  30.1  
(d)
  42.5  
(d)
  72.6  
Acquisition transition costs
  26.2  
(f)
  21.3  
(f)
  47.5  
St. Joseph Light & Power acquisition
  -       2.2  
(g)
  2.2  
Storm damage
  -       2.0  
(h)
  2.0  
Derivative instruments
  -       3.1  
(i)
  3.1  
Iatan No. 1 and Common facilities depreciation and carrying costs
  16.5       6.1       22.6  
Iatan No. 2 construction accounting costs
  27.6       15.5       43.1  
Other
  2.3  
(j)
  0.4  
(j)
  2.7  
Total
$ 700.6     $ 276.6     $ 977.2  
Regulatory Liabilities
                     
Emission allowances
$ 83.0     $ 0.3     $ 83.3  
Asset retirement obligations
  40.9       -       40.9  
Pension
  0.5       39.9       40.4  
Cost of removal
  -       62.5  
(k)
  62.5  
Other
  11.2       19.5       30.7  
Total
$ 135.6     $ 122.2     $ 257.8  
                       
(a)  
Amortized over the life of the related new debt issuances or the remaining lives of the old debt issuances if no new debt was issued.
(b)  
Represents the funded status of the pension plans more than offset by related liabilities.  Also includes pension settlements amortized over various periods and financial and regulatory accounting method differences not included in rate base that will be eliminated over the life of the pension plans.
(c)  
$11.3 million not included in rate base and amortized over various periods.
(d)  
Not included in rate base and amortized over various periods.
(e)  
$2.5 million not included in rate base and amortized through 2017.
(f)  
Not included in rate base and amortized through 2016.
(g)  
Not included in rate base and amortized through 2015.
(h)  
Not included in rate base and amortized through 2012.
(i)  
Represents the fair value of derivative instruments for commodity contracts.  Settlements of the contracts are recognized in fuel expense and included in GMO’s fuel adjustment clause (FAC).
(j)  
Certain insignificant items are not included in rate base and amortized over various periods.
(k)  
Estimated cumulative net provision for future removal costs.
 
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Great
December 31, 2010
KCP&L
GMO
Plains Energy
Regulatory Assets
(millions)
Taxes recoverable through future rates
$ 117.2   $ 25.3   $ 142.5  
Loss on reacquired debt
  5.0     0.7     5.7  
Cost of removal
  8.5     -     8.5  
Asset retirement obligations
  27.5     12.8     40.3  
Pension and post-retirement costs
  386.1     106.7     492.8  
Deferred customer programs
  44.7     15.6     60.3  
Rate case expenses
  12.3     3.3     15.6  
Skill set realignment costs
  4.8     -     4.8  
Fuel adjustment clauses
  8.4     37.1     45.5  
Acquisition transition costs
  29.3     22.5     51.8  
St. Joseph Light & Power acquisition
  -     2.6     2.6  
Storm damage
  -     3.2     3.2  
Derivative instruments
  -     3.1     3.1  
Iatan No. 1 and Common facilities depreciation and carrying costs
  15.1     4.3     19.4  
Iatan No. 2 construction accounting costs
  17.2     6.5     23.7  
Other
  3.5     0.7     4.2  
Total
$ 679.6   $ 244.4   $ 924.0  
Regulatory Liabilities
                 
Emission allowances
$ 85.9   $ 0.5   $ 86.4  
Asset retirement obligations
  44.9     -     44.9  
Pension
  -     37.1     37.1  
Cost of removal
  -     62.8     62.8  
Other
  10.5     16.5     27.0  
Total
$ 141.3   $ 116.9   $ 258.2  
                   
6.  
PENSION PLANS, OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND VOLUNTARY SEPARATION PROGRAM

Great Plains Energy maintains defined benefit pension plans for substantially all active and inactive employees, including officers, and also provides certain post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits for substantially all retired employees of KCP&L, GMO, and Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation (WCNOC).
 
KCP&L and GMO record pension expense in accordance with rate orders from the MPSC and KCC that allow the difference between pension costs under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and pension costs for ratemaking to be recognized as a regulatory asset or liability.  The current rate orders allow similar regulatory treatment for post-retirement benefits.  The differences between the financial and regulatory accounting methods are due to timing and will be eliminated over the life of the pension and post-retirement plans.
 
29
 
 
The following tables provide Great Plains Energy’s components of net periodic benefit costs prior to the effects of capitalization and sharing with joint-owners of power plants.
     
 
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30
2011
2010
2011
2010
Components of net periodic benefit costs
(millions)
Service cost
$ 7.8   $ 7.6   $ 0.7   $ 1.0  
Interest cost
  12.4     12.3     2.0     2.2  
Expected return on plan assets
  (9.5 )   (9.2 )   (0.4 )   (0.5 )
Prior service cost
  1.1     1.1     1.8     1.8  
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)
  9.7     9.4     (0.1 )   (0.1 )
Transition obligation
  -     -     0.3     0.3  
Settlement charge
  10.0     -     -     -  
Net periodic benefit costs before
                       
regulatory adjustment
  31.5     21.2     4.3     4.7  
Regulatory adjustment
  (12.8 )   (8.1 )   0.4     -  
Net periodic benefit costs
$ 18.7   $ 13.1   $ 4.7   $ 4.7  
                         
                         
 
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
Year to Date September 30
 2011  2010  2011  2010
Components of net periodic benefit costs
(millions)
Service cost
$ 23.4   $ 22.8   $ 2.3   $ 2.8  
Interest cost
  37.5     36.9     5.9     6.6  
Expected return on plan assets
  (28.8 )   (27.5 )   (1.3 )   (1.6 )
Prior service cost
  3.4     3.5     5.4     5.4  
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)
  28.9     28.1     (0.4 )   (0.1 )
Transition obligation
  -     -     1.0     1.0  
Settlement charge
  10.2     -     -     -  
Net periodic benefit costs before
                       
regulatory adjustment
  74.6     63.8     12.9     14.1  
Regulatory adjustment
  (25.1 )   (24.6 )   0.7     -  
Net periodic benefit costs
$ 49.5   $ 39.2   $ 13.6   $ 14.1  
                         
Year to date September 30, 2011, Great Plains Energy contributed $42.0 million to the pension plans and expects to contribute an additional $80.2 million in 2011 to satisfy the funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and the MPSC and KCC rate orders, the majority of which is expected to be paid by KCP&L.  Also in 2011, Great Plains Energy expects to contribute $17.1 million to the post-retirement benefit plans, of which the majority will be funded by KCP&L.
 
Voluntary Separation Program
In March 2011, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L announced an organizational realignment and voluntary separation program to assist in the management of overall costs within the level reflected in the Companies’ retail electric rates and to enhance organizational efficiency.  Savings from the realignment process and voluntary separation program, including approximately $15 million in labor costs on an annual basis, are expected to partially offset projected cost increases.  Under the voluntary separation program, any non-union employee could voluntarily elect to separate and receive a severance payment equal to two weeks of salary for every year of employment, with a minimum severance payment equal to fourteen weeks of salary.  There were 140 employees that made such elections and the majority separated on April 30, 2011.  Great Plains Energy recorded $12.7 million year to date September 30, 2011, related to this voluntary separation program reflecting severance and
 
30
 
 
related payroll taxes to employees who elected to voluntarily separate.  KCP&L recorded $9.2 million year to date September 30, 2011, related to this voluntary separation program.
 
Great Plains Energy recorded a $10.0 million pension settlement charge during the third quarter of 2011 from the voluntary separation program as a result of accelerated pension distributions.  The Companies deferred substantially all of the charge as a regulatory asset and expect to recover it over future periods pursuant to regulatory agreements.  The amount of accelerated pension distributions resulting from the voluntary separation program resulted in increased pension funding requirements in 2011 under ERISA.

7.  
EQUITY COMPENSATION
 
Great Plains Energy’s Long-Term Incentive Plan is an equity compensation plan approved by Great Plains Energy’s shareholders.  The Long-Term Incentive Plan permits the grant of restricted stock, stock options, limited stock appreciation rights, director shares, director deferred share units and performance shares to directors, officers and other employees of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L.  Forfeiture rates are based on historical forfeitures and future expectations and are reevaluated annually.
 
The following table summarizes Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s equity compensation expense and associated income tax benefits.
     
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
Great Plains Energy
(millions)
Compensation expense
$ 1.2   $ 0.8   $ 4.5   $ 3.4  
Income tax benefits
  0.4     0.2     1.8     0.8  
KCP&L
                       
Compensation expense
  0.8     0.6     3.1     2.4  
Income tax benefits
  0.2     0.2     1.2     0.4  
                         
Performance Shares
Performance share activity year to date September 30, 2011, is summarized in the following table.
         
 
Performance
Grant Date
 
Shares
Fair Value*
Beginning balance
  431,784   $ 18.01  
Granted
  140,128     26.15  
Earned
  (68,258 )   11.04  
Forfeited
  (61,612 )   22.38  
Ending balance
  442,042     21.06  
*  weighted-average
 
At September 30, 2011, the remaining weighted-average contractual term was 1.2 years.  The weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted was $26.30 and $26.15 for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, respectively.  There were no shares granted for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted year to date September 30, 2010, was $23.37.  At September 30, 2011, there was $4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of forfeiture rates, related to performance shares granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average contractual term.  The total fair value of performance shares earned and paid year to date September 30, 2011 and 2010, was $0.8 million and insignificant, respectively.
 
31
 
 
The fair value of performance share awards is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation technique that uses the closing stock price at the valuation date and incorporates assumptions for inputs of expected volatilities, dividend yield and risk-free rates.  Expected volatility is based on daily stock price change during a historical period commensurate with the remaining term of the performance period of the grant.  The risk-free rate is based upon the rate at the time of the evaluation for zero-coupon government bonds with a maturity consistent with the remaining performance period of the grant.  The dividend yield is based on the most recent dividends paid and the actual closing stock price on the valuation date.  For shares granted in 2011, inputs for expected volatility, dividend yield and risk-free rates ranged from 28%-30%, 3.98%-4.35%, and 0.61%-1.15%, respectively.
 
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock activity year to date September 30, 2011, is summarized in the following table.
 
       
 
Nonvested
 
  Restricted Grant Date
 
Stock
Fair Value*
Beginning balance
  406,657   $ 16.23  
Granted and issued
  182,385     19.03  
Vested
  (149,688 )   17.29  
Forfeited
  (53,171 )   17.25  
Ending balance
  386,183     17.06  
*  weighted-average
 
At September 30, 2011, the remaining weighted-average contractual term was 1.6 years.  The weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, was $17.89 and $19.03, respectively.  The weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2010, was $18.32 and $17.80, respectively.  At September 30, 2011, there was $3.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of forfeiture rates, related to nonvested restricted stock granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average contractual term.  There were no shares vested for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  The total fair value of shares vested year to date September 30, 2011, was $2.6 million.  The total fair value of shares vested for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2010, was $0.9 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
 
8.  
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND SHORT-TERM BANK LINES OF CREDIT
 
Great Plains Energy’s $200 Million Revolving Credit Facility
Great Plains Energy’s $200 million revolving credit facility with a group of banks expires in August 2013.  The facility’s terms permit transfers of unused commitments between this facility and the KCP&L and GMO facilities discussed below, with the total amount of the facility not exceeding $400 million at any one time.  A default by Great Plains Energy or any of its significant subsidiaries on other indebtedness totaling more than $50.0 million is a default under the facility.  Under the terms of this facility, Great Plains Energy is required to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization ratio, as defined in the facility, not greater than 0.65 to 1.00 at all times.  At September 30, 2011, Great Plains Energy was in compliance with this covenant.  At September 30, 2011, Great Plains Energy had $28.0 million of outstanding cash borrowings with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.00% and had issued letters of credit totaling $11.6 million under the credit facility.  At December 31, 2010, Great Plains Energy had $9.5 million of outstanding cash borrowings with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.06% and had issued letters of credit totaling $15.8 million under the credit facility.
 
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KCP&L’s $600 Million Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper
KCP&L’s $600 million revolving credit facility with a group of banks to provide support for its issuance of commercial paper and other general corporate purposes expires in August 2013.  Great Plains Energy and KCP&L may transfer up to $200 million of unused commitments between Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s facilities.  A default by KCP&L on other indebtedness totaling more than $50.0 million is a default under the facility.  Under the terms of this facility, KCP&L is required to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization ratio, as defined in the facility, not greater than 0.65 to 1.00 at all times.  At September 30, 2011, KCP&L was in compliance with this covenant.  At September 30, 2011, KCP&L had $10.5 million of commercial paper outstanding, at a weighted-average interest rate of 0.35%, $31.5 million of letters of credit outstanding and no outstanding cash borrowings under the facility.  At December 31, 2010, KCP&L had $263.5 million of commercial paper outstanding, at a weighted-average interest rate of 0.41%, $24.4 million of letters of credit outstanding and no outstanding cash borrowings under the facility.
 
GMO’s $450 Million Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper
GMO’s $450 million revolving credit facility with a group of banks expires in August 2013.  Great Plains Energy and GMO may transfer up to $200 million of unused commitments between Great Plains Energy’s and GMO’s facilities.  A default by GMO, Great Plains Energy or any of its significant subsidiaries on other indebtedness totaling more than $50.0 million is a default under the facility.  Under the terms of this facility, GMO is required to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to consolidated capitalization ratio, as defined in the facility, not greater than 0.65 to 1.00 at all times.  At September 30, 2011, GMO was in compliance with this covenant.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, GMO had $13.2 million of letters of credit outstanding and no outstanding cash borrowings under the facility.  In October 2011, GMO established a $450 million commercial paper program, which is unconditionally guaranteed by Great Plains Energy.  At November 3, 2011, there was no outstanding commercial paper under the program.
 
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9.  
LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s long-term debt is detailed in the following table.
           
   
September 30
December 31
 
Year Due
2011
2010
KCP&L
 
(millions)
General Mortgage Bonds
         
4.87% EIRR bonds (a)(b)
2012-2035 $ 119.3   $ 158.8  
7.15% Series 2009A (8.59% rate)(c)
2019   400.0     400.0  
4.65% EIRR Series 2005
2035   50.0     50.0  
EIRR Series 2007A-1(d)
2035   -     63.3  
EIRR Series 2007A-2(d)
2035   -     10.0  
5.375% EIRR Series 2007B
2035   73.2     73.2  
Senior Notes
             
6.50% Series
2011   150.0     150.0  
5.85% Series (5.72% rate)(c)
2017   250.0     250.0  
6.375% Series (7.49% rate)(c)
2018   350.0     350.0  
6.05% Series (5.78% rate)(c)
2035   250.0     250.0  
5.30% Series
2041   400.0     -  
EIRR bonds
             
4.90% Series 2008
2038   23.4     23.4  
Other
2012-2018   2.9     3.3  
Current maturities
    (162.7 )   (150.3 )
Unamortized discount
    (4.3 )   (2.0 )
Total KCP&L
    1,901.8     1,629.7  
               
Other Great Plains Energy
             
GMO First Mortgage Bonds
             
9.44% Series
2012-2021   11.2     12.4  
GMO Pollution Control Bonds
             
5.85% SJLP Pollution Control
2013   5.6     5.6  
0.214% Wamego Series 1996 (e)
2026   7.3     7.3  
0.263% State Environmental 1993 (e)
2028   5.0     5.0  
GMO Senior Notes
             
7.95% Series
    -     137.3  
7.75% Series
    -     197.0  
11.875% Series
2012   500.0     500.0  
8.27% Series
2021   80.9     80.9  
Fair Value Adjustment
    24.2     49.9  
GMO Medium Term Notes
             
7.16% Series
2013   6.0     6.0  
7.33% Series
2023   3.0     3.0  
7.17% Series
2023   7.0     7.0  
Great Plains Energy 2.75% Senior Notes (3.67% rate)(c)
2013   250.0     250.0  
Great Plains Energy 6.875% Senior Notes (7.33% rate)(c)
2017   100.0     100.0  
Great Plains Energy 10.00% Equity Units Subordinated Notes
2012   287.5     287.5  
Great Plains Energy 4.85% Senior Notes (7.34% rate)(c)
2021   350.0     -  
Current maturities
    (788.7 )   (335.4 )
Unamortized discount
    (0.7 )   (0.5 )
Total Great Plains Energy excluding current maturities
  $ 2,750.1   $ 2,942.7  
(a)  Weighted-average interest rates at September 30, 2011
(b) September 30, 2011, does not include $39.5 million EIRR Series 1993B bonds because the bonds have been repurchased and are held by
       KCP&L
(c) Rate after amortizing gains/losses recognized in OCI on settlements of interest rate hedging instruments
(d) September 30, 2011, does not include $63.3 million EIRR Series 2007 A-1and $10.0 million EIRR Series 2007 A-2 bonds because the
       bonds have been repurchased and are held by KCP&L
(e)  Variable rate
 
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Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
Fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices, with the incremental borrowing rate for similar debt used to determine fair value if quoted market prices were not available.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the book value of Great Plains Energy’s long-term debt, including current maturities, was $3.7 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the fair value of Great Plains Energy’s long-term debt, including current maturities, was $4.1 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the book value of KCP&L’s long-term debt, including current maturities, was $2.1 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the fair value of KCP&L’s long-term debt, including current maturities, was $2.3 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.
 
KCP&L General Mortgage Bonds and EIRR Bonds
In April 2011, KCP&L purchased in lieu of redemption its $63.3 million EIRR Series 2007A-1, $10.0 million EIRR Series 2007A-2 and $39.5 million EIRR Series 1993B bonds.  KCP&L opted to purchase rather than remarket the bonds given the poor conditions in the tax-exempt market.  KCP&L issued commercial paper to fund the purchase of the bonds. As of September 30, 2011, the bonds were still outstanding, but were not reported as a liability on the balance sheet since they are being held by KCP&L.  KCP&L has the ability to remarket these bonds to third parties whenever it determines market conditions are sufficiently attractive to do so.
 
