Document


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR
¨        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                     .
Commission File Number 1-5924
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Arizona
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
86-0062700
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

88 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85701
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (520) 571-4000
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: N/A

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer o Non-Accelerated Filer x Smaller Reporting Company o Emerging Growth Company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
All shares of outstanding common stock of Tucson Electric Power Company are held by its parent company, UNS Energy Corporation, which is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc. There were 32,139,434 shares of common stock, no par value, outstanding as of April 30, 2019.

i




Table of Contents

PART I
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 


ii




DEFINITIONS
The abbreviations and acronyms used in this Form 10-Q are defined below:
INDUSTRY ACRONYMS AND CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
2019 Rate Case
 
A pending general rate case filed with the ACC by TEP in April 2019 requesting new rates be implemented in May 2020
ACC
 
Arizona Corporation Commission
ACC Refund Order
 
An order issued by the ACC approving TEP’s proposal to return savings from the Company’s federal corporate income tax rate under the TCJA to its customers through a combination of a customer bill credit and a regulatory liability that reflects the deferral of the return of a portion of the savings, effective May 1, 2018
AFUDC
 
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
AMT
 
Alternative Minimum Tax
DG
 
Distributed Generation
DSM
 
Demand Side Management
EDIT
 
Excess Deferred Income Taxes
EE Standards
 
Energy Efficiency Standards
EPA
 
Environmental Protection Agency
FASB
 
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
GAAP
 
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
Gila Acquisition
 
SRP entered into an agreement to acquire Gila River Units 1 and 2 from third-parties
LFCR
 
Lost Fixed Cost Recovery
LOC
 
Letter(s) of Credit
PPA
 
Power Purchase Agreement
PPFAC
 
Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
RES
 
Renewable Energy Standard
Retail Rates
 
Rates designed to allow a regulated utility recovery of its costs of providing services and an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investment
RICE
 
Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine
TCA
 
Transmission Cost Adjustor
TCJA
 
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
TEAM
 
Tax Expense Adjustor Mechanism
Tolling PPA
 
A 20-year tolling PPA that TEP entered into in 2017 with SRP to purchase and receive all 550 MW of capacity, power, and ancillary services from Gila River Unit 2, which includes a three-year option to purchase the unit
VIE
 
Variable Interest Entity

ENTITIES AND GENERATING STATIONS
Fortis
 
Fortis Inc., a corporation incorporated under the Corporations Act of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, whose principal executive offices are located at Fortis Place, Suite 1100, 5 Springdale Street, St. John's, NL A1E 0E4
Four Corners
 
Four Corners Generating Station
Gila River
 
Gila River Generating Station
Luna
 
Luna Generating Station
Navajo
 
Navajo Generating Station
San Juan
 
San Juan Generating Station
SES
 
Southwest Energy Solutions, Inc.
Springerville
 
Springerville Generating Station

iii




SRP
 
Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District
Sundt
 
H. Wilson Sundt Generating Station
TEP
 
Tucson Electric Power Company, the principal subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation
Tri-State
 
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.
UNS Electric
 
UNS Electric, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation
UNS Energy
 
UNS Energy Corporation, the parent company of TEP, whose principal executive offices are located at 88 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85701
UNS Energy Affiliates
 
Affiliated subsidiaries of UNS Energy Corporation including UniSource Energy Services, Inc., UNS Electric, Inc., UNS Gas, Inc., and Southwest Energy Solutions, Inc.
UNS Gas
 
UNS Gas, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of UNS Energy Corporation

UNITS OF MEASURE
BBtu
 
Billion British thermal unit(s)
GWh
 
Gigawatt-hour(s)
kWh
 
Kilowatt-hour(s)
MW
 
Megawatt(s)
MWh
 
Megawatt-hour(s)


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Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. TEP, or the Company, is including the following cautionary statements to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by TEP in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future economic conditions, future operational or financial performance and underlying assumptions, and other statements that are not statements of historical facts. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, intends, may, plans, predicts, potential, projects, would, and similar expressions. From time to time, we may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of TEP, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, TEP disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report, except as may otherwise be required by the federal securities laws.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed therein. We express our estimates, expectations, beliefs, and projections in good faith and believe them to have a reasonable basis. However, we make no assurances that management’s estimates, expectations, beliefs, or projections will be achieved or accomplished. We have identified the following important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements. These may be in addition to other factors and matters discussed in: Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2018 Form 10-K; Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors; Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; and other parts of this report. These factors include: voter initiatives and state and federal regulatory and legislative decisions and actions, including changes in tax and energy policies; changes in, and compliance with, environmental laws and regulatory decisions and policies that could increase operating and capital costs, reduce generation facility output or accelerate generation facility retirements; the outcome of the general rate case filed with the ACC in April 2019; regional economic and market conditions that could affect customer growth and energy usage; changes in energy consumption by retail customers; weather variations affecting energy usage; our forecasts of peak demand and whether existing generation capacity and PPA are sufficient to meet the expected demand and reserve margin requirements; the cost of debt and equity capital and access to capital markets and bank markets, which may affect our ability to raise additional capital; the performance of the stock market and a changing interest rate environment, which affect the value of our pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets and the related contribution requirements and expenses; the potential inability to make additions to our existing high voltage transmission system; unexpected increases in operations and maintenance expense; resolution of pending litigation matters; changes in accounting standards; changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates; the ongoing impact of mandated energy efficiency and DG initiatives; changes to long-term contracts; the cost of fuel and power supplies; the ability to obtain coal from our suppliers; cyber-attacks, data breaches, or other challenges to our information security, including our operations and technology systems; the performance of TEP's generation facilities; and the impact of the TCJA on our financial condition and results of operations, including the assumptions we make relating thereto.


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Table of Contents

PART I
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Operating Revenues
$
333,003

 
$
275,091

 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses
 
 
 
Fuel
89,418

 
68,022

Purchased Power
32,850

 
20,364

Transmission and Other PPFAC Recoverable Costs
11,925

 
9,791

Increase (Decrease) to Reflect PPFAC Recovery Treatment
6,205

 
(7,966
)
Total Fuel and Purchased Power
140,398

 
90,211

Operations and Maintenance
86,588

 
83,156

Depreciation
41,317

 
38,877

Amortization
7,617

 
6,022

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
14,201

 
14,180

Total Operating Expenses
290,121

 
232,446

 
 
 
 
Operating Income
42,882

 
42,645

 
 
 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
 
Interest Expense
(22,131
)
 
(16,485
)
Allowance For Borrowed Funds
1,274

 
688

Allowance For Equity Funds
3,323

 
1,645

Other, Net
3,288

 
(425
)
Total Other Income (Expense)
(14,246
)
 
(14,577
)
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Tax Expense
28,636

 
28,068

Income Tax Expense
2,441

 
4,265

Net Income
$
26,195

 
$
23,803

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


1



TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Net Income
$
26,195

 
$
23,803

Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Net Changes in Fair Value of Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
Net of Income Tax Expense of $9 and $41
28

 
123

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Adjustments:
 
 
 
Net of Income Tax Expense of $22 and $40
66

 
115

Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
94

 
238

Total Comprehensive Income
$
26,289

 
$
24,041

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


2



TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2019
 
2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net Income
$
26,195

 
$
23,803

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation Expense
41,317

 
38,877

Amortization Expense
7,617

 
6,022

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
571

 
589

Use of Renewable Energy Credits for Compliance
8,275

 
7,476

Deferred Income Taxes
4,191

 
5,915

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Expense
4,440

 
3,818

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Funding
(1,744
)
 
(1,498
)
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction
(3,323
)
 
(1,645
)
Regulatory Deferral, ACC Refund Order
1,707

 

Changes in Current Assets and Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable
25,319

 
8,603

Materials, Supplies, and Fuel Inventory
(3,537
)
 
8,344

Regulatory Assets
(3,400
)
 
(4,601
)
Other Current Assets
(9,449
)
 
(30
)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Charges
(22,687
)
 
(14,938
)
Income Taxes Receivable
(1,424
)
 

Regulatory Liabilities
6,587

 
2,470

Other, Net
1,078

 
906

Net Cash Flows—Operating Activities
81,733

 
84,111

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
(106,279
)
 
(82,805
)
Purchase Intangibles, Renewable Energy Credits
(9,704
)
 
(10,106
)
Contributions in Aid of Construction
2,852

 
5,467

Net Cash Flows—Investing Activities
(113,131
)
 
(87,444
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from Borrowings, Revolving Credit Facility

 
27,000

Repayments of Borrowings, Revolving Credit Facility

 
(31,000
)
Payments of Finance Lease Obligations
(10,889
)
 
(10,930
)
Other, Net
383

 
341

Net Cash Flows—Financing Activities
(10,506
)
 
(14,589
)
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
(41,904
)
 
(17,922
)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, Beginning of Period
152,747

 
49,501

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash, End of Period
$
110,843

 
$
31,579

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3



TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Utility Plant
 
 
 
Plant in Service
$
6,051,817

 
$
6,020,469

Utility Plant Under Finance Leases
248,635

 
248,635

Construction Work in Progress
290,517

 
258,965

Total Utility Plant
6,590,969

 
6,528,069

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
(2,306,282
)
 
(2,293,783
)
Accumulated Amortization of Finance Lease Assets
(76,737
)
 
(73,646
)
Total Utility Plant, Net
4,207,950

 
4,160,640

 
 
 
 
Investments and Other Property
54,598

 
50,952

 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
96,441

 
138,114

Accounts Receivable, Net
142,339

 
172,367

Fuel Inventory
24,688

 
22,783

Materials and Supplies
109,622

 
107,990

Regulatory Assets
117,237

 
106,725

Derivative Instruments
3,027

 
3,929

Other
36,772

 
25,571

Total Current Assets
530,126

 
577,479

Regulatory and Other Assets
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets
289,566

