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, 2013

OR

o
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
 
Registrant, State of Incorporation
Address and Telephone Number
 
IRS Employer
Identification No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0-30512
 
CH Energy Group, Inc.
(Incorporated in New York)
284 South Avenue
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-4839
(845) 452-2000
 
14-1804460
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-3268
 
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
(Incorporated in New York)
284 South Avenue
Poughkeepsie, New York 12601-4839
(845) 452-2000
 
14-0555980
 
 

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 registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

CH Energy Group, Inc.
Yes  þ
 
No  o
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Yes  þ
 
No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

CH Energy Group, Inc.
Yes  þ
 
No  o
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Yes  þ
 
No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

CH Energy Group, Inc.
 
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Large Accelerated Filer þ
 
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer o
 
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
 
Non-Accelerated Filer þ
Smaller Reporting Company o
 
Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

CH Energy Group, Inc.
Yes  o
 
No  þ
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
Yes  o
 
No  þ

As of the close of business on April 30, 2013 (i) CH Energy Group, Inc. had outstanding 14,973,794 shares of Common Stock ($0.10 per share par value) and (ii) all of the outstanding 16,862,087 shares of Common Stock ($5 per share par value) of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation were held by CH Energy Group, Inc.

CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORPORATION MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (H)(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PURSUANT TO GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (H)(2)(a), (b) AND (c).
 

 
 

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
CH Energy Group, Inc.
PAGE
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
2
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
   March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
6

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation
 
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
   March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
11

12
 

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
PAGE
 
 
 
52
 
 
 
79
 
 
 
79

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

80
 
 
 
80
 
 
 
81
 
 
 
81
 
 
 
81
 
 
 
82
 
 
83
_______________________________________________
 
 
FILING FORMAT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined quarterly report being filed by two different registrants:  CH Energy Group, Inc. ("CH Energy Group") and Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation ("Central Hudson"), a wholly owned subsidiary of CH Energy Group.  Except where the content clearly indicates otherwise, any reference in this report to CH Energy Group includes all subsidiaries of CH Energy Group, including Central Hudson.  Central Hudson makes no representation as to the information contained in this report in relation to CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries other than Central Hudson.
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Operating Revenues
 
   
 
Electric
 
$
138,163
   
$
129,272
 
Natural gas
   
56,300
     
55,850
 
Competitive business subsidiaries:
               
Petroleum products
   
99,019
     
84,632
 
Other
   
4,892
     
4,318
 
   Total Operating Revenues
   
298,374
     
274,072
 
Operating Expenses
               
Operation:
               
Purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation
   
50,409
     
45,059
 
Purchased natural gas
   
23,399
     
24,614
 
Purchased petroleum
   
81,529
     
70,305
 
Other expenses of operation - regulated activities
   
66,792
     
59,886
 
Other expenses of operation - competitive business subsidiaries
   
13,303
     
12,422
 
Merger related costs
   
387
     
5,219
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
11,187
     
10,624
 
Taxes, other than income tax
   
14,947
     
13,730
 
   Total Operating Expenses
   
261,953
     
241,859
 
Operating Income
   
36,421
     
32,213
 
Other Income and Deductions
               
Income from unconsolidated affiliates
   
199
     
52
 
Interest on regulatory assets and other interest income
   
1,385
     
1,719
 
Regulatory adjustments for interest costs
   
324
     
319
 
Other - net
   
127
     
(9
)
   Total Other Income (Deductions)
   
2,035
     
2,081
 
Interest Charges
               
Interest on long-term debt
   
6,430
     
6,218
 
Interest on regulatory liabilities and other interest
   
1,915
     
1,584
 
   Total Interest Charges
   
8,345
     
7,802
 
 
               
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary
   
30,111
     
26,492
 
Income Taxes
   
11,165
     
11,669
 
 
               
Net Income
   
18,946
     
14,823
 
 
               
Net Income attributable to non-controlling interest:
               
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
92
     
242
 
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
764
     
-
 
Net Income Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
18,090
     
14,581
 
 
               
Dividends declared on Common Stock
   
8,310
     
8,279
 
Change in Retained Earnings
 
$
9,780
   
$
6,302
 
 
               
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Common Stock:
 
   
 
Average shares outstanding - Basic
   
14,942
     
14,882
 
Average shares outstanding - Diluted
   
15,156
     
15,143
 
 
               
Amounts attributable to CH Energy Group common shareholders:
               
Earnings per share - Basic
 
$
1.21
   
$
0.98
 
Earnings per share - Diluted
 
$
1.19
   
$
0.96
 
Dividends Declared per Share
 
$
0.555
   
$
0.555
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Net Income
 
$
18,946
   
$
14,823
 
 
               
Other Comprehensive Income:
               
 
               
Net unrealized losses on investments held by equity method investees - net of tax of $8 and $38, respectively
   
(12
)
   
(58
)
 
               
Other comprehensive loss
   
(12
)
   
(58
)
 
               
Comprehensive Income
   
18,934
     
14,765
 
 
               
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest
   
856
     
242
 
 
               
Comprehensive income attributable to CH Energy Group
 
$
18,078
   
$
14,523
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Operating Activities:
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
18,946
   
$
14,823
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
9,940
     
9,499
 
Amortization
   
1,247
     
1,125
 
Deferred income taxes - net
   
3,156
     
11,598
 
Bad debt expense
   
964
     
2,500
 
Undistributed equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
   
(199
)
   
(52
)
Pension expense
   
6,022
     
7,233
 
Other post-employment benefits ("OPEB") expense
   
1,989
     
1,996
 
Regulatory liability - rate moderation
   
-
     
(1,033
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism recorded
   
4,203
     
(950
)
Regulatory asset amortization
   
1,682
     
1,722
 
Regulatory asset storm deferral adjustment 4,000 -
Gain on sale of assets
   
(22
)
   
(79
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities - net of business acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other receivables
   
(28,872
)
   
(7,932
)
Fuel, materials and supplies
   
6,842
     
5,425
 
Special deposits and prepayments
   
(5,100
)
   
(4,407
)
Income and other taxes
   
5,657
     
17
 
Accounts payable
   
(3,369
)
   
(2,144
)
Accrued interest
   
2,944
     
997
 
Customer advances
   
(12,587
)
   
(5,212
)
Pension plan contribution
   
(26,165
)
   
(28,165
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism collected (refunded)
   
1,485
     
(1,310
)
Regulatory asset - storm deferral
   
(2,813
)
   
(3,042
)
Regulatory asset - manufactured gas plant ("MGP") site remediation
   
(2,214
)
   
951
 
Regulatory asset - Temporary State Assessment
   
(2,526
)
   
(3,332
)
Deferred natural gas and electric costs
   
(4,376
)
   
7,883
 
Other - net
   
14,231
     
4,500
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
(4,935
)
   
12,611
 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of assets
   
26
     
96
 
Additions to utility and other property and plant
   
(28,478
)
   
(25,887
)
Other - net
   
38
     
(637
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(28,414
)
   
(26,428
)
Financing Activities:
               
Redemption of long-term debt
   
-
     
(36,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
-
     
48,000
 
Borrowings of short-term debt - net
   
36,500
     
64,500
 
Dividends paid on Common Stock
   
(8,301
)
   
(8,269
)
Redemption of Preferred Stock
   
(9,625
)
   
-
 
Dividends paid on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
(92
)
   
(242
)
Shares repurchased
   
-
     
(2,993
)
Other - net
   
(95
)
   
(593
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
18,387
     
64,403
 
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(14,962
)
   
50,586
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
   
30,508
     
15,281
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
$
15,546
   
$
65,867
 
 
               
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Interest paid
 
$
3,667
   
$
5,351
 
Federal and state income taxes paid
 
$
-
   
$
16
 
Additions to plant included in liabilities
 
$
3,783
   
$
4,126
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
    
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
ASSETS
 
   
   
 
Utility Plant
 
   
   
 
Electric
 
$
1,074,858
   
$
1,067,352
   
$
1,017,986
 
Natural gas
   
326,061
     
320,258
     
301,609
 
Common
   
163,993
     
162,352
     
151,086
 
Gross Utility Plant
   
1,564,912
     
1,549,962
     
1,470,681
 
 
                       
Less: Accumulated depreciation
   
420,696
     
414,137
     
400,894
 
  Net
   
1,144,216
     
1,135,825
     
1,069,787
 
 
                       
Construction work in progress
   
61,367
     
58,053
     
66,518
 
Net Utility Plant
   
1,205,583
     
1,193,878
     
1,136,305
 
 
                       
Non-Utility Property & Plant
                       
Griffith non-utility property & plant
   
33,808
     
33,574
     
31,456
 
Other non-utility property & plant
   
524
     
524
     
524
 
Gross Non-Utility Property & Plant
   
34,332
     
34,098
     
31,980
 
 
                       
Less:  Accumulated depreciation - Griffith
   
23,223
     
23,001
     
22,220
 
Net Non-Utility Property & Plant
   
11,109
     
11,097
     
9,760
 
 
                       
Current Assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
15,546
     
30,508
     
65,867
 
Accounts receivable from customers - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.0 million, $6.5 million and $7.0 million, respectively
   
120,237
     
91,457
     
96,574
 
Accrued unbilled utility revenues
   
16,428
     
17,155
     
14,283
 
Other receivables
   
8,331
     
9,582
     
9,096
 
Fuel, materials and supplies
   
17,654
     
24,496
     
19,689
 
Regulatory assets
   
35,165
     
32,329
     
49,683
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
2,944
     
121
     
9
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
428
     
344
     
407
 
Special deposits and prepayments
   
26,559
     
21,362
     
25,777
 
Accumulated deferred income tax
   
8,182
     
12,205
     
8,456
 
Total Current Assets
   
251,474
     
239,559
     
289,841
 
 
                       
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
                       
Regulatory assets - pension plan
   
140,349
     
146,935
     
151,737
 
Regulatory assets - other
   
109,710
     
109,779
     
119,559
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
2,881
     
693
     
-
 
Goodwill
   
38,981
     
38,981
     
37,752
 
Other intangible assets - net
   
11,663
     
12,324
     
12,564
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
4,682
     
4,764
     
4,628
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
   
2,241
     
2,536
     
2,559
 
Other investments
   
18,240
     
17,847
     
15,212
 
Other
   
5,478
     
6,556
     
5,884
 
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
   
334,225
     
340,415
     
349,895
 
Total Assets
 
$
1,802,391
   
$
1,784,949
   
$
1,785,801
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
-4-

 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
    
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
   
   
 
Capitalization
 
   
   
 
  CH Energy Group Common Shareholders' Equity
 
   
   
 
Common Stock (30,000,000 shares authorized: $0.10 par value; 16,862,087 shares issued) 14,960,976 shares, 14,954,884 shares and 14,914,853 shares, respectively
 
$
1,686
   
$
1,686
   
$
1,686
 
Paid-in capital
   
349,514
     
349,428
     
348,306
 
Retained earnings
   
257,883
     
248,103
     
248,693
 
Treasury stock - 1,901,111 shares, 1,907,203 shares and 1,947,234 shares, respectively
   
(89,891
)
   
(90,141
)
   
(91,978
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
368
     
380
     
296
 
Capital stock expense
   
-
     
(166
)
   
(328
)
Total Equity
   
519,560
     
509,290
     
506,675
 
Preferred Stock of subsidiary
   
-
     
9,027
     
21,027
 
Long-term debt
   
479,926
     
486,926
     
494,002
 
Total Capitalization
   
999,486
     
1,005,243
     
1,021,704
 
Current Liabilities
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
38,076
     
31,076
     
1,006
 
Notes payable
   
56,000
     
19,500
     
71,000
 
Accounts payable
   
39,155
     
52,812
     
36,183
 
Accrued interest
   
8,875
     
5,931
     
7,330
 
Dividends payable
   
8,310
     
8,301
     
8,521
 
Accrued vacation and payroll
   
8,187
     
7,984
     
7,291
 
Customer advances
   
15,722
     
28,309
     
17,315
 
Customer deposits
   
7,115
     
7,135
     
7,235
 
Regulatory liabilities
   
14,568
     
10,736
     
8,959
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
517
     
1,259
     
22,118
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
4,267
     
7,117
     
7,064
 
Accrued income and other taxes
   
6,146
     
635
     
817
 
Deferred revenues
   
3,936
     
4,801
     
3,853
 
Other
   
21,170
     
15,105
     
16,200
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
232,044
     
200,701
     
214,892
 
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
                       
Regulatory liabilities - OPEB
   
9,696
     
7,975
     
8,974
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
108,704
     
97,485
     
101,535
 
Operating reserves
   
3,456
     
3,827
     
3,181
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
93
     
218
     
1,688
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
8,250
     
8,324
     
10,559
 
Accrued OPEB costs
   
58,730
     
58,412
     
53,757
 
Accrued pension costs
   
88,170
     
113,227
     
95,896
 
Tax reserve
   
2,047
     
2,000
     
3,174
 
Other
   
21,028
     
20,643
     
20,520
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
   
300,174
     
312,111
     
299,284
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Tax
   
270,687
     
266,894
     
249,921
 
Commitments and Contingencies
                       
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
 
$
1,802,391
   
$
1,784,949
   
$
1,785,801
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
   
 
CH Energy Group Common Shareholders
   
   
 