KCP&L Senior Notes
In September 2011, KCP&L issued $400.0 million of 5.30% unsecured Senior Notes, maturing in 2041.
 
GMO Senior Notes
GMO repaid its $137.3 million 7.95% Senior Notes that matured in February 2011 and $197.0 million 7.75% Senior Notes that matured in June 2011.
 
Great Plains Energy Senior Notes
In May 2011, Great Plains Energy issued $350.0 million of 4.85% unsecured Senior Notes, maturing in 2021.  As a result of amortizing the loss recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Great Plains Energy’s three-year forward Starting Swaps (FSS), the effective interest rate is 7.34% through May 2014.
 
Great Plains Energy 10.00% Equity Units Subordinated Notes Classified As Current Maturities
In May 2009, Great Plains Energy issued $287.5 million of Equity Units.  Equity Units, each with a stated amount of $50, initially consist of a 5% undivided beneficial interest in $1,000 principal amount of 10.00% subordinated notes due June 15, 2042, and a purchase contract requiring the holder to purchase the Company’s common stock by June 15, 2012 (the settlement date).
 
Great Plains Energy must attempt to remarket the subordinated notes, in whole but not in part, between December 15, 2011, and June 12, 2012.  The proceeds from a successful remarketing will be used to satisfy the holders’ obligation under the purchase contract.  If the notes have not been successfully remarketed by June 12, 2012, the holders of all notes will have the right to put their notes to Great Plains Energy on June 15, 2012, in satisfaction of the holders’ obligation under the purchase contracts, and Great Plains Energy will issue to the holders newly issued shares of the Company’s common stock equal to the settlement rate.  The settlement rate will vary according to the applicable market value of the Company’s common stock at the settlement date.
 
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10.  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Environmental Matters
Great Plains Energy and KCP&L are subject to extensive regulation by federal, state and local authorities with regard to environmental matters primarily through their utility operations.  In addition to imposing extensive and continuing compliance obligations, laws, regulations and permits authorize the imposition of substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions.  The cost of complying with current and future environmental requirements is expected to be material to Great Plains Energy and KCP&L.  Failure to comply with environmental requirements or to timely recover environmental costs through rates could have a material adverse effect on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
The following discussion groups environmental and certain associated matters into the broad categories of air and climate change, water, solid waste and remediation.
 
Air and Climate Change Overview
The Clean Air Act and associated regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) form a comprehensive program to preserve air quality.  States are required to establish regulations and programs to address all requirements of the Clean Air Act and have the flexibility to enact more stringent requirements.  All of Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s generating facilities, and certain of their other facilities, are subject to the Clean Air Act.
 
Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s current estimate of capital expenditures (exclusive of AFUDC and property taxes) to comply with the currently-effective Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), the replacement to CAIR or the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), the best available retrofit technology (BART) rule, the SO2 national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS), the industrial boiler rule and proposed maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for mercury and other hazardous air pollutant emissions (all of which are discussed below) is approximately $1 billion.  The actual cost of compliance with any existing, proposed or future rules may be significantly different from the cost estimate provided.
 
The approximate $1 billion current estimate of capital expenditures reflects the following capital projects:
 
·  
KCP&L’s LaCygne No. 1 scrubber and baghouse installed by June 2015;
 
·  
KCP&L’s LaCygne No. 2 full air quality control system (AQCS) installed by June 2015;
 
·  
KCP&L’s Montrose No. 3 full AQCS installed by approximately 2016; and
 
·  
GMO’s Sibley No. 3 scrubber and baghouse installed by approximately 2016.
 
In September 2011, KCP&L commenced construction of the LaCygne project.  Other capital projects at KCP&L’s Montrose Nos. 1 and 2 and GMO’s Sibley Nos. 1 and 2 and Lake Road Nos. 4 and 6 are possible but are currently considered less likely.  Any capacity and energy requirements resulting from a decision not to proceed with these less likely projects is currently expected to be met through renewable energy additions required under Missouri and Kansas renewable energy standards, demand side management programs, construction of combustion turbines and/or combined cycle units, and/or power purchase agreements.
 
The estimate does not reflect the non-capital costs the Companies incur on an ongoing basis to comply with environmental laws, which may increase in the future due to the Companies’ ongoing compliance with current or future environmental laws.  The Companies expect to seek recovery of the costs associated with environmental requirements through rate increases; however, there can be no assurance that such rate increases would be granted.  The Companies may be subject to materially adverse rate treatment in response to competitive, economic, political, legislative or regulatory pressures and/or public perception of the Companies’ environmental reputation.
 
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Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)
The CAIR requires reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions in 28 states, including Missouri.  The reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions are accomplished through statewide caps for NOx and SO2.  Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s fossil fuel-fired plants located in Missouri are subject to CAIR, while their fossil fuel-fired plants in Kansas are not.
 
On July 11, 2008, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated CAIR in its entirety and remanded the matter to the EPA to promulgate a new rule consistent with its opinion.  On December 23, 2008, the Court issued an order remanding CAIR to the EPA to revise the rule consistent with its July 2008 order.  The CAIR remains in effect through 2011.

CAIR currently establishes a market-based cap-and-trade program with an emission allowance allocation.  Facilities demonstrate compliance with CAIR by holding sufficient allowances for each ton of SO2 and NOx emitted in any given year.  KCP&L and GMO are currently allowed to utilize unused SO2 emission allowances that they have either accumulated during previous years of the Acid Rain Program or purchased to meet the more stringent CAIR requirements.  At September 30, 2011, KCP&L had accumulated unused SO2 emission allowances sufficient to support over 150,000 tons of SO2 emissions (enough to support expected requirements under the CAIR and the Acid Rain Program for the foreseeable future) under the provisions of the Acid Rain program, which are recorded in inventory at zero cost.  At September 30, 2011, GMO had accumulated unused SO2 emission allowances sufficient to support just over 9,000 tons of SO2 emissions (enough to support expected requirements under the CAIR and Acid Rain Program through 2011), which it has received under the Acid Rain Program or purchased, and are recorded in inventory at average cost.  KCP&L and GMO purchase NOx allowances as needed.
 
 
In July 2011, the EPA finalized the CSAPR to replace the currently-effective CAIR.  The CSAPR, like CAIR, will require the states within its scope to reduce power plant SO2 and NOx emissions that contribute to ozone and fine particle nonattainment in other states.  The geographical scope of the CSAPR is broader than CAIR, and includes Kansas in addition to Missouri and other states.  Kansas and Missouri are only included for fine particulate matter control in the final CSAPR, but the EPA concurrently proposed a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to include both states for ozone season control which the EPA intends to finalize in November 2011.  The CSAPR would also impose more stringent emissions limitations than CAIR and, unlike CAIR, would not utilize Acid Rain Program allowances for compliance.  In the CSAPR, the EPA set an emissions budget for each of the affected states.  The CSAPR allows limited interstate emissions allowance trading among power plants; however, it does not permit trading of SO2 allowances between the Companies’ Kansas and Missouri power plants.  Compliance with the CSAPR begins in 2012.  There would be additional reductions in SO2 allowances allocable to the Companies’ Missouri power plants taking effect in 2014.  There is no such 2014 additional reduction in SO2 allowances allocable to the Companies’ Kansas power plants.  In October 2011, the EPA proposed technical adjustments to the final CSAPR.  The proposed rule amends the assurance penalty provisions to start in 2014, instead of 2012.  The EPA proposed to revise certain unit-level allocations in six states, including Kansas, affected by federally enforceable consent agreements.  This would allocate additional allowances to KCP&L’s LaCygne Station to assist in compliance with CSAPR.

The finalized CSAPR is complex and Great Plains Energy and KCP&L are evaluating its impacts.  The Companies project that they may not be allocated sufficient SO2 or NOX emissions allowances to cover their currently expected operations starting in 2012.  Any shortfall in allocated allowances is anticipated to be addressed through a combination of permissible allowance trading, installing additional emission control equipment, changes in plant processes, or purchasing additional power in the wholesale market.  Multiple states, utilities and other parties, including KCP&L, have filed reconsideration requests and stays with the EPA and/or the D.C. Circuit Court.
 
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Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) Rule
The EPA BART rule directs state air quality agencies to identify whether visibility-reducing emissions from sources subject to BART are below limits set by the state or whether retrofit measures are needed to reduce emissions.  BART applies to specific eligible facilities including KCP&L’s LaCygne Nos. 1 and 2 in Kansas, KCP&L’s Iatan No. 1, in which GMO has an 18% interest, KCP&L’s Montrose No. 3 in Missouri, GMO’s Sibley Unit No. 3 and Lake Road Unit No. 6 in Missouri and Westar Energy, Inc.’s (Westar) Jeffrey Unit Nos. 1 and 2 in Kansas, in which GMO has an 8% interest.  Both Missouri and Kansas have submitted BART plans to the EPA but neither Missouri nor Kansas has received EPA approval for their BART plans.  In August 2011, the EPA proposed to approve the Kansas BART plan.
 
Mercury and Other Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions
In January 2009, the EPA issued a memorandum stating that new electric steam generating units (EGUs) that began construction while the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) was effective are subject to a new source MACT determination on a case-by-case basis.
 
In July 2009, the EPA sent letters notifying KCP&L that MACT determinations and schedules of compliance are required for coal and oil-fired EGUs that began actual construction or reconstruction after December 15, 2000, and identified Iatan No. 2 and Hawthorn No. 5 as affected EGUs.  This was an outcome of the D.C. Court of Appeals’ vacatur of both the CAMR and the contemporaneously promulgated rule removing EGUs from MACT requirements.  In May 2011, KCP&L received a letter from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) stating the MACT determination was not required for Hawthorn No. 5.  It is not currently known how MACT determinations and schedules of compliance will impact the permitting or operating requirements for Iatan No. 2, but it is possible a MACT determination may ultimately require additional emission control equipment and permit limits.
 
In April 2010, the EPA, in a court approved settlement, agreed to develop MACT standards for mercury and potentially other hazardous air pollutant emissions.  In the settlement agreement, the EPA agreed to propose MACT standards in March 2011 and is expected to issue final standards by December 2011.  In March 2011, the EPA issued a proposed rule that would reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants from new and existing coal-fired EGUs with a capacity of 25MW or greater.  The proposed rule would establish numerical emission limits for mercury, particulate matter (a surrogate for non-mercury metals), and hydrogen chloride (a surrogate for acid gases).  The proposed rule would establish work practices, instead of numerical emission limits, for organic hazardous air pollutants, including dioxin/furan.  Compliance with the rule would need to be addressed by installing additional emission control equipment, changes in plant operation, purchasing additional power in the wholesale market or a combination of these and other alternatives.  Any final rule could have a significant effect on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
Industrial Boiler Rule
In February 2011, the EPA issued a final rule that would reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants from new and existing industrial boilers.  The final rule establishes numeric emission limits for mercury, dioxin, particulate matter (as a surrogate for non-mercury metals), hydrogen chloride (as a surrogate for acid gases), and carbon monoxide (as a surrogate for non-dioxin organic hazardous air pollutants).  The final rule establishes emission limits for KCP&L’s and GMO’s new and existing units that produce steam other than for the generation of electricity.  The final rule does not apply to KCP&L’s and GMO’s electricity generating boilers, but would apply to most of GMO’s Lake Road boilers, which also serve steam customers, and to auxiliary boilers at other generating facilities.  In May 2011, the EPA announced it would stay the effective date of the final rule during reconsideration.  The EPA indicated it will propose a revised rule in November 2011 and issue another final rule by the end of April 2012.
 
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New Source Review
The Clean Air Act requires companies to obtain permits and, if necessary, install control equipment to reduce emissions when making a major modification or a change in operation if either is expected to cause a significant net increase in regulated emissions.
 
In January 2004, Westar received notification from the EPA alleging that it had violated new source review requirements and Kansas environmental regulations by making modifications to the Jeffrey Energy Center without obtaining the proper permits.  In February 2009, the Attorney General of the United States filed a complaint against Westar alleging that it violated the Clean Air Act and related federal and state regulations by making major modifications to the Jeffrey Energy Center beginning in 1994 without first obtaining appropriate permits authorizing this construction and without installing and operating best available control technology to control emissions.  The Jeffrey Energy Center consists of three coal-fired units located in Kansas that is 92% owned by Westar and operated exclusively by Westar.  GMO has an 8% interest in the Jeffrey Energy Center and is generally responsible for its 8% share of the facility’s operating costs and capital expenditures.  In January 2010, Westar entered into a settlement agreement, which was approved by the court in March 2010.  The settlement agreement requires, among other things, the installation of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system at one of the Jeffrey Energy Center units by the end of 2014 and the payment of a $3 million civil penalty.  Westar has estimated the cost of this SCR at approximately $240 million.  Depending on the NOx emission reductions attained by that SCR and attainable through the installation of other controls at the other two units, the settlement agreement may require the installation of a second SCR system on one of the other two units by the end of 2016.  There is no assurance that GMO’s share of these costs would be recovered in rates and failure to recover such costs could have a significant effect on Great Plains Energy’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
KCP&L has received requests for information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) pertaining to a past LaCygne No. 1 scrubber project.  KCP&L is working with the KDHE to resolve this issue and management currently believes the outcome will not have a significant impact on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
Collaboration Agreement
In March 2007, KCP&L, the Sierra Club and the Concerned Citizens of Platte County entered into a Collaboration Agreement under which KCP&L agreed to pursue a set of initiatives including energy efficiency, additional wind generation, lower emission permit levels at its Iatan and LaCygne generating stations and other initiatives designed to offset CO2 emissions.  Full implementation of the terms of the Collaboration Agreement will necessitate approval from the appropriate authorities, as some of the initiatives in the agreement require regulatory approval.
 
In 2006, KCP&L installed 100MW of wind generation at its Spearville wind site.  KCP&L agreed in the Collaboration Agreement to pursue increasing its wind generation capacity to 500MW in total by the end of 2012 with 100MW to be added by the end of 2010 and the remainder added by the end of 2012, subject to regulatory approval.  In 2010, KCP&L completed a 48MW wind project adjacent to its existing Spearville wind site with wind turbines it already owned and also secured 52MW of renewable energy credits.  During 2011, KCP&L entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement for approximately 131MW of wind generation beginning in 2012.  The Companies are evaluating options to add up to 200MW of new wind capacity through a combination of ownership and power purchase agreements.
 
KCP&L has a consent agreement with the KDHE incorporating limits for stack particulate matter emissions, as well as limits for NOx and SO2 emissions, at its LaCygne Station that, consistent with the Collaboration Agreement, will be below the presumptive limits under BART.  KCP&L further agreed to use its best efforts to install emission control technologies to reduce those emissions from the LaCygne
 
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Station prior to the required compliance date under BART, but in no event later than June 1, 2015.  In February 2011, KCP&L filed a request with KCC for predetermination of the ratemaking treatment that would apply to the recovery of costs for its 50% share of the environmental equipment required to comply with BART at the LaCygne Station.  The request for predetermination included an estimated total project cost of $1.23 billion (excluding AFUDC and property tax).  KCP&L’s 50% share of the estimated cost is $615 million.  In August 2011, KCC issued its order on the predetermination request.  In the order, KCC stated that KCP&L’s decision to retrofit LaCygne was reasonable, reliable, efficient and prudent and the $1.23 billion cost estimate is reasonable.  If the cost for the project is at or below the $1.23 billion estimate, absent a showing of fraud or other intentional imprudence, KCC stated that it will not re-evaluate the prudency of the cost of the project.  If the cost of the project exceeds the $1.23 billion estimate and KCP&L seeks to recover amounts exceeding the estimate, KCP&L will bear the burden of proving that any additional costs were prudently incurred.  KCP&L began the project in September 2011.
 
In a related proceeding, in January 2011, KCC opened a general investigation docket regarding KCP&L and Westar environmental retrofits upon the recommendation of the KCC Staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayers Board.  The Companies cannot predict the outcome or timing of this matter but the outcome could have the potential to impact the Companies’ resource planning in the future.
 
In the Collaboration Agreement, KCP&L also agreed to offset an additional 711,000 tons of CO2 by the end of 2012.  KCP&L currently expects to achieve this offset through a number of alternatives, including improving the efficiency of its coal-fired units, equipping certain gas-fired units for winter operation and, if necessary, possibly reducing output of, or retiring, one or more coal-fired units.
 
Climate Change
The Companies are subject to existing greenhouse gas reporting regulations and, as discussed below, are subject to certain greenhouse gas permitting requirements starting in 2011.  Management believes it is possible that additional federal or relevant state or local laws or regulations could be enacted to address global climate change.  At the international level, while the United States is not a current party to the Kyoto Protocol, it has agreed to undertake certain voluntary actions under the non-binding Copenhagen Accord and pursuant to subsequent international discussions relating to climate change, including the establishment of a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  International agreements legally binding on the United States may be reached in the future.  Such new laws or regulations could mandate new or increased requirements to control or reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, which are created in the combustion of fossil fuels.  The Companies’ current generation capacity is primarily coal-fired and is estimated to produce about one ton of CO2 per MWh, or approximately 23 million tons and 17 million tons per year for Great Plains Energy and KCP&L, respectively.
 
Laws have recently been passed in Missouri and Kansas, the states in which the Companies’ retail electric businesses are operated, setting renewable energy standards, and management believes that national clean or renewable energy standards are also possible.  While management believes additional requirements addressing these matters will probably be enacted, the timing, provisions and impact of such requirements, including the cost to obtain and install new equipment to achieve compliance, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.  In addition, certain federal courts have held that state and local governments and private parties have standing to bring climate change tort suits seeking company-specific emission reductions and monetary or other damages.  While the Companies are not a party to any climate change tort suit, there is no assurance that such suits may not be filed in the future or as to the outcome if such suits are filed.  Such requirements or litigation outcomes could have the potential for a significant financial and operational impact on Great Plains Energy and KCP&L.  The Companies would likely seek recovery of capital costs and expenses for compliance through rate increases; however, there can be no assurance that such rate increases would be granted.
 