 
293,078

Derivative Instruments
12,663

 
8,402

Other
77,886

 
68,656

Total Regulatory and Other Assets
380,115

 
370,136

Total Assets
$
5,172,789

 
$
5,159,207

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Continued)

4



TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
CAPITALIZATION AND OTHER LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Capitalization
 
 
 
Common Stock Equity:
 
 
 
Common Stock (No Par Value, 75,000,000 Shares Authorized, 32,139,434 Shares Outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018)
$
1,346,539

 
$
1,346,539

Capital Stock Expense
(6,357
)
 
(6,357
)
Retained Earnings
510,472

 
484,277

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(4,620
)
 
(4,714
)
Total Common Stock Equity
1,846,034

 
1,819,745

Preferred Stock (No Par Value, 1,000,000 Shares Authorized, None Outstanding as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018)

 

Finance Lease Obligations
6,192

 
19,773

Long-Term Debt, Net
1,615,869

 
1,615,252

Total Capitalization
3,468,095

 
3,454,770

Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Finance Lease Obligations
175,202

 
172,510

Accounts Payable
103,076

 
133,012

Accrued Taxes Other than Income Taxes
53,872

 
41,686

Accrued Employee Expenses
20,143

 
34,339

Accrued Interest
18,337

 
17,927

Regulatory Liabilities
101,219

 
95,094

Customer Deposits
26,136

 
27,650

Derivative Instruments
26,367

 
18,137

Other
23,171

 
21,555

Total Current Liabilities
547,523

 
561,910

Regulatory and Other Liabilities
 
 
 
Deferred Income Taxes, Net
376,394

 
369,705

Regulatory Liabilities
503,259

 
512,425

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
118,361

 
117,472

Derivative Instruments
24,571

 
19,361

Other
134,586

 
123,564

Total Regulatory and Other Liabilities
1,157,171

 
1,142,527

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies

 

 
 
 
 
Total Capitalization and Other Liabilities
$
5,172,789

 
$
5,159,207

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

(Concluded)


5



TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
 
Common Stock
 
Capital Stock Expense
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total Stockholder's Equity
Balances as of December 31, 2017
$
1,296,539

 
$
(6,357
)
 
$
380,076

 
$
(6,226
)
 
$
1,664,032

Net Income
 
 
 
 
23,803

 
 
 
23,803

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
238

 
238

Adoption of ASU, Cumulative Effect Adjustment
 
 
 
 
878

 
(878
)
 

Balances as of March 31, 2018
$
1,296,539

 
$
(6,357
)
 
$
404,757

 
$
(6,866
)
 
$
1,688,073

 
Common Stock
 
Capital Stock Expense
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total Stockholder's Equity
Balances as of December 31, 2018
$
1,346,539

 
$
(6,357
)
 
$
484,277

 
$
(4,714
)
 
$
1,819,745

Net Income
 
 
 
 
26,195

 
 
 
26,195

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
94

 
94

Balances as of March 31, 2019
$
1,346,539

 
$
(6,357
)
 
$
510,472

 
$
(4,620
)
 
$
1,846,034

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

6

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
TEP is a regulated utility that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 427,000 retail customers in a 1,155 square mile area in southeastern Arizona. TEP also sells electricity to other utilities and power marketing entities, located primarily in the western United States. TEP is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UNS Energy, a utility services holding company. UNS Energy is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortis.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
TEP's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures are presented in accordance with GAAP, including specific accounting guidance for regulated operations and the Securities and Exchange Commission's interim reporting requirements.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of TEP and its subsidiaries. In the consolidation process, accounts of the parent and subsidiaries are combined and intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. TEP jointly owns several generation and transmission facilities with both affiliated and non-affiliated entities. TEP records its proportionate share of: (i) jointly-owned facilities in Utility Plant on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; and (ii) operating costs associated with these facilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements exclude some information and footnotes required by GAAP and the SEC for annual financial statement reporting and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes in TEP's 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited, but, in management's opinion, include all normal, recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Because weather and other factors cause seasonal fluctuations in sales, TEP's quarterly operating results are not indicative of annual operating results. Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Variable Interest Entities
TEP regularly reviews contracts to determine if it has a variable interest in an entity, if that entity is a VIE, and if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE when the variable interest holder has: (i) the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
TEP routinely enters into long-term renewable PPAs with various entities. Some of these entities are VIEs due to the long-term fixed price component in the agreements. These PPAs effectively transfer commodity price risk to TEP, the buyer of the power, creating a variable interest. TEP has determined it is not a primary beneficiary of these VIEs as it lacks the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIEs. TEP reconsiders whether it is a primary beneficiary of the VIEs on a quarterly basis.
As of March 31, 2019, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet that relates to variable interests under long-term PPAs is predominantly related to working capital accounts and generally represents the amounts owed by TEP for the deliveries associated with the current billing cycle. TEP's maximum exposure to loss is limited to the cost of replacing the power if the providers do not meet the production guarantee. However, the exposure to loss is mitigated as the Company would likely recover these costs through cost recovery mechanisms. See Note 2 for additional information related to cost recovery mechanisms.

7

Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes cash balances restricted regarding withdrawal or usage based on contractual or regulatory considerations. The following table presents the line items and amounts of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the balance sheet and reconciles their sum to the cash flow statement:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
96

 
$
20

Restricted Cash included in:
 
 
 
Investments and Other Property
14

 
10

Current Assets—Other
1

 
2

Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
$
111

 
$
32

Restricted cash included in Investments and Other Property on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets represents cash contractually required to be set aside to pay TEP's share of mine reclamation costs at San Juan and various contractual agreements. Restricted cash included in Current Assets—Other represents the current portion of TEP's share of San Juan's mine reclamation costs.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED AND ADOPTED
The following new authoritative accounting guidance issued by the FASB has been adopted as of January 1, 2019. Unless otherwise indicated, adoption of the new guidance in each instance had an insignificant impact on TEP’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and disclosures.
Leases
TEP adopted accounting guidance that requires lessees to recognize a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of future lease payments, and a right-of-use asset for all leases with a lease term greater than 12 months. The new lease standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures for both lessees and lessors. TEP applied the transition provisions of the new standard as of the adoption date and did not retrospectively adjust prior periods. In addition, TEP elected a package of practical expedients that allowed it to not reassess: (i) whether existing contracts are or contain a lease; (ii) the lease classification of existing leases; or (iii) the initial direct costs for existing leases. Furthermore, TEP elected a practical expedient that permitted it to not evaluate existing land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases. The new lease guidance will be applied on a prospective basis to all new or modified land easements after January 1, 2019. Finally, TEP utilized the hindsight practical expedient in the transition provisions to determine the lease term. TEP did not identify or record an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on adoption. See Note 6 for additional disclosure about TEP’s leasing arrangements.
Internal-Use Software
TEP early adopted accounting guidance that clarifies accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. Under the new guidance, customers apply the same criteria for capitalizing implementation costs as they would for an arrangement that has a software license. The guidance also provides specific requirements for the classification and presentation of the capitalized implementation costs and the related amortization of those costs. TEP adopted the standard prospectively.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED AND NOT YET ADOPTED
New authoritative accounting guidance issued by the FASB was assessed and either determined to not be applicable or is expected to have an insignificant impact on TEP’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and disclosures.


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Table of Contents
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS
The ACC and the FERC each regulate portions of utility accounting practices and rates of TEP. The ACC regulates rates charged to retail customers, the siting of generation and transmission facilities, the issuance of securities, transactions with affiliated parties, and other utility matters. The ACC also enacts other regulations and policies that can affect business decisions and accounting practices. The FERC regulates terms and prices of transmission services and wholesale electricity sales.
2019 RATE CASE
On April 1, 2019, TEP filed a general rate case with the ACC based on a test year ended December 31, 2018. The filing requests new rates be implemented in May 2020.
The key proposals of the rate case include:
a non-fuel retail revenue increase of $115 million, partially offset by a reduction in base fuel revenue of approximately $39 million for a net increase of $76 million, or 7.8%, over test year retail revenues;
a 7.68% return on original cost rate base of $2.7 billion;
a request to recover costs of changes in generation resources, including: (i) the retirement of Navajo and Sundt Units 1 and 2; and (ii) the replacement generation capacity associated with the purchase of Gila River Unit 2 and the installation of RICE units at Sundt;
a TEAM rate that would be updated for income tax changes that materially affect TEP’s authorized revenue requirement; and
a TCA mechanism, updated annually, allowing TEP to recover any changes in transmission costs approved by the FERC.
TEP cannot predict the outcome of the proceeding.
FEDERAL TAX LEGISLATION
Arizona Corporation Commission
In December 2017, the ACC opened a docket requesting that all regulated utilities submit proposals to address passing the benefits of the TCJA through to customers. In 2018, the ACC approved TEP’s proposal to return savings from the Company’s federal corporate income tax rate under the TCJA to its customers through a combination of a customer bill credit and a regulatory liability deferral that reflects the return of a portion of the savings, effective May 1, 2018 (ACC Refund Order). The refund represents the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate and an estimate of EDIT amortization trued up annually for actuals. The bill credit was designed to return the refund amount to customers based on forecasted kWh sales for the calendar year. Any over or under collected amounts are deferred to a regulatory liability or asset and will be used to adjust the following year's bill credit amounts. Customer bill credits are trued-up annually to reflect actuals for kWh sales and EDIT amortization. The 2018 refund amount totaled $33 million. TEP filed an information filing with the ACC to establish its 2019 customer refund of $34 million.
The table below summarizes the regulatory asset (liability) balance related to the ACC Refund Order:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
Beginning of Period
$
4