   
 
Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
Shares Issued
   
Amount
   
Shares (Repurchased) / Issued
   
Amount
   
Paid-In Capital
   
Capital Stock Expense
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
   
Non-controlling Interest
   
Total Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,967,123
)
 
$
(92,908
)
  $
351,053
   
$
(328
)
 
$
242,391
   
$
354
   
$
-
   
$
502,248
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                                               
Net income
                                                   
14,823
                     
14,823
 
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
                                                   
(242
)
                   
(242
)
Change in fair value:
                                                                               
Investments
                                                           
(58
)
           
(58
)
Dividends declared on common stock
                                                   
(8,279
)
                   
(8,279
)
Treasury shares activity - net
                   
19,889
     
930
     
(2,747
)
                                   
(1,817
)
Balance at March 31, 2012
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,947,234
)
 
$
(91,978
)
 
$
348,306
   
$
(328
)
 
$
248,693
   
$
296
   
$
-
   
$
506,675
 
 
                                                                               
Balance at December 31, 2012
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,907,203
)
 
$
(90,141
)
 
$
349,428
   
$
(166
)
 
$
248,103
   
$
380
   
$
-
   
$
509,290
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                                               
Net income
                                                   
18,946
                     
18,946
 
Preferred Stock Redemption
                                   
(28
)
   
166
     
(764
)
                   
(626
)
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
                                                   
(92
)
                   
(92
)
Change in fair value:
                                                                               
Investments
                                                           
(12
)
           
(12
)
Dividends declared on common stock
                                                   
(8,310
)
                   
(8,310
)
Treasury shares activity - net
                   
6,092
     
250
     
114
                                     
364
 
Balance at March 31, 2013
   
16,862,087
   
$
1,686
     
(1,901,111
)
 
$
(89,891
)
 
$
349,514
   
$
-
   
$
257,883
   
$
368
   
$
-
   
$
519,560
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
   
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Operating Revenues
 
   
 
Electric
 
$
138,163
   
$
129,272
 
Natural gas
   
56,300
     
55,850
 
Total Operating Revenues
   
194,463
     
185,122
 
 
               
Operating Expenses
               
Operation:
               
Purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation
   
50,409
     
45,059
 
Purchased natural gas
   
23,399
     
24,614
 
Other expenses of operation
   
66,792
     
59,886
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
9,955
     
9,468
 
Taxes, other than income tax
   
14,750
     
13,491
 
Total Operating Expenses
   
165,305
     
152,518
 
 
               
Operating Income
   
29,158
     
32,604
 
 
               
Other Income and Deductions
               
Interest on regulatory assets and other interest income
   
1,373
     
1,706
 
Regulatory adjustments for interest costs
   
324
     
319
 
Other - net
   
99
     
112
 
Total Other Income
   
1,796
     
2,137
 
 
               
Interest Charges
               
Interest on long-term debt
   
5,956
     
5,728
 
Interest on regulatory liabilities and other interest
   
1,845
     
1,527
 
Total Interest Charges
   
7,801
     
7,255
 
 
               
Income Before Income Taxes
   
23,153
     
27,486
 
 
               
Income Taxes
   
8,784
     
10,753
 
 
               
Net Income
   
14,369
     
16,733
 
 
               
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
764
     
-
 
Dividends Declared on Cumulative Preferred Stock
   
92
     
242
 
 
               
Income Available for Common Stock
 
$
13,513
   
$
16,491
 
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Net Income
 
$
14,369
   
$
16,733
 
Other Comprehensive Income
   
-
     
-
 
Comprehensive Income
 
$
14,369
   
$
16,733
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Operating Activities:
 
   
 
Net income
 
$
14,369
   
$
16,733
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
9,369
     
8,977
 
Amortization
   
586
     
491
 
Deferred income taxes - net
   
3,466
     
12,071
 
Bad debt expense
   
589
     
2,125
 
Pension expense
   
6,022
     
7,233
 
OPEB expense
   
1,989
     
1,996
 
Regulatory liability - rate moderation
   
-
     
(1,033
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism recorded
   
4,203
     
(950
)
Regulatory asset amortization
   
1,682
     
1,722
 
Regulatory asset storm deferral adjustment 4,000 -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities - net:
               
Accounts receivable, unbilled revenues and other receivables
   
(17,846
)
   
(7,437
)
Fuel, materials and supplies
   
5,069
     
4,648
 
Special deposits and prepayments
   
(3,926
)
   
(3,203
)
Income and other taxes
   
5,492
     
(942
)
Accounts payable
   
(5,075
)
   
(2,855
)
Accrued interest
   
2,466
     
504
 
Customer advances
   
(7,841
)
   
(3,374
)
Pension plan contribution
   
(26,165
)
   
(28,165
)
Revenue decoupling mechanism collected (refunded)
   
1,485
     
(1,310
)
Regulatory asset - storm deferral
   
(2,813
)
   
(3,042
)
Regulatory asset - MGP site remediation
   
(2,214
)
   
951
 
Regulatory asset - Temporary State Assessment
   
(2,526
)
   
(3,332
)
Deferred natural gas and electric costs
   
(4,376
)
   
7,883
 
Other - net
   
10,909
     
1,478
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
(1,086
)
   
11,169
 
 
               
Investing Activities:
               
Additions to utility plant
   
(27,890
)
   
(25,783
)
Other - net
   
(408
)
   
(777
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(28,298
)
   
(26,560
)
 
               
Financing Activities:
               
Redemption of long-term debt
   
-
     
(36,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
-
     
48,000
 
Borrowings of short-term debt - net
   
27,000
     
57,500
 
Redemption of Preferred Stock
   
(9,653
)
   
-
 
Dividends paid to parent - CH Energy Group
   
(5,000
)
   
-
 
Dividends paid on cumulative Preferred Stock
   
(92
)
   
(242
)
Other - net
   
(108
)
   
(602
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
12,147
     
68,656
 
 
               
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(17,237
)
   
53,265
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period
   
24,352
     
2,521
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period
 
$
7,115
   
$
55,786
 
 
               
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Interest paid
 
$
3,601
   
$
5,312
 
Federal and state income taxes paid
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
Additions to plant included in liabilities
 
$
3,783
   
$
4,126
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands)
 
    
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
ASSETS
 
   
   
 
Utility Plant
 
   
   
 
Electric
 
$
1,074,858
   
$
1,067,352
   
$
1,017,986
 
Natural gas
   
326,061
     
320,258
     
301,609
 
Common
   
163,993
     
162,352
     
151,086
 
Gross Utility Plant
   
1,564,912
     
1,549,962
     
1,470,681
 
 
                       
Less: Accumulated depreciation
   
420,696
     
414,137
     
400,894
 
  Net
   
1,144,216
     
1,135,825
     
1,069,787
 
 
                       
Construction work in progress
   
61,367
     
58,053
     
66,518
 
Net Utility Plant
   
1,205,583
     
1,193,878
     
1,136,305
 
 
                       
Non-Utility Property and Plant
   
524
     
524
     
524
 
Net Non-Utility Property and Plant
   
524
     
524
     
524
 
 
                       
Current Assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
7,115
     
24,352
     
55,786
 
Accounts receivable from customers - net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.2 million, $4.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively
   
77,609
     
60,155
     
65,922
 
Accrued unbilled utility revenues
   
16,428
     
17,155
     
14,283
 
Other receivables
   
4,630
     
5,206
     
6,086
 
Fuel, materials and supplies - at average cost
   
14,194
     
19,264
     
16,389
 
Regulatory assets
   
35,165
     
32,329
     
49,683
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
2,941
     
95
     
-
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
428
     
344
     
407
 
Special deposits and prepayments
   
22,496
     
18,473
     
21,311
 
Accumulated deferred income tax
   
1,256
     
5,313
     
2,019
 
Total Current Assets
   
182,262
     
182,686
     
231,886
 
 
                       
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
                       
Regulatory assets - pension plan
   
140,349
     
146,935
     
151,737
 
Regulatory assets - other
   
109,710
     
109,779
     
119,559
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
2,881
     
693
     
-
 
Unamortized debt expense
   
4,682
     
4,764
     
4,628
 
Other investments
   
17,743
     
17,368
     
14,745
 
Other
   
2,734
     
3,740
     
2,218
 
Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets
   
278,099
     
283,279
     
292,887
 
 
                       
Total Assets
 
$
1,666,468
   
$
1,660,367
   
$
1,661,602
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON BALANCE SHEET (CONT'D) (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
    
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
 
   
   
 
Capitalization
 
   
   
 
Common Stock (30,000,000 shares authorized: $5 par value; 16,862,087 shares issued and outstanding)
 
$
84,311
   
$
84,311
   
$
84,311
 
Paid-in capital
   
199,952
     
199,980
     
199,980
 
Retained earnings
   
198,682
     
190,169
     
182,456
 
Capital stock expense
   
(4,633
)
   
(4,799
)
   
(4,961
)
Total Equity
   
478,312
     
469,661
     
461,786
 
 
                       
Cumulative Preferred Stock not subject to mandatory redemption
   
-
     
9,027
     
21,027
 
 
                       
Long-term debt
   
452,950
     
459,950
     
465,950
 
Total Capitalization
   
931,262
     
938,638
     
948,763
 
 
                       
Current Liabilities
                       
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
37,000
     
30,000
     
-
 
Notes payable
   
27,000
     
-
     
59,000
 
Accounts payable
   
29,639
     
45,002
     
27,299
 
Accrued interest
   
8,249
     
5,782
     
6,686
 
Dividends payable - Preferred Stock
   
-
     
-
     
242
 
Accrued vacation and payroll
   
6,424
     
6,708
     
5,671
 
Customer advances
   
10,243
     
18,084
     
11,231
 
Customer deposits
   
7,042
     
7,069
     
7,170
 
Regulatory liabilities
   
14,568
     
10,736
     
8,959
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
517
     
1,259
     
22,118
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
3,838
     
6,660
     
6,562
 
Accrued income and other taxes
   
8,635
     
3,142
     
1,564
 
Other
   
14,549
     
12,095
     
10,764
 
Total Current Liabilities
   
167,704
     
146,537
     
167,266
 
 
                       
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
                       
Regulatory liabilities - OPEB
   
9,696
     
7,975
     
8,974
 
Regulatory liabilities - other
   
108,704
     
97,485
     
101,535
 
Operating reserves
   
2,647
     
2,696
     
2,148
 
Fair value of derivative instruments
   
93
     
218
     
1,688
 
Accrued environmental remediation costs
   
7,240
     
7,293
     
9,407
 
Accrued OPEB costs
   
58,730
     
58,412
     
53,757
 
Accrued pension costs
   
88,170
     
113,227
     
95,896
 
Tax reserve
   
2,047
     
2,000
     
3,174
 
Other
   
20,071
     
19,705
     
19,564
 
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
   
297,398
     
309,011
     
296,143
 
 
                       
Accumulated Deferred Income Tax
   
270,104
     
266,181
     
249,430
 
 
                       
Commitments and Contingencies
                       
 
                       
Total Capitalization and Liabilities
 
$
1,666,468
   
$
1,660,367
   
$
1,661,602
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
(In Thousands, except share amounts)
 
  
 
Central Hudson Common Shareholders
   
 
  
 
Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
Shares Issued
   
Amount
   
Shares Repurchased
   
Amount
   
Paid-In Capital
   
Capital Stock Expense
   
Retained Earnings
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)
   
Total Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,980
   
$
(4,961
)
 
$
165,965
   
$
-
   
$
445,295
 
Net income
                                                   
16,733
             
16,733
 
Dividends declared:
                                                                       
On cumulative Preferred Stock
                                                   
(242
)
           
(242
)
Balance at March 31, 2012
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,980
   
$
(4,961
)
 
$
182,456
   
$
-
   
$
461,786
 
 
                                                                       
Balance at December 31, 2012
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,980
   
$
(4,799
)
 
$
190,169
   
$
-
   
$
469,661
 
Net income
                                                   
14,369
             
14,369
 
Preferred Stock Redemption
                                   
(28
)
   
166
     
(764
)
           
(626
)
Dividends declared:
                                                                       
On cumulative Preferred Stock
                                                   
(92
)
           
(92
)
On Common Stock to parent - CH Energy Group
                                                   
(5,000
)
           
(5,000
)
Balance at March 31, 2013
   
16,862,087
   
$
84,311
     
-
   
$
-
   
$
199,952
   
$
(4,633
)
 
$
198,682
   
$
-
   
$
478,312
 
 
 
The Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part hereof.
 