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Legislation concerning the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases, including CO2, is being considered at the federal and state levels.  The timing and effects of any such legislation cannot be determined at this time.  In the absence of new Congressional mandates, the EPA is proceeding with the regulation of greenhouse gases under the existing Clean Air Act.
 
In May 2010, the EPA issued a final rule addressing greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act permitting programs.  This final rule sets thresholds for greenhouse gas emissions that define when permits under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Operating Permit programs are required for new and existing industrial facilities.  The EPA phased in the Clean Air Act permitting requirements for greenhouse gas emissions in two initial steps.  In step 1, which started January 2, 2011, only sources currently subject to the PSD permitting program (i.e., those that are newly-constructed or modified in a way that significantly increases emissions of a pollutant other than greenhouse gas) are subject to Title V or PSD permitting requirements, respectively, for their greenhouse gas emissions.  For these projects, only projects with new or increases of greenhouse gas emissions of 75,000 tons per year or more of total greenhouse gases, on a CO2 equivalent basis, need to determine the best available control technology for their greenhouse gas emissions.  In addition, sources subject to the Title V Operating Permit Program need to address greenhouse gas emissions as those permits are applied for or renewed.  In step 2, which started July 1, 2011, Title V and PSD permitting requirements now cover, for the first time, new construction projects that emit greenhouse gas emissions of at least 100,000 tons per year even if they do not exceed the permitting thresholds for any other pollutant.  In addition, modifications at such existing facilities that increase greenhouse gas emissions by at least 75,000 tons per year are subject to permitting requirements, even if they do not significantly increase emissions of any other pollutant.  Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s generating facilities that trigger these thresholds for new installations, modifications or Title V operating permits are subject to this rule.
 
In March 2011, the EPA announced it finalized a settlement agreement to issue a rule that will address greenhouse gas emissions from EGUs.  The rule would establish new source performance standards for new and modified EGUs and emission guidelines for existing EGUs.  Under the settlement agreement, the EPA committed to issuing proposed regulations by September 2011, although the EPA did not meet that date, and final regulations by May 2012.
 
At the state level, a Kansas law enacted in May 2009 requires Kansas public electric utilities, including KCP&L, to have renewable energy generation capacity equal to at least 10% of their three-year average Kansas peak retail demand by 2011.  The percentage increases to 15% by 2016 and 20% by 2020.  A Missouri law enacted in November 2008 requires at least 2% of the electricity provided by Missouri investor-owned utilities (including KCP&L and GMO) to their Missouri retail customers to come from renewable resources, including wind, solar, biomass and hydropower, by 2011, increasing to 5% in 2014, 10% in 2018, and 15% in 2021, with a small portion (estimated to be about 2MW in 2011 for each of KCP&L and GMO) required to come from solar resources.
 
KCP&L and GMO project that their existing renewable resources (including accumulated renewable energy credits) will be sufficient for compliance with the Missouri requirements, exclusive of the solar requirement, through 2021 and 2016, respectively.  KCP&L and GMO project that the purchase of solar renewable energy credits will be sufficient for compliance with the Missouri solar requirements for the foreseeable future.
 
KCP&L also projects that its existing renewable resources (including both accumulated renewable energy credits and purchased renewable energy credits) will be sufficient for compliance with the 2011 Kansas requirements.  During 2011, KCP&L entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement for approximately 131MW of wind generation beginning in 2012.  With the addition of this power purchase agreement along with its existing renewable resources, KCP&L anticipates its renewable resources will be sufficient
 
41
 
 
for compliance with the Kansas requirements through 2012.  The Companies are evaluating options to add up to 200MW of new wind capacity through a combination of ownership and power purchase agreements.
 
Additionally, in November 2007, governors from six Midwestern states, including Kansas, signed the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, which has established the goal of reducing member states’ greenhouse gas emissions to 15% to 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, and 60% to 80% below 2005 levels by 2050.
 
Greenhouse gas legislation or regulation has the potential of having significant financial and operational impacts on Great Plains Energy and KCP&L, including the potential costs and impacts of achieving compliance with limits that may be established.  However, the ultimate financial and operational consequences to Great Plains Energy and KCP&L cannot be determined until such legislation is passed and/or regulations are issued.  Management will continue to monitor the progress of relevant legislation and regulations.
 
Ozone NAAQS 
In June 2007, monitor data indicated that the Kansas City area violated the 1997 primary eight-hour ozone NAAQS.  Missouri and Kansas have implemented the responses established in the maintenance plans for control of ozone.  The responses in both states do not require additional controls at Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s generation facilities beyond the currently proposed controls for CSAPR and BART.  The EPA has various options over and above the implementation of the maintenance plans for control of ozone to address the violation but has not yet acted.  At this time, management is unable to predict how the EPA will respond or how that response will impact Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s operations.  However, the EPA’s response could have a significant effect on Great Plains Energy's and KCP&L's results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
In March 2008, the EPA significantly strengthened its NAAQS for ground-level ozone.  The EPA revised the primary eight-hour ozone standard, designed to protect public health, to a level of 0.075 parts per million (ppm).  The EPA also strengthened the secondary eight-hour ozone standard to the level of 0.075 ppm making it identical to the revised primary standard.  The previous primary and secondary standards, set in 1997, were effectively 0.084 ppm.
 
In March 2009, the MDNR and KDHE submitted to the EPA their determinations that the Kansas City area is a nonattainment area under the 2008 primary eight-hour ozone standard.  The EPA will make final designations of attainment and nonattainment areas.  By 2013, states must submit state implementation plans outlining how states will reduce ozone to meet the standards in nonattainment areas.  Although the impact on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s operations will not be known until after the final nonattainment designations and the state implementation plans are submitted, it could have a significant effect on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
In January 2010, the EPA proposed to reconsider and further strengthen the 2008 NAAQS for ground-level ozone.  The EPA proposed to strengthen the primary eight-hour ozone standard to a level within the range of 0.060-0.070 ppm.  The EPA also proposed to establish a distinct cumulative, seasonal secondary standard, designed to protect sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, to within the range of 7-15 ppm-hours.  In September 2011, President Obama requested that the EPA withdraw the proposed rule reconsidering the 2008 NAAQS and the EPA announced it will proceed with implementation of the 2008 primary eight-hour ozone standard of 0.075 ppm.  The EPA indicated, based on the available ozone air quality data, that the Kansas City area would meet the standard.
 
42
 
 
SO2 NAAQS
In June 2010, the EPA strengthened the primary NAAQS for SO2.  The EPA revised the primary SO2 standard by establishing a new 1-hour standard at a level of 0.075 ppm.  The EPA revoked the two existing primary standards of 0.140 ppm evaluated over 24 hours and 0.030 ppm evaluated over an entire year.  In July 2011, the MDNR recommended to the EPA that part of Jackson County, Missouri, which is in the Companies' service territory, be designated a nonattainment area for the new 1-hour SO2 standard.  Although the impact on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s operations will not be known until after the nonattainment designations are approved and the state implementation plans are submitted, it could have a significant effect on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
Montrose Station Notice of Violation
In June 2009, KCP&L received notification from the MDNR alleging that its Montrose Station had excess particulate matter emissions in 2008.  KCP&L is working with the MDNR to resolve this issue and management believes the outcome will not have a significant impact on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
Water
The Clean Water Act and associated regulations enacted by the EPA form a comprehensive program to preserve water quality.  Like the Clean Air Act, states are required to establish regulations and programs to address all requirements of the Clean Water Act, and have the flexibility to enact more stringent requirements.  All of Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s generating facilities, and certain of their other facilities, are subject to the Clean Water Act.
 
In March 2011, the EPA proposed regulations pursuant to Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act regarding cooling water intake structures pursuant to a court approved settlement.  KCP&L generation facilities with cooling water intake structures would be subject to a limit on how many fish can be killed by being pinned against intake screens (impingement) and would be required to conduct studies to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce the number of aquatic organisms drawn into cooling water systems (entrainment).  The EPA agreed to finalize the rule by July 2012.  Although the impact on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s operations will not be known until after the rule is finalized, it could have a significant effect on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
 
KCP&L holds a permit from the MDNR covering water discharge from its Hawthorn Station.  The permit authorizes KCP&L to, among other things, withdraw water from the Missouri river for cooling purposes and return the heated water to the Missouri river.  KCP&L has applied for a renewal of this permit and the EPA has submitted an interim objection letter regarding the allowable amount of heat that can be contained in the returned water.  Until this matter is resolved, KCP&L continues to operate under its current permit.  KCP&L cannot predict the outcome of this matter; however, while less significant outcomes are possible, this matter may require KCP&L to reduce its generation at Hawthorn Station, install cooling towers or both, any of which could have a significant impact on KCP&L.  The outcome could also affect the terms of water permit renewals at KCP&L’s Iatan Station and at GMO’s Sibley and Lake Road Stations.
 
Additionally, in September 2009, the EPA announced plans to revise the existing standards for water discharges from coal-fired power plants.  In November 2010, the EPA filed a motion requesting court approval of a consent agreement in which the EPA agreed to propose a rule in July 2012 and to finalize it in January 2014.  Until a rule is proposed and finalized, the financial and operational impacts to Great Plains Energy and KCP&L cannot be determined.
 
43
 
 
Solid Waste
Solid and hazardous waste generation, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal is regulated at the federal and state levels under various laws and regulations.  In May 2010, the EPA proposed to regulate coal combustion residuals (CCRs) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to address the risks from the disposal of CCRs generated from the combustion of coal at electric generating facilities.  The EPA is considering two options in this proposal.  Under the first option, the EPA would regulate CCRs as special wastes subject to regulation under subtitle C of RCRA (hazardous), when they are destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments.  Under the second option, the EPA would regulate disposal of CCRs under subtitle D of RCRA (non-hazardous).  The Companies principally use coal in generating electricity and dispose of the CCRs in both on-site facilities and facilities owned by third parties.  The proposed CCR rule has the potential of having a significant financial and operational impact on Great Plains Energy and KCP&L in connection with achieving compliance with the proposed requirements.  However, the financial and operational consequences to Great Plains Energy and KCP&L cannot be determined until an option is selected by the EPA and the final regulation is enacted.
 
Remediation
Certain federal and state laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) hold current and previous owners or operators of real property, and any person who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances at a property, liable on a joint and several basis for the costs of cleaning up contamination at or migrating from such real property, even if they did not know of and were not responsible for such contamination.  CERCLA and other laws also authorize the EPA and other agencies to issue orders compelling potentially responsible parties to clean up sites that are determined to present an actual or potential threat to human health or the environment.  GMO is named as a potentially responsible party at two disposal sites for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and retains some environmental liability for several operations and investments it no longer owns.  In addition, GMO also owns, or has acquired liabilities from companies that once owned or operated, former manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites, which are subject to the supervision of the EPA and various state environmental agencies.
 
At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, KCP&L had $0.3 million accrued for environmental remediation expenses, which covers ground water monitoring at a former MGP site.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Great Plains Energy had $0.4 million accrued for environmental remediation expenses, which includes the $0.3 million at KCP&L, and additional potential remediation and ground water monitoring costs relating to two GMO sites.  The amounts accrued were established on an undiscounted basis and Great Plains Energy and KCP&L do not currently have an estimated time frame over which the accrued amounts may be paid.
 
In addition to the $0.4 million accrual above, at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Great Plains Energy had $2.1 million accrued for the future investigation and remediation of certain additional GMO identified MGP sites, PCB sites and retained liabilities.  This estimate was based upon review of the potential costs associated with conducting investigative and remedial actions at identified sites, as well as the likelihood of whether such actions will be necessary.  This estimate could change materially after further investigation, and could also be affected by the actions of environmental agencies and the financial viability of other potentially responsible parties.
 
GMO has pursued recovery of remediation costs from insurance carriers and other potentially responsible parties.  As a result of a settlement with an insurance carrier, approximately $2.3 million in insurance proceeds less an annual deductible is available to GMO to recover qualified MGP remediation expenses.  GMO would seek recovery of additional remediation costs and expenses through rate increases; however, there can be no assurance that such rate increases would be granted.
 
44
 
 
In January 2010, the EPA announced an advance notice of proposed rulemaking under CERCLA identifying classes of facilities for which the EPA will develop financial assurance requirements, including the electric power generation, transmission and distribution industry.  The CERCLA financial assurance would be for risks associated with Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s production, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of CERCLA hazardous substances.  The impact on Great Plains Energy and KCP&L cannot be determined until the regulations are finalized.
 
In April 2010, the EPA announced an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for the use and distribution in commerce of certain PCBs, PCB items and certain other areas of the PCB regulations.  The EPA is reassessing the use, distribution in commerce, marking, and storage for reuse of liquid PCBs in electric and non-electric equipment and the use of the 50 ppm level for excluded PCB products among other things.  The impact on Great Plains Energy and KCP&L cannot be determined until the regulations are finalized.
 
Contractual Commitments
At September 30, 2011, Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s contractual commitments for KCP&L’s environmental retrofits at its LaCygne station are $123.3 million, $385.7 million, $286.6 million, $130.1 million and $6.3 million for the years 2011 though 2015, respectively.  KCP&L owns 50% of the LaCygne station. KCP&L expects to be reimbursed by the other owner for its 50% share of the costs.  Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s other contractual commitments have not significantly changed at September 30, 2011, compared to December 31, 2010.
 
11.  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
KCP&L Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste
In January 2004, KCP&L and the other two Wolf Creek owners filed a lawsuit against the United States in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking $14.1 million of damages resulting from the government’s failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel for disposal in January 1998, as the government was required to do by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.  The Wolf Creek case was tried before a U.S. Court of Federal Claims judge in June 2010, and a decision was issued in November 2010, granting KCP&L and the other two Wolf Creek owners $10.6 million ($5.0 million KCP&L share) in damages.  In January 2011, KCP&L and the other two Wolf Creek owners as well as the United States filed appeals of the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  The court has set a briefing schedule.  Briefing likely will conclude in the fourth quarter of 2011, and the parties will present their oral arguments to the court sometime thereafter.
 
Iatan Levee Litigation
On May 22, 2009, several farmers filed suit against Great Plains Energy and KCP&L in the Circuit Court of Platte County, Missouri, alleging negligence, private nuisance, trespass and violations of the Missouri Crop Protection Act and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.  These allegations stem from flooding at or near the Iatan Station in 2007 and 2008.  The farmers allege the flooding was a result of maintenance of a nearby levee.  Written discovery and depositions are underway and this matter is set for trial in May 2012.  Management cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
 
GMO Price Reporting Litigation
In response to complaints of manipulation of the California energy market, in July 2001, FERC issued an order requiring net sellers of power in the California markets from October 2, 2000, through June 20, 2001, at prices above a FERC determined competitive market clearing price to make refunds to net purchasers of power in the California market during that time period.  Because MPS Merchant was a net purchaser of power during the refund period, it has received approximately $8 million in refunds through settlements with certain sellers of power.  MPS Merchant estimates that it is entitled to approximately $12 million in additional refunds under the standards FERC has used in this case.  FERC has stated that interest will be applied to the refunds but the amount of interest has not yet been determined.  However, in December 2001, various parties appealed the FERC order to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit seeking review of a number of issues, including changing
 
45
 
 
the refund period to include periods prior to October 2, 2000.  MPS Merchant was a net seller of power during the period prior to October 2, 2000.  On August 2, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an order finding, among other things, that FERC did not provide a sufficient justification for refusing to exercise its remedial authority under the Federal Power Act to determine whether market participants violated FERC-approved tariffs during the period prior to October 2, 2000, and imposing a remedy for any such violations.  The court remanded the matter to FERC for further consideration.  In May 2011, FERC issued an order which clarified the scope of the hearing in the refund proceeding and ruled on requests for rehearing and motions to dismiss.  A hearing is set for March 2012.  If FERC ultimately includes the period prior to October 2, 2000, MPS Merchant could be found to owe refunds.
 
FERC initiated a separate docket, generally referred to as the Pacific Northwest refund proceeding, to determine if any refunds were warranted related to the potential impact of the California market issues on buyers in the Pacific Northwest between December 25, 2000, and June 20, 2001.  FERC rejected the refund requests, but its decision was remanded by the Court of Appeals for FERC to consider whether any acts of market manipulation support the imposition of refunds.  Claims against MPS Merchant total $5.1 million for the period addressed under the Pacific Northwest refund proceedings.
 
12.  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
 
KCP&L employees manage GMO’s business and operate its facilities at cost.  These costs totaled $25.0 million and $82.2 million, respectively, for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, respectively.  These costs totaled $26.3 million and $73.5 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2010.  Additionally, KCP&L and GMO engage in wholesale electricity transactions with each other.  KCP&L and GMO are also authorized to participate in the Great Plains Energy money pool, an internal financing arrangement in which funds may be lent on a short-term basis to KCP&L and GMO.  The following table summarizes KCP&L’s related party receivables and payables.
       
  September 30 December 31
  2011
2010
  (millions)
Net receivable from GMO
$
 45.7
  $
29.6
 
Net receivable from Great Plains Energy
 
       14.0
   
       13.3
 
Receivable from MPS Merchant
 
         8.6
   
         0.3
 
             
13.  
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Great Plains Energy and KCP&L are exposed to a variety of market risks including interest rates and commodity prices.  Management has established risk management policies and strategies to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of the markets may have on Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s operating results.  Commodity risk management activities, including the use of certain derivative instruments, are subject to the management, direction and control of an internal risk management committee.  Management’s interest rate risk management strategy uses derivative instruments to adjust Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s liability portfolio to optimize the mix of fixed and floating rate debt within an established range.  In addition, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L use derivative instruments to hedge against future interest rate fluctuations on anticipated debt issuances.  Management maintains commodity price risk management strategies that use derivative instruments to reduce the effects of fluctuations in fuel expense caused by commodity price volatility.  Counterparties to commodity derivatives and interest rate swap agreements expose Great Plains Energy and KCP&L to credit loss in the event of nonperformance.  This credit loss is limited to the cost of replacing these contracts at current market rates.  Derivative instruments, excluding those instruments that qualify for the normal purchase normal sale election, which are accounted for by accrual accounting, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as an
 
46
 
 
asset or liability.  Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recognized currently in net income unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met, except GMO utility operations hedges that are recorded to a regulatory asset or liability consistent with MPSC regulatory orders, as discussed below.
 