 
$

ACC Refund (Reduction in Operating Revenues)
(7
)
 
(7
)
Amount Returned to Customers through Bill Credits
4

 

Regulatory Deferral
2

 

End of Period
$
3

 
$
(7
)
COST RECOVERY MECHANISMS
TEP has received regulatory decisions that allow for more timely recovery of certain costs through the recovery mechanisms described below.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
TEP's PPFAC rate is adjusted annually each April 1st and goes into effect for the subsequent 12-month period unless modified by the ACC. The PPFAC rate includes: (i) a forward component which is calculated by taking the difference between forecasted fuel and purchased power costs and the amount of those costs established in Retail Rates; and (ii) a true-up component that reconciles the difference between actual costs and those recovered in the preceding 12-month period.
The table below summarizes the PPFAC regulatory asset (liability) balance:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
Beginning of Period
$
(17
)
 
$
(9
)
Deferred Fuel and Purchased Power Costs
(3
)
 
2

PPFAC Refunds (Recoveries) (1)
(2
)
 
3

End of Period
$
(22
)
 
$
(4
)
(1) 
The ACC approved a PPFAC credit to begin returning the over-collected PPFAC balance to customers for the period of March 2017 through April 2018. In March 2019, the ACC approved a PPFAC credit as part of TEP's annual rate adjustment request.
Renewable Energy Standard
The ACC’s RES requires Arizona regulated utilities to supply an increasing percentage of their retail sales from renewable generation sources each year. The renewable energy requirement is 9% of retail electric sales in 2019 and increases annually until renewable retail sales represent at least 15% by 2025, with DG accounting for 30% of the annual renewable energy requirement. Arizona utilities are required to file an annual RES implementation plan for review and approval by the ACC.
In January 2018, the ACC approved TEP's 2018 RES implementation plan with a budget amount of $54 million, which is recovered through the RES surcharge. The recovery funds the following: (i) the above market cost of renewable power purchases; (ii) previously awarded incentives for customer-installed DG; and (iii) various other program costs.
Energy Efficiency Standards
TEP is required to implement cost-effective DSM programs to comply with the ACC’s EE Standards. The EE Standards provide regulated utilities a DSM surcharge to recover from retail customers the costs to implement DSM programs, as well as an annual performance incentive. TEP records its annual DSM performance incentive for the prior calendar year in the first quarter of each year. TEP recorded $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, related to performance in Operating Revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
In February 2019, the ACC approved TEP’s 2018 energy efficiency implementation plan with a budget of approximately $23 million, which is collected through the DSM surcharge.
Lost Fixed Cost Recovery Mechanism
The LFCR mechanism provides for recovery of certain non-fuel costs that would go unrecovered due to reduced retail kWh sales as a result of implementing ACC-approved energy efficiency programs and customer-installed DG. TEP records a regulatory asset and recognizes LFCR revenues when the amounts are verifiable regardless of when the lost retail kWh sales occur. TEP is required to make an annual filing with the ACC requesting recovery of LFCR revenues recognized in the prior year. The recovery is subject to a year-over-year cap of 2% of TEP's applicable retail revenues.
TEP recorded regulatory assets and recognized LFCR revenues of $10 million and $8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. LFCR revenues are included in Operating Revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Regulatory assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet are summarized in the table below:
($ in millions)
Remaining Recovery Period
(years)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Regulatory Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Various
 
$
124

 
$
126

Early Generation Retirement Costs (1)
Various
 
70

 
72

Income Taxes Recoverable through Future Rates (2)
Various
 
46

 
47

Lost Fixed Cost Recovery
2
 
40

 
35

Derivatives (Note 9)
11
 
36

 
27

Final Mine Reclamation and Retiree Healthcare Costs (3)
19
 
27

 
29

Property Tax Deferrals (4)
1
 
24

 
23

Springerville Unit 1 Leasehold Improvements (5)
4
 
11

 
11

Other Regulatory Assets
Various
 
29

 
30

Total Regulatory Assets
 
 
407

 
400

Less Current Portion
1
 
117

 
107

Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets
 
 
$
290

 
$
293

Regulatory Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes Payable through Future Rates (2)
Various
 
$
350

 
$
354

Net Cost of Removal (6)
Various
 
165

 
171

Renewable Energy Standard
Various
 
54

 
52

Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustment Clause
1
 
22

 
17

Deferred Investment Tax Credits (7)
Various
 
7

 
7

Other Regulatory Liabilities
Various
 
6

 
6

Total Regulatory Liabilities
 
 
604

 
607

Less Current Portion
1
 
101

 
95

Total Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities
 
 
$
503

 
$
512

(1) 
Includes the net book value and other related costs of Navajo and Sundt Units 1 and 2 reclassified from Utility Plant, Net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the planned early retirement of the facilities. Navajo and Sundt Units 1 and 2 are being fully recovered in base rates using various useful lives through 2030. TEP has requested recovery of final retirement costs of Navajo and Sundt Units 1 and 2 over a 10-year period in the 2019 Rate Case.
(2) 
Amortized over the life of the assets. The balances include changes related to the revaluation of tax assets and liabilities as a result of the TCJA.
(3) 
Represents costs associated with TEP’s jointly-owned facilities at San Juan, Four Corners, and Navajo. TEP recognizes these costs at future value and is permitted to recover these costs on a pay-as-you-go basis through the PPFAC mechanism. The majority of final mine reclamation costs are expected to occur through 2038.
(4) 
Property taxes are recorded as a regulatory asset based on historical ratemaking treatment allowing regulated utilities recovery of property taxes on a pay-as-you-go or cash basis. TEP records a liability to reflect the accrual for financial reporting purposes and an offsetting regulatory asset to reflect recovery for regulatory purposes. This asset is fully recovered in rates with a recovery period of approximately six months.
(5) 
Represents investments TEP made, which were previously recorded in Plant in Service on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, to ensure that the facilities continued to provide safe, reliable service to TEP's customers. TEP received ACC authorization to recover leasehold improvement costs at Springerville Unit 1 over a 10-year period.
(6) 
Represents an estimate of the future cost of retirement net of salvage value. These are amounts collected through revenue for transmission, distribution, and generation plant and general and intangible plant which are not yet expended.
(7) 
Represents federal energy credits generated after 2011 that are amortized over the tax life of the underlying asset.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



Regulatory assets are either being collected or are expected to be collected through Retail Rates. With the exception of Early Generation Retirement Costs and Springerville Unit 1 Leasehold Improvements, TEP does not earn a return on regulatory assets. Regulatory liabilities represent items that TEP either expects to pay to customers through billing reductions in future periods or plans to use for the purpose for which they were collected from customers. With the exception of over-recovered PPFAC costs and Income Taxes Payable through Future Rates related to the EDIT balances, TEP does not pay a return on regulatory liabilities.

NOTE 3. REVENUE
DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUES
TEP earns the majority of its revenues from the sale of power to retail and wholesale customers based on regulator-approved tariff rates. The following table presents the disaggregation of TEP’s Operating Revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income by type of service:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
Retail
$
202

 
$
192

Wholesale
84

 
38

Other Services
24

 
23

Revenues from Contracts with Customers
310

 
253

Alternative Revenues
12

 
9

Other
11

 
13

Total Operating Revenues
$
333

 
$
275


NOTE 4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The following table presents the components of Accounts Receivable, Net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Customer (1)
$
85

 
$
99

Customer, Unbilled
35

 
45

Due from Affiliates (Note 5)
9

 
8

Other
18

 
25

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
(5
)
 
(5
)
Accounts Receivable, Net
$
142

 
$
172

(1) 
Includes $6 million as of March 31, 2019, and $8 million as of December 31, 2018, of receivables related to revenue from derivative instruments.


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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
TEP engages in various transactions with Fortis, UNS Energy, and the UNS Energy Affiliates. These transactions include: (i) the sale and purchase of power and transmission services; (ii) common cost allocations; and (iii) the provision of corporate and other labor related services.
The following table presents the components of related party balances included in Accounts Receivable, Net and Accounts Payable on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Receivables from Related Parties
 
 
 
UNS Electric
$
5

 
$
7

UNS Gas
1

 
1

UNS Energy
3

 

Total Due from Related Parties
$
9

 
$
8

 
 
 
 
Payables to Related Parties
 
 
 
SES
$
2

 
$
2

UNS Energy
1

 
1

UNS Electric

 
1

UNS Gas
1

 
1

Total Due to Related Parties
$
4

 
$
5

The following table presents the components of related party transactions included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
Goods and Services Provided by TEP to Affiliates
 
 
 
Transmission Revenues, UNS Electric (1)
$
1

 
$
2

Control Area Services, UNS Electric (2)
1

 

Common Costs, UNS Energy Affiliates (3)
5

 
4

 
 
 
 
Goods and Services Provided by Affiliates to TEP
 
 
 
Supplemental Workforce, SES (4)
3

 
3

Corporate Services, UNS Energy (5)
1

 
2

Corporate Services, UNS Energy Affiliates (6)
1

 
2

Capacity Charges, UNS Gas
1

 