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Financial Statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), which for regulated public utilities, includes specific accounting guidance for regulated operations.  For additional information regarding regulatory accounting, see Note 2 – "Regulatory Matters."

Pending Acquisition by Fortis Inc.

On February 21, 2012, CH Energy Group announced that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger under which it agreed, subject to shareholder approval and the approval of applicable regulatory authorities, to be acquired by Fortis Inc. ("Fortis") for $65 per share of common stock in cash.  On June 19, 2012, shareholders of CH Energy Group approved the proposed acquisition of the Company by Fortis.  On July 3, 2012, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") approved the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  On July 17, 2012, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States approved the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  On October 2, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission permitted the 30-day waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the acquisition of the Company by Fortis to expire.  On April 20, 2012, CH Energy Group, Central Hudson, Fortis, FortisUS Inc. ("FortisUS"), and Cascade Acquisition Sub Inc. ("Petitioners"), submitted a joint petition to the New York State Public Service Commission ("PSC" or "Commission") for approval of the proposed transaction under Section 70 of the Public Service Law.  Pursuant to a procedure schedule established by the Administrative Law Judges, the PSC Staff and other parties to the proceeding filed testimony and comments on October 12, 2012.  On January 25, 2013, a Joint Proposal with the Company, Fortis, PSC Staff, Multiple Intervenors, the Department of State Utility Intervention Unit, and Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties as signatories, was submitted to the PSC.  The signatory parties have concluded that, based on the terms of the Joint Proposal, the acquisition is in the public interest pursuant to New York State Public Service Law, Section 70, and recommend approval by the Commission.  The deadline for submission of public comments in the proceeding was extended to May 1, 2013 by the Commission in a notice issued March 22, 2013.  On April 24, 2013, the Commission issued a notice stating that the Administrative Law Judges ("ALJs") assigned to this matter would prepare a Recommended Decision ("RD") for the Commission.  On May 3, 2013 the Recommended Decision of the two Administrative Law Judges – an advisory document – was issued by the PSC.  The RD states that, in its current form, the Joint Proposal does not meet the public interest test as required by New York State Public Service Law, Section 70, but also states that the ALJs recommend the Commission consider adopting the Joint Proposal subject to modifications that would alter the transaction's balance of risks and benefits.  Briefs on exceptions to the RD are due May 17, 2013 and briefs opposing exceptions are due on May 24, 2013.  While no assurance regarding the closing can be given until a final PSC Order is issued, the Company continues to anticipate that the Commission will review and approve the merger in the second quarter of 2013.  Under the terms of the merger agreement, Fortis must close the transaction if all conditions precedent are met, including PSC approval, and a material adverse effect has not occurred.  Closing of the transaction would follow shortly after issuance of the final PSC Order approving the merger.  Management believes this will occur in the second quarter of 2013.
 
Unaudited Financial Statements

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of CH Energy Group and Financial Statements of Central Hudson are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented.  These unaudited quarterly Financial Statements do not contain all footnote disclosures concerning accounting policies and other matters which would be included in annual Financial Statements and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the audited Financial Statements (including the Notes thereto) included in the combined CH Energy Group/Central Hudson Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "Corporations' 10-K Annual Report").
 

CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 are not required to be included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; however, these balance sheets are included for supplemental analysis purposes.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the 2012 Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.

The Company reclassified amounts related to in-process work for cost of removal of plant assets from accumulated depreciation to deferred costs, regulatory liabilities. This reclassification resulted in a reduction to the March 31, 2012 balance of $10.6 million.

Revenue Recognition

CH Energy Group's deferred revenue balances as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012 were $3.9 million, $4.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively.  The deferred revenue balance will be recognized in CH Energy Group's operating revenues over the 12-month term of the respective customer contract.

As required by the PSC, Central Hudson records gross receipts tax revenues and expenses on a gross income statement presentation basis (i.e., included in both revenue and expenses).  Sales and use taxes for both Central Hudson and Griffith are accounted for on a net basis (excluded from revenue).
 
Fuel, Materials & Supplies
 
The following is a summary of CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's inventories (In Thousands):
 
 
 
CH Energy Group
   
Central Hudson
 
  
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
Natural gas
 
$
2,759
   
$
7,638
   
$
7,322
   
$
2,759
   
$
7,638
   
$
7,322
 
Petroleum products and propane
   
2,098
     
3,942
     
2,115
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Fuel used in electric generation
   
293
     
295
     
286
     
293
     
295
     
286
 
Materials and supplies
   
12,504
     
12,621
     
9,966
     
11,142
     
11,331
     
8,781
 
Total
 
$
17,654
   
$
24,496
   
$
19,689
   
$
14,194
   
$
19,264
   
$
16,389
 
 
 
-13-

 
Depreciation and Amortization

Current accounting guidance related to asset retirements precludes the recognition of expected future retirement obligations as a component of depreciation expense or accumulated depreciation.  Central Hudson, however, is required to use depreciation methods and rates approved by the PSC under regulatory accounting.  These depreciation rates include a charge for the cost of future removal and retirement of fixed assets.  In accordance with current accounting guidance for regulated operations, Central Hudson continues to accrue for the future cost of removal for its rate-regulated natural gas and electric utility assets.  In accordance with current accounting guidance related to asset retirements, Central Hudson has classified $44.8 million, $43.4 million, and $42.7 million of cost of removal as regulatory liabilities as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, respectively.  This liability represents the portion of the cost of removal charge in excess of the amount reported as an Asset Retirement Obligation under GAAP.

See Note 6 - "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for further discussion of amortization of intangibles (other than goodwill).

Earnings Per Share

In the calculation of earnings per share (basic and diluted) of CH Energy Group's Common Stock, earnings for CH Energy Group are reduced by the Preferred Stock dividends of Central Hudson.

The average dilutive effect of CH Energy Group's stock options, performance shares and restricted shares are as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Shares
   
213,908
     
260,259
 
 
Certain stock options can be excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of those options were greater than the average market price per share of Common Stock.  As of December 31, 2012, no stock options are outstanding.  There were no options excluded during the three months ended March 31, 2012.
 
 
Parental Guarantees

CH Energy Group and CHEC have issued guarantees to counterparties to assure the payment, when due, of certain obligations incurred by CH Energy Group subsidiaries, in physical and financial transactions.
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
Transaction Description
 
Maximum Potential
Payments
   
Outstanding
Liabilities(1)
 
Heating oil, propane, other petroleum products, weather and commodity hedges (In Thousands)
 
$
30,650
   
$
8,555
 
 
(1)
Balance included in CH Energy Group's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
Management is not aware of any existing condition that would require payment under the guarantees.
 
Common Stock Dividends

On March 27, 2013, the Board of Directors of CH Energy Group declared a quarterly dividend of 55.5 cents per share payable May 1, 2013, to shareholders of record as of April 10, 2013.

CH Energy Group's ability to pay dividends is affected by the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends.  The Federal Power Act limits the payment of dividends by Central Hudson to its retained earnings.  More restrictive is the PSC's limit on the dividends Central Hudson may pay to CH Energy Group which is 100% of the average annual income available for common stock, calculated on a two-year rolling average basis.  Based on this calculation, Central Hudson was restricted to a maximum payment of $45.1 million in dividends to CH Energy Group for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Central Hudson's dividend would be reduced to 75% of its average annual income in the event of a downgrade of its senior debt rating below "BBB+" by more than one rating agency if the stated reason for the downgrade is related to any of CH Energy Group's or Central Hudson's affiliates.  Further restrictions are imposed for any downgrades below this level.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, Central Hudson had declared and paid dividends of $5.0 million to parent CH Energy Group.  CH Energy Group's other subsidiaries do not have express restrictions on their ability to pay dividends.
 
 
NOTE 2 – Regulatory Matters
 
Summary of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
 
The following table sets forth Central Hudson's regulatory assets and liabilities (In Thousands):
 
     
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
Regulatory Assets (Debits):
 
   
   
 
Current:
 
   
   
 
Deferred purchased electric and natural gas costs (Note 1)
 
$
15,743
   
$
11,367
   
$
2,892
 
Deferred unrealized losses on derivatives (Note 14)
   
517
     
1,259
     
22,118
 
PSC General and Temporary State Assessment and carrying charges
   
8,854
     
6,260
     
11,547
 
RDM and carrying charges
   
-
     
3,393
     
3,068
 
Residual natural gas deferred balances
   
4,554
     
4,554
     
4,554
 
Deferred debt expense on re-acquired debt
   
601
     
601
     
628
 
Deferred and accrued costs - MGP site remediation and carrying charges (Note 12)
   
4,605
     
4,605
     
4,586
 
Other
   
291
     
290
     
290
 
 
   
35,165
     
32,329
     
49,683
 
Long-term:
                       
Deferred pension costs (Note 10)
   
140,349
     
146,935
     
151,737
 
Deferred unrealized losses on derivatives (Note 14)
   
93
     
218
     
1,688
 
Carrying charges - pension reserve
   
10,303
     
9,182
     
6,158
 
Deferred and accrued costs - MGP site remediation and carrying charges (Note 12)
   
10,109
     
10,739
     
13,459
 
Deferred debt expense on re-acquired debt
   
4,586
     
4,737
     
5,172
 
Deferred Medicare Subsidy taxes
   
7,933
     
7,808
     
7,450
 
Residual natural gas deferred balances and carrying charges
   
3,809
     
5,443
     
8,168
 
Income taxes recoverable through future rates
   
37,119
     
29,908
     
47,820
 
Energy efficiency incentives
   
2,719
     
2,719
     
2,719
 
Deferred storm costs and carrying charges
   
19,717
     
23,274
     
15,178
 
Other
   
13,322
     
15,751
     
11,747
 
 
   
250,059
     
256,714
     
271,296
 
Total Regulatory Assets
 
$
285,224
   
$
289,043
   
$
320,979
 
 
                       
Regulatory Liabilities (Credits):
                       
Current:
                       
Excess electric depreciation reserve
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
74
 
RDM and carrying charges
   
2,330
     
-
     
-
 
Deferred unrealized gains on derivatives (Note 14)
   
2,941
     
95
     
-
 
Income taxes refundable through future rates
   
4,431
     
4,669
     
5,120
 
Deferred unbilled gas revenues
   
4,866
     
5,972
     
3,765
 
 
   
14,568
     
10,736
     
8,959
 
Long-term:
                       
Customer benefit fund
   
2,419
     
2,390
     
2,566
 
Deferred cost of removal (Note 1)
   
44,795
     
43,392
     
42,748
 
Rate Base impact of tax repair project and carrying charges
   
9,159
     
9,099
     
8,083
 
Excess electric depreciation reserve carrying charges
   
1,586
     
1,586
     
2,688
 
Deferred unrealized gains on derivatives (Note 14)
   
2,881
     
693
     
-
 
Income taxes refundable through future rates
   
24,194
     
21,062
     
33,769
 
Deferred OPEB costs
   
9,696
     
7,975
     
8,974
 
Carrying charges - OPEB reserve
   
11,222
     
9,949
     
6,482
 
Other
   
12,448
     
9,314
     
5,199
 
 
   
118,400
     
105,460
     
110,509
 
Total Regulatory Liabilities
 
$
132,968
   
$
116,196
   
$
119,468
 
 
                       
Net Regulatory Assets
 
$
152,256
   
$
172,847
   
$
201,511
 
 
 
 
 
2010 Rate Order

From July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013, Central Hudson is operating under the terms of the 2010 Rate Order, which provides for the following:
 
Description
 
2010 Rate Order
Electric delivery revenue increases
 
$11.8 million(1) 7/1/10
$9.3 million(1)  7/1/11
$9.1 million 7/1/12
Natural gas delivery revenue increases
 
$5.7 million 7/1/10
$2.4 million 7/1/11
$1.6 million 7/1/12
ROE
 
10.0%
Earnings sharing
 
Yes(2)
Capital structure – common equity
 
48%
Targets with true-up provisions - % of revenue requirement to defer for shortfalls
 
 
Net plant balances
 
100%
Transmission and distribution ROW maintenance
 
100%
RDMs – electric and natural gas(3)
 
Yes
New deferral accounting for full recovery
 
 
Fixed debt costs
 
Yes(4)
Transmission sag mitigation
 
Yes
New York State Temporary Assessment
 
Yes
Material regulatory actions(5)
 
Yes(5)
Property taxes – Deferral for 90% of excess/deficiency relative to revenue requirement
 
Yes(6)
 
(1)
Moderated by $12 million and $4 million bill credits, respectively.
(2)
ROE > 10.5%, 50% to customers, > 11.0%, 80% to customers, > 11.5%, 90% to customers.
(3)
Electric is based on revenue dollars; gas is based on usage per customer.
(4)
Deferral authorization in RY2 and RY3 only.
(5)
Legislative, governmental or regulatory actions with individual impacts greater than or equal to 2% of net income of the applicable department.
(6)
The Company's pre-tax gain or loss limited to $0.7 million per rate year.
 