Great Plains Energy and KCP&L have posted collateral, in the ordinary course of business, for the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position.  At September 30, 2011, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L have posted collateral in excess of the aggregate fair value of their derivative instruments; therefore, if the credit risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L would not be required to post additional collateral to its counterparties.
 
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act includes provisions related to the swaps and over-the-counter derivative markets.  The Companies currently expect that their commodity and interest rate hedges will be exempt from mandatory clearing and exchange trading requirements.  Capital and margin requirements for these hedges are expected to be determined over the next year as regulatory agencies implement rules.  While the Companies currently do not anticipate this law and the associated regulatory rules will have a material impact on their financial condition, the ultimate impact cannot be reasonably determined until the final rules are issued.
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
In May 2011, Great Plains Energy issued $350.0 million of long-term debt and settled six forward starting swaps (FSS) simultaneously with the issuance of this long-term fixed rate debt.  Great Plains Energy had entered into the six FSS with notional amounts totaling $350.0 million to hedge against interest rate variability on the debt issuance.  The six FSS were treated as cash flow hedges with no ineffectiveness recorded for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011 and 2010.  A pre-tax loss of $26.1 million was recorded to OCI and is being reclassified to interest expense over the first three years of the ten-year debt.  For the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, a $2.2 million and $3.3 million loss, respectively, has been reclassified from OCI to interest expense.
 
Commodity Risk Management
KCP&L’s risk management policy is to use derivative instruments to mitigate its exposure to market price fluctuations on a portion of its projected natural gas purchases to meet generation requirements for retail and firm wholesale sales.  At September 30, 2011, KCP&L had fully hedged 2012 and had hedged 91% of 2013 projected natural gas usage for retail load and firm MWh sales, primarily by utilizing futures contracts and financial instruments.  KCP&L has designated the natural gas hedges as cash flow hedges.  The fair values of these instruments are recorded as derivative assets or liabilities with an offsetting entry to OCI for the effective portion of the hedge.  To the extent the hedges are not effective, any ineffective portion of the change in fair market value would be recorded currently in fuel expense.  KCP&L has not recorded any ineffectiveness on natural gas hedges for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
GMO’s risk management policy is to use derivative instruments to mitigate price exposure to natural gas price volatility in the market.  The fair value of the portfolio relates to financial contracts that will settle against actual purchases of natural gas and purchased power.  At September 30, 2011, GMO had financial contracts in place to hedge approximately 68%, 70% and 50% of the expected on-peak natural gas and natural gas equivalent purchased power price exposure for 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.  GMO has designated its natural gas hedges as economic hedges (non-hedging derivatives).  In connection with GMO’s 2005 Missouri electric rate case, it was agreed that the settlement costs of these contracts would be recognized in fuel expense.  The settlement cost is included in GMO’s FAC.  A regulatory asset has been recorded to reflect the change in the timing of recognition authorized by the MPSC.  To the extent recovery of actual costs incurred is allowed, amounts will not impact earnings, but will impact cash flows due to the timing of the recovery mechanism.
 
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MPS Merchant manages the daily delivery of its remaining contractual commitments with economic hedges (non-hedging derivatives) to reduce its exposure to changes in market prices.  Within the trading portfolio, MPS Merchant takes certain positions to hedge physical sale or purchase contracts.  MPS Merchant records the fair value of physical trading energy contracts as derivative assets or liabilities with an offsetting entry to the consolidated statements of income.
 
The notional and recorded fair values of open positions for derivative instruments are summarized in the following table.  The fair values of these derivatives are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.  The fair values below are gross values before netting agreements and netting of cash collateral.
               
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
2011
 
2010
 
Notional
   
Notional
 
 
Contract
Fair
 
Contract
Fair
 
Amount
Value
 
Amount
Value
Great Plains Energy
(millions)
Futures contracts
                 
Cash flow hedges
$ 2.6   $ (0.2 )   $ 4.0   $ -  
Non-hedging derivatives
  20.2     (2.0 )     59.5     (2.5 )
Forward contracts
                         
Non-hedging derivatives
  135.4     9.3       202.8     8.9  
Option contracts
                         
Non-hedging derivatives
  0.4     -       0.2     -  
Anticipated debt issuance
        -                
Forward starting swaps
  -     -       350.0     (20.8 )
KCP&L
                         
Futures contracts
                         
Cash flow hedges
  2.6     (0.2 )     4.0     -  
                           
 
48
 
 
The fair values of Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s open derivative positions are summarized in the following tables.  The tables contain both derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments as well as non-hedging derivatives under GAAP.  The fair values below are gross values before netting agreements and netting of cash collateral.
 
Great Plains Energy
         
   Balance Sheet Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
September 30, 2011
Classification
Fair Value
Fair Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
(millions)
Commodity contracts
Derivative instruments
$ -   $ 0.2  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
             
Commodity contracts
Derivative instruments
  9.3     2.0  
Total Derivatives
  $ 9.3   $ 2.2  
               
December 31, 2010
             
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
             
Commodity contracts
Derivative instruments
$ 0.1   $ 0.1  
Interest rate contracts
Derivative instruments
  -     20.8  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
             
Commodity contracts
Derivative instruments
  9.4     3.0  
Total Derivatives
  $ 9.5   $ 23.9  
               
               
KCP&L
             
  Balance Sheet Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
September 30, 2011
Classification
Fair Value
Fair Value
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
(millions)
Commodity contracts
Derivative instruments
$ -   $ 0.2  
               
December 31, 2010
             
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
             
Commodity contracts
Derivative instruments
$ 0.1   $ 0.1  
               
 
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The following tables summarize the amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI or earnings for interest rate and commodity hedges.
 
Great Plains Energy
             
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
     
       
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
       
Accumulated OCI into Income
       
(Effective Portion)
  Amount of Gain        
  (Loss) Recognized        
  in OCI on Derivatives Income Statement      
  (Effective Portion) Classification   Amount  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(millions)
  (millions)
Interest rate contracts
$
-
 
 Interest charges
 (5.1
Commodity contracts
 
        (0.1
)
 Fuel
 
        (0.1
Income tax benefit (expense)
          0.1
 
 Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          2.1
 
Total
$
-
 
Total
 (3.1
               
Year to Date September 30, 2011
       
Interest rate contracts
$
(5.3
)
 Interest charges
 (11.9
Commodity contracts
 
        (0.2
 Fuel
 
        (0.1
Income tax benefit (expense)
          2.2
 
 Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          4.7
 
Total
$
(3.3
Total
 (7.3
               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
       
Interest rate contracts
$
(9.9
 Interest charges
 (2.6
Commodity contracts
 
        (0.4
 Fuel
 
        (0.5
Income tax benefit (expense)
          4.0
 
 Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          1.1
 
Total
$
(6.3
Total
 (2.0
               
Year to Date September 30, 2010
         
Interest rate contracts
$
(31.4
 Interest charges
 (7.2
Commodity contracts
 
        (1.0
 Fuel
 
        (0.5
Income tax benefit (expense)
        12.6
 
 Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          2.9
 
Total
$
(19.8
Total
 (4.8
               
 
50
 
 
KCP&L
             
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
           
       
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
       
Accumulated OCI into Income
       
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain
       
 
(Loss) Recognized
       
  in OCI on Derivatives Income Statement      
 
(Effective Portion)
Classification Amount
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(millions)
  (millions)
Interest rate contracts
$
-
 
Interest charges
 (2.1
Commodity contracts
 
        (0.1
Fuel
 
        (0.1
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          0.1
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          0.9
 
Total
$
-
 
Total
 (1.3
               
Year to Date September 30, 2011
             
Interest rate contracts
$
-
 
Interest charges
 (6.5
Commodity contracts
 
        (0.2
Fuel
 
        (0.1
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          0.1
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          2.6
 
Total
$
(0.1
Total
 (4.0
               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
             
Interest rate contracts
$
-
 
Interest charges
 (2.2
Commodity contracts
 
        (0.4
Fuel
 
        (0.5
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          0.2
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          1.1
 
Total
$
(0.2
Total
 (1.6
               
Year to Date September 30, 2010
             
Interest rate contracts
$
-
 
Interest charges
 (6.6
Commodity contracts
 
        (1.0
Fuel
 
        (0.5
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          0.4
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
          2.8
 
Total
$
(0.6
Total
 (4.3
               
 
51
 
 
The following table summarizes the amount of gain (loss) recognized in a regulatory balance sheet account or earnings for GMO utility commodity hedges.  GMO utility commodity derivatives fair value changes are recorded to either a regulatory asset or liability consistent with MPSC regulatory orders.

Great Plains Energy
         
Derivatives in Regulatory Account Relationship
         
     
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
     
Regulatory Account
  Amount of Gain (Loss)      
  Recognized on Regulatory      
  Account on Derivatives Income Statement    
 
(Effective Portion)
Classification
Amount
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
(millions)
 
(millions)
Commodity contracts
$ (2.2 )
Fuel
$ (0.6 )
Total
$ (2.2 )
Total
$ (0.6 )
               
Year to Date September 30, 2011
             
Commodity contracts
$ (3.5 )
Fuel
$ (3.5 )
Total
$ (3.5 )
Total
$ (3.5 )
               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010
             
Commodity contracts
$ (2.8 )
Fuel
$ (1.6 )
Total
$ (2.8 )
Total
$ (1.6 )
               
Year to Date September 30, 2010
             
Commodity contracts
$ (8.7 )
Fuel
$ (5.9 )
Total
$ (8.7 )
Total
$ (5.9 )
               
Great Plains Energy’s income statement reflects gains (losses) for the change in fair value of the MPS Merchant commodity contract derivatives not designated as hedging instruments of $(0.6) million and $0.4 million, respectively, for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, and $(1.6) million and an insignificant amount, respectively, for the same periods in 2010.
 
The amounts recorded in accumulated OCI related to the cash flow hedges are summarized in the following table.
             
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
 
September 30
December 31
September 30
December 31
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Current assets
$ 11.5   $ 12.0   $ 11.5   $ 12.0  
Current liabilities
  (94.5 )   (101.5 )   (64.7 )   (71.6 )
Deferred income taxes
  32.3     34.8     20.7     23.2  
Total
$ (50.7 ) $ (54.7 ) $ (32.5 ) $ (36.4 )
                         
Great Plains Energy’s accumulated OCI in the table above at September 30, 2011, includes $20.3 million that is expected to be reclassified to expenses over the next twelve months.  KCP&L’s accumulated OCI includes $8.9 million that is expected to be reclassified to expense over the next twelve months.
 
52
 
 
14.  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad categories, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs.  A definition of the various levels, as well as discussion of the various measurements within the levels, is as follows:
 
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that Great Plains Energy and KCP&L have access to at the measurement date.  Assets categorized within this level consist of Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s various exchange traded derivative instruments and equity and U.S. Treasury securities that are actively traded within KCP&L’s decommissioning trust fund and GMO’s SERP rabbi trust fund.
 
Level 2 – Market-based inputs for assets or liabilities that are observable (either directly or indirectly) or inputs that are not observable but are corroborated by market data.  Assets and liabilities categorized within this level consist of Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s various non-exchange traded derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets and certain debt securities within KCP&L’s decommissioning trust fund and GMO’s SERP rabbi trust fund.
 
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs, reflecting Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Assets categorized within this level consist of Great Plains Energy’s various non-exchange traded derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets for which sufficiently observable market data is not available to corroborate the valuation inputs.
 
53
 
 
The following tables include Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s balances of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010.
                 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using
Description
September 30
2011
Netting(d)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
KCP&L
(millions)
Assets
                   
Derivative instruments (a)
$ -   $ -   $ -   $ -   $ -  
Nuclear decommissioning trust (b)
                             
Equity securities
  75.2     -     75.2     -     -  
Debt securities
                             
U.S. Treasury
  14.7     -     14.7     -     -  
U.S. Agency
  3.6     -     -     3.6     -  
State and local obligations
  2.6     -     -     2.6     -  
Corporate bonds
  25.3     -     -     25.3     -  
Foreign governments
  0.7     -     -     0.7     -  
Other
  0.3     -     -     0.3     -  
Total nuclear decommissioning trust
  122.4     -     89.9     32.5     -  
Total
  122.4     -     89.9     32.5     -  
Liabilities
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
  -     (0.2 )   0.2     -     -  
Total
$ -   $ (0.2 ) $ 0.2   $ -   $ -  
Other Great Plains Energy
                             
Assets
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
$ 9.3   $ -   $ -   $ 4.8   $ 4.5  
SERP rabbi trust (c)
                             
Equity securities
  0.2     -     0.2     -     -  
Debt securities
  0.2     -     -     0.2     -  
Total SERP rabbi trust
  0.4     -     0.2     0.2     -  
Total
  9.7     -     0.2     5.0     4.5  
Liabilities
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
  -     (2.0 )   2.0     -     -  
Total
$ -   $ (2.0 ) $ 2.0   $ -   $ -  
Great Plains Energy
                             
Assets
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
$ 9.3   $ -   $ -   $ 4.8   $ 4.5  
Nuclear decommissioning trust (b)
  122.4     -     89.9     32.5     -  
SERP rabbi trust (c)
  0.4     -     0.2     0.2     -  
Total
  132.1     -     90.1     37.5     4.5  
Liabilities
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
  -     (2.2 )   2.2     -     -  
Total
$ -   $ (2.2 ) $ 2.2   $ -   $ -  
                               
 
54
 
 
             
         
Fair Value Measurements Using
Description
December 31
2010
Netting(d)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
KCP&L
(millions)
Assets
                   
Derivative instruments (a)
$ -   $ (0.1 ) $ 0.1   $ -   $ -  
Nuclear decommissioning trust (b)
                         
Equity securities
  85.5     -     85.5     -     -  
Debt securities
                             
U.S. Treasury
  8.9     -     8.9     -     -  
U.S. Agency
  4.8     -     -     4.8     -  
   State and local obligations
  2.5     -     -     2.5     -  
Corporate bonds
  23.7     -     -     23.7     -  
Foreign governments
  0.7     -     -     0.7     -  
Other
  0.4     -     -     0.4     -  
Total nuclear decommissioning trust
  126.5     -     94.4     32.1     -  
Total
  126.5     (0.1 )   94.5     32.1     -  
Liabilities
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
  -     (0.1 )   0.1     -     -  
Total
$ -   $ (0.1 ) $ 0.1   $ -   $ -  
Other Great Plains Energy
                             
Assets
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
$ 8.9   $ (0.5 ) $ 0.5   $ 5.2   $ 3.7  
SERP rabbi trust (c)
                             
Equity securities
  0.2     -     0.2     -     -  
Debt securities
  7.0     -     -     7.0     -  
Total SERP rabbi trust
  7.2     -     0.2     7.0     -  
Total
  16.1     (0.5 )   0.7     12.2     3.7  
Liabilities
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
  20.8     (3.0 )   3.0     20.8     -  
Total
$ 20.8   $ (3.0 ) $ 3.0   $ 20.8   $ -  
Great Plains Energy
                             
Assets
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
$ 8.9   $ (0.6 ) $ 0.6   $ 5.2   $ 3.7  
Nuclear decommissioning trust (b)
  126.5     -     94.4     32.1     -  
SERP rabbi trust (c)
  7.2     -     0.2     7.0     -  
Total
  142.6     (0.6 )   95.2     44.3     3.7  
Liabilities
                             
Derivative instruments (a)
  20.8     (3.1 )   3.1     20.8     -  
Total
$ 20.8   $ (3.1 ) $ 3.1   $ 20.8   $ -  
                               
 
55
 
 
(a)  
The fair value of derivative instruments is estimated using market quotes, over-the-counter forward price and volatility curves and correlations among fuel prices, net of estimated credit risk.
(b)  
Fair value is based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the fund and/or valuation models.  The total does not include $3.1 million and $2.7 million at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents, which are not subject to the fair value requirements.
(c)  
Fair value is based on quoted market prices of the investments held by the fund and/or valuation models.  The total does not include $20.4 million and $14.6 million at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents, which are not subject to the fair value requirements.
(d)  
Represents the difference between derivative contracts in an asset or liability position presented on a net basis by counterparty on the consolidated balance sheet where a master netting agreement exists between the Company and the counterparty.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Great Plains Energy netted $2.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of cash collateral posted with counterparties.

The following tables reconcile the beginning and ending balances for all level 3 assets and liabilities, net measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011 and 2010.
     
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Other Great
 
Plains Energy
 
Derivative
 
Instruments
 
(millions)
Balance July 1, 2011
$ 4.9  
Total realized/unrealized gains or (losses)
     
Included in non-operating income
  4.0  
Settlements
  (4.4 )
Balance September 30, 2011
$ 4.5  
       
Total unrealized gains and (losses) included in non-operating
     
income relating to assets and liabilities still on the
     
consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2011
$ (0.3 )
       
 
56
 
 
     
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Other Great
 
Plains Energy
 
Derivative
 
Instruments
  (millions)
Balance January 1, 2011
$ 3.7  
Total realized/unrealized gains or (losses)
     
Included in non-operating income
  11.1  
Settlements
  (10.3 )
Balance September 30, 2011
$ 4.5  
       
Total unrealized gains and (losses) included in non-operating
     
income relating to assets and liabilities still on the
     
consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2011
$ 1.2  
       
   
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Other Great
 
Plains Energy
 
Derivative
 
Instruments
 
(millions)
Balance July 1, 2010
$ 5.2  
Total realized/unrealized gains or (losses)
     
Included in non-operating income
  (3.6 )
Settlements
  2.1  
Balance September 30, 2010
$ 3.7  
       
Total unrealized gains and (losses) included in non-operating
     
income relating to assets and liabilities still on the
     
consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2010
$ (1.3 )
       
 
57
 
 
           
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
   
Other Great
Great Plains
 
KCP&L
Plains Energy
Energy
 
State & Local
Derivative
 
 
Obligations
Instruments
Total
 
(millions)
Balance January 1, 2010
$ 0.2   $ 4.1   $ 4.3  
Total realized/unrealized gains or (losses)
                 
Included in non-operating income
  -     (9.5 )   (9.5 )
Sales
  (0.2 )   -     (0.2 )
Settlements
  -     9.1     9.1  
Balance September 30, 2010
$ -   $ 3.7   $ 3.7  
                   
Total unrealized gains and (losses) included in non-operating
                 
income relating to assets and liabilities still
                 
on the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2010
$ -   $ -   $ -  
                   
15.  
TAXES
 
Components of income tax expense are detailed in the following tables.
             