(1) 
TEP and UNS Electric sell power and transmission services to each other. Wholesale power is sold at prevailing market prices while transmission services are sold at FERC-approved rates through the applicable Open Access Transmission Tariff.
(2) 
TEP charges UNS Electric for control area services under a FERC-approved Control Area Services Agreement.
(3) 
Common costs (information systems, facilities, etc.) are allocated on a cost-causative basis and recorded as revenue by TEP. The method of allocation is deemed reasonable by management and is reviewed by the ACC as part of the rate case process.
(4) 
SES provides supplemental workforce and meter-reading services to TEP based on related party service agreements. The charges are based on cost of services performed and deemed reasonable by management.
(5) 
Costs for corporate services at UNS Energy are allocated to its subsidiaries using the Massachusetts Formula, an industry accepted method of allocating common costs to affiliated entities. TEP's allocation is approximately 83% of UNS Energy's allocated costs. Corporate Services, UNS Energy includes legal, audit, and Fortis' management fees. TEP's share of Fortis' management fees were $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
(6) 
Costs for corporate services (e.g., finance, accounting, tax, legal, and information technology) and other labor services for UNS Energy Affiliates are directly assigned to the benefiting entity at a fully burdened cost when possible.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



NOTE 6. LEASES
When a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration, a right-of-use asset and lease liability are recognized. TEP measures the right-of-use asset and lease liability at the present value of future lease payments, excluding variable payments based on usage or performance. TEP calculates the present value using the rate implicit in the lease or a lease-specific secured interest rate based on the remaining lease term. TEP has lease agreements with lease components (e.g., rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs) and nonlease components (e.g., common area maintenance costs), which are accounted for as a single lease component. TEP includes options to extend a lease in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
TEP leases generating facilities, land, rail cars, and communication tower space with remaining terms of one to 23 years. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that may extend a lease term for up to 15 years. Certain lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation or require TEP to pay real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, or other operating expenses associated with the lease premises.
TEP’s finance leases are included in Utility Plant Under Finance Leases, Accumulated Amortization of Finance Lease Assets, and current and non-current Finance Lease Obligations on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. TEP expects to exercise its option to purchase Gila River Unit 2 in December 2019. The purchase price is included in Current Liabilities—Finance Lease Obligations. Springerville Common Facilities Leases consist of two leases with initial terms ending January 2021. TEP may renew the two leases or exercise its remaining fixed-price purchase options.
TEP’s operating leases are included on the balance sheet as follows:
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
Regulatory and Other Assets, Other
$
8

Current Liabilities, Other
1

Regulatory and Other Liabilities, Other
7

The following table presents the components of TEP’s lease cost:
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
Finance
 
Amortization of Leased Assets
$
3

Interest on Lease Liabilities (1)
3

Variable
4

Total Lease Cost
$
10

(1) 
Finance lease interest expense is recorded in Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. In 2018, lease interest expense related to Gila River Unit 2 was recorded in Purchased Power on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Operating lease cost for the three months ended March 31, 2019, was not material to TEP's financial position or results of operations.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



As of March 31, 2019, TEP had the following future minimum lease payments, excluding payments to lessors for variable real estate taxes and common area maintenance:
(in millions)
Operating Leases
 
Finance Leases (1)
 
Total
2019
$
1

 
$
173

 
$
174

2020
1

 
20

 
21

2021
1

 

 
1

2022
1

 

 
1

2023
1

 

 
1

Thereafter
5

 

 
5

Total Lease Payments
10

 
193

 
203

Less Imputed Interest
2

 
12

 
14

Total Lease Obligations
8

 
181

 
189

Less Current Portion
1

 
175

 
176

Total Non-Current Lease Obligations
$
7

 
$
6

 
$
13

(1) 
Includes monthly demand charge payments to SRP through February 2020 related to Gila River Unit 2's estimated 20-month lease term.
The following table presents TEP's lease terms and discount rate related to its leases:
 
March 31, 2019
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (years)
 
Finance Leases
1

Operating Leases
12

Weighted-Average Discount Rate
 
Finance Leases
7.1
%
Operating Leases
4.1
%
The following table presents TEP's cash flow information related to its leases:
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities
 
Operating Cash Flows used for Finance Leases
$
(4
)
Financing Cash Flows used for Finance Leases
(11
)
Right-of-Use Assets Obtained in Exchange for New Lease Liabilities
 
Operating Leases
8

Operating cash flows from operating leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019, were not material.
In addition, TEP leases limited office facilities and utility property to others with remaining terms of three to eight years. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that may extend the lease term for two to ten years.
Operating lease income for the three months ended March 31, 2019, was not material to TEP's results of operations. TEP's expected operating lease payments to be received at March 31, 2019, are $1 million in each of 2019 through 2023 and $1 million thereafter.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



DISCLOSURES RELATED TO PERIODS PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF THE NEW LEASE STANDARD
As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease payments were as follows:
(in millions)
Operating Leases
 
Capital Leases
2019
$
1

 
$
187

2020
1

 
20

2021
1

 

2022
1

 

2023
1

 

Thereafter
5

 

Total Lease Payments
$
10

 
207

Less: Imputed Interest
 
 
14

Total Lease Obligations
 
 
193

Less: Current Portion
 
 
173

Total Non-Current Lease Obligations
 
 
$
20

Operating lease cost for the three months ended March 31, 2018, was not material to TEP's results of operations.

NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS
In addition to those reported in its 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, TEP entered into the following long-term commitment:
In March 2019, TEP entered into an agreement to develop a wind-powered electric generation facility with estimated costs of approximately $370 million. TEP will own and operate the facility, which will be located in southeastern New Mexico and have a nominal capacity rating of 247 MW. Construction is expected to commence in 2019 and be completed by December 2020.
CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
TEP is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. TEP believes such normal and routine litigation will not have a material impact on its operations or consolidated financial results. TEP is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties, and other costs in substantial amounts on TEP and are disclosed below.
Claims Related to San Juan Generating Station
WildEarth Guardians
In 2013, WildEarth Guardians (WEG) filed a Petition for Review in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado against the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) challenging several unrelated mining plan modification approvals, including two issued in 2008 related to Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC's (as successor to San Juan Coal Company (SJCC)) existing San Juan Mine. The petition alleges various National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) violations against the OSMRE, including: (i) failure to provide requisite public notice and participation, and (ii) failure to analyze certain environmental impacts. WEG’s petition seeks various forms of relief, including voiding and remanding the various mining modification approvals, enjoining the federal defendants from re-issuing the approvals until they can demonstrate compliance with the NEPA, and enjoining operations at the affected mines. SJCC intervened in this matter and was granted its motion to sever its claims from the lawsuit and transfer venue to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, where this matter is now pending. In July 2016, the federal defendants filed a motion asking that the matter be voluntarily remanded to the OSMRE so the OSMRE may prepare a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the NEPA regarding the impacts of the San Juan Mine mining plan approval. In August 2016, the court issued an order granting the motion for remand to conduct further environmental analysis and complete an EIS by August 31, 2019. The order provides that: (i) the OSMRE's decision approving the mining plan will remain in effect during this process; or (ii) if the EIS is not completed by August 31, 2019, then the approved mine plan will immediately be vacated, absent further court order. In May 2018, the OSMRE released a draft EIS

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



for public comment which was open through July 2018. On March 15, 2019, the OSMRE published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register to announce the publication of the final EIS. The OSMRE issued a final record of decision on April 30, 2019. The final decision contemplates continued operation of the San Juan Mine. Public Service Company of New Mexico, operator of San Juan, is evaluating the final decision for any cost impacts that may be passed onto the participants of San Juan. TEP cannot currently predict the potential impact of these costs.
Mine Reclamation at Generation Facilities Not Operated by TEP
TEP pays ongoing mine reclamation costs related to coal mines that supply generation facilities in which TEP has an ownership interest but does not operate. TEP is also liable for a portion of final mine reclamation costs upon closure of the mines servicing Navajo, San Juan, and Four Corners. TEP’s estimated share of mine reclamation costs at all three mines is $65 million. Payments will be made through the expiration of the coal supply agreements, which expire between December 2019 and 2031. An aggregate liability balance related to final mine reclamation of $37 million as of March 31, 2019, and $36 million as of December 31, 2018 was reflected in current and non-current Other on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 2 for additional information related to final mine reclamation costs.
Amounts recorded for final mine reclamation are subject to various assumptions, such as estimations of reclamation costs, the dates when final reclamation will occur, and the expected inflation rate. As these assumptions change, TEP will prospectively adjust the expense amounts for final reclamation over the remaining coal supply agreements’ terms. TEP does not believe that recognition of its final reclamation obligations will be material to TEP in any single year because recognition will occur over the remaining terms of its coal supply agreements.
TEP’s PPFAC allows the Company to pass through final mine reclamation costs, as a component of fuel costs, to retail customers. Therefore, TEP classifies these costs as a regulatory asset by increasing the regulatory asset and the reclamation liability over the remaining life of the coal supply agreements and recovers the regulatory asset through the PPFAC as final mine reclamation costs are paid out.
Performance Guarantees
TEP has joint participation agreements with participants at Navajo, San Juan, Four Corners, and Luna The participants in each of the generation facilities, including TEP, have guaranteed certain performance obligations. Specifically, in the event of payment default, each non-defaulting participant has agreed to bear its proportionate share of expenses otherwise payable by the defaulting participant. In exchange, the non-defaulting participants are entitled to receive their proportionate share of the generation capacity of the defaulting participant. With the exception of Four Corners, there is no maximum potential amount of future payments TEP could be required to make under the guarantees. The maximum potential amount of future payments is $250 million at Four Corners. As of March 31, 2019, there have been no such payment defaults under any of the participation agreements. The participation agreements expire in: (i) December 2019 at Navajo; (ii) 2022 at San Juan; (iii) 2041 at Four Corners; and (iv) 2046 at Luna.
Environmental Matters
TEP is subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species, and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact TEP's current and future operations. Environmental laws and regulations are subject to a range of interpretations, which may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Because these laws and regulations continue to evolve, TEP is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results. TEP expects to recover the cost of environmental compliance from its ratepayers. TEP believes it is in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental laws and regulations.