Other PSC Proceedings
 
On April 20, 2012, CH Energy Group, Central Hudson, Fortis, FortisUS, and Cascade Acquisition Sub Inc., submitted a joint petition to the PSC for approval of the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis and related transactions.  The petition describes how the acquisition of Central Hudson by Fortis will produce benefits for constituencies that include customers, employees and communities in Central Hudson's service territory as well as positive public benefits.  The petition categorizes the public benefits into three major areas: 1) FortisUS' commitments and intention to preserve and build on the existing strength of Central Hudson, 2) mitigation of any potential negative aspects of the merger consistent with the PSC's disposition of specific issues that have arisen in prior utility merger proceedings in New York State and 3) identifiable monetary benefits resulting from assignment of costs to shareholders and cost savings made possible by the merger.  The petition includes proposals and commitments that effectively mitigate any potential risks to Central Hudson's customers from foreign holding company ownership and excess rate risk.  On January 25, 2013, a Joint Proposal with the Company, Fortis, PSC Staff, Multiple Intervenors, the Department of State Utility Intervention Unit, and Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties as signatories, was submitted to the PSC.  The signatory parties have concluded that, based on the terms of the Joint Proposal, the acquisition is in the public interest pursuant to the New York State Public Service Law, Section 70, and recommended approval by the Commission.  On May 3, 2013 the Recommended Decision of the two Administrative Law Judges – an advisory document – was issued by the PSC.  The RD states that, in its current form, the Joint Proposal does not meet the public interest test as required by New York State Public Service Law, Section 70, but also states that the ALJs recommend the Commission consider adopting the Joint Proposal subject to modifications that would alter the transaction's balance of risks and benefits.  Briefs on exceptions to the RD are due May 17, 2013 and briefs opposing exceptions are due on May 24, 2013.  While no assurance regarding the closing can be given until a PSC Order is issued by the Commission, a decision from the PSC regarding the Joint Proposal and a subsequent closing is expected in the second quarter of 2013.  See Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the caption "Regulatory Matters – PSC Proceedings" for further discussion regarding the terms of the Joint Proposal and schedule.
 

On October 29, 2012, Central Hudson's service territory was impacted by Superstorm Sandy, and approximately 103,000 electric customers were affected.  The Sandy storm costs were included in the estimate of $22 million storm costs identified in the $35 million of regulatory liabilities to be funded by Fortis. Consistent with the Joint Proposal, on February 6, 2013, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC seeking expedited Commission approval to recover $9.7 million of incremental electric storm restoration expense, with carrying charges. These storm costs represent the amount Central Hudson deferred on its books as of December 31, 2012 based on actual costs incurred, bills received and an estimate for bills outstanding and are above the respective rate allowance during the twelve months ended June 30, 2013, which is the third rate year established by the PSC in its approval of a Joint Proposal in Case 09-E-0588. The Company believes the incremental costs associated with this storm meet the PSC's criteria for deferral: 1) the amount is incremental to the amount in rates; 2) the incremental amount is material and extraordinary in nature and 3) the utility's earnings are below the authorized rate of return on common equity.  As of March 31, 2013, the deferred balance related to this storm event was $9.8 million.

On October 29, 2011, Central Hudson experienced an unusual fall storm with snow accumulations of up to 20 inches in the service territory, resulting in electric service outages to over 150,000 customers, extensive damage to the electric system and significant restoration costs.  Following Tropical Storm Irene, the October snowstorm represented the second extraordinary storm event that occurred within the rate year.  Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC to defer for future recovery with carrying charges the $8.6 million of total incremental electric storm restoration expense.  However, because the petition requested the PSC to deviate from its prior precedents, the Company was aware that the amount the PSC granted could have been lower.  Accordingly, management deferred only the portion of the incremental costs that strictly follows Commission practice used in the Company's previous requests to defer incremental storm costs.  Approximately $3.7 million and $3.3 million of incremental restoration expense associated with this storm was expensed in 2011 and 2012, respectively, so that the return on common equity for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012 did not exceed the authorized rate of return of 10%.
 

In late August 2011, Central Hudson's service territory was affected by Tropical Storm Irene, disrupting service to approximately 180,000 customers.  On November 28, 2011 Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC seeking to defer for future recovery with carrying charges for the estimated $11.4 million of incremental electric storm restoration expense above the respective rate allowance during the twelve months ended June 30, 2012.  The Company believes the incremental costs associated with this storm meet the PSC's criteria for deferral.

On April 22, 2013, the Commission issued Orders approving deferral of $8.9 million and denying deferral of $3.7 million of the incremental electric storm restoration expense related to Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm.  Regarding the majority of the disallowed costs, the PSC's decision stated that the Company did not meet the third prong requirement which requires the Company not be in an over earnings position.  The Commission adopted a staff recommendation to exclude ratemaking normalization adjustments for purposes of calculating authorized electric regulatory earnings, and therefore denied a portion of these petitioned deferrals based on this third prong criterion.  In addition, the PSC's Order stated that approximately $0.6 million of the costs related to Tropical Storm Irene should have been allocated to a separate storm, Tropical Storm Lee, and that this separate amount did not meet the materiality threshold for recovery.  Central Hudson expects to file a petition for reconsideration and rehearing on the PSC's April 22, 2013 Orders challenging the exclusion of the Company's normalization adjustments used to measure earnings.  The petition will seek rehearing for reconsideration and recovery of $3.7 million of costs denied by the Commission for deferral accounting treatment.  The Company believes that it is entitled to fully recover all of these incremental electric storm restoration expenses; however Central Hudson cannot predict the final outcome of this proceeding.
 
 
NOTE 3 - New Accounting Guidance

Newly adopted and soon to be adopted accounting guidance is summarized below, including explanations for any new guidance issued in 2013 (except that which is not currently applicable) and the expected impact on CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries.
 
Impact
 
Category
 
Accounting
Reference
 
Title
 
Issued Date
 
Effective Date
 
Balance Sheet (Topic 210)
 
ASU No. 2011-11
 
Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
 
Dec-11
 
Jan-13
 
Balance Sheet (Topic 210)
 
ASU No. 2013-01
 
Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
 
Jan-13
 
Jan-13
 
Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)
 
ASU No. 2013-02
 
Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Feb-13
 
Dec-12
 
Liabilities (Topic 405)
 
ASU No. 2013-04
 
Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date
 
Feb-13
 
Dec-13
 
Impact Key:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
No current impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries when adopted on the effective date noted.  Additional disclosures have been added or presentation of information modified where required.
(2)
No anticipated impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and its subsidiaries upon future adoption.
 
-20-

 
NOTE 4 – Income Tax

In September of 2010, Central Hudson filed a request with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") to change the Company's tax accounting method related to costs to repair and maintain utility assets.  The change was effective for the tax year ending December 31, 2009.  This change allows Central Hudson to take a current tax deduction for a significant amount of repair costs that were previously capitalized for tax purposes.

In September 2012, Central Hudson filed corporate income tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2011.  With that filing, the Company included an election to adopt the provisions of Revenue Procedure 2011-43 ("Rev Proc"), which provided IRS guidance related to the repair deduction previously taken on electric transmission and distribution property. Adoption of the provisions of the Rev Proc resulted in reduced federal and state net operating income tax loss ("NOL") carryforwards. The Company believes the remaining electric repair deduction meets and complies with the requirements included in the Rev Proc. As such, tax reserves related to the electric transmission and distribution repair deductions have been reclassified to deferred tax liability accounts.

IRS guidance with respect to repairs taken on Gas Transmission and Distribution repairs is still pending. Therefore, remaining reserves related to the gas repair deduction continue to be shown as "Tax Reserve" under the Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities section of the Central Hudson Balance Sheet.
 
Other than the uncertain tax position related to the Company's accounting method change for gas transmission and distribution repairs, there are no other uncertain tax positions.  The following is a summary of activity related to uncertain tax positions (In Thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
 
$
2,000
   
$
3,172
 
Adjustments related to tax accounting method change
   
47
     
2
 
Balance at the end of the period
 
$
2,047
   
$
3,174
 
 
Jurisdiction
 
Tax Years Open for Audit
Federal(1)
 
2007 - 2012
New York State
 
2009 - 2012
 
(1)   Federal tax filings for the years 2007 - 2011 are currently under audit.
 
 
Reconciliation - CH Energy Group
 
The following is a reconciliation between the amount of federal income tax computed on income before taxes at the statutory rate and the amount reported in CH Energy Group's Consolidated Statement of Income (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group
 
$
18,090
   
$
14,581
 
Preferred Stock dividends of Central Hudson
   
92
     
242
 
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
   
764
     
-
 
Federal income tax
   
7,465
     
-
 
State income tax
   
544
     
408
 
Deferred federal income tax
   
2,833
     
10,452
 
Deferred state income tax
   
323
     
809
 
Income before taxes
 
$
30,111
   
$
26,492
 
 
               
Computed federal tax at 35% statutory rate
 
$
10,539
   
$
9,272
 
State income tax net of federal tax benefit
   
879
     
1,293
 
Depreciation flow-through
   
891
     
797
 
Cost of Removal
   
(616
)
   
(596
)
Merger Transaction Costs
   
84
     
1,705
 
Other
   
(612
)
   
(802
)
Total income tax
 
$
11,165
   
$
11,669
 
 
               
Effective tax rate - federal
   
34.2
%
   
39.4
%
Effective tax rate - state
   
2.9
%
   
4.6
%
Effective tax rate - combined
   
37.1
%
   
44.0
%
 
The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to 2012 was primarily driven by the decrease in merger related costs.  Merger related transaction costs that are facilitative in nature are considered nondeductible for tax purposes. Merger related transaction costs incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were $0.2 million and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $4.3 million which have been determined to be facilitative and therefore nondeductible.
 
-22-

 
Reconciliation - Central Hudson
 
The following is a reconciliation between the amount of federal income tax computed on income before taxes at the statutory rate and the amount reported in Central Hudson's Statement of Income (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Net income
 
$
14,369
   
$
16,733
 
Federal income tax
   
5,318
     
-
 
Deferred federal income tax
   
2,565
     
9,320
 
Deferred state income tax
   
901
     
1,433
 
Income before taxes
 
$
23,153
   
$
27,486
 
 
               
Computed federal tax at 35% statutory rate
 
$
8,104
   
$
9,620
 
State income tax net of federal tax benefit
   
901
     
1,433
 
Depreciation flow-through
   
891
     
797
 
Cost of Removal
   
(616
)
   
(596
)
Other
   
(496
)
   
(501
)
Total income tax
 
$
8,784
   
$
10,753
 
 
               
Effective tax rate - federal
   
34.0
%
   
33.9
%
Effective tax rate - state
   
3.9
%
   
5.2
%
Effective tax rate - combined
   
37.9
%
   
39.1
%
 
NOTE 5 – Acquisitions and Investments

Acquisitions

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, CH Energy Group or Central Hudson made no acquisitions.
 
Investments
 
The value of CHEC's investments as of March 31, 2013 is as follows  (In Thousands):
 
CHEC Investment
Description
Intercompany Debt
Equity Investment
Total
Griffith Energy Services
100% controlling interest in a fuel distribution business
$
40,000
$
40,682
$
80,682
CH-Community Wind
50% equity interest in a joint venture that owns 18% interest in two operating wind projects
-
-
-
Other
Partnerships and an energy sector venture capital fund
-
2,241
2,241
 
  
$
40,000
$
42,923
$
82,923
 
-23-

 
The remaining investments identified as CH-Community Wind and Other are not considered a part of the core business; however, management intends to retain these investments at this time.

NOTE 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill, customer relationships, trademarks and covenants not to compete associated with acquisitions are included in intangible assets.  In accordance with current accounting guidance related to goodwill and other intangible assets, goodwill and other intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are periodically reviewed for impairment.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, management performed a qualitative assessment of any potential impairment of Griffith's goodwill.  The last quantitative analysis of impairment was performed as of September 30, 2010, which reflected that the fair value of Griffith exceeded its carrying value by approximately $34.2 million.  Additionally, management believes that no event has occurred which would trigger impairment since the last quantitative test performed.  Based on these factors and other factors considered in its qualitative analysis, management believes that it is more likely than not that the fair market value of Griffith is more than the carrying value and, therefore, the first and second steps of the impairment test prescribed in guidance were not necessary.
 