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
  September 30 September 30
Great Plains Energy
2011
2010
2011
2010
Current income taxes
(millions)
Federal
$ (10.2 ) $ (7.2 ) $ (6.4 ) $ (8.1 )
State
  (0.8 )   (2.0 )   (4.8 )   0.3  
Foreign
  -     (0.2 )   (0.4 )   0.2  
Total
  (11.0 )   (9.4 )   (11.6 )   (7.6 )
Deferred income taxes
                       
Federal
  74.7     73.5     103.6     108.2  
State
  13.0     14.6     20.4     18.8  
Total
  87.7     88.1     124.0     127.0  
Noncurrent income taxes
                       
Federal
  -     (6.8 )   (18.0 )   (1.3 )
State
  -     (1.0 )   (1.9 )   (0.3 )
Foreign
  (0.6 )   0.2     (0.4 )   0.2  
Total
  (0.6 )   (7.6 )   (20.3 )   (1.4 )
Investment tax credit
                       
Deferral
  -     -     -     (4.1 )
Amortization
  (0.7 )   (0.7 )   (1.5 )   (1.8 )
Total
  (0.7 )   (0.7 )   (1.5 )   (5.9 )
Income tax expense
$ 75.4   $ 70.4   $ 90.6   $ 112.1  
                         
 
58
 
 
             
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
KCP&L
2011
2010
2011
2010
Current income taxes
(millions)
Federal
$ (10.2 ) $ (15.3 ) $ (7.8 ) $ 22.5  
State
  (0.9 )   (2.6 )   (0.4 )   4.6  
Total
  (11.1 )   (17.9 )   (8.2 )   27.1  
Deferred income taxes
                       
Federal
  53.5     63.9     73.4     53.9  
State
  9.3     11.7     13.8     9.5  
Total
  62.8     75.6     87.2     63.4  
Noncurrent income taxes
                       
Federal
  1.5     (2.4 )   (9.1 )   (1.5 )
State
  0.1     (0.3 )   (1.0 )   (0.1 )
Total
  1.6     (2.7 )   (10.1 )   (1.6 )
Investment tax credit
                       
Deferral
  -     -     -     (4.1 )
Amortization
  (0.5 )   (0.5 )   (1.0 )   (1.2 )
Total
  (0.5 )   (0.5 )   (1.0 )   (5.3 )
Income tax expense
$ 52.8   $ 54.5   $ 67.9   $ 83.6  
                         
Income Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rates
Income tax expense and the effective income tax rates reflected in the financial statements and the reasons for their differences from the statutory federal rates are detailed in the following tables.
         
Great Plains Energy
Income Tax Expense
Income Tax Rate
Three Months Ended September 30
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
       
Federal statutory income tax
$ 70.6   $ 70.8     35.0 %   35.0 %
Differences between book and tax
                       
depreciation not normalized
  1.8     (0.9 )   0.9     (0.4 )
Amortization of investment tax credits
  (0.7 )   (0.7 )   (0.3 )   (0.4 )
Federal income tax credits
  (2.9 )   (2.0 )   (1.4 )   (0.9 )
State income taxes
  8.1     7.5     4.0     3.7  
Changes in uncertain tax positions, net
  (2.7 )   0.3     (1.3 )   0.2  
Valuation allowance
  -     (2.9 )   -     (1.4 )
Other
  1.2     (1.7 )   0.4     (1.0 )
Total
$ 75.4   $ 70.4     37.3 %   34.8 %
                         
 
59
 
 
         
Great Plains Energy
Income Tax Expense
Income Tax Rate
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
       
Federal statutory income tax
$ 92.0   $ 115.0     35.0 %   35.0 %
Differences between book and tax
                       
depreciation not normalized
  3.7     (6.0 )   1.4     (1.8 )
Amortization of investment tax credits
  (1.5 )   (1.8 )   (0.6 )   (0.5 )
Federal income tax credits
  (9.7 )   (6.1 )   (3.7 )   (1.8 )
State income taxes
  11.1     12.0     4.2     3.7  
Medicare Part D subsidy legislation
  -     2.8     -     0.8  
Changes in uncertain tax positions, net
  (4.0 )   0.3     (1.5 )   0.1  
Valuation allowance
  (2.2 )   (2.9 )   (0.8 )   (0.9 )
Other
  1.2     (1.2 )   0.5     (0.5 )
Total
$ 90.6   $ 112.1     34.5 %   34.1 %
                         
         
KCP&L
Income Tax Expense
Income Tax Rate
Three Months Ended September 30
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
       
Federal statutory income tax
$ 48.3   $ 51.5     35.0 %   35.0 %
Differences between book and tax
                       
depreciation not normalized
  1.7     (1.1 )   1.2     (0.8 )
Amortization of investment tax credits
  (0.5 )   (0.5 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )
Federal income tax credits
  (2.9 )   (1.9 )   (2.1 )   (1.3 )
State income taxes
  5.7     5.7     4.1     3.9  
Changes in uncertain tax positions
  -     0.1     -     0.1  
Other
  0.5     0.7     0.4     0.6  
Total
$ 52.8   $ 54.5     38.2 %   37.1 %
                         
         
KCP&L
Income Tax Expense
Income Tax Rate
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
       
Federal statutory income tax
$ 66.7   $ 85.3     35.0 %   35.0 %
Differences between book and tax
                       
depreciation not normalized
  3.3     (5.2 )   1.7     (2.2 )
Amortization of investment tax credits
  (1.0 )   (1.2 )   (0.5 )   (0.5 )
Federal income tax credits
  (9.6 )   (6.0 )   (5.1 )   (2.5 )
State income taxes
  7.7     8.8     4.0     3.6  
Medicare Part D subsidy legislation
  -     2.8     -     1.2  
Changes in uncertain tax positions
  0.4     0.1     0.2     0.1  
Other
  0.4     (1.0 )   0.3     (0.4 )
Total
$ 67.9   $ 83.6     35.6 %   34.3 %
                         
 
60
 
 
Uncertain Tax Positions
At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, Great Plains Energy had $24.4 million and $42.0 million, respectively, of liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits.  Of these amounts, $12.4 million and $17.3 million, respectively, at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, is expected to impact the effective tax rate if recognized.  The $17.6 million decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is primarily due to a decrease of $18.4 million related to the settlement of the IRS audit for Great Plains Energy’s 2006-2008 tax years.  The $18.4 million tax benefit recognized related to the 2006-2008 IRS audit was offset by an increase of $16.4 million in deferred income tax liabilities since a significant portion of the unrecognized tax benefits were related to temporary tax differences, which resulted in an increase to net income of $2.0 million.
 
At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, KCP&L had $9.0 million and $19.1 million, respectively, of liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits.  Of these amounts, $0.3 million at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, is expected to impact the effective tax rate if recognized.  The $10.1 million decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is primarily due to a decrease of $12.1 million related to the settlement of the IRS audit for Great Plains Energy’s 2006-2008 tax years.  The tax benefit recognized related to the 2006-2008 IRS audit was mostly offset by an increase in deferred income tax liabilities, which resulted in an insignificant impact to net income.
 
The following table reflects activity for Great Plains Energy and KCP&L related to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits.
             
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
 
September 30
December 31
September 30
December 31
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Beginning balance
$ 42.0   $ 51.4   $ 19.1   $ 20.9  
Additions for current year tax positions
  1.1     2.7     -     1.3  
Additions for prior year tax positions
  2.5     2.1     2.3     1.5  
Reductions for prior year tax positions
  (20.8 )   (10.6 )   (12.4 )   (1.6 )
Settlements
  -     (3.8 )   -     (2.9 )
Statute expirations
  -     (0.3 )   -     (0.1 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  (0.4 )   0.5     -     -  
Ending balance
$ 24.4   $ 42.0   $ 9.0   $ 19.1  
                         
Great Plains Energy and KCP&L recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in non-operating expenses.  At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits for Great Plains Energy was $5.9 million and $6.7 million, respectively.  Amounts accrued for penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits was $1.1 million at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010.  KCP&L had accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits of $0.3 million and $1.4 million at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively.  Amounts accrued for penalties with respect to unrecognized tax benefits for KCP&L are insignificant.
 
The Companies are unable to estimate the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that may be recognized in the next twelve months.  
 
61
 
 

16.  
SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION
 
Great Plains Energy has one reportable segment based on its method of internal reporting, which generally segregates reportable segments based on products and services, management responsibility and regulation.  The one reportable business segment is electric utility, consisting of KCP&L and GMO’s regulated utility operations.  Other includes GMO activity other than its regulated utility operations, unallocated corporate charges, consolidating entries and intercompany eliminations.  Intercompany eliminations include insignificant amounts of intercompany financing-related activities.  The summary of significant accounting policies applies to the reportable segment.  Segment performance is evaluated based on net income attributable to Great Plains Energy.
 
The following tables reflect summarized financial information concerning Great Plains Energy’s reportable segment.
         
Three Months Ended
Electric
 
Great Plains
September 30, 2011
Utility
Other
Energy
 
(millions)
Operating revenues
$ 773.7   $ -   $ 773.7  
Depreciation and amortization
  (65.9 )   -     (65.9 )
Interest charges
  (50.2 )   (10.6 )   (60.8 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
  (82.9 )   7.5     (75.4 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Great Plains Energy
  133.9     (7.4 )   126.5  
                   
                   
Year to Date
Electric
 
Great Plains
September 30, 2011
Utility
Other
Energy
 
(millions)
Operating revenues
$ 1,831.7   $ -   $ 1,831.7  
Depreciation and amortization
  (205.9 )   -     (205.9 )
Interest charges
  (124.8 )   (31.2 )   (156.0 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
  (109.8 )   19.2     (90.6 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Great Plains Energy
  189.9     (17.6 )   172.3  
                   
                   
Three Months Ended
Electric
 
Great Plains
September 30, 2010
Utility
Other
Energy
 
(millions)
Operating revenues
$ 728.8   $ -   $ 728.8  
Depreciation and amortization
  (85.3 )   -     (85.3 )
Interest charges
  (34.8 )   (10.7 )   (45.5 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
  (77.0 )   6.6     (70.4 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Great Plains Energy
  136.2     (4.2 )   132.0  
                   
                   
Year to Date
Electric
 
Great Plains
September 30, 2010
Utility
Other
Energy
 
(millions)
Operating revenues
$ 1,787.7   $ -   $ 1,787.7  
Depreciation and amortization
  (248.5 )   -     (248.5 )
Interest charges
  (107.4 )   (31.3 )   (138.7 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
  (125.4 )   13.3     (112.1 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Great Plains Energy
  232.8     (16.2 )   216.6  
                   
 
62
 
 
                 
 
Electric
   
Great Plains
  Utility
Other
Eliminations
Energy
September 30, 2011
(millions)
Assets
$ 9,365.0   $ 72.1   $ (432.0 ) $ 9,005.1  
Capital expenditures (a)
  317.8     -     -     317.8  
December 31, 2010
                       
Assets
$ 9,152.7   $ 66.3   $ (400.8 ) $ 8,818.2  
Capital expenditures (a)
  618.1     -     -     618.1  
(a) Capital expenditures reflect year to date amounts for the periods presented.
 
 
17.  
GOODWILL

Accounting rules require goodwill to be tested for impairment annually and when an event occurs indicating the possibility that an impairment exists.  The annual impairment test for the $169.0 million of GMO acquisition goodwill was conducted on September 1, 2011.  The goodwill impairment test is a two step process.  The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill, to identify potential impairment.  If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the second step of the test is performed, consisting of assignment of the reporting unit’s fair value to its assets and liabilities to determine an implied fair value of goodwill which is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill to determine the impairment loss, if any, to be recognized in the financial statements.  Great Plains Energy’s regulated electric utility operations are considered one reporting unit for assessment of impairment, as they are included within the same operating segment and have similar economic characteristics.  The determination of fair value of the reporting unit consisted of two valuation techniques: an income approach consisting of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market approach consisting of a determination of reporting unit invested capital using market multiples derived from the historical revenue, EBITDA and net utility asset values and market prices of stock of electric and gas company regulated peers.  The results of the two techniques were evaluated and weighted to determine a point within the range that management considered representative of fair value for the reporting unit.  Fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying amount, including goodwill; therefore, there was no impairment of goodwill.
 
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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 
Description of Business
Great Plains Energy is a public utility holding company and does not own or operate any significant assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries.  Great Plains Energy’s direct subsidiaries with operations or active subsidiaries are KCP&L and GMO.  Great Plains Energy’s sole reportable business segment is electric utility for the periods presented.
 
Electric utility consists of KCP&L, a regulated utility, and GMO’s regulated utility operations, which include its Missouri Public Service and St. Joseph Light & Power divisions.  Electric utility has over 6,600 MWs of generating capacity and engages in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 825,000 customers in the states of Missouri and Kansas.  Electric utility’s retail electricity rates are below the national average of investor-owned utilities.
 
Earnings Overview
Great Plains Energy’s earnings available for common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2011, decreased to $126.1 million or $0.91 per share from $131.6 million or $0.96 per share for the same period in 2010.  Several of KCP&L’s coal-fired power plants were impacted by flooding along the Missouri River in 2011, which decreased gross margin by an estimated $16 million due to coal conservation and increased other operating expenses $3.4 million.  Also contributing to the decrease in earnings were unfavorable weather and a $5.8 million increase in electric utility’s general taxes driven by higher property taxes.  Partially offsetting these decreases were new retail rates in Kansas effective December 1, 2010, and Missouri effective May 4, 2011, for KCP&L, and June 25, 2011, for GMO, and an increase in weather-normalized retail demand.  Gross margin is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP.  See the explanation of gross margin and the reconciliation to GAAP operating revenues under Great Plains Energy’s Results of Operations below for further information.
 
Great Plains Energy’s earnings available for common shareholders year to date September 30, 2011, decreased to $171.1 million or $1.24 per share from $215.4 million or $1.57 per share for the same period in 2010.  Flooding along the Missouri River in 2011 decreased gross margin by an estimated $16 million due to coal conservation and increased other operating expenses $3.4 million.  Also in 2011, Great Plains Energy recognized $12.7 million of expense related to a voluntary separation program; a decrease in gross margin due to unfavorable weather, an estimated $11 million from the impact of an extended refueling outage at Wolf Creek, and $7.5 million from increased coal transportation costs not recovered in KCP&L’s Missouri retail rates; and a $12.7 million increase in electric utility’s general taxes driven by higher property taxes.  Partially offsetting these decreases were new retail rates in Kansas effective December 1, 2010, and Missouri effective May 4, 2011, for KCP&L, and June 25, 2011, for GMO.
 
KCP&L Kansas Rate Case Proceedings
In November 2010, KCC issued an order, effective December 1, 2010, for KCP&L, authorizing an increase in annual revenues of $21.8 million, a return on equity of 10.0%, an equity ratio of approximately 49.7% and a Kansas jurisdictional rate base of $1.781 billion.  The annual revenue increase was subsequently adjusted by KCC in a January 2011 reconsideration order to $22.0 million.  In February 2011, KCC issued an order granting KCP&L and another party to the case their respective petitions for reconsideration regarding rate case expenses and therefore, approximately $1.4 million of the annual revenue increase is considered as interim subject to refund or true-up pending the outcome of the reconsideration proceedings regarding rate case expenses.  A hearing was
 
64
 
 
held in September 2011 with a decision expected in the fourth quarter of 2011.  The rates authorized by KCC are effective unless and until modified by KCC or stayed by a court.
 
KCP&L Missouri Rate Case Proceedings
On June 4, 2010, KCP&L filed a request with the MPSC to increase its Missouri retail electric annual revenues by $92.1 million.  The request was ultimately adjusted during the rate case proceedings by KCP&L to $66.5 million as the net result of lower fuel and purchased power costs and other updates to the case.  KCP&L’s initial and updated requests reflected, among other things, a proposed annual offset to its revenue requirement for the Missouri jurisdictional portion of KCP&L’s annual non-firm wholesale electric sales margin (wholesale margin offset); the final update included a proposed wholesale margin offset of approximately $29.4 million.  On April 12, 2011, the MPSC issued its order and on April 14, 2011, the MPSC Staff filed a report which quantified the authorized revenue increase as approximately $34.8 million on an annual basis, which reflects a wholesale margin offset of approximately $45.9 million and authorizes a return on equity of 10.0%, an equity ratio of approximately 46.3% and a Missouri jurisdictional rate base of approximately $2.0 billion.  If the actual Missouri jurisdiction wholesale margin amount exceeds the $45.9 million level reflected in the MPSC order, the difference will be recorded as a regulatory liability and will be returned, with interest, to KCP&L Missouri customers in a future rate case.  The MPSC order provides the opportunity for KCP&L to retain a larger amount of non-firm wholesale electric sales margin than KCP&L proposed; however, there are no assurances that KCP&L will achieve the $45.9 million wholesale margin offset amount and there are no means for KCP&L to recover any shortfall through its retail rates.  The rates established by the MPSC order took effect on May 4, 2011.
 