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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



NOTE 8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Net periodic benefit cost includes the following components:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Service Cost
$
3

 
$
4

 
$
1

 
$
1

Non-Service Cost (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Cost
4

 
4

 

 

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(6
)
 
(7
)
 

 

Amortization of Net Loss
2

 
2

 

 

Net Periodic Benefit Cost
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
1

 
$
1

(1) 
The non-service components of net periodic benefit cost are included in Other, Net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

NOTE 9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
TEP categorizes financial instruments into the three-level hierarchy based on inputs used to determine the fair value. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in non-active markets, and pricing models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS
The following tables present, by level within the fair value hierarchy, TEP’s assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
Assets
 
Cash Equivalents (1)
$
85

 
$

 
$

 
$
85

Restricted Cash (1)
14

 

 

 
14

Energy Derivative Contracts, Regulatory Recovery (2)

 
12

 
3

 
15

Energy Derivative Contracts, No Regulatory Recovery (2)

 

 
1

 
1

Total Assets
99

 
12

 
4

 
115

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Derivative Contracts, Regulatory Recovery (2)

 
(41
)
 
(10
)
 
(51
)
Total Liabilities

 
(41
)
 
(10
)
 
(51
)
Total Assets (Liabilities), Net
$
99

 
$
(29
)
 
$
(6
)
 
$
64


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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



(in millions)
December 31, 2018
Assets
 
Cash Equivalents (1)
$
125

 
$

 
$

 
$
125

Restricted Cash (1)
15

 

 

 
15

Energy Derivative Contracts, Regulatory Recovery (2)

 
10

 

 
10

Energy Derivative Contracts, No Regulatory Recovery (2)

 

 
2

 
2

Total Assets
140

 
10

 
2

 
152

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Derivative Contracts, Regulatory Recovery (2)

 
(35
)
 
(2
)
 
(37
)
Total Liabilities

 
(35
)
 
(2
)
 
(37
)
Total Assets (Liabilities), Net
$
140

 
$
(25
)
 
$

 
$
115

(1) 
Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash represent amounts held in money market funds, certificates of deposit, and insured cash sweep accounts valued at cost, including interest, which approximates fair market value. Cash Equivalents are included in Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted Cash is included in Investments and Other Property and in Current Assets—Other on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) 
Energy Derivative Contracts include gas swap agreements (Level 2) and forward purchased power and sales contracts (Level 3) entered into to reduce exposure to energy price risk. These contracts are included in Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
All energy derivative contracts are subject to legally enforceable master netting arrangements to mitigate credit risk. TEP presents derivatives on a gross basis in the balance sheet. The tables below present the potential offset of counterparty netting and cash collateral.
 
Gross Amount Recognized in the Balance Sheets
 
Gross Amount Not Offset in the Balance Sheets
 
Net Amount
 
 
Counterparty Netting of Energy Contracts
 
Cash Collateral Received/Posted
 
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
Derivative Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Derivative Contracts
$
16

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
1

Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Derivative Contracts
(51
)
 
(15
)
 

 
(36
)
(in millions)
December 31, 2018
Derivative Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Derivative Contracts
$
12

 
$
11

 
$

 
$
1

Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy Derivative Contracts
(37
)
 
(11
)
 

 
(26
)
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
TEP enters into various derivative and non-derivative contracts to reduce exposure to energy price risk associated with its natural gas and purchased power requirements. The objectives for entering into such contracts include: (i) creating price stability; (ii) meeting load and reserve requirements; and (iii) reducing exposure to price volatility that may result from delayed recovery under the PPFAC mechanism. In addition, TEP enters into derivative and non-derivative contracts to optimize the system's generation resources by selling power in the wholesale market for the benefit of the Company's retail customers.
The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements. When TEP has observable inputs for substantially the full term of the asset or liability or uses quoted prices in an inactive market, it categorizes the instrument in Level 2. TEP categorizes derivatives in Level 3 when an aggregate pricing service or published prices that represent a consensus reporting of multiple brokers is used.
For both purchased power and natural gas prices, TEP obtains quotes from brokers, major market participants, exchanges, or industry publications and relies on its own price experience from active transactions in the market. The Company primarily

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



uses one set of quotations each for purchased power and natural gas and then validates those prices using other sources. TEP believes that the market information provided is reflective of market conditions as of the time and date indicated.
Published prices for energy derivative contracts may not be available due to the nature of contract delivery terms such as non-standard time blocks and non-standard delivery points. In these cases, TEP applies adjustments based on historical price curve relationships, transmission costs, and line losses.
TEP also considers the impact of counterparty credit risk using current and historical default and recovery rates, as well as its own credit risk using credit default swap data.
The inputs and the Company's assessments of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements require judgment and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. TEP reviews the assumptions underlying its price curves monthly.
Cash Flow Hedges
To mitigate the exposure to volatility in variable interest rates on debt, TEP has an interest rate swap agreement that expires January 2020. The after-tax unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedge activities are reported in the statement of comprehensive income. The estimated loss expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months and the realized loss recorded to Interest Expense are not material to TEP's financial position or results of operations.
As of March 31, 2019, the total notional amount of the interest rate swap was $6 million.
Energy Derivative Contracts, Regulatory Recovery
TEP enters into energy contracts that are considered derivatives and qualify for regulatory recovery. The realized gains and losses on these energy contracts are recovered through the PPFAC mechanism and the unrealized gains and losses are deferred as a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability. The table below presents the unrealized gains and losses recorded to a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability on the balance sheet:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
Unrealized Net Loss
$
(9
)
 
$
(18
)
Energy Derivative Contracts, No Regulatory Recovery
TEP enters into certain energy contracts that are considered derivatives but do not qualify for regulatory recovery. The Company records unrealized gains and losses for these contracts in the income statement unless a normal purchase or normal sale election is made. For contracts that meet the trading definition, as defined in the PPFAC plan of administration, TEP must share 10% of any realized gains with retail customers through the PPFAC mechanism.
Derivative Volumes
As of March 31, 2019, TEP had energy contracts that will settle on various expiration dates through 2029. The following table presents volumes associated with the energy contracts:
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Power Contracts GWh
2,933

 
1,743

Gas Contracts BBtu
144,825

 
146,933

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following tables provide quantitative information regarding significant unobservable inputs in TEP’s Level 3 fair value measurements:
 
Valuation Approach
 
Fair Value of
 
Unobservable Inputs
 
Range of Unobservable Inputs
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
Forward Power Contracts
Market approach
 
$
4

 
$
(10
)
 
Market price per MWh
 
$
20.50

 
$
89.00


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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)    



(in millions)
December 31, 2018
Forward Power Contracts
Market approach
 
$
3

 
$
(2
)
 
Market price per MWh
 
$
16.80

 
$
47.05

Changes in one or more of the unobservable inputs could have a significant impact on the fair value measurement depending on the magnitude of the change and the direction of the change for each input. The impact of changes to fair value, including changes from unobservable inputs, are subject to recovery or refund through the PPFAC mechanism and are reported as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability, or as a component of other comprehensive income, rather than in the income statement.
The following table presents a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of net assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, and the gains (losses) attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets (liabilities) still held at the end of the period:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
Beginning of Period
$
1

 
$
2

Gains (Losses) Recorded
 
 
 
Regulatory Assets or Liabilities, Derivative Instruments
(8
)
 

Settlements
1

 
(1
)
End of Period
$
(6
)
 
$
1

 
 
 
 
Gains (Losses), Assets (Liabilities) Still Held
$
(7
)
 
$

CREDIT RISK
The use of contractual arrangements to manage the risks associated with changes in energy commodity prices creates credit risk exposure resulting from the possibility of non-performance by counterparties pursuant to the terms of their contractual obligations. TEP enters into contracts for the physical delivery of power and natural gas which contain remedies in the event of non-performance by the supply counterparties. In addition, volatile energy prices can create significant credit exposure from energy market receivables and subsequent measurements at fair value.
TEP has contractual agreements for energy procurement and hedging activities that contain certain provisions requiring TEP and its counterparties to post collateral under certain circumstances. These circumstances include: (i) exposures in excess of unsecured credit limits; (ii) credit rating downgrades; or (iii) a failure to meet certain financial ratios. In the event that such credit events were to occur, the Company, or its counterparties, would have to provide certain credit enhancements in the form of cash, LOCs, or other acceptable security to collateralize exposure beyond the allowed amounts.
TEP considers the effect of counterparty credit risk in determining the fair value of derivative instruments that are in a net asset position, after incorporating collateral posted by counterparties, and then allocates the credit risk adjustment to individual contracts. TEP also considers the impact of its credit risk on instruments that are in a net liability position, after considering the collateral posted, and then allocates the credit risk adjustment to the individual contracts.
The value of all derivative instruments in net liability positions under contracts with credit risk-related contingent features, including contracts under the normal purchase normal sale exception, was $85 million as of March 31, 2019, compared with $41 million as of December 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2019, TEP had $10 million of cash posted as collateral to a counterparty to provide credit enhancement which was reflected in Current Assets—Other on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of April 30, 2019, there was no collateral posted as it was no longer required by the counterparty and the entire amount was returned to TEP. If the credit risk contingent features were triggered on March 31, 2019, TEP would have been required to post an additional $75 million of collateral of which $13 million relates to outstanding net payable balances for settled positions.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NOT CARRIED AT FAIR VALUE
The fair value of a financial instrument is the market price to sell an asset or transfer a liability at the measurement date. Borrowings under revolving credit facilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. These items have been excluded from the table below.
The use of different estimation methods and/or market assumptions may yield different estimated fair value amounts. The following table includes the face value and estimated fair value of TEP's long-term debt:
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Face Value
 