The components of amortizable intangible assets of CH Energy Group are summarized as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
   
March 31, 2012
 
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Gross Carrying Amount
   
Accumulated Amortization
 
Customer relationships
 
$
37,709
   
$
26,645
   
$
37,709
   
$
26,017
   
$
36,526
   
$
24,188
 
Trademarks
   
318
     
8
     
318
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Covenants not to compete
   
411
     
122
     
411
     
97
     
377
     
151
 
Total Amortizable Intangibles
 
$
38,438
   
$
26,775
   
$
38,438
   
$
26,114
   
$
36,903
   
$
24,339
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Intangibles Amortization Expense (In Thousands)
 
$
661
   
$
634
 
 
The estimated annual amortization expense for the remainder of the current year and for each of the next four years, assuming no new acquisitions or divestitures, is as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
 
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
 
Estimated Amortization Expense
 
$
1,984
   
$
2,636
   
$
2,374
   
$
988
   
$
683
 
 
-24-

 
NOTE 7 – Short-Term Borrowing Arrangements

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson borrowings under its committed and uncommitted short-term borrowing arrangements are as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
   
March 31, 2012
 
CH Energy Group Holding Company Short-term borrowings
 
$
29,000
   
$
19,500
   
$
32,000
 
Central Hudson Short-term borrowings
   
27,000
     
-
     
59,000
 
Intercompany Borrowing
   
-
     
-
     
(20,000
)
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
56,000
   
$
19,500
   
$
71,000
 
Total CH Energy Group Weighted Average Interest Rate
   
0.97
%
   
1.08
%
   
1.12
%
 
NOTE 8 – Capitalization – Common and Preferred Stock

For a schedule of activity related to common stock, paid-in capital and capital stock, see the Consolidated Statement of Equity for CH Energy Group and Central Hudson.

Effective July 31, 2007, the Board of Directors of CH Energy Group extended and amended the Common Stock Repurchase Program of the Company (the "Repurchase Program"), which was authorized in 2002.  As amended, the Repurchase Program authorized the repurchase of up to 2 million shares (excluding shares purchased before July 31, 2007) or approximately 13% of the CH Energy Group's outstanding Common Stock, from time to time, through July 31, 2012.  In accordance with the merger agreement with Fortis, which prohibited CH Energy Group from repurchasing additional shares subsequent to February 21, 2012, the Repurchase Program was not renewed.  As of December 31, 2012, CH Energy Group had purchased 948,676 shares under the Repurchase Program, which were not retired or cancelled, and the repurchases accordingly have been presented as an increase to treasury stock in CH Energy Group's Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Effective July 1, 2011, employer matching contributions to an eligible employee's Savings Incentive Plan ("SIP") account could be paid in either cash or in CH Energy Group Common Stock, and CH Energy Group initially chose to meet its matching obligation in Common Stock.  Since March 1, 2012, the Company has been contributing cash for all of its matching obligations, except for matching contributions associated with classified employees of Central Hudson.  The classified employees will continue to receive matching contributions in CH Energy Group Common Stock.  As of March 31, 2013, 44,786 shares had been issued from treasury related to employer matching contributions, of which 3,425 shares were issued in 2013.

On March 21, 2013, Central Hudson redeemed its two outstanding series of preferred stock.  Registered holders of 4 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Stock received $107.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date in the amount of $1.00 per share, for a total redemption price of $108.00 per share.  Registered holders of 4.75% Cumulative Preferred Stock received $106.75 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date in the amount of $1.056 per share, for a total redemption price of $107.806 per share.  The premium paid in connection with the redemption of the preferred stock was recorded as a reduction of Retained Earnings on Central Hudson's Balance Sheet and as Premium on Preferred Stock Redemption on Central Hudson's Income Statement.
 

Through March 31, 2013, Central Hudson made $5.0 million of dividend payments in 2013 to parent CH Energy Group.  In the prior year, Central Hudson made no dividend payments to parent CH Energy Group in the three months ended March 31, 2012.

NOTE 9 – Capitalization – Long-Term Debt

NYSERDA

Central Hudson's outstanding Series B NYSERDA Bonds total $33.7 million at March 31, 2013.  These bonds are tax-exempt multi-modal bonds that are currently in a variable rate mode.  In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for variations in the interest costs from these bonds.  As such, variations between the actual interest rates on these bonds and the interest rate included in the current delivery rate structure for these bonds are deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and therefore do not impact earnings.

To mitigate the potential cash flow impact from unexpected increases in short-term interest rates on Series B NYSERDA Bonds, on March 28, 2012, Central Hudson purchased an interest rate cap based on an index of short-term tax-exempt debt.  The rate cap is two years in length with a notional amount aligned with Series B and will expire on April 1, 2014.  The cap is based on the monthly weighted average of an index of tax-exempt variable rate debt, multiplied by 175%.  Central Hudson would receive a payout if the adjusted index exceeds 5.0% for a given month.  The rate cap replaced an expiring rate cap with substantially similar terms. See Note 14 – "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" for fair value disclosures related to this instrument.

Central Hudson is currently evaluating what actions, if any, it may take in the future in connection with its Series B NYSERDA Bonds.  Potential actions may include converting the debt to another interest rate mode or refinancing with taxable bonds.
 
NOTE 10 – Post-Employment Benefits

Central Hudson provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees through its post-retirement benefit plans.  Central Hudson pension benefits include a Retirement Income Plan ("RIP") and a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP").
 

In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for any variations between actual pension and other post-employment benefits ("OPEB") expense and the amount included in the current delivery rate structure.  As a result, post-retirement benefit plans at Central Hudson do not have any impact on earnings.  The following information is provided in accordance with current accounting requirements.

The following are the components of Central Hudson's net periodic benefit costs for its pension and OPEB plans for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Pension Benefits
   
OPEB(1)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Service cost
 
$
3,073
   
$
2,741
   
$
760
   
$
644
 
Interest cost
   
5,732
     
6,177
     
1,382
     
1,662
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(7,698
)
   
(6,768
)
   
(1,723
)
   
(1,734
)
Amortization of:
                               
Prior service cost (credit)
   
433
     
501
     
(1,465
)
   
(1,466
)
Transitional obligation
   
-
     
-
     
2
     
641
 
Recognized actuarial loss
   
4,840
     
5,788
     
1,582
     
2,326
 
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
$
6,380
   
$
8,439
   
$
538
   
$
2,073
 
 
(1) The OPEB amounts for all periods presented reflect the effect of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.
 
The balance of Central Hudson's accrued pension costs (i.e., the under-funded status) is as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
Accrued pension costs
 
$
88,828
   
$
113,885
   
$
96,547
 
 
These balances include the difference between the projected benefit obligation ("PBO") for pensions and the market value of the pension assets, and the liability for the non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP").
 
The following reflects the impact of the recording of funding status adjustments on the Balance Sheets of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson (In Thousands):
 
 
 
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
Prefunded pension costs prior to funding status adjustment
 
$
44,956
   
$
25,172
   
$
49,996
 
Additional liability required
   
(133,784
)
   
(139,057
)
   
(146,543
)
Total accrued pension costs
 
$
(88,828
)
 
$
(113,885
)
 
$
(96,547
)
Total offset to additional liability - Regulatory assets - Pension Plan
 
$
133,784
   
$
139,057
   
$
146,543
 
 
-27-

 
Gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but that are not recognized as components of net periodic pension cost would typically be recognized as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax.  However, Central Hudson has PSC approval to record regulatory assets rather than adjusting comprehensive income to offset the additional liability.

Contribution levels for the RIP and OPEB plans are determined by various factors including the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, benefit changes, and corporate resources.  In addition, OPEB plan contribution levels are also impacted by medical claims assumptions used and mortality assumptions used.
 
Contributions for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
 
Retirement Income Plan
   
OPEB
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
   
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Contributions
 
$
26,000
   
$
28,000
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
Retirement Plan Policy and Strategy

Central Hudson's Retirement Plan investment policy seeks to achieve long-term growth and income to match the long-term nature of its funding obligations. Management has transitioned to a liability-driven investment ("LDI") strategy for its pension plan assets.  Management's objective is to reduce the volatility of the plan's funded status and the level of contributions by more closely aligning the characteristics of plan assets with liabilities.

Asset allocation targets in effect for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as well as actual asset allocations as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 expressed as a percentage of the market value of the Retirement Plan's assets, are summarized in the table below:
 
Asset Class
 
December 31,
2012
   
Minimum
   
Target Average
   
Maximum
   
March 31,
2013
 
Equity Securities
   
50.5
%
   
45
%
   
50
%
   
55
%
   
51.2
%
Debt Securities
   
47.4
%
   
45
%
   
50
%
   
55
%
   
47.4
%
Other(1)
   
2.1
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
   
1.4
%
 
(1)
Consists of temporary cash investments, as well as receivables for investments sold and interest, and payables for investments purchased, which have not settled as of that date.
 
The above asset allocations as of December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2013 reflect the transition to a LDI strategy resulting in an asset allocation of approximately 50% equity and 50% long duration fixed income assets. Due to market value fluctuations, RIP assets will require rebalancing from time to time to maintain the asset allocation within target ranges.  Management is currently monitoring ongoing market activity and the impact on the pension plan asset allocations to determine if a rebalancing will be necessary.
 

Central Hudson cannot assure that the RIP's return objectives or funded status objectives will be achieved.

NOTE 11 – Equity-Based Compensation

CH Energy Group has adopted the CH Energy Group, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan").  The 2011 Plan reserves for awards to be granted up to a maximum of 400,000 shares of Common Stock plus any shares remaining available under the 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") as of April 26, 2011 and any shares that are subject to awards granted under the 2006 Plan that are forfeited, cancelled, surrendered or otherwise terminated without the issuance of shares on or after that date.  Awards may consist of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, dividend equivalents and other awards that CH Energy Group may authorize. 
The 2011 Plan will continue in effect until February 9, 2021, unless sooner terminated by the Board of Directors.  Termination will not affect grants and awards then outstanding.

In December 2012, the board approved the non-refundable accelerated payment of 80% of earned performance shares for certain executive officers for the February 8, 2010 grant and the acceleration of the vesting of 80% of restricted shares outstanding for certain executive officers issued under the February 10, 2010 grant award.  In accordance with accounting rules, the modification of the restricted share grant is treated as a cancellation of the original award and issue of a new award with the new grant date fair value and incremental expense recognized.  The incremental expense resulting from this modification was not material.
 
Performance Shares
 
A summary of the status of outstanding performance shares granted to executives under the 2006 and 2011 Plans are as follows:
 
Grant Date
 
Grant Date Fair Value
 
Performance Shares Granted
 
Performance Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2013
 
February 8, 2010
 
$
38.62 
 
48,740 
 
37,348 
 (1)
February 7, 2011
 
$
49.77 
 
40,320 
 
40,320 
 
February 6, 2012
 
$
58.15 
 
39,440 
 
39,440 
 
February 5, 2013
 
$
65.02 
 
35,780 
 
35,780 
 
 
(1)
CH Energy Group treasury stock of 613 shares in 2011 and 4,128 in 2012 were issued in satisfaction of the pro-rated payout of an officer who retired in 2011 and the accelerated payment to certain executive officers in 2012, respectively.
 
 
-29-

 
The ultimate number of shares earned under the awards is based on metrics established by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the award cycle.  Participants may elect to defer receipt of shares earned in accordance with terms and subject to conditions of the Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan.  Ultimate payouts from the Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan are made in the form of cash or shares.  Accordingly, these awards are classified as liabilities and are adjusted to fair value as of the end of each reporting period.

Performance shares granted February 8, 2010 and shown as outstanding as of March 31, 2013 in the table above, were paid out in April 2013.  Those recipients electing not to defer this compensation under the CH Energy Group Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan received shares issued from CH Energy Group's treasury stock totaling 11,354 shares.
 
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units
 
The following table summarizes information concerning restricted shares and stock units outstanding as of March 31, 2013:
 
Grant Date
 
Type of Award
 
Shares or
Stock Units Granted
 
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Vesting Terms
 
Unvested Shares Outstanding at March 31, 2013
 
October 1, 2009
 
Shares
 
14,375 
 
$
43.86 
 
Ratably over 5 years
 
5,750 
 
November 20, 2009
 
Stock Units
 
13,900 
 
$
41.43 
 
1/3 each year in Years 5, 6 and 7
 
13,900 
 
February 8, 2010
 
Shares
 
3,060 
 
$
38.62 
 
End of 3 years
 
 (1)
February 10, 2010
 
Shares
 
5,200 
 
$
38.89 
 
End of 3 years
 
 (2)
November 15, 2010
 
Shares
 
3,000 
 
$
46.53 
 
Ratably over 3 years
 
1,000 
 
February 7, 2011
 
Shares
 
1,500 
 
$
49.77 
 
1/3 each year in Years 3, 4 and 5
 
1,500 
 
February 7, 2011
 
Shares
 
2,230 
 
$
49.77 
 
End of 3 years
 
2,230 
 
February 6, 2012
 
Shares
 
2,170 
 
$
58.15 
 
End of 3 years
 
2,170 
 
February 5, 2013
 
Shares
 
2,035 
 
$
65.02 
 
End of 3 years
 
2,035 
 
 
(1)
The vesting of 405 shares was accelerated as approved by the Board of Directors.  The remaining 2,655 shares vested on February 8, 2013.
(2)
The vesting of 3,520 shares was accelerated as approved by the Board of Directors.  The remaining 1,680 shares vested on February 8, 2013.
 