As a result of disallowances in the MPSC order, KCP&L recognized losses of $1.5 million for construction costs related to Iatan No. 2 and the Iatan No. 1 environmental project year to date September 30, 2011.  KCP&L also recorded a $2.4 million loss for other disallowed costs in the MPSC order.
 
In a related order, the MPSC required KCP&L and GMO to apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to reallocate approximately $26.5 million of Iatan No. 2 qualifying advance coal project tax credits from KCP&L to GMO.  KCP&L and GMO did apply to the IRS but in September 2011, the IRS denied KCP&L’s and GMO’s request.  The MPSC has indicated it will consider the ratemaking treatment of the tax credits in a future rate case.  Certain ratemaking treatments that may be pursued by the MPSC could trigger the loss or repayment to the IRS of a portion of unamortized deferred investment tax credits.  At September 30, 2011, KCP&L and GMO had $128.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred investment tax credits.
 
GMO Missouri Rate Case Proceedings
On June 4, 2010, GMO filed requests with the MPSC to increase its Missouri retail electric annual revenues by $75.8 million for its Missouri Public Service division, and $22.1 million for its L&P division.  GMO subsequently adjusted its requests during the rate case proceedings to $65.9 million and $23.2 million, respectively, as the net result of updates to the cases.  On May 4, 2011, the MPSC issued its order and on May 10, 2011, the MPSC Staff filed a report which quantified the authorized revenue increases on an annual basis as $30.1 million for GMO’s Missouri Public Service division and $29.3 million for GMO’s L&P division.  The MPSC order authorized a return on equity of 10.0%, an equity ratio of approximately 46.6% and a Missouri jurisdictional rate base of $1.76 billion.  In response to applications for clarification and rehearing of the MPSC order, the MPSC on May 27, 2011, issued an order of clarification and modification.  The modified MPSC order revised the authorized annual revenue increase to approximately $35.7 million for GMO’s Missouri Public Service division and approximately $29.8 million for GMO’s L&P division, resulting primarily from a clarification of the amount of fuel costs shifted from GMO’s fuel adjustment clause to base rates.  However, because the MPSC authorized an annual revenue increase that was greater than the amount originally requested by GMO and communicated to GMO’s customers, the modified MPSC order deferred approximately $7.7 million of the L&P division increase, which is the amount over GMO’s requested $22.1 million increase for that division, and will phase in the deferred revenue amount in equal parts over a two-year period, plus carrying costs.
 
65
 
 
As a result of disallowances in the MPSC order, GMO recognized losses of $0.8 million for construction costs related to Iatan No. 2 and the Iatan No. 1 environmental project year to date September 30, 2011.  GMO also recorded a $1.5 million loss for other disallowed costs in the MPSC order.
 
Additionally, with respect to GMO’s Missouri Public Service division, the MPSC concluded that GMO’s decision to add Crossroads Energy Center (Crossroads) to its generation asset resources was prudent and reasonable; however, the order disallowed from rate base approximately $50 million for Crossroads, disallowed $4.9 million in associated annual transmission expense and offset rate base by approximately $15 million to reflect accumulated deferred taxes associated with Crossroads.  GMO’s request included a net plant amount of approximately $104 million for Crossroads.  In assessing the impact of the Crossroads disallowances, management considered that KCP&L’s and GMO’s generation asset resources include a diverse fuel mix consisting primarily of coal and nuclear fuel providing base load generation with natural gas facilities such as Crossroads to provide critical peaking and capacity support.  This combined collection of generating assets meets KCP&L’s and GMO’s service obligations and produces joint cash flows based on system-wide average costs.  Great Plains Energy conducted an analysis to assess the recoverability of the combined collection of generation asset resources and determined that no potential impairment exists.
 
The rates established by the modified MPSC order took effect on June 25, 2011.  On June 24, 2011, GMO filed its appeal of the MPSC order with the Cole County, Missouri, Circuit Court regarding the Crossroads issues discussed above.  Other parties to the case have also filed appeals of the MPSC order.  However, the rates authorized by the modified MPSC order will be effective unless and until modified by the MPSC or stayed by a court.
 
Coal Conservation and Flood-Related Expenses
Several of KCP&L’s coal-fired power plants were impacted by flooding along the Missouri River during 2011.  Iatan Nos. 1 and 2, Hawthorn No. 5 and LaCygne Nos. 1 and 2 experienced longer rail delivery cycle times, which resulted in delays in coal delivery.  During July 2011, coal deliveries at Iatan Nos. 1 and 2 were suspended.  In an effort to conserve coal and meet customer demand, KCP&L operated the affected plants at reduced loads until mid-October.
 
The impact of coal conservation at Great Plains Energy resulting from increased fuel and purchased power expense and reduced wholesale sales was approximately $30 million for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, and is expected to be insignificant in the fourth quarter of 2011.  KCP&L’s retail rates in Kansas and GMO’s retail rates contain fuel recovery mechanisms that include the cost of fuel and purchased power, offset by wholesale sales margin.  KCP&L’s Missouri retail rates do not contain a fuel recovery mechanism.  As a result, coal conservation reduced Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s third quarter net income by approximately $10 million.  Additionally, Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s net income was reduced by approximately $2 million for other flood-related expenses.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding environmental matters.
 
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding related party transactions.
 
66
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table summarizes Great Plains Energy’s comparative results of operations.
 
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Operating revenues
$ 773.7   $ 728.8   $ 1,831.7   $ 1,787.7  
Fuel
  (146.5 )   (127.3 )   (365.8 )   (333.2 )
Purchased power
  (68.1 )   (68.0 )   (178.4 )   (171.4 )
Transmission of electricity by others
  (8.6 )   (8.1 )   (23.1 )   (20.9 )
Gross margin (a)
  550.5     525.4     1,264.4     1,262.2  
Other operating expenses
  (221.9 )   (196.3 )   (626.3 )   (573.0 )
Voluntary separation program
  -     -     (12.7 )   -  
Depreciation and amortization
  (65.9 )   (85.3 )   (205.9 )   (248.5 )
Operating income
  262.7     243.8     419.5     440.7  
Non-operating income and expenses
  0.1     4.1     (0.5 )   27.7  
Interest charges
  (60.8 )   (45.5 )   (156.0 )   (138.7 )
Income tax expense
  (75.4 )   (70.4 )   (90.6 )   (112.1 )
Loss from equity investments
  -     -     (0.1 )   (0.9 )
Net income
  126.6     132.0     172.3     216.7  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
  (0.1 )   -     -     (0.1 )
Net income attributable to Great Plains Energy
  126.5     132.0     172.3     216.6  
Preferred dividends
  (0.4 )   (0.4 )   (1.2 )   (1.2 )
Earnings available for common shareholders
$ 126.1   $ 131.6   $ 171.1   $ 215.4  
(a) Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation of gross margin below.
                         
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to September 30, 2010
Great Plains Energy’s earnings available for common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2011, decreased to $126.1 million, or $0.91 per share, from $131.6 million, or $0.96 per share, for the same period in 2010.
 
Electric utility’s net income decreased $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.  Flooding along the Missouri River in 2011 decreased gross margin by an estimated $16 million due to coal conservation and increased other operating expenses $3.4 million.  Also contributing to the decrease in earnings were unfavorable weather and a $5.8 million increase in electric utility’s general taxes driven by higher property taxes.  Partially offsetting these decreases were new retail rates in Kansas effective December 1, 2010, and Missouri effective May 4, 2011, for KCP&L, and June 25, 2011, for GMO and an increase in weather-normalized retail demand.
 
Great Plains Energy’s corporate and other activities loss increased $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to the resolution of certain general tax related matters in 2011.
 
Year to Date September 30, 2011 Compared to September 30, 2010
Great Plains Energy’s earnings available for common shareholders year to date September 30, 2011, decreased to $171.1 million, or $1.24 per share, from $215.4 million, or $1.57 per share, for the same period in 2010.
 
Electric utility’s net income decreased $42.9 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.  Flooding along the Missouri River in 2011 decreased gross margin by an estimated $16 million
 
67
 
 
due to coal conservation and increased other operating expenses $3.4 million.  Also in 2011, electric utility recognized $12.7 million of expense related to a voluntary separation program; a decrease in gross margin due to unfavorable weather, an estimated $11 million from the impact of an extended refueling outage at Wolf Creek, and $7.5 million from increased coal transportation costs not recovered in KCP&L’s Missouri retail rates; and a $12.7 million increase in electric utility’s general taxes driven by higher property taxes.  Partially offsetting these decreases were new retail rates in Kansas effective December 1, 2010, and Missouri effective May 4, 2011, for KCP&L and June 25, 2011, for GMO.
 
Great Plains Energy’s corporate and other activities loss increased $1.4 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.
 
Gross Margin
Gross margin is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with GAAP.  Gross margin, as used by Great Plains Energy and KCP&L, is defined as operating revenues less fuel, purchased power and transmission of electricity by others.  Expenses for fuel, purchased power and transmission of electricity by others, offset by wholesale sales margin, are subject to recovery through cost adjustment mechanisms, except for KCP&L’s Missouri retail operations.  As a result, operating revenues increase or decrease in relation to a significant portion of these expenses.  Management believes that gross margin provides a more meaningful basis for evaluating electric utility’s operations across periods than operating revenues because gross margin excludes the revenue effect of fluctuations in these expenses.  Gross margin is used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Board.  The Companies’ definition of gross margin may differ from similar terms used by other companies.
 
ELECTRIC UTILITY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table summarizes the electric utility segment results of operations.
             
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Operating revenues
$ 773.7   $ 728.8   $ 1,831.7   $ 1,787.7  
Fuel
  (146.5 )   (127.3 )   (365.8 )   (333.2 )
Purchased power
  (68.1 )   (68.0 )   (178.4 )   (171.4 )
Transmission of electricity by others
  (8.6 )   (8.1 )   (23.1 )   (20.9 )
Gross margin (a)
  550.5     525.4     1,264.4     1,262.2  
Other operating expenses
  (218.2 )   (195.3 )   (620.8 )   (570.0 )
Voluntary separation program
  -     -     (12.7 )   -  
Depreciation and amortization
  (65.9 )   (85.3 )   (205.9 )   (248.5 )
Operating income
  266.4     244.8     425.0     443.7  
Non-operating income and expenses
  0.6     3.2     (0.5 )   21.9  
Interest charges
  (50.2 )   (34.8 )   (124.8 )   (107.4 )
Income tax expense
  (82.9 )   (77.0 )   (109.8 )   (125.4 )
Net income
$ 133.9   $ 136.2   $ 189.9   $ 232.8  
(a) Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation of gross margin under Great Plains Energy's
Results of Operations.
                         
 
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Electric Utility Gross Margin and MWh Sales
The following tables summarize electric utility’s gross margin and MWhs sold.
 
 
Revenues and Costs
%
MWhs Sold
%
Three Months Ended September 30
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Retail revenues
(millions)
   
(thousands)
   
Residential
$ 354.3   $ 331.9     7     3,018     3,010     -  
Commercial
  271.2     255.5     6     2,990     2,986     -  
Industrial
  57.9     54.6     6     828     847     (2 )
Other retail revenues
  5.1     3.9     20     29     26     11  
Provision for rate refund (excess Missouri
                                   
   wholesale margin)
  -     (2.2 )
NM
 
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Fuel recovery mechanism under recovery
  32.2     17.5     85  
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Total retail
  720.7     661.2     9     6,865     6,869     -  
Wholesale revenues
  41.9     55.0     (24 )   1,206     1,756     (31 )
Other revenues
  11.1     12.6     (12 )
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Operating revenues
  773.7     728.8     6     8,071     8,625     (6 )
Fuel
  (146.5 )   (127.3 )   15                    
Purchased power
  (68.1 )   (68.0 )   -                    
Transmission of electricity by others
  (8.6 )   (8.1 )   5                    
Gross margin (a)
$ 550.5   $ 525.4     5                    
(a) Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation of gross margin under Great Plains Energy's Results
of Operations.
                                     
 
 
Revenues and Costs
%
MWhs Sold
%
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Retail revenues
(millions)
   
(thousands)
   
Residential
$ 773.0   $ 748.5     3     7,431     7,532     (1 )
Commercial
  676.4     655.9     3     8,209     8,334     (1 )
Industrial
  149.6     148.4     1     2,422     2,473     (2 )
Other retail revenues
  14.4     12.9     9     88     84     6  
Provision for rate refund (excess Missouri
                                   
   wholesale margin)
  -     (3.7 )
NM
 
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Fuel recovery mechanism under recovery
  63.8     38.3     67  
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Total retail
  1,677.2     1,600.3     5     18,150     18,423     (1 )
Wholesale revenues
  121.0     151.7     (20 )   3,595     4,658     (23 )
Other revenues
  33.5     35.7     (6 )
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Operating revenues
  1,831.7     1,787.7     2     21,745     23,081     (6 )
Fuel
  (365.8 )   (333.2 )   10                    
Purchased power
  (178.4 )   (171.4 )   4                    
Transmission of electricity by others
  (23.1 )   (20.9 )   10                    
Gross margin (a)
$ 1,264.4   $ 1,262.2     -                    
(a) Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation of gross margin under Great Plains Energy's Results
of Operations.
                                     
 
69
 
 
Electric utility’s gross margin increased $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
new retail rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri, respectively, and June 25, 2011, for GMO and
 
·  
an increase in weather-normalized retail demand.
 
These increases were partially offset by:
 
·  
unfavorable weather, with a 7% decrease in cooling degree days, and
 
·  
an estimated $16 million impact of coal conservation due to flooding resulting in increased fuel expenses and purchased power expenses and reduced wholesale sales.
 
Electric utility’s gross margin increased $2.2 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to new retail rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri, respectively, and June 25, 2011, for GMO.  This increase was mostly offset by:
 
·  
unfavorable weather, with an 8% decrease in cooling degree days;
 
·  
a $7.5 million increase in coal transportation costs not recovered in KCP&L’s Missouri retail rates where there is no fuel recovery mechanism, prior to new rates effective May 4, 2011;
 
·  
an estimated $16 million impact of coal conservation due to flooding resulting in increased fuel expenses and purchased power expenses and reduced wholesale sales; and
 
·  
an estimated $11 million impact from an extended refueling outage at Wolf Creek, which resulted in less generation available for wholesale sales, increased fuel expense due to the use of more coal in the fuel mix, which has a higher cost compared to nuclear fuel, and increased purchased power expense due to an increase in MWhs purchased.  Wolf Creek’s latest refueling outage began on March 19, 2011, and included several increases in work scope that extended the outage.  Primary components of the increased work scope were related to inspection and repair of essential service water system piping, testing and replacement of underground high voltage cables, and a repair of a ground on the main generator rotor.  During the last week of June 2011 before the unit returned to full capacity, Wolf Creek had an unplanned outage related to one of two main feed pumps.  Wolf Creek returned to 100% capacity in early July 2011.
 
Electric Utility Other Operating Expenses (including utility operating and maintenance expenses, general taxes and other)
Electric utility’s other operating expenses increased $22.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
a $6.9 million increase in plant operating and maintenance expenses primarily due to Iatan No. 2 expenses being recognized with Kansas and Missouri rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, respectively, for KCP&L and Missouri rates effective June 25, 2011, for GMO;
 
·  
a $5.8 million increase in general taxes driven by increased property taxes;
 
·  
$3.4 million of expenses related to the impact of flooding; and
 
·  
a $3.9 million increase in pension expense recognized pursuant to higher rates authorized in the MPSC and KCC rate orders.
 
Additionally, KCP&L and GMO recorded a $4.0 million loss in 2010 related to a recommended disallowance of their combined share of Iatan No. 2 construction costs.
 
70
 
 
Electric utility’s other operating expenses increased $50.8 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
a $12.1 million increase in plant operating and maintenance expenses primarily due to Iatan No. 2 expenses being recognized with Kansas and Missouri rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, respectively, for KCP&L and Missouri rates effective June 25, 2011, for GMO;
 
·  
a $12.7 million increase in general taxes driven by increased property taxes;
 
·  
a $9.4 million increase in pension expense recognized pursuant to higher rates authorized in the MPSC and KCC rate orders;
 
·  
$3.4 million of expenses related to the impact of flooding; and
 
·  
as a result of disallowances in the MPSC rate orders, KCP&L and GMO recognized combined losses of $2.3 million for construction costs related to Iatan No. 2 and to the Iatan No. 1 environmental project in 2011.  KCP&L and GMO also recognized a $3.9 million loss for other disallowed costs in the MPSC rate orders.  KCP&L and GMO recorded a $4.0 million loss in 2010 related to a recommended disallowance of their combined share of Iatan No. 2 construction costs.
 
Electric Utility Voluntary Separation Program
In March 2011, Great Plains Energy announced an organizational realignment and voluntary separation program to assist in the management of overall costs within the level reflected in the Company’s retail electric rates and to enhance organizational efficiency.  Savings from the realignment process and voluntary separation program, including approximately $15 million in labor costs on an annual basis, are expected to partially offset projected cost increases.  Under the voluntary separation program, any non-union employee of the Company could voluntarily elect to separate from the Company and receive a severance payment equal to two weeks of salary for every year of employment, with a minimum severance payment equal to fourteen weeks of salary.  There were 140 employees that made such elections and the majority separated from the Company on April 30, 2011.  Electric utility recorded expense of $12.7 million year to date September 30, 2011, related to this voluntary separation program reflecting severance and related payroll taxes provided by the Company to employees who elected to voluntarily separate from the Company.
 
Great Plains Energy recorded a $10.0 million pension settlement charge during the third quarter of 2011 from the voluntary separation program as a result of accelerated pension distributions.  The Companies deferred substantially all of the charge as a regulatory asset and expect to recover it over future periods pursuant to regulatory agreements.  The amount of accelerated pension distributions resulting from the voluntary separation program resulted in increased pension funding requirements in 2011 under ERISA.
 