Fair Value
(in millions)
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
March 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt, including Current Maturities
Level 2
 
$
1,629

 
$
1,629

 
$
1,703

 
$
1,672



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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis explains the results of operations, the financial condition, and the outlook for TEP. It includes the following:
outlook and strategies;
results of operations in the first three months of 2019 compared with the same period in 2018;
factors affecting results of operations;
liquidity and capital resources including: (i) capital expenditures; (ii) contractual obligations; and (iii) environmental matters;
critical accounting policies and estimates; and
new accounting standards issued and not yet adopted.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis includes financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP financial measures.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes that appear in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. For information on factors that may cause our future results to differ from those we currently expect or anticipate, see Forward-Looking Information at the front of this Form 10-Q and Risk Factors in Part 1, Item 1A of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q.
References in this discussion and analysis to "we" and "our" are to TEP.
OUTLOOK AND STRATEGIES
TEP's financial prospects and outlook are affected by many factors including: (i) global, national, regional, and local economic conditions; (ii) volatility in the financial markets; (iii) environmental laws and regulations; and (iv) other regulatory and legislative actions. Our plans and strategies include the following:
Achieving constructive outcomes in our regulatory proceedings that will provide us: (i) recovery of our full cost of service and an opportunity to earn an appropriate return on our rate base investments; (ii) updated rates that provide more accurate price signals and a more equitable allocation of costs to our customers; and (iii) the ability to continue providing safe and reliable service.
Continuing to focus on our long-term resource diversification strategy, including transitioning from carbon intensive sources to a more sustainable energy portfolio, while providing rate stability for our customers, mitigating environmental impacts, complying with regulatory requirements, leveraging and improving our existing utility infrastructure, and maintaining financial strength. This long-term strategy includes a target of meeting 30% of our customers’ energy needs with non-carbon emitting resources by 2030. This resource strategy may be impacted by various energy policy proposals currently under consideration in Arizona.
Focusing on our core utility business through operational excellence, promoting economic development in our service territory, investing in infrastructure to ensure reliable service, and maintaining a strong community presence.
2019 Operational and Financial Highlights
Management's Discussion and Analysis includes the following notable items:
Entered into an agreement to develop a 247 MW wind-power electric generation facility which is expected to be completed by December 2020.
Filed a general rate case with the ACC based on a test year ended December 31, 2018, that includes a non-fuel retail revenue increase of $115 million.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Because weather and other factors cause seasonal fluctuations in sales of power, our quarterly results of operation are not indicative of annual results. TEP's summer peaking load occurs during the third quarter of the year when cooling demand is higher, which results in higher revenue during this period. By contrast, lower sales of power occur during the first quarter of the year, due to mild winter weather in our retail service territory.
The following discussion provides the significant items that affected TEP's results of operations in the first three months of 2019 compared with the same period in 2018. The significant items affecting net income are presented on an after-tax basis.
The first three months of 2019 compared with the first three months of 2018
TEP reported net income of $26 million in the first three months of 2019 compared with net income of $24 million in the first three months of 2018. The increase of $2 million, or 8%, was primarily due to:
$3 million in higher retail revenue primarily due to an increase in usage related to favorable weather;
$3 million increase in the value of company-owned life insurance as a result of favorable market conditions;
$2 million in lower income tax expense due to the recognition of additional AMT credits related to a revision in tax law guidance; and
$2 million in higher AFUDC related to an increase in construction projects.
The increase was partially offset by:
$3 million in higher operations and maintenance expense resulting primarily from an increase in expense related to planned outages in 2019;
$3 million in higher depreciation and amortization expense due to an increase in asset base; and
$2 million in higher interest expense related to a debt issuance in November 2018.
Retail Revenues and Key Statistics
The following table provides key statistics impacting operating revenues:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
($ and kWh in millions)
2019
 
2018
 
Percent
Operating Revenues
$
333

 
$
275

 
21.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric Sales (kWh)
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
705

 
648

 
8.8
 %
Commercial
436

 
427

 
2.1
 %
Industrial
427

 
440

 
(3.0
)%
Mining
264

 
252

 
4.8
 %
Public Authorities
4

 
4

 
 %
Total Retail Sales
1,836

 
1,771

 
3.7
 %
Wholesale, Long-Term
135

 
79

 
70.9
 %
Wholesale, Short-Term
2,047

 
1,099

 
86.3
 %
Total Electric Sales
4,018

 
2,949

 
36.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Revenue Per kWh (Cents/kWh)
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
11.02

 
10.85

 
1.6
 %
Wholesale
3.77

 
3.71

 
1.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Retail Customers
426,756

 
424,116

 
0.6
 %

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Operating Revenues increased by $58 million in the first three months of 2019 when compared with the same period in 2018 primarily due to: (i) an increase in short-term wholesale sales resulting from an increase in available system capacity related to Gila River Unit 2; (ii) an increase in fuel and purchase power recoveries as a result of higher PPFAC rates; and (iii) higher retail sales as a result of favorable weather.
Short-term wholesale revenues are primarily related to ACC jurisdictional assets and are returned to retail customers by offsetting fuel and purchased power costs eligible for recovery through the PPFAC. Revenues related to Springerville Units 3 and 4 are primarily reimbursements by Tri-State, the lessee of Springerville Unit 3, and SRP, the owner of Springerville Unit 4, with the corresponding expense recorded in Operating Expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Operating Expenses
Fuel and Purchased Power Expense
Fuel and Purchased Power Expense, which includes PPFAC recovery treatment, increased by $50 million, or 56%, in the first three months of 2019 when compared with the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in: (i) generation output; (ii) Purchased Power, Non-Renewable price and volumes; and (iii) recovery of PPFAC costs as a result of changes in the PPFAC rate. The increases were partially offset by a decrease in the average cost of coal.
The following table presents TEP’s sources of energy and average cost of power by type:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(kWh in millions)
2019
 
2018
 
Percent
Sources of Energy
 
 
 
 
 
Coal-Fired Generation
1,766

 
1,714

 
3.0
 %
Gas-Fired Generation
1,832

 
882

 
107.7
 %
Utility-Owned Renewable Generation
20

 
18

 
11.1
 %
Total Generation
3,618

 
2,614

 
38.4
 %
Purchased Power, Non-Renewable
420

 
311

 
35.0
 %
Purchased Power, Renewable
144

 
155

 
(7.1
)%
Total Generation and Purchased Power
4,182

 
3,080

 
35.8
 %
(cents per kWh)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Fuel Cost of Generated Power
 
 
 
 
 
Coal
2.16

 
2.73

 
(20.9
)%
Natural Gas
2.75

 
2.27

 
21.1
 %
Average Cost of Purchased Power
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased Power, Non-Renewable
4.08

 
2.91

 
40.2
 %
Purchased Power, Renewable
9.25

 
9.28

 
(0.3
)%
Operations and Maintenance Expense
Operations and Maintenance Expense increased by $3 million, or 4%, in the first three months of 2019 when compared with the same period in 2018. The increase was primarily due to an increase in maintenance expense related to planned generation outages in 2019.
Expenses related to Springerville Units 3 and 4 are reimbursed by Tri-State, the lessee of Springerville Unit 3, and SRP, the owner of Springerville Unit 4, with corresponding amounts recorded in Operating Revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Expenses related to customer funded renewable energy and DSM programs are collected from customers with corresponding amounts recorded in Operating Revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense increased by $4 million, or 9%, in the first three months of 2019 when compared with the same period in 2018 primarily due to an increase in asset base.

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Other Income (Expense)
Other Income (Expense) decreased by less than $1 million, or 2%, in the first three months of 2019 when compared with the same period in 2018 primarily due to: (i) an increase in the value of company-owned life insurance as a result of favorable market conditions; and (ii) an increase in AFUDC related to an increase in construction projects. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in interest expense related to: (i) a debt issuance in November 2018; and (ii) Gila River Unit 2 demand charges, which are recovered through the PPFAC, and accounted for as finance lease interest expense.
Income Tax Expense
Income Tax Expense decreased by $2 million, or 43%, in the first three months of 2019 when compared with the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily due to the recognition of AMT credits related to a revision in tax law guidance.
FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Regulatory Matters
TEP is subject to comprehensive regulation. The discussion below contains material developments to those matters disclosed in Part II, Item 7 of our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and new regulatory matters occurring in 2019.
2019 Rate Case
On April 1, 2019, TEP filed a general rate case with the ACC to provide TEP with an opportunity to recover its full cost of service, including an appropriate return on its rate base investments and enable TEP to continue to provide safe and reliable service. The rate application is based on a test year ended December 31, 2018. We requested new rates be implemented in May 2020.
The key provisions of the rate case include:
a non-fuel retail revenue increase of $115 million, partially offset by a reduction in base fuel revenue of approximately $39 million for a net increase of $76 million, or 7.8%, over test year retail revenues;
a 7.68% return on original cost rate base of $2.7 billion, which includes a cost of equity of 10.35% and an average cost of debt of 4.65%;
a capital structure for rate making purposes of approximately 53% common equity and 47% long-term debt;
a request to recover costs of changes in generation resource, including: (i) the retirement of Navajo and Sundt Units 1 and 2; and (ii) replacement generation capacity associated with the purchase of Gila River Unit 2 and the installation of RICE units at Sundt;
a TEAM rate that would be updated for income tax changes that materially affect TEP’s authorized revenue requirement; and
a TCA mechanism, updated annually, allowing TEP to recover any changes in transmission costs approved by the FERC.
TEP cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.
Federal Income Tax Legislation
Arizona Corporation Commission
In December 2017, the ACC opened a docket requesting that all regulated utilities submit proposals to address passing the benefits of the TCJA through to customers. In 2018, the ACC approved the ACC Refund Order effective May 1, 2018. The refund represents the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate and an estimate of EDIT amortization trued up annually for actuals. The bill credit was designed to return the refund amount to customers based on forecasted kWh sales. Any over or under collected amounts are deferred to a regulatory asset or liability and will be used to adjust the following year's bill credit amounts.