Compensation Expense
 
The following table summarizes expense for equity-based compensation by award type for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (In Thousands):
 
 
CH Energy Group
 
Central Hudson
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Performance shares
 
$
617
   
$
1,538
   
$
502
   
$
525
 
Restricted shares and stock units
 
$
105
   
$
114
   
$
72
   
$
65
 
Recognized tax benefit of restricted shares and stock units
 
$
41
   
$
46
   
$
29
   
$
26
 
 
-30-

 
Compensation expense for performance shares is recognized over the three year performance period based on the fair value of the awards at the end of each reporting period and the time elapsed within each grant's performance period.  The fair value of performance shares is determined based on the shares' current market value at the end of each reporting period, estimated forfeitures for each grant, and expected payout based on management's best estimate including analysis of historical performance in accordance with the defined metrics of each grant.  Compensation expense is recorded as performance shares are earned over the relevant three-year life of the performance share grant prior to its award.  The portion of the compensation expense related to an employee who retires during the performance period is the amount recognized up to the date of retirement.
 
Compensation expense for restricted shares is recognized over the defined vesting periods based on the grant date fair value of the awards.  As of December 31, 2012, there are no stock options outstanding.  Stock option expense recognized over the three months ended March 31, 2012 was not material.
 
The market price of CH Energy Group stock increased approximately $8 per share immediately following the February 21, 2012 announcement that CH Energy Group had entered into a merger agreement with Fortis.  CH Energy Group's equity-based compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 included approximately $0.1 million and $1.0 million attributable to the increase in stock price on outstanding performance share awards, which has been recognized at the holding company as a transaction cost resulting from the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis and not allocated to its subsidiaries.
 
NOTE 12 – Commitments and Contingencies

Electricity Purchase Commitments

On June 30, 2010 and September 9, 2010, Central Hudson entered into agreements with Entergy Nuclear Power Marketing, LLC to purchase electricity (but not capacity) on a unit-contingent basis at defined prices from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, energy supplied under these agreements cost approximately $5.2 million.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, energy supplied under these agreements cost approximately $4.3 million, which represents approximately 14% of Central Hudson's full-service customer requirements on an annual basis.

These contracts meet the definition of a normal purchase and are therefore excluded from current accounting requirements related to derivatives.  In the event the above noted counterparty is unable to fulfill its commitment to deliver under the terms of the agreements, Central Hudson would obtain the supply from the New York Independent System Operator ("NYISO") market, and under Central Hudson's current ratemaking treatment, recover the full cost from customers.  As such, there would be no impact on earnings.
 

Central Hudson must also acquire sufficient peak load capacity to meet the peak load requirements of its full service customers.  This capacity is made up of contracts with capacity providers, purchases from the NYISO capacity market and its own generating capacity.

Environmental Matters

Central Hudson

·
Air

There has been no change to this matter in 2013, however, the relevant disclosure is provided as required.  In 1999, the New York State Attorney General ("Attorney General") alleged that Central Hudson "may have constructed, and continues to operate, major modifications to the Danskammer Point Steam Electric Generating Station ("Danskammer Plant") without obtaining certain requisite preconstruction permits."  In March 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") assumed responsibility for the investigation.  Central Hudson believes any permits required for these projects were obtained in a timely manner.  Central Hudson sold the Danskammer Plant to Dynegy in January 2001.  While Central Hudson could have retained liability after the sale, depending on the type of remedy, Central Hudson believes that the statutes of limitation relating to any alleged violation of air emissions rules have lapsed. 

·
Former Manufactured Gas Plant Facilities

Central Hudson and its predecessors owned and operated manufactured gas plants ("MGPs") to serve their customers' heating and lighting needs. These plants manufactured gas from coal and oil beginning in the mid to late 1800s with all sites ceasing operations by the 1950s. This process produced certain by-products that may pose risks to human health and the environment.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ("DEC"), which regulates the timing and extent of remediation of MGP sites in New York State, has notified Central Hudson that it believes Central Hudson or its predecessors at one time owned and/or operated MGPs at seven sites in Central Hudson's franchise territory.  The DEC has further requested that Central Hudson investigate and, if necessary, remediate these sites under a Consent Order, Voluntary Cleanup Agreement, or Brownfield Cleanup Agreement.  The DEC has placed all seven of these sites on the New York State Environmental Site Remediation Database.  As authorized by the PSC, Central Hudson is currently permitted to defer for future recovery the differences between actual costs for MGP site investigation and remediation and the associated rate allowances, with carrying charges to be accrued on the deferred balances at the authorized pre-tax rate of return.
 

MGP site investigation and remediation can be divided into various stages of completion based on the milestones of activities completed and reports reviewed.  Central Hudson accrues for remediation costs based on the amounts that can be reasonably estimated at a point in time.  These stages, the types of costs accrued during various stages and the sites currently in each stage, include:
·
Investigation – Begins with preliminary investigations and is completed upon filing and approval by DEC of a Remedial Investigation ("RI") Report.  Central Hudson accrues for estimated investigation costs, Remediation Alternative Analysis ("RAA"), and Remedial Design costs.
Ø
Site #6 – Kingston (NY) – Remedial Investigation in Progress
-
The revised RI report was submitted to the DEC for review and approval in November 2012.  The DEC provided general and specific comments to the revised RI report in a letter dated February 27, 2013. Central Hudson submitted a comment response letter to the DEC on March 28, 2013.
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs to complete the RAA and the Remedial Design.
·
Remedial Alternative Analysis – Engineering analysis of alternatives for remediation based on the RI is compiled into a RAA Report.  Upon completion of the RAA and the filing with the DEC, management accrues for an estimate of remediation costs developed and quantified in the RAA based on DEC approved methods, as well as an estimate of post-remediation operation, maintenance and monitoring costs ("OM&M").  These amounts represent a significant portion of the total costs to remediate and are subject to change based on further investigations, final remedial design and associated engineering estimates, regulatory comments and requests, remedial design changes/negotiations, and changed or unforeseen conditions during the remediation or additional requirements following the remediation. Prior to the completion of the RAA, management cannot reasonably estimate what cost will be incurred for remediation or post-remediation activities.
Ø
Site #5 – North Water Street (Poughkeepsie, NY) – Remedial Alternatives Analysis in progress
-
DEC approved an Interim Remedial Measure ("IRM") associated with the southern portion of this site.  The IRM activities were completed in 2012.  The IRM Construction Completion Report ("CCR") and Interim Site Management Plan ("SMP") were submitted to the DEC for review and approval in December 2012 and February 2013, respectively.
-
In addition, Central Hudson has recently retired and removed propane air facilities formerly located on site. The DEC approved a work plan to investigate the former propane tank area on February 7, 2013.  The investigation is tentatively planned to commence in the spring of 2013.  Depending on the results of this investigation some level of future remediation may be required in this area.
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate for completion of the RAA and Remedial Design.
 
 
·
Remedial Design - Upon approval of the RAA and final decision of remediation approach based on alternatives presented, a Remedial Design is developed and filed with the DEC for approval.
·
Remediation – Completion of the work plan as defined in the approved Remedial Design.  Upon completion, final reports are filed with the DEC for approval and may include a CCR, Final Engineering Report ("FER"), or other reports required by the DEC based on the work performed.
Ø
Site #4 – Catskill (NY) – Remediation in Progress
-
Remediation activities commenced in September 2012 and are anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2013.
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs to complete the remediation and OM&M.
·
Post-Remediation Monitoring – Entails the OM&M as directed by the DEC based on the approved final report of remediation.  The activities are typically defined in a SMP, which is approved by the DEC.  The extent of activities during this phase may increase or decrease based on the results of ongoing monitoring being performed and future potential usage of the property.
Ø
Site #1 – Beacon (NY) – Post-Remediation Monitoring Complete
-
SMP submitted to the DEC and release letter for the site was received under a March 26, 2013 cover letter.
-
No further costs expected and no amounts accrued as of March 31, 2013 related to this site.
-
If the building at this site were to be removed, further investigation and testing would be required related to the soil under the building, which may require additional remediation.  Management cannot currently estimate the costs that may be incurred related to this.
Ø
Site #2 – Newburgh (NY) – Post-Remediation In Progress
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs for OM&M and execution of the draft SMP.
-
Central Hudson has recently retired and removed propane air facilities located on Area A.  A draft figure associated with a future work plan to investigate the former propane tank area was submitted to the DEC in February 2013.   Additionally, draft figures proposing recovery well installation in Area A and B and a proposal to expand the recovery well system near NMW-46 (Area B) were also submitted to the DEC for approval.  Depending on the results from the former propane tank area investigation some level of future remediation may be required in this area. Management cannot currently estimate the costs that may be incurred related to potential remediation of the former propane tank area.
 
 
Ø
Site #3 – Laurel Street (Poughkeepsie, NY) – Post-Remediation In Progress
-
The results of the sampling event completed in January 2013 were submitted to the DEC on February 19, 2013.  The DEC approved a request from Central Hudson to reduce the frequency of sampling from a quarterly to semi-annual frequency on February 20, 2013.
-
Central Hudson continues to work with the DEC to complete an Environmental Easement for the portion of the site owned by Central Hudson.
-
Amounts accrued represent an estimate of costs for OM&M.
·
No Action Required
Ø
 Site #7 – Bayeaux Street (Poughkeepsie, NY) – No further investigation or remedial action is currently required.  However, per the DEC this site still remains on the list for potential future investigation.

A summary of amounts accrued and spent are detailed in the chart below (In Thousands):
 
Site #
   
Liability Recorded as of 12/31/12
   
Amounts Spent in 2013(1)
   
Liability Adjustment
   
Liability Recorded as of 3/31/13
   
Current Portion of Liability at 3/31/13
   
Long-Term Portion of Liability at 3/31/13
 
1, 2, 3, 4    
$
12,210
   
$
3,628
   
$
883
   
$
9,465
   
$
2,916
   
$
6,549
 
5, 6      
1,743
     
68
     
(62
)
   
1,613
     
922
     
691
 
       
$
13,953
   
$
3,696
   
$
821
   
$
11,078
   
$
3,838
   
$
7,240
 
 
(1)
Amounts spent in 2013 as shown above do not include legal fees of approximately $8 thousand.
 
Based on a cost model analysis completed in 2012 of possible remediation and future operating, maintenance, and monitoring costs for sites #2 through #6, Central Hudson believes there is a 90% confidence level that the total costs to remediate these sites will not exceed $152.0 million over the next 30 years.  The cost model involves assumptions relating to investigation expenses, results of investigations, remediation costs, potential future liabilities, and post-remedial operating, maintenance and monitoring costs, and is based on a variety of factors including projections regarding the amount and extent of contamination, the location, size and use of the sites, proximity to sensitive resources, status of regulatory investigations, and information regarding remediation activities at other MGP sites in New York State.  The cost model also assumes that proposed or anticipated remediation techniques are technically feasible and that proposed remediation plans receive DEC and New York State Department of Health ("NYSDOH") approval.

Future remediation activities, including OM&M and related costs may vary significantly from the assumptions used in Central Hudson's current cost estimates, and these costs could have a material adverse effect (the extent of which cannot be reasonably determined) on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson if Central Hudson were unable to recover all or a substantial portion of these costs via collection in rates from customers and/or through insurance.
 

Central Hudson expects to recover its remediation costs from its customers.  The current components of this recovery include:
-
Current Rate Order includes cash recovery from customers of $13.6 million spread equally over the three year settlement period ending June 30, 2013;
-
As part of the 2010 Rate Order, Central Hudson maintained previously granted deferral authority and subsequent recovery for amounts spent over the rate allowance.
-
Total MGP Site Investigation and Remediation costs recovered through rates and other regulatory mechanisms from July 1, 2007 through March 31, 2013 was approximately $25.6 million, with $1.2 million recovered in the three months ended March 31, 2013.
-
The total spent in the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to site investigation and remediation was approximately $3.7 million.
-
The regulatory asset balance as of March 31, 2013 was $14.7 million, which represents the difference between amounts spent or currently accrued as a liability and the amounts recovered through rate allowance, as well as carrying charges accrued. Upon completion of investigation at sites #5 and #6, when remediation and post-remediation costs will be able to be reasonably estimated and therefore will be recorded as a liability, this regulatory asset balance will likely increase significantly.  Management projects that the investigation at these sites will likely be completed within the next two years.