Electric Utility Depreciation and Amortization
Electric utility’s depreciation and amortization costs decreased $19.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to a $9.4 million decrease attributable to lower depreciation rates for KCP&L effective December 1, 2010, for Kansas and May 4, 2011, for Missouri and an $18.8 million decrease in regulatory amortization for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri.  The regulatory amortization was in effect during KCP&L’s Comprehensive Energy Plan but concluded following the December 2010 and May 2011 effective dates of new retail rates for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri, respectively.  These decreases were partially offset by $4.3 million of depreciation for Iatan No. 2, as well as increased depreciation expense for other capital additions.
 
Electric utility’s depreciation and amortization costs decreased $42.6 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to a $25.1 million decrease attributable to lower depreciation rates for KCP&L and a $42.4 million decrease in regulatory amortization for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri.  These decreases were partially offset by $10.5 million of depreciation for Iatan No. 2, as well as increased depreciation expense for other capital additions.
 
71
 
 
Electric Utility Non-Operating Income and Expenses
Electric utility’s non-operating income and expenses decreased $2.6 million and $22.4 million for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010 primarily due to a decrease in the equity component of AFUDC resulting from a lower average construction work in progress balance due to Iatan No. 2 being placed in service in the third quarter of 2010.

Electric Utility Interest Charges
Electric utility’s interest charges increased $15.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
a $6.5 million decrease in the debt component of AFUDC resulting from a lower average construction work in progress balance due to Iatan No. 2 being placed in service in the third quarter of 2010;
 
·  
$7.5 million of interest on intercompany notes from Great Plains Energy to GMO issued in August 2010 and May 2011; and
 
·  
a $7.1 million decrease in construction accounting carrying costs for Iatan Nos. 1 and 2 and common facilities, which was in effect until new rates were effective in Missouri for KCP&L on May 4, 2011, and for GMO on June 25, 2011.
 
These items were partially offset by the maturity of GMO’s 7.95% Senior Notes and 7.75% Senior Notes in February 2011 and June 2011, respectively.
 
Electric utility’s interest charges increased $17.4 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
a $23.8 million decrease in the debt component of AFUDC resulting from a lower average construction work in progress balance due to Iatan No. 2 being placed in service in the third quarter of 2010 and
 
·  
$15.5 million of interest on intercompany notes from Great Plains Energy to GMO issued in August 2010 and May 2011.
 
These items were partially offset by:
 
·  
a $10.7 million increase in the deferral to a regulatory asset of construction accounting carrying costs for Iatan Nos. 1 and 2 and common facilities and
 
·  
the maturity of GMO’s 7.95% Senior Notes and 7.75% Senior Notes in February 2011 and June 2011, respectively.
 
Electric Utility Income Tax Expense
Electric utility’s income tax expense increased $5.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to increased pre-tax income and $3.0 million of income tax true-ups.
 
Electric utility’s income tax expense decreased $15.6 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to decreased pre-tax income.
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY SIGNIFICANT BALANCE SHEET CHANGES (September 30, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010)

·  
Great Plains Energy’s receivables, net increased $33.9 million primarily due to a $52.3 million increase in customer accounts receivable resulting from seasonal increases.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s fuel inventories, at average cost decreased $12.9 million primarily due to lower coal inventories driven by Missouri River flooding during 2011, partially offset by increased coal and coal transportation costs.
 
72
 
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s deferred refueling outage costs increased $23.8 million due to the deferral of costs for the Wolf Creek refueling outage that began on March 19, 2011, and included several increases in work scope that extended the outage.  These deferred costs will be amortized over the months prior to the next refueling outage currently scheduled for the fall of 2012.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s refundable income taxes increased $13.3 million primarily due to refunds expected from utilizing a carryback of credits and net operating losses (NOLs) to previous tax years.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s deferred income taxes – current assets decreased $7.6 million primarily due to increased temporary differences resulting from increased deferred refueling outage costs.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s notes payable increased $18.5 million due to increased borrowings due to the timing of cash payments.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s commercial paper decreased $253.0 million due to repayment with proceeds from KCP&L’s issuance of $400.0 million of 5.30% Senior Notes.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s current maturities of long-term debt increased $465.7 million due to reclassification of $287.5 million of Great Plains Energy’s 10.00% Equity Units Subordinated Notes and $500.0 million of GMO’s 11.875% Senior Notes from long-term debt, partially offset by the repayment of $137.3 million and $197.0 million at maturity of GMO’s 7.95% and 7.75% Senior Notes, respectively.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s accounts payable decreased $82.6 million due to the timing of cash payments.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s accrued taxes increased $65.3 million primarily due to the timing of property tax payments.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s derivative instruments – current liabilities decreased $20.8 million due to the settlement of FSS upon the issuance of Great Plains Energy’s $350.0 million of 4.85% Senior Notes.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s deferred income taxes – deferred credits and other liabilities increased $120.6 million primarily due to a $183.3 million increase in temporary differences mostly as a result of bonus depreciation, partially offset by NOLs created.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s other deferred credits and other liabilities decreased $30.3 million primarily due to a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits related to the settlement of the IRS audit for Great Plains Energy’s 2006-2008 tax years.
 
·  
Great Plains Energy’s long-term debt decreased $192.6 million primarily due to reclassification of $287.5 million of Great Plains Energy’s 10.00% Equity Units Subordinated Notes and $500.0 million of GMO’s 11.875% Senior Notes to current maturities and the purchase in lieu of redemption of $112.8 million of KCP&L’s EIRR bonds, offset by Great Plains Energy’s issuance of $350.0 million of 4.85% Senior Notes in May 2011 and KCP&L’s issuance of $400.0 million of 5.30% Senior Notes in September 2011.
 
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND LIQUIDITY
 
Great Plains Energy operates through its subsidiaries and has no material assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries.  Great Plains Energy’s ability to make payments on its debt securities and its ability to pay dividends is dependent on its receipt of dividends or other distributions from its subsidiaries, proceeds from the issuance of its securities and borrowing under its revolving credit facility.
 
Great Plains Energy’s capital requirements are principally comprised of debt maturities and electric utility’s construction and other capital expenditures.  These items as well as additional cash and capital requirements are discussed below.
 
Great Plains Energy's liquid resources at September 30, 2011, consisted of $8.9 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand and $1.155 billion of unused bank lines of credit.  The unused lines consisted of $160.4 million from Great Plains Energy's revolving credit facility, $558.0 million from KCP&L's credit facilities and $436.8 million from GMO’s revolving credit facility.  See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for
 
73
 
 
more information on these credit facilities.  Generally, Great Plains Energy uses these liquid resources to meet its day-to-day cash flow requirements, and from time to time issues equity and/or long-term debt to repay short-term debt or increase cash balances.
 
Great Plains Energy intends to meet day-to-day cash flow requirements including interest payments, retirement of maturing debt, construction requirements, dividends and pension benefit plan funding requirements with a combination of internally generated funds and proceeds from the issuance of equity securities, equity-linked securities and/or short-term and long-term debt.  Great Plains Energy’s intention to meet a portion of these requirements with internally generated funds may be impacted by the effect of inflation on operating expenses, the level of retail MWh sales, regulatory actions, compliance with environmental regulations and the availability of generating units.  In addition, Great Plains Energy may issue equity, equity-linked securities and/or debt to finance growth.
 
At September 30, 2011, Great Plains Energy’s current maturities of long-term debt were $951.4 million.  KCP&L’s $150.0 million of 6.50% Senior Notes mature in November 2011 and are expected to be repaid with a portion of the proceeds from its $400.0 million of 5.30% Senior Notes that were issued in September 2011.  Great Plains Energy’s $287.5 million of Equity Units Subordinated Notes mature in 2042 but must be remarketed by June 12, 2012.  GMO’s $500.0 million of 11.875% Senior Notes mature in July 2012.  Great Plains Energy is evaluating alternatives to refinance this long-term debt, including issuing new long-term debt.  Based on current market conditions and Great Plains Energy’s unused bank lines of credit, Great Plains Energy expects to have the ability to access the markets to complete the necessary refinancing.
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The decrease in cash flows from operating activities for Great Plains Energy year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 is primarily due to a reduction in net income, the payment of $26.1 million for the settlement of FSS upon the issuance of $350.0 million of 4.85% Senior Notes in May 2011 and an increase in deferred refueling outage costs, partially offset by the adoption of new accounting rules in 2010.  On January 1, 2010, Great Plains Energy adopted new accounting rules for transfers of financial assets, which resulted in the recognition of $95.0 million of accounts receivable pledged as collateral and a corresponding short-term collateralized note payable on Great Plains Energy’s balance sheet at December 31, 2010.  See Note 3 for additional information.  As a result, cash flows from operating activities were reduced by $95.0 million and cash flows from financing activities were raised by $95.0 million with no impact to the net change in cash in 2010.  Other changes in working capital are detailed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.  The individual components of working capital vary with normal business cycles and operations.
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Great Plains Energy’s cash used for investing activities varies with the timing of utility capital expenditures and purchases of investments and nonutility property.  Investing activities are offset by the proceeds from the sale of properties and insurance recoveries.
 
Great Plains Energy’s utility capital expenditures decreased $147.4 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to a decrease in cash utility capital expenditures primarily related to Iatan No. 2.
 
Great Plains Energy’s projected utility capital expenditures, excluding AFUDC to finance construction, for 2011 are expected to be approximately $50 million less than the $503.3 million disclosed in the 2010 Form 10-K.  This decrease is driven primarily by an approximate $17 million decrease related to environmental and an approximate $25 million decrease related to construction of Iatan No. 2.
 
74
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Great Plains Energy’s cash flows from financing activities in 2011 reflect the issuance, at a discount, of $350.0 million of 4.85% Senior Notes that mature in 2021.  Great Plains Energy used the proceeds to make a ten-year intercompany loan to GMO with GMO using the proceeds to repay $137.3 million of 7.95% Senior Notes and $197.0 million of 7.75% Senior Notes at maturity.  Also reflected is KCP&L’s issuance, at a discount, of $400.0 million of 5.30% Senior Notes that mature in 2041.  KCP&L used a portion of the proceeds to repay short-term borrowings.
 
Great Plains Energy’s cash flows from financing activities year to date September 30, 2010, reflect the issuance, at a discount, of $250.0 million of 2.75% Senior Notes that mature in 2013.  Great Plains Energy used the proceedings to make a three-year intercompany loan to GMO with GMO using the proceeds to repay short-term borrowings.  Also reflected is the $95.0 million impact of the short-term collateralized note payable described above under cash flows from operating activities.
 
Financing Authorization
Under stipulations with the MPSC and KCC, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L maintain common equity at not less than 30% and 35%, respectively, of total capitalization (including only the amount of short-term debt in excess of the amount of construction work in progress).  KCP&L’s long-term financing activities are subject to the authorization of the MPSC.  In March 2010, the MPSC authorized KCP&L to issue up to $450.0 million of long-term debt and to enter into interest rate hedging instruments in connection with such debt through December 31, 2011.  KCP&L utilized $400.0 million of this amount with the issuance in September 2011 of 5.30% unsecured Senior Notes maturing in 2041.
 
In December 2010, FERC authorized KCP&L to have outstanding at any time up to a total of $1.0 billion in short-term debt instruments through December 2012 conditioned on KCP&L’s borrowing costs not exceeding the greater of: (i) 4.25% over LIBOR; (ii) the greater of 2.25% over the prime rate, 2.75% over the federal funds rate, and 3.25% over LIBOR; or (iii) 4.25% over the A2/P-2 nonfinancial commercial paper rate most recently published by the Federal Reserve at the time of the borrowing.  The authorization is subject to four restrictions: (i) proceeds of debt backed by utility assets must be used for utility purposes; (ii) if any utility assets that secure authorized debt are divested or spun off, the debt must follow the assets and also be divested or spun off; (iii) if any proceeds of the authorized debt are used for non-utility purposes, the debt must follow the non-utility assets (specifically, if the non-utility assets are divested or spun off, then a proportionate share of the debt must follow the divested or spun off non-utility assets); and (iv) if utility assets financed by the authorized short-term debt are divested or spun off to another entity, a proportionate share of the debt must also be divested or spun off.  At September 30, 2011, there was $989.5 million available under this authorization.
 
In March 2010, and modified in April 2010, FERC authorized GMO to have outstanding at any time up to a total of $500.0 million of short-term debt through March 2012, conditioned on GMO’s borrowing costs not exceeding 4.3% over LIBOR, the prime rate or federal funds rate, as applicable, and subject to the same four restrictions as the KCP&L FERC short-term authorization discussed in the preceding paragraph.  At September 30, 2011, there was $500.0 million available under this authorization.  In July 2010, FERC authorized GMO to issue up to a total of $850.0 million of long-term debt, including intercompany debt, through July 2012 and subject to the same four restrictions as the KCP&L FERC short-term authorization discussed in the preceding paragraph.  At September 30, 2011, there was $253.9 million available under this authorization.  In October 2011, GMO filed a request with FERC for authorization to issue up to $850.0 million of long-term debt beginning January 2012 for a two-year period that would supersede its current authorization.
 
KCP&L and GMO are also authorized by FERC to participate in the Great Plains Energy money pool, an internal financing arrangement in which funds may be lent on a short-term basis to KCP&L and GMO.  At September 30, 2011, KCP&L had an outstanding payable under the money pool of $0.4 million to Great Plains Energy and GMO had an outstanding payable of $30.9 million to KCP&L.
 
75
 
 
Debt Agreements
See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of revolving credit facilities.
 
Pensions
The Company maintains defined benefit plans for substantially all active and inactive employees of KCP&L, GMO and WCNOC and incurs significant costs in providing the plans.  Funding of the plans follows legal and regulatory requirements with funding equaling or exceeding the minimum requirements of ERISA.  Year to date September 30, 2011, the Company contributed $42.0 million to the pension plans and expects to contribute an additional $80.2 million in 2011 to satisfy the ERISA funding requirements and the MPSC and KCC rate orders, with the majority expected to be paid by KCP&L.
 
Additionally, the Company provides post-retirement health and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees and expects to make benefit contributions of $17.1 million under the provisions of these plans in 2011, with the majority paid by KCP&L.
 
Management believes the Company has adequate access to capital resources through cash flows from operations or through existing lines of credit to support these funding requirements.
 
Supplemental Capital Requirements and Liquidity Information
At September 30, 2011, Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s contractual commitments for KCP&L’s environmental retrofits at its LaCygne station are $123.3 million, $385.7 million, $286.6 million, $130.1 million and $6.3 million for the years 2011 though 2015, respectively.  KCP&L owns 50% of the LaCygne station. KCP&L expects to be reimbursed by the other owner for its 50% share of the costs.  Great Plains Energy’s and KCP&L’s other contractual commitments have not significantly changed at September 30, 2011, compared to December 31, 2010.
 
76
 
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table summarizes KCP&L's consolidated comparative results of operations.
 
 
Three Months Ended
Year to Date
 
September 30
September 30
 
2011
2010
2011
2010
 
(millions)
Operating revenues
$ 506.3   $ 486.5   $ 1,220.5   $ 1,194.7  
Fuel
  (99.3 )   (83.8 )   (249.0 )   (213.2 )
Purchased power
  (24.9 )   (25.0 )   (66.7 )   (63.2 )
Transmission of electricity by others
  (5.7 )   (4.4 )   (14.2 )   (11.3 )
Gross margin (a)
  376.4     373.3     890.6     907.0  
Other operating expenses
  (161.8 )   (143.3 )   (460.9 )   (426.0 )
Voluntary separation program
  -     -     (9.2 )   -  
Depreciation and amortization
  (45.4 )   (66.4 )   (147.0 )   (192.2 )
Operating income
  169.2     163.6     273.5     288.8  
Non-operating income and expenses
  (0.2 )   3.6     (1.6 )   18.6  
Interest charges
  (30.8 )   (20.1 )   (81.2 )   (63.8 )
Income tax expense
  (52.8 )   (54.5 )   (67.9 )   (83.6 )
Net income
$ 85.4   $ 92.6   $ 122.8   $ 160.0  
(a) Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation of gross margin under Great Plains Energy's
Results of Operations.
                         
 
77
 
 
KCP&L Gross Margin and MWh Sales
The following tables summarize KCP&L’s gross margin and MWhs sold.
 
 
Revenues and Costs
%
MWhs Sold
%
Three Months September 30
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Retail revenues
(millions)
   
(thousands)
   
Residential
$ 222.5   $ 209.8     6     1,884     1,872     1  
Commercial
  191.8     183.0     5     2,113     2,107     -  
Industrial
  34.4     34.0     1     488     508     (4 )
Other retail revenues
  3.2     2.9     7     22     22     2  
Provision for rate refund (excess
                                   
   Missouri wholesale margin)
  -     (2.2 )
NM
 
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Kansas ECA (over) under recovery
  13.8     2.6  
NM
 
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Total retail
  465.7     430.1     8     4,507     4,509     -  
Wholesale revenues
  35.5     50.2     (29 )   1,081     1,615     (33 )
Other revenues
  5.1     6.2     (17 )
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Operating revenues
  506.3     486.5     4     5,588     6,124     (9 )
Fuel
  (99.3 )   (83.8 )   18                    
Purchased power
  (24.9 )   (25.0 )   -                    
Transmission of electricity by others
  (5.7 )   (4.4 )   28                    
Gross margin (a)
$ 376.4   $ 373.3     1                    
(a) Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation of gross margin under Great Plains Energy's
Results of Operations.
                                     