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Customer bill credits are trued-up annually to reflect actuals for kWh sales and EDIT amortization. TEP filed an application with the ACC to establish the 2019 customer refund of $34 million. The refund will be returned to customers through a combination of a customer bill credit and a regulatory liability in 2019. TEP is allowed to defer 25% of the 2019 refund into a regulatory liability and 50% of any additional refunds in future years. As part of the 2019 Rate Case, we requested a TEAM that is intended to allow for the timely pass through to our customers of any income tax effects that materially impact revenue requirements as a result of federal or state income tax legislation. TEP has proposed the refunds deferred in the regulatory liability account be returned to customers through the TEAM in the same year the 2019 Rate Case is completed.
See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 and Liquidity and Capital Resources, Income Tax Position of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the ACC Refund Order.
Generation Resources
TEP’s long-term strategy is to transition to a more diverse, sustainable energy portfolio including expanding renewable energy and natural gas-fired resources while reducing reliance on coal-fired generation resources. Recent changes in market conditions, including lower natural gas prices and a decrease in the cost of renewables, has aided this transition. These factors, in combination with increasingly stringent environmental requirements, has shifted the preference of coal as a primary fuel source to a more balanced energy portfolio of coal, natural gas, and renewable resources. Going forward, the rate and direction of change of these markets and regulatory regulation is uncertain, and the pace of our energy transition will need to adjust accordingly. These adjustments may include changes in generation facility ownership shares, unit shutdowns, or the sale of generation assets to third-parties. TEP will seek regulatory recovery for amounts that would not otherwise be recovered, if any, as a result of these actions.
As of March 31, 2019, approximately 40% of our generation capacity, including owned and leased resources, was from coal-fired generation.
See Liquidity and Capital Resources, Environmental Matters of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the impact of environmental matters on generation facility operations.
Arizona Energy Policy
In August 2018, the ACC opened a rulemaking docket to evaluate several energy policies. The docket will review possible modifications to existing renewable energy, energy efficiency requirements, and retail competition for generation services. The adoption of new policies would be subject to rulemaking proceedings at the ACC. We would seek the ACC's approval to recover any costs related to new energy policies or requirements. TEP cannot predict the outcome of this matter or the impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Navajo Generating Station
In 2017, the Navajo Nation approved a land lease extension which allows TEP and the co-owners of Navajo to continue operations through 2019 and begin decommissioning activities thereafter. Navajo is expected to shut down on or before December 22, 2019. We are currently recovering Navajo's capital and operating costs in base rates using a useful life through 2030. Due to the early retirement of Navajo, we have requested recovery of final retirement costs over a 10-year period, in the 2019 Rate Case. As of March 31, 2019, the net book value of Navajo was $42 million, and we have estimated other related costs to be $4 million.
See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the planned early retirement of Navajo.
Sundt Generating Station
In 2017, TEP submitted an Air Quality Permit Application to the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality related to a generation modernization project at Sundt. Under the project, TEP will place in service 10 natural gas RICE units with a total nominal generation capacity of 190 MW. The final permit was issued in December 2018. Construction is underway with the RICE units scheduled for commercial operation by the end of the first quarter of 2020. We have requested recovery of the RICE project costs in the 2019 Rate Case.
The RICE units will balance the variability of intermittent renewable energy resources and will replace 162 MW of nominal net generation capacity from Sundt Units 1 and 2, which are less efficient and lack the quick start, fast ramp capabilities of the RICE units. TEP will discontinue operation of Sundt Units 1 and 2 prior to start-up of the first RICE unit. We are currently recovering capital and operating costs for Sundt Units 1 and 2 in base rates using useful lives of 2028 and 2030, respectively. Due to the early retirement of Sundt Units 1 and 2, we have requested recovery of final retirement costs over a 10-year period

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in the 2019 Rate Case. As of March 31, 2019, the net book value of Sundt Units 1 and 2 was $28 million, and we have estimated other related costs to be $1 million.
See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the planned early retirement of Sundt Units 1 and 2.
Gila River Generating Station
In 2017, TEP entered into a 20-year tolling PPA with SRP to purchase and receive all 550 MW of capacity, power, and ancillary services from Gila River Unit 2, which includes a three-year option to purchase Gila River Unit 2 (Tolling PPA). TEP anticipates exercising its option to purchase Gila River Unit 2 in December 2019 for approximately $164 million. We have requested recovery of the Gila River Unit 2 purchase in the 2019 Rate Case. TEP will continue to pay a monthly demand charge consisting of: (i) a fixed capacity charge of approximately $1 million, and (ii) an operating fee to compensate SRP for the non-fuel costs of operating Gila River Unit 2 until the purchase is complete. TEP recovers the monthly demand charge through the PPFAC mechanism.
The additional 550 MW of capacity, power, and ancillary services from the Tolling PPA will allow us to continue to move toward our long-term goal of resource diversification as it will replace coal-fired generation scheduled for early retirement. TEP sells the capacity from the Tolling PPA into the wholesale market on a short-term basis with the associated revenues credited to the PPFAC.
Renewable Generating Facility
In March 2019, TEP entered into an agreement to develop a wind-powered electric generation facility with estimated costs of approximately $370 million. TEP will own and operate the facility, which will be located in southeastern New Mexico and have a nominal capacity rating of 247 MW. Construction is expected to commence in 2019 and be completed by December 2020. The wind project is expected to qualify for the IRS renewable Production Tax Credit. The credit is expected to recover a minimum of $250 million of the project's costs in the first 10 years, the duration of the credit after the date the facility is placed in service.
Interest Rates
See Part II, Item 7A in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 3 of this Form 10-Q for information regarding interest rate risks and its impact on earnings.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
Cash flows may vary during the year with cash flows from operations being typically the lowest in the first quarter of the year and highest in the third quarter due to TEP's summer peaking load. We use our revolving credit facility as needed to assist in funding our business activities. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity under our revolving credit facility to meet short-term working capital needs and to provide credit enhancement as necessary under energy procurement and hedging agreements. The availability and terms under which we have access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including our credit ratings and conditions in the overall capital markets.
Available Liquidity
(in millions)
March 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
96

Amount Available under Revolving Credit Facility (1)
250

Total Liquidity
$
346

(1) 
TEP's revolving credit facility provides for $250 million of revolving credit commitments with a LOC sublimit of $50 million and a maturity date of October 2022.
Future Liquidity Requirements
We expect to meet all of our financial obligations and other anticipated cash outflows for the foreseeable future. These obligations and anticipated cash outflows include, but are not limited to: (i) dividend payments; (ii) debt maturities; and (iii) obligations included in the Contractual Obligations and forecasted Capital Expenditures tables reported in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the material changes summarized below in the respective sections.

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Summary of Cash Flows
The table below presents net cash provided by (used for) operating, investing and financing activities:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)
2019
 
2018
 
Percent
Operating Activities
$
82

 
$
84

 
(2.4
)%
Investing Activities
(113
)
 
(87
)
 
29.9
 %
Financing Activities
(11
)
 
(15
)
 
(26.7
)%
Net Decrease
(42
)
 
(18
)
 
133.3
 %
Beginning of Period
153

 
50

 
206.0
 %
End of Period
$
111

 
$
32

 
246.9
 %
Operating Activities
In the first three months of 2019, net cash flows from operating activities decreased by $2 million compared with the same period in 2018. The decrease is primarily due to: (i) $10 million of collateral posted to a counterparty for a credit enhancement; and (ii) $4 million in bill credits to customers related to the ACC Refund Order. The decrease was partially offset by: (i) higher retail sales as a result of favorable weather; (ii) an increase in fuel and purchase power recoveries as a result of higher PPFAC rates; and (iii) changes in working capital related to the timing of collections and payments.
Investing Activities
In the first three months of 2019, net cash flows used for investing activities increased by $26 million compared with the same period in 2018 primarily due to an increase in cash paid for capital expenditures in 2019.
Financing Activities
In the first three months of 2019, net cash flows used for financing activities decreased by $4 million compared with the same period in 2018 primarily due to a decrease in repayments, net of proceeds borrowed, under our revolving credit facility in 2018.
Sources of Liquidity
Short-Term Investments
Our short-term investment policy governs the investment of excess cash balances. We periodically review and update this policy in response to market conditions. As of March 31, 2019, TEP's short-term investments included highly-rated and liquid money market funds and insured cash sweep accounts.
Access to Revolving Credit Facility
We have access to working capital through a revolving credit agreement with lenders. TEP expects that amounts borrowed under the credit facility will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes and that LOCs will be issued from time to time to support energy procurement and hedging transactions. As of March 31, 2019, there was $250 million available under the revolving credit commitments and the LOC facility.
See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding TEP's credit facility.
Debt Financing
We use debt financing to meet a portion of our capital needs and lower our overall cost of capital. We are exposed to adverse changes in interest rates to the extent that we rely on variable rate financing. Our cost of capital is also affected by our credit ratings.
In 2016, the ACC issued an order granting TEP financing authority. The order extends and expands the previous financing authority by: (i) extending authority from December 2016 to December 2020; (ii) increasing the outstanding long-term debt limitation from $1.7 billion to $2.2 billion; (iii) allowing parent equity contributions of up to $400 million; and (iv) continuing the interest rate hedging authority.