Central Hudson has put its insurers on notice and intends to seek reimbursement from its insurers for its costs.  Certain of these insurers have denied coverage.  In addition to the rate allowance amounts noted above, Central Hudson recovered approximately $2.3 million from insurance. There were no insurance recoveries in the first quarter of 2013.  However, we do not expect insurance recoveries to offset a meaningful portion of total costs.

·
Little Britain Road property owned by Central Hudson

In 2000, Central Hudson and the DEC entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement ("VCA") whereby Central Hudson removed approximately 3,100 tons of soil and conducted groundwater sampling.  Central Hudson believes that it has fulfilled its obligations under the VCA and should receive the release provided for in the VCA, but the DEC has proposed that additional groundwater work be done to address groundwater sampling results that showed the presence of certain contaminants at levels exceeding the DEC criteria.  Central Hudson believes that such work is not necessary and has completed a soil vapor intrusion study showing that indoor air at the facility met Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") and NYSDOH standards. In October 2011, the DEC requested a 'non-committal' meeting with Central Hudson to discuss the site and possible next steps. At the annual MGP meeting with Central Hudson in October 2012, the DEC discussed the Little Britain Road property requesting an upcoming meeting to discuss the site and possible next steps. Central Hudson responded that we are available for such a meeting.  A meeting date has yet to be established.
 

At this time Central Hudson does not have sufficient information to estimate the need for additional remediation or potential remediation costs.  Central Hudson has put its insurers on notice regarding this matter and intends to seek reimbursement from its insurers for amounts, if any, for which it may become liable.  Central Hudson cannot predict the outcome of this matter.

·
Eltings Corners

Central Hudson owns and operates a maintenance and warehouse facility.  In the course of Central Hudson's hazardous waste permit renewal process for this facility, sediment contamination was discovered within the wetland area across the street from the main property.  In cooperation with the DEC, Central Hudson continues to investigate the nature and extent of the contamination.  Additional off-site sediment and on-site groundwater sampling was performed during 2012 in accordance with a supplemental work plan approved by the DEC.  Results from the on-site groundwater sampling activities were submitted to the DEC in January of 2013.  Following their review, the DEC issued a letter dated March 28, 2013 relieving Central Hudson from any further on-site groundwater sampling.  The sediment sampling results are expected to be submitted to the DEC in the spring of 2013.  Further sediment investigation is expected to take place in 2013.  The extent of the contamination as well as the timing and costs for any future remediation efforts cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

CHEC

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the amount spent by Griffith on remediation efforts in Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut were immaterial.

Griffith's reserve for environmental remediation is $1.4 million as of March 31, 2013, of which $0.4 million is expected to be spent in the next twelve months.

In connection with the 2009 sale of operations in certain geographic locations, Griffith agreed to indemnify the purchaser for certain claims, losses and expenses arising out of any breach by Griffith of the representations, warranties and covenants Griffith made in the sale agreement, certain environmental matters and all liabilities retained by Griffith.  Griffith's indemnification obligation is subject to a number of limitations, including a five-year limitation within which certain claims must be brought, an aggregate deductible of $0.8 million applicable to certain types of non-environmental claims and other deductibles applicable to certain specific environmental claims, and caps on Griffith's liability with respect to certain of the indemnification obligations.  The sale agreement includes an aggregate cap of $5.7 million on Griffith's obligation to indemnify the purchaser for breaches of many of Griffith's representations and warranties and for certain environmental liabilities.  In 2009, the Company reserved $2.6 million for environmental remediation costs it may be obligated to pay based on its indemnification obligations under the sale agreement.  To date, Griffith has paid approximately $1.2 million under its environmental remediation cost obligation.  In the first quarter of 2011, Griffith reduced the reserve by $0.6 million based on the completion of an environmental study.  The balance as of March 31, 2013 related to the divestiture is $0.8 million.  Management believes this is the most likely amount Griffith would pay with respect to its indemnification obligations under the sale agreement.
 

Certain Litigation Related to the Fortis Transaction
 
Following the announcement of the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis on February 21, 2012, several complaints were filed by purported CH Energy Group shareholders in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (the "New York County Court") and the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Dutchess, challenging the proposed merger. The Dutchess County actions have been transferred to the New York County Court, and all actions have been joined under the master caption In re CH Energy Group, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, Index No. 775,000/2012.

On April 9, 2012, a master amended complaint was filed in the joined litigation related to the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  The master amended complaint, which was filed on behalf of a putative class of CH Energy Group public shareholders, names as defendants CH Energy Group, its directors, Fortis, FortisUS, and Cascade Acquisition Sub, Inc. and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed transaction and that the entity defendants aided and abetted that breach.  The master amended complaint further alleges that the preliminary proxy filed in connection with the proposed transaction with Fortis contains material misstatements and omissions.  The master complaint seeks, among other things, an order preliminarily and permanently enjoining the proposed transaction with Fortis, damages, and plaintiffs' fees and expenses.

On May 9, 2012, the parties executed a memorandum of understanding that embodies their agreement in principle on the structure of a proposed settlement. The proposed settlement, which is subject to certain conditions, including court approval following notice to a proposed settlement class consisting of all CH Energy Group shareholders during the period from February 19, 2012 through the date of the consummation of the proposed merger (the "Class"), would, among other things, dismiss all causes of action asserted in the master amended complaint and release all claims that members of the Class may have arising out of or relating in any manner to the proposed merger. Pursuant to the terms of the proposed settlement, defendants agreed to make certain disclosures to shareholders.  In the meantime, the plaintiffs and their counsel have agreed, among other things, to stay the litigation and not to initiate any proceedings (including, but not limited to, a motion for a preliminary injunction) other than those incident to effecting the settlement.
 

Absent court approval of the proposed settlement, the defendants intend to vigorously defend themselves against the action.

Other Matters

Asbestos Litigation

As of March 31, 2013, of the 3,338 asbestos cases brought against Central Hudson, 1,166 remain pending.  Of the cases no longer pending against Central Hudson, 2,017 have been dismissed or discontinued without payment by Central Hudson, and Central Hudson has settled 155 cases.  Central Hudson is presently unable to assess the validity of the remaining asbestos lawsuits; however, based on information known to Central Hudson at this time, including Central Hudson's experience in settling asbestos cases and in obtaining dismissals of asbestos cases, Central Hudson believes that the costs which may be incurred in connection with the remaining lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of either CH Energy Group or Central Hudson.

Central Hudson and Griffith are involved in various other legal and administrative proceedings incidental to their businesses, which are in various stages.  While these matters collectively could involve substantial amounts, based on the facts currently known, it is the opinion of management that their ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse effect on either of CH Energy Group's or the individual segment's financial positions, results of operations or cash flows.

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson expense legal costs as incurred.
 
NOTE 13 – Segments and Related Information

CH Energy Group's reportable operating segments are the regulated electric utility business and regulated natural gas utility business of Central Hudson and the unregulated fuel distribution business of Griffith.  Other activities of CH Energy Group, which do not constitute a business segment, include CHEC's renewable energy investments and the holding company's activities, which consist primarily of financing its subsidiaries, and are reported under the heading "Other Businesses and Investments."

Certain additional information regarding these segments is set forth in the following tables.  General corporate expenses and Central Hudson's property common to both electric and natural gas segments have been allocated in accordance with practices established for regulatory purposes.

Central Hudson's and Griffith's operations are seasonal in nature and weather-sensitive and, as a result, financial results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends for a twelve-month period.  Demand for electricity typically peaks during the summer, while demand for natural gas and heating oil typically peaks during the winter.
 
 
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
Segments
   
Other
   
   
 
 
 
Central Hudson
   
   
Businesses
   
   
 
 
 
   
Natural
   
   
and
   
   
 
 
 
Electric
   
Gas
   
Griffith
   
Investments
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Revenues from external customers
 
$
138,163
   
$
56,300
   
$
103,911
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
298,374
 
Intersegment revenues
   
2
     
116
     
-
     
-
     
(118
)
   
-
 
   Total revenues
   
138,165
     
56,416
     
103,911
     
-
     
(118
)
   
298,374
 
Operating income (loss)
   
16,967
     
12,191
     
7,791
     
(528
)
   
-
     
36,421
 
Interest and investment income
   
1,182
     
191
     
-
     
656
     
(644
)(1)
   
1,385
 
Interest charges
   
6,166
     
1,635
     
644
     
544
     
(644
)(1)
   
8,345
 
Income (Loss) before income taxes
   
12,306
     
10,847
     
7,233
     
(275
)
   
-
     
30,111
 
Net Income Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
7,263
     
6,250
     
4,268
     
309
     
-
     
18,090
 
Segment assets at March 31
   
1,296,078
     
370,390
     
122,695
     
13,928
     
(700
)
   
1,802,391
 
 
(1)
This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith).
 
CH Energy Group Segment Disclosure
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
Segments
   
Other
   
   
 
 
 
Central Hudson
   
   
Businesses
   
   
 
 
 
   
Natural
   
   
and
   
   
 
 
 
Electric
   
Gas
   
Griffith
   
Investments
   
Eliminations
   
Total
 
Revenues from external customers
 
$
129,272
   
$
55,850
   
$
88,950
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
274,072
 
Intersegment revenues
   
3
     
90
     
-
     
-
     
(93
)
   
-
 
   Total revenues
   
129,275
     
55,940
     
88,950
     
-
     
(93
)
   
274,072
 
Operating income (loss)
   
20,125
     
12,479
     
4,947
     
(5,338
)
   
-
     
32,213
 
Interest and investment income
   
1,436
     
270
     
-
     
697
     
(684
)(1)
   
1,719
 
Interest charges
   
5,716
     
1,539
     
696
     
535
     
(684
)(1)
   
7,802
 
Income (Loss) before income taxes
   
16,224
     
11,262
     
4,268
     
(5,262
)
   
-
     
26,492
 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
10,278
     
6,213
     
2,518
     
(4,428
)
   
-
     
14,581
 
Segment assets at March 31
   
1,284,078
     
377,524
     
109,457
     
16,417
     
(1,675
)
   
1,785,801
 
 
(1)
This represents the elimination of inter-company interest income (expense) generated from lending activities between CH Energy Group (the holding company), and its subsidiaries (CHEC and Griffith).
 
-40-

 
NOTE 14 - Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
 
Accounting for Derivatives

Central Hudson has been authorized to fully recover risk management costs through its natural gas and electricity cost adjustment charge clauses.  Risk management costs are defined by the PSC as "costs associated with transactions that are intended to reduce price volatility or reduce overall costs to customers.  These costs include transaction costs, and gains and losses associated with risk management instruments."  The related gains and losses associated with Central Hudson's derivatives are included as part of Central Hudson's commodity cost and/or price-reconciled in its natural gas and electricity cost adjustment charge clauses, and are not designated as hedges.  Additionally, Central Hudson has been authorized to fully recover the interest costs associated with its variable rate debt, which includes costs and gains or losses associated with its interest rate cap contracts.  As a result, these derivative activities at Central Hudson do not impact earnings.

Derivative activity related to Griffith's heating oil contracts is not material.

The percentage of Central Hudson's electric and gas requirements covered with fixed price forward purchases is as follows:

 
Central Hudson
 
% of Requirement Hedged (1)
 
Electric Derivative Contracts:
 
 
   April 2013 – December 2013
   
34.0
%
   2014
   
28.8
%
   2015
   
21.7
%
   2016
   
7.2
%
   2017
   
7.1
%
Natural Gas Derivative Contracts:
       
   November 2013 – March 2014
   
2.3
%

(1) Projected coverage as of March 31, 2013.
 
Derivative Risks

The basic types of risks associated with derivatives are market risk (that the value of the derivative will be adversely impacted by changes in the market, primarily the change in interest and exchange rates) and credit risk (that the counterparty will not perform according to the terms of the contract).  The market risk of the derivatives generally offset the market risk associated with the hedged commodity.

The majority of Central Hudson and Griffith's derivative instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain specified issuer credit ratings and financial strength ratings.  Should the company's ratings fall below these specified levels, it would be in violation of the provisions, and the derivatives' counterparties could terminate the contracts and request immediate payment.
 

To help limit the credit exposure of their derivatives, both Central Hudson and Griffith have entered into master netting agreements with counterparties whereby contracts in a gain position can be offset against contracts in a loss position.  Of the nineteen total agreements held by both companies, eleven contain credit-risk related contingent features. As of March 31, 2013, the amount that would be required to settle these instruments if the contingent features were triggered is immaterial.

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson have elected gross presentation for their derivative contracts under master netting agreements and collateral positions.  On March 31, 2013, neither Central Hudson nor Griffith had collateral posted against the fair value amount of derivatives.
 