 
 
Revenues and Costs
%
MWhs Sold
%
Year to Date September 30
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Retail revenues
(millions)
   
(thousands)
   
Residential
$ 481.3   $ 464.4     4     4,517     4,573     (1 )
Commercial
  488.1     472.2     3     5,802     5,875     (1 )
Industrial
  92.1     93.5     (1 )   1,428     1,481     (4 )
Other retail revenues
  9.3     8.8     4     65     65     1  
Provision for rate refund (excess
                                   
   Missouri wholesale margin)
  -     (3.7 )
NM
 
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Kansas ECA under recovery
  26.0     5.5  
NM
 
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Total retail
  1,096.8     1,040.7     5     11,812     11,994     (2 )
Wholesale revenues
  109.5     138.0     (21 )   3,317     4,288     (23 )
Other revenues
  14.2     16.0     (11 )
NA
 
NA
 
NA
 
Operating revenues
  1,220.5     1,194.7     2     15,129     16,282     (7 )
Fuel
  (249.0 )   (213.2 )   17                    
Purchased power
  (66.7 )   (63.2 )   6                    
Transmission of electricity by others
  (14.2 )   (11.3 )   25                    
Gross margin (a)
$ 890.6   $ 907.0     (2 )                  
(a) Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure. See explanation of gross margin under Great Plains Energy's
Results of Operations.
                                     
 
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KCP&L’s gross margin increased $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
new retail rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri, respectively, and
 
·  
an increase in weather-normalized retail demand.
 
These increases were mostly offset by:
 
·  
unfavorable weather, with a 7% decrease in cooling degree days, and
 
·  
an estimated $16 million impact of coal conservation due to flooding resulting in increased fuel expenses and purchased power expenses and reduced wholesale sales.
 
KCP&L’s gross margin decreased $16.4 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
unfavorable weather, with an 8% decrease in cooling degree days;
 
·  
a $7.5 million increase in coal transportation costs not recovered in KCP&L’s Missouri retail rates where there is no fuel recovery mechanism, prior to new rates effective May 4, 2011;
 
·  
an estimated $16 million impact of coal conservation due to flooding resulting in increased fuel expenses and purchased power expenses and reduced wholesale sales; and
 
·  
an estimated $11 million impact from an extended refueling outage at Wolf Creek, which resulted in less generation available for wholesale sales, increased fuel expense due to the use of more coal in the fuel mix, which has a higher cost compared to nuclear fuel, and increased purchased power expense due to an increase in MWhs purchased.  Wolf Creek’s latest refueling outage began on March 19, 2011, and included several increases in work scope that extended the outage.  Primary components of the increased work scope were related to inspection and repair of essential service water system piping, testing and replacement of underground high voltage cables, and a repair of a ground on the main generator rotor.  During the last week of June 2011 before the unit returned to full capacity, Wolf Creek had an unplanned outage related to one of two main feed pumps.  Wolf Creek returned to 100% capacity in early July 2011.
 
These decreases were partially offset by new retail rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri, respectively.
 
KCP&L Other Operating Expenses (including operating and maintenance expenses, general taxes and other)
KCP&L’s other operating expenses increased $18.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
a $4.4 million increase in plant operating and maintenance expenses primarily due to Iatan No. 2 expenses being recognized with Kansas and Missouri rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, respectively;
 
·  
a $4.4 million increase in general taxes driven by increased property taxes; and
 
·  
$3.2 million of expenses related to the impact of flooding.
 
Additionally, KCP&L recognized a $3.0 million loss in 2010 related to a recommended disallowance of Iatan 2 construction costs.
 
79
 
 
KCP&L’s other operating expenses increased $34.9 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to:
 
·  
a $7.4 million increase in plant operating and maintenance expenses primarily due to Iatan No. 2 expenses being recognized with Kansas and Missouri rates effective December 1, 2010, and May 4, 2011, respectively;
 
·  
a $9.6 million increase in general taxes driven by increased property taxes;
 
·  
$3.2 million of expenses related to the impact of flooding; and
 
·  
as a result of disallowances in the MPSC rate order, KCP&L recognized losses of $1.5 million for construction costs related to Iatan No. 2 and to the Iatan No. 1 environmental project in 2011.  KCP&L also recognized a $2.4 million loss for other disallowed costs in the MPSC rate order. KCP&L recorded a $3.0 million loss in 2010 related to a recommended disallowance of Iatan 2 construction costs in the Kansas rate case.
 
KCP&L Voluntary Separation Program
KCP&L recorded expense of $9.2 million year to date September 30, 2011, related to the voluntary separation program reflecting severance and related payroll taxes provided by KCP&L to employees who elected to voluntarily separate from KCP&L.
 
KCP&L recorded a $7.0 million pension settlement charge during the third quarter of 2011 from the voluntary separation program as a result of accelerated pension distributions.  KCP&L deferred substantially all of the charge as a regulatory asset and expects to recover it over future periods pursuant to regulatory agreements.  The amount of accelerated pension distributions resulting from the voluntary separation program resulted in increased pension funding requirements in 2011 under ERISA.
 
KCP&L Depreciation and Amortization
KCP&L’s depreciation and amortization costs decreased $21.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to a $9.4 million decrease attributable to lower depreciation rates for KCP&L effective December 1, 2010, for Kansas and May 4, 2011, for Missouri and an $18.8 million decrease in regulatory amortization for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri.  The regulatory amortization was in effect during KCP&L’s Comprehensive Energy Plan but concluded following the December 2010 and May 2011 effective dates of new retail rates for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri, respectively.  These decreases were partially offset by $2.4 million of depreciation for Iatan No. 2, as well as increased depreciation expense for other capital additions.
 
KCP&L’s depreciation and amortization costs decreased $45.2 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 due to a $25.1 million decrease attributable to lower depreciation rates for KCP&L and a $42.4 million decrease in regulatory amortization for KCP&L in Kansas and Missouri.  These decreases were partially offset by $8.6 million of depreciation for Iatan No. 2, as well as increased depreciation expense for other capital additions.
 
KCP&L Non-operating Income and Expenses
KCP&L’s non-operating income and expenses decreased $3.8 million and $20.2 million for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010 primarily due to a decrease in the equity component of AFUDC resulting from a lower average construction work in progress balance due to Iatan No. 2 being placed in service in the third quarter of 2010.
 
80
 
 
KCP&L Interest Charges
KCP&L’s interest charges increased $10.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010 primarily due to a decrease of $5.4 million in the debt component of AFUDC resulting from a lower average construction work in progress balance due to Iatan No. 2 being placed in service in the third quarter of 2010 and the deferral to a regulatory asset of construction accounting carrying costs for Iatan No. 1, Iatan No.2 and common facilities in 2010.
 
KCP&L’s interest charges increased $17.4 million year to date September 30, 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.  A decrease of $19.7 million in the debt component of AFUDC resulting from a lower average construction work in progress balance due to Iatan No. 2 being placed in service in the third quarter of 2010 was partially offset by the deferral to regulatory asset of construction accounting carrying costs for Iatan No. 1, Iatan No.2 and common facilities.
 
KCP&L Income Tax Expense
KCP&L’s income tax expense decreased $1.7 million and $15.7 million for the three months ended and year to date September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2010 primarily due to decreased pre-tax income.
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Great Plains Energy and KCP&L are exposed to market risks associated with commodity price and supply, interest rates and equity prices.  Market risks are handled in accordance with established policies, which may include entering into various derivative transactions.  In the normal course of business, Great Plains Energy and KCP&L also face risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable.  Such risks principally include business, legal, regulatory, operational and credit risks and are discussed elsewhere in this document as well as in the 2010 Form 10-K and therefore are not represented here.
 
Great Plains Energy and KCP&L interim period disclosures about market risk included in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q address material changes, if any, from the most recently filed annual report on Form 10-K.  Therefore, these interim period disclosures should be read in connection with Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, included in the 2010 Form 10-K of each of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L, incorporated herein by reference.
 
MPS Merchant is exposed to credit risk.  Credit risk is measured by the loss that would be recorded if counterparties failed to perform pursuant to the terms of the contractual obligations less the value of any collateral held.  MPS Merchant’s counterparties are not externally rated.  Credit exposure to counterparties at September 30, 2011 was $17.8 million.
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Great Plains Energy carried out an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)).  This evaluation was conducted under the supervision, and with the participation, of Great Plains Energy’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and Great Plains Energy’s disclosure committee.  Based upon this evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Great Plains Energy have concluded as of the end of the period covered by this report that the disclosure controls and procedures of Great Plains Energy were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
 
81
 
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in Great Plains Energy’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
 
KCP&L
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
KCP&L carried out an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act).  This evaluation was conducted under the supervision, and with the participation, of KCP&L’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and KCP&L’s disclosure committee.  Based upon this evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of KCP&L have concluded as of the end of the period covered by this report that the disclosure controls and procedures of KCP&L were effective at a reasonable assurance level.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in KCP&L’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Other Proceedings
The Companies are parties to various lawsuits and regulatory proceedings in the ordinary course of their respective businesses.  For information regarding material lawsuits and proceedings, see Notes 5, 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements.  Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
Actual results in future periods for Great Plains Energy and KCP&L could differ materially from historical results and the forward-looking statements contained in this report.  The Companies’ business is influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict, involve uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and are often beyond their control.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that the Companies’ management currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect the Companies.  Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors included in the 2010 Form 10-K for each of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L.  There have been no material changes with regard to those risk factors.  This information, as well as the other information included in this report and in the other documents filed with the SEC, should be carefully considered before making an investment in the securities of Great Plains Energy or KCP&L.  Risk factors of KCP&L are also risk factors of Great Plains Energy.
 
82
 
 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The following table provides information regarding purchases by Great Plains Energy of its equity securities during the three months ended September 30, 2011.
                   
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
                       
Maximum Number
               
Total Number of
 
(or Approximate
               
Shares (or Units)
 
Dollar Value) of
   
Total
     
Purchased as
 
Shares (or Units)
   
Number of
Average
Part of Publicly
 
that May Yet Be
   
Shares
Price Paid
Announced
 
Purchased Under
   
(or Units)
per Share
Plans or
 
the Plans or
Month
Purchased
(or Unit)
Programs
 
Programs
July 1 - 31
 
             -
   $
      -
   
                 -
     
 N/A
 
August 1 - 31
 
         199
 (1)
 
      20.87
   
                 -
     
 N/A
 
September 1 - 30
 
      8,477
 (1)
 
      16.69
   
                 -
     
 N/A
 
Total
 
      8,676
   $
    16.79
   
                 -
     
 N/A
 
                             
(1)
Represents common shares surrendered to the Company following the resignation of a certain officer.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
ITEM 4.  (REMOVED AND RESERVED)
 
ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number
 
 
Description of Document
 
 
Registrant
         
4.1
*
Supplemental Indenture No. 3 dated as of September 15, 2011 between Kansas City Power & Light Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on September 20, 2011).
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
         
10.1
*
Amendment dated as of September 9, 2011 to Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of July 1, 2005, among Kansas City Power & Light Receivables Company, Kansas City Power & Light Company, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch and Victory Receivables Corporation (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on September 13, 2011).
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
 
83
 
 
12.1
 
  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.   Great Plains Energy
12.2
 
  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.   KCP&L
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Michael J. Chesser.
 
 
Great Plains Energy
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of James C. Shay.
 
 
Great Plains Energy
31.3
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Michael J. Chesser.
 
 
KCP&L
31.4
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of James C. Shay.
 
 
KCP&L
32.1
**
Section 1350 Certifications.
 
 
Great Plains Energy
32.2
**
Section 1350 Certifications.
 
 
KCP&L
101.INS
**
XBRL Instance Document.
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
101.SCH
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
101.CAL
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
101.DEF
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
101.LAB
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L
101.PRE
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
Great Plains Energy
KCP&L

*Filed with the SEC as an exhibit to prior SEC filings and is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.  The SEC filing and the exhibit number of the document so filed, and incorporated herein by reference, is stated in parenthesis in the description of such exhibit.

** Furnished and shall not be deemed filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).  Such document shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless otherwise indicated in such registration statement or other document.
 
Copies of any of the exhibits filed with the SEC in connection with this document may be obtained from Great Plains Energy or KCP&L, as applicable, upon written request.
 
The registrants agree to furnish to the SEC upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt as to which the total amount of securities authorized does not exceed 10% of total assets of such registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
 
84
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Great Plains Energy Incorporated and Kansas City Power & Light Company have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
   
Dated:  November 3, 2011
By:  /s/ Michael J. Chesser
 
(Michael J. Chesser)
 
(Chief Executive Officer)
   
Dated:  November 3, 2011
By:  /s/ Lori A. Wright
 
(Lori A. Wright)
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)


 
 
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
   
Dated:  November 3, 2011
By:  /s/ Michael J. Chesser
 
(Michael J. Chesser)
 
(Chief Executive Officer)
   
Dated:  November 3, 2011
By:  /s/ Lori A. Wright
 
(Lori A. Wright)
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)


 
85
 
 







Unassociated Document
Exhibit 12.1
                           
GREAT PLAINS ENERGY INCORPORATED
                           
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                           
   
Year to Date
                   
   
September 30
 
   
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
   
(millions)
Income from continuing operations
$ 172.3   $ 211.9   $ 151.9   $ 119.7   $ 120.9   $ 136.7  
Add
                                   
Equity investment loss
  0.1     1.0     0.4     1.3     2.0     1.9  
 
Income subtotal
  172.4     212.9     152.3     121.0     122.9     138.6  
                                       
Add
                                   
Taxes on income
  90.6     99.0     29.5     63.8     44.9     60.3  
Kansas City earnings tax
  -     0.1     0.4     0.3     0.5     0.5  
 
Total taxes on income
  90.6     99.1     29.9     64.1     45.4     60.8  
                                       
Interest on value of leased property
  4.4     6.2     6.5     3.6     3.9     4.1  
Interest on long-term debt
  163.9     218.9     203.6     126.2     74.1     62.6  
Interest on short-term debt
  9.7     9.7     10.3     18.2     26.4     9.2  
Other interest expense and amortization (a)
  7.7     9.7     4.7     (1.4 )   5.8     3.9  
                                       
 
Total fixed charges
  185.7     244.5     225.1     146.6     110.2     79.8  
                                       
Earnings before taxes on
                                   
 
income and fixed charges
$ 448.7   $ 556.5   $ 407.3   $ 331.7   $ 278.5   $ 279.2  
                                       
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
  2.42     2.28     1.81     2.26     2.53     3.50  
                                       
(a)
On January 1, 2007, Great Plains Energy elected to make an accounting policy change to recognize interest
 
related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense.
Unassociated Document
Exhibit 12.2
                         
KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
                           
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                           
   
Year to Date
                   
   
September 30
 
   
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
   
(millions)
Income from continuing operations
$ 122.8   $ 163.2   $ 128.9   $ 125.2   $ 156.7   $ 149.3  
                                       
Add
                                   
Taxes on income
  67.9     81.6     46.9     59.8     59.3     70.3  
Kansas City earnings tax
  -     0.1     0.2     0.5     0.5     0.5  
 
Total taxes on income
  67.9     81.7     47.1     60.3     59.8     70.8  
                                       
Interest on value of leased property
  4.0     5.7     6.0     3.3     3.9     4.1  
Interest on long-term debt
  86.3     117.9     110.4     79.3     54.5     55.4  
Interest on short-term debt
  4.1     3.9     5.3     15.2     20.3     8.0  
Other interest expense and amortization (a)
  3.2     4.2     0.3     1.4     6.8     3.2  
                                       
 
Total fixed charges
  97.6     131.7     122.0     99.2     85.5     70.7  
                                       
Earnings before taxes on
                                   
 
income and fixed charges
$ 288.3   $ 376.6   $ 298.0   $ 284.7   $ 302.0   $ 290.8  
                                       
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
  2.95     2.86     2.44     2.87     3.53     4.11  
                                       
(a)
On January 1, 2007, Kansas City Power & Light Company elected to make an accounting policy change to
 
 
recognize interest related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense.
 


ex31-1.htm

Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS

I, Michael J. Chesser, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Great Plains Energy Incorporated;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
Date:
 
 
November 3, 2011
 
 
 
/s/ Michael J. Chesser
     
Michael J. Chesser
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer


 
 

 

ex31-2.htm

Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS

I, James C. Shay, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Great Plains Energy Incorporated;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
Date:
 
 
November 3, 2011
 
/s/ James C. Shay
 
     
James C. Shay
Senior Vice President – Finance and Strategic Development and Chief Financial Officer


 
 

 

ex31-3.htm

Exhibit 31.3
CERTIFICATIONS

I, Michael J. Chesser, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Kansas City Power & Light Company;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
Date:
 
 
November 3, 2011
 
/s/ Michael J. Chesser
 
     
Michael J. Chesser
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer


 
 

 

ex31-4.htm

Exhibit 31.4
CERTIFICATIONS

I, James C. Shay, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Kansas City Power & Light Company;
   
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
   
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
   
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
   
 
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
   
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
   
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
   
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
   
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
   
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
   
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
Date:
 
 
November 3, 2011
 
/s/ James C. Shay
 
     
James C. Shay
Senior Vice President – Finance and Strategic Development and Chief Financial Officer


 
 

 

ex32-1.htm

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Great Plains Energy Incorporated (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Michael J. Chesser, as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and James C. Shay, as Senior Vice President - Finance and Strategic Development and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

       (1)       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

       (2)       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
 
/s/ Michael J. Chesser
 
Name:
Title:
Michael J. Chesser
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date:
November 3, 2011
   
 
 
/s/ James C. Shay
 
Name:
Title:
James C. Shay
Senior Vice President – Finance and Strategic Development and Chief Financial Officer
Date:
November 3, 2011


 
 

 

ex32-2.htm

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Kansas City Power & Light Company (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Michael J. Chesser, as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and James C. Shay, as Senior Vice President – Finance and Strategic Development and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

       (1)       The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

       (2)       The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
 
/s/ Michael J. Chesser
 
Name:
Title:
Michael J. Chesser
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date:
November 3, 2011
   
 
 
/s/ James C. Shay
 
Name:
Title:
James C. Shay
Senior Vice President - Finance and Strategic Development and Chief Financial Officer
Date:
November 3, 2011