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TEP anticipates raising additional capital in the second half of 2019 to: (i) finance the purchase of Gila River Unit 2; (ii) make payments for the development of a wind-powered electric generation facility; and (iii) repay borrowings under our revolving credit facility, with any remaining balance to be applied to general corporate purposes. TEP has, from time to time, refinanced or repurchased portions of its outstanding debt before scheduled maturity. Depending on market conditions, we may refinance other debt issuances or make additional debt repurchases in the future.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings affect our access to capital markets and supplemental bank financing. As of March 31, 2019, credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service for our senior unsecured debt were A- and A3, respectively.
Our credit ratings are dependent on a number of factors, both quantitative and qualitative, and are subject to change at any time. The disclosure of these credit ratings is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold TEP securities. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other ratings.
Certain of TEP's debt agreements contain pricing based on our credit ratings. A change in TEP’s credit ratings can cause an increase or decrease in the amount of interest we pay on our borrowings and the amount of fees we pay for LOCs and unused commitments.
Debt Covenants
Under certain agreements, should TEP fail to maintain compliance with covenants, lenders could accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding. As of March 31, 2019, TEP was in compliance with these covenants.
We do not have any provisions in any of our debt or lease agreements that would cause an event of default or cause amounts to become due and payable in the event of a credit rating downgrade.
Contribution from Parent
TEP received no equity contributions in the first three months of 2019 or 2018.
Dividends Paid to Parent
TEP did not declare or pay dividends to UNS Energy in the first three months of 2019 or 2018.
Master Trading Agreements
TEP conducts its wholesale marketing and risk management activities under certain master trading agreements. Under these agreements, TEP may be required to post credit enhancements in the form of cash or LOCs due to exposures exceeding unsecured credit limits provided to TEP, changes in contract values, changes in TEP’s credit ratings, or material changes in TEP’s creditworthiness. As of March 31, 2019, TEP had $10 million in cash posted as collateral to a counterparty to provide credit enhancements. As of April 30, 2019, there was no collateral posted as it was no longer required by the counterparty and the entire amount was returned to TEP.
Capital Expenditures
TEP's routine capital expenditures include funds used for customer growth, system reinforcement, replacements and betterments, and costs to comply with environmental rules and regulations. In the first three months of 2019, there have been no changes in TEP's forecasted capital expenditures from those reported in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than normal recurring subsequent review adjustments.
Contractual Obligations
In the first three months of 2019, there have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business to contractual obligations as reported in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as noted below:
In March 2019, we entered into an agreement to develop a 247 MW wind-power electric generation facility which is expected to be completed by December 2020. We expect to make payments of $259 million in 2019 and $111 million in 2020, contingent upon certain performance obligations.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than the unrecorded contractual obligations reported on the contractual obligations table presented in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into the financial statements.
Income Tax Position
Tax legislation previously in effect included provisions that made qualified property placed in service before 2018 eligible for bonus depreciation for tax purposes. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service issued guidance related to the treatment of expenditures to maintain, replace, or improve property. These provisions were an acceleration of tax benefits we otherwise would have received over a longer period of time and created net operating loss carryforwards that are used to offset future taxable income. As a result, we did not pay any federal or state income taxes in the first three months of 2019. We offset net operating loss carryforwards against taxable income and do not expect to make federal or state income tax payments for the next several years.
Under the TCJA, AMT credit carryforwards will be refunded if not used to offset federal income tax liabilities. TEP received no refunds in the first three months of 2019 and expects to receive refunds of approximately $14 million in 2019, $7 million in 2020, and $3 million in 2021 and 2022.
See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information regarding the TCJA.
Environmental Matters
The EPA regulates the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter, mercury and other by-products produced by generation facilities. We may incur additional costs to comply with future changes in federal and state environmental laws, regulations, and permit requirements at our generation facilities. Environmental laws and regulations are subject to a range of interpretations, which may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Because these laws and regulations continue to evolve, we are unable to predict the impact they may have on our operations and consolidated financial results. Complying with these changes may reduce operating efficiency and increase capital and operating costs. TEP will request recovery from its customers of the costs of environmental compliance through cost recovery mechanisms and Retail Rates.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation
In August 2015, the EPA issued the Clean Power Plan (CPP) limiting CO2 emissions from existing and new fossil fuel-based generation facilities. The CPP establishes state-level CO2 emission rates and mass-based goals that apply to fossil fuel-based generation. The plan targets CO2 emissions reductions for existing facilities by 2030 and establishes interim goals that begin in 2022.
In October 2017, the EPA issued a proposal to repeal the CPP and in December 2017, the EPA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking soliciting information about the intent to replace the CPP with a rule establishing new emissions guidelines.
In August 2018, the EPA published the proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule. The proposed rule is meant to replace the CPP and proposes to rebalance the roles between the states and the EPA. Under the proposed rule, the EPA would set emission guidelines based on the Best System of Emission Reduction (BSER) for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The states would then use these emission guidelines to establish standards of performance consistent with the BSER within their jurisdictions considering source specific factors such as the remaining useful life of an individual unit. The proposed ACE rule also includes New Source Review (NSR) reform to incentivize heat-rate improvements that could reduce GHG emissions without triggering costly NSR permit requirements. Only projects that increase a generation facility’s hourly rate of pollutant emissions would be required to undergo a full NSR analysis.
Upon publication of the final rule, the states will have three years to submit plans establishing standards of performance. The EPA has 12 months to act on a complete state submittal. If a state plan is not approved, or a state fails to submit a plan within the allotted three years, the EPA would have two years to issue a federal plan. The public comment period closed October 31, 2018. The EPA anticipates finalizing the rule in 2019.
TEP will continue to work with other Arizona and New Mexico utilities, as well as the appropriate regulatory agencies, to develop compliance strategies as needed. TEP is unable to determine the impact to its facilities until all legal challenges have been resolved and any new regulations have been promulgated.

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Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation
In April 2015, the EPA issued a final rule requiring disposal of coal ash and other coal combustion residuals (CCR) to be managed as a solid waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA Subtitle D) for disposal in landfills and/or surface impoundments. Due to the planned early retirement of Navajo, our share of costs to comply is less than $1 million as of March 31, 2019. We will continue to incur additional operating costs for on-going groundwater monitoring and eventual site closure. Our share of costs to comply at Four Corners is estimated to be $3 million, the majority of which is expected to be capital expenditures associated with site preparation and installation of the groundwater monitoring well system.
In December 2016, Congress approved the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act which authorizes the States to establish permit programs under RCRA for implementing regulation for CCR. In response to the WIIN Act and RCRA rulemaking petitions, the EPA has indicated that it intends to conduct two phases of CCR rule revisions. In July 2018, the EPA signed a Phase 1, Part 1 final rule which: (i) revised groundwater protection standards for rule-specific constituents without maximum containment levels; (ii) incorporated risk-based changes under an EPA-approved state permit program or an EPA permit program; and (iii) extended certain closure deadlines. In response to challenges to this rule, the EPA filed a motion to voluntarily remand the rule but not vacate it. On March 13, 2019, the D.C. Circuit Court issued an order granting the EPA's motion, allowing the EPA nine months to undertake new rulemaking. TEP does not anticipate a material impact on operations or financial results from revisions to the Phase 1, Part 1 rule. The EPA anticipates finalizing the Phase 1, Part 2 in 2019. The second phase is also anticipated to be finalized in 2019.
TEP is currently working with other affected utilities and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to explore the possibility of developing a State administered program to enforce CCR regulation.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to apply accounting policies and make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect results of operations and the amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the financial statements and related notes. Management believes that there have been no significant changes during the three months ended March 31, 2019, to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED AND NOT YET ADOPTED
For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting TEP, see Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
TEP’s primary market risks include fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices and volumes, and counterparty credit. Fluctuations in interest rates can affect earnings and cash flows. We can enter into interest rate swaps and financing transactions to manage changes in interest rates. Fluctuations in commodity prices and volumes and counterparty credit losses may temporarily affect cash flows, but are not expected to affect earnings due to expected recovery through regulatory mechanisms.
There have been no additional risks and no material changes to market risks disclosed in Part II, Item 7A in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
TEP’s Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) supervised and participated in TEP’s evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined under Rule 13a–15(e) and Rule 15d–15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in TEP’s periodic reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by TEP in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal

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executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon the evaluation performed, TEP’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that TEP’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2019.
While TEP continually strives to improve its disclosure controls and procedures to enhance the quality of its financial reporting, there has been no change in TEP’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2019, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, TEP’s internal control over financial reporting except as noted below:
New Accounting Standards Issued and Adopted
Leases
Upon the adoption of new lease accounting guidance as of January 1, 2019, TEP implemented changes to our processes and control activities related to gathering contracts and ongoing contract review requirements. See Note 1 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information.


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PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a description of certain legal proceedings affecting TEP, refer to Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The business and financial results of TEP are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. As a result, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2018 Form 10-K should be carefully considered. There have been no material changes in the assessment of our risk factors from those set forth in our 2018 Form 10-K.



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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, by David G. Hutchens
 
 
 
 
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, by Frank P. Marino
 
 
 
 
Statements of Corporate Officers (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K, this certificate is not being “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.



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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 30, 2019
 
/s/ Frank P. Marino
 
 
 
Frank P. Marino
 
 
 
Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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