The net presentation for CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012 are as follows (In Thousands):
 
 
             
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Description
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
   
Gross Amounts Offset in the Financial Position
   
Net Amount of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
   
Financial Instruments
   
Cash Collateral Received
   
Net Amount
 
As of March 31, 2013
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Derivative Contracts:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
5,822
   
$
-
   
$
5,822
   
$
608
   
$
-
   
$
5,214
 
Total Central Hudson Assets
 
$
5,822
   
$
-
   
$
5,822
   
$
608
   
$
-
   
$
5,214
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
3
   
$
-
   
$
3
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
3
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
5,825
   
$
-
   
$
5,825
   
$
608
   
$
-
   
$
5,217
 
 
                                               
As of December 31, 2012
                                               
Derivative Contracts:
                                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
693
   
$
-
   
$
693
   
$
664
   
$
-
   
$
29
 
Central Hudson - gas
   
95
     
-
     
95
     
18
     
-
     
77
 
Total Central Hudson Assets
 
$
788
   
$
-
   
$
788
   
$
682
   
$
-
   
$
106
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
26
   
$
-
   
$
26
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
26
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
814
   
$
-
   
$
814
   
$
682
   
$
-
   
$
132
 
 
                                               
As of March 31, 2012
                                               
Derivative Contracts:
                                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total Central Hudson Assets
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
9
   
$
-
   
$
9
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
9
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
9
   
$
-
   
$
9
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
9
 
 
 
 
 
             
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Description
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
   
Gross Amounts Offset in the Financial Position
   
Net Amount of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
   
Financial Instruments
   
Cash Collateral Received
   
Net Amount
 
As of March 31, 2013
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Derivative Contracts:
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
608
   
$
-
   
$
608
   
$
608
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Central Hudson - gas 2 - 2 - - 2
Total Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
610
   
$
-
   
$
610
   
$
608
   
$
-
   
$
2
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Liabilities
 
$
610
   
$
-
   
$
610
   
$
608
   
$
-
   
$
2
 
 
                                               
As of December 31, 2012
                                               
Derivative Contracts:
                                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
1,367
   
$
-
   
$
1,367
   
$
664
   
$
-
   
$
703
 
Central Hudson - gas
   
110
     
-
     
110
     
18
     
-
     
92
 
Total Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
1,477
   
$
-
   
$
1,477
   
$
682
   
$
-
   
$
795
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Liabilities
 
$
1,477
   
$
-
   
$
1,477
   
$
682
   
$
-
   
$
795
 
 
                                               
As of March 31, 2012
                                               
Derivative Contracts:
                                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
23,792
   
$
-
   
$
23,792
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
23,792
 
Central Hudson - gas
   
14
     
-
     
14
     
-
     
-
     
14
 
Total Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
23,806
   
$
-
   
$
23,806
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
23,806
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Liabilities
 
$
23,806
   
$
-
   
$
23,806
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
23,806
 
 
The fair value of CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's derivative instruments and their location in the respective Balance Sheets are summarized in the table below, followed by a summarization of their effect on the respective Statements of Income.  For additional information regarding Central Hudson's physical hedges, see the discussion following the caption "Electricity Purchase Commitments" in Note 12 - "Commitments and Contingencies."
 
 
Gross Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
 
Derivative contracts are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's derivative assets and liabilities by category and hierarchy level are as follows (In Thousands):
 
Asset or Liability Category
 
Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
As of March 31, 2013(1)
 
   
   
   
 
Assets:
 
   
   
   
 
Derivative Contracts:
 
   
   
   
 
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
5,822
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
5,822
 
Total Central Hudson Assets
 
$
5,822
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
5,822
 
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
3
   
$
3
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
5,825
   
$
3
   
$
-
   
$
5,822
 
 
                               
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
(608
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(608
)
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
(2
)
   
(2
)
   
-
     
-
 
Total CH Energy Group and Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
(610
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
-
   
$
(608
)
 
                               
As of December 31, 2012(1)
                               
Assets:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
693
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
693
 
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
95
     
95
     
-
     
-
 
Total Central Hudson Assets
 
$
788
   
$
95
   
$
-
   
$
693
 
 
                               
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
26
   
$
26
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
814
   
$
121
   
$
-
   
$
693
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
(1,367
)
 
$
(110
)
 
$
-
   
$
(1,367
)
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
(110
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Total CH Energy Group and Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
(1,477
)
 
$
(110
)
 
$
-
   
$
(1,367
)
 
                               
As of March 31, 2012(1)
                               
Assets:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
 
                               
Griffith - heating oil
 
$
9
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Total CH Energy Group Assets
 
$
9
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative Contracts:
                               
Central Hudson - electric
 
$
(23,792
)
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(23,792
)
Central Hudson - natural gas
   
(14
)
   
(14
)
   
-
     
-
 
Total CH Energy Group and Central Hudson Liabilities
 
$
(23,806
)
 
$
(14
)
 
$
-
   
$
(23,792
)
 
(1)
Interest rate cap agreement is not shown in the above table because the FMV at each period stated was zero.
 
Central Hudson obtains forward pricing for Level 3 derivatives from an independent third party provider of derivative pricing. Significant unobservable inputs utilized in their pricing model are bi-lateral contracts and projected activity of certain major participants. Generally, a change in any of the underlying assumptions would result in a positively correlated change in fair value measurement.
 
-44-

 
The table listed below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending net balances for assets and liabilities measured at fair value and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (In Thousands):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
$
(674
)
 
$
(16,830
)
Unrealized gains/(losses)
   
5,888
     
(6,962
)
Realized gains/(losses)
   
5,119
     
(7,654
)
Purchases
   
-
     
-
 
Issuances
   
-
     
-
 
Sales and settlements
   
(5,119
)
   
7,654
 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
   
-
     
-
 
Balance at End of Period
 
$
5,214
   
$
(23,792
)
 
               
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to derivatives still held at end of period
 
$
-
   
$
-
 
 
The company did not have any transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2.
 
-45-

 
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Income

Realized gains and losses on Central Hudson's derivative instruments are conveyed to or recovered from customers through PSC authorized deferral accounting mechanisms, with no material impact on cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.  Realized gains and losses on Central Hudson's energy derivative instruments are reported as part of purchased electricity and fuel used in electric generation in Central Hudson's Consolidated Statement of Income as the corresponding amounts are either recovered from or returned to customers through electric cost adjustment clauses in revenues.

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, neither CH Energy Group nor Central Hudson had derivatives designated as hedging instruments.  The following table summarizes the effects of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson derivatives on the statements of income (In Thousands):
 
  
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized as Increase/(Decrease) in the Income Statement
 
 
  
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
Location of Gain (Loss)
Central Hudson:
 
   
 
      
   Electricity swap contracts
 
$
5,119
   
$
(7,654
)
Regulatory (asset)/liability(1)
   Natural gas swap contracts
   
(44
)
   
(2,406
)
Regulatory (asset)/liability(1)
   Total return swap contracts
   
-
     
617
 
Other-net
Total Central Hudson
 
$
5,075
   
$
(9,443
)
 
 
               
                    
Griffith:
               
                
   Heating oil call option contracts
 
$
(2
)
 
$
30
 
Purchased petroleum
   Griffith other derivative financial instrument
   
-
     
-
 
Purchased petroleum
Total Griffith
 
$
(2
)
 
$
30
 
 
 
               
                    
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
5,073
   
$
(9,413
)
 
 
(1)
Realized gains and losses on Central Hudson's derivative instruments are conveyed to or recovered from customers through PSC authorized deferral accounting mechanisms, with an offset in revenue and on the balance sheet, and no impact on results of operations.
 
-46-

 
NOTE 15 – Other Fair Value Measurements

Other Assets Recorded at Fair Value

In addition to the derivatives reported at fair value discussed in Note 14 – "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", CH Energy Group reports certain other assets at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the amount reported at fair value related to these assets as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012 (In Thousands):

Asset Category
 
Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
As of March 31, 2013:
 
   
   
   
 
Other investments
 
$
1,636
   
$
1,636
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
As of December 31, 2012:
                               
Other investments
 
$
1,603
   
$
1,603
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
As of March 31, 2012:
                               
Other investments
 
$
2,438
   
$
2,438
   
$
-
   
$
-
 


As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, a portion of the trust assets for the funding of CH Energy Group's Directors and Executives Deferred Compensation Plan were invested in mutual funds, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  These investments are valued at quoted market prices in active markets and as such are Level 1 investments as defined in the fair value hierarchy.  These amounts are included in the line titled "Other investments" within the Deferred Charges and Other Assets section of the CH Energy Group Consolidated and Central Hudson Balance Sheets.

In the third quarter of 2011, CHEC recorded an impairment loss for the full value of its investment in CH-Community Wind.  An impairment analysis was performed and based on this analysis, the present value of the after-tax projected cash flows using a market participant's expected return, is insufficient for CHEC to recover any of its investment.  This analysis used significant unobservable inputs including a discount rate and projected cash flows for the entity and as such this is a Level 3 investment. As of March 31, 2013, management believes the fair value of this investment remains at zero and is therefore appropriately reserved.
 

Other Fair Value Disclosure

Financial instruments are recorded at carrying value in the financial statements, however, the fair value of these instruments is disclosed below in accordance with current accounting guidance related to financial instruments.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Carrying amount (Level 1)

Long-term Debt:  Quoted market prices for the same or similar issues (Level 2)
Valuations were obtained for each issue using the observed Treasury market in conjunction with secondary market trading levels and recent new issuances of comparable companies.

Notes Payable:  Carrying amount (Level 2)
Due to the short-term nature (typically one month or less) of our Notes Payable borrowings, the carrying value is equivalent to the current FMV.
 
 
Long-term Debt Maturities and Fair Value - CH Energy Group
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Fixed Rate
 
Variable Rate
 
Total Debt Outstanding
Expected Maturity Date
 
Amount
 
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
 
Amount
 
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
 
Amount
 
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
As of March 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
 
$
31,076 
 
6.93 
%
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 
 
 
21,650 
 
5.50 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
1,230 
 
6.86 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
9,315 
 
3.36 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 
 
 
34,406 
 
6.13 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
386,625 
 
5.13 
%
 
 
33,700 
 
0.20 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
$
484,302 
 
5.31 
%
 
$
33,700 
 
0.20 
%
 
$
518,002 
 
5.02 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
$
554,724 
 
 
 
 
$
33,700 
 
 
 
 
$
588,424 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
 
$
31,076 
 
6.93 
%
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 
 
 
21,650 
 
5.50 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
1,230 
 
6.86 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
9,315 
 
3.36 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 
 
 
34,406 
 
6.13 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
386,625 
 
5.13 
%
 
 
33,700 
 
0.28 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
$
484,302 
 
5.31 
%
 
$
33,700 
 
0.28 
%
 
$
518,002 
 
5.03 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
$
562,855 
 
 
 
 
$
33,700 
 
 
 
 
$
596,555 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 
 
$
1,006 
 
6.86 
%
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
 
 
31,076 
 
6.93 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 
 
 
21,650 
 
5.50 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
1,230 
 
6.86 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
9,315 
 
3.36 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
397,031 
 
5.29 
%
 
 
33,700 
 
0.37 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
$
461,308 
 
5.38 
%
 
$
33,700 
 
0.37 
%
 
$
495,008 
 
5.07 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
$
545,959 
 
 
 
 
$
33,700 
 
 
 
 
$
579,659 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt Maturities and Fair Value - Central Hudson
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Fixed Rate
 
Variable Rate
 
Total Debt Outstanding
Expected Maturity Date
 
Amount
 
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
 
Amount
 
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
 
Amount
 
Estimated Effective Interest Rate
As of March 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
 
$
30,000 
 
6.93 
%
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 
 
 
14,000 
 
4.81 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
8,000 
 
2.78 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 
 
 
33,000 
 
6.10 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
371,250 
 
5.06 
%
 
 
33,700 
 
0.20 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
$
456,250 
 
5.22 
%
 
$
33,700 
 
0.20 
%
 
$
489,950 
 
4.92 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
$
521,706 
 
 
 
 
$
33,700 
 
 
 
 
$
555,406 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
 
$
30,000 
 
6.93 
%
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 
 
 
14,000 
 
4.81 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
8,000 
 
2.78 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017 
 
 
33,000 
 
6.10 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
371,250 
 
5.06 
%
 
 
33,700 
 
0.28 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
$
456,250 
 
5.22 
%
 
$
33,700 
 
0.28 
%
 
$
489,950 
 
4.93 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
$
529,710 
 
 
 
 
$
33,700 
 
 
 
 
$
563,410 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
 
 
30,000 
 
6.93 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 
 
 
14,000 
 
4.81 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015 
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016 
 
 
8,000 
 
2.78 
%
 
 
 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
380,250 
 
5.22 
%
 
 
33,700 
 
0.37 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
$
432,250 
 
5.28 
%
 
$
33,700 
 
0.37 
%
 
$
465,950 
 
4.96 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
$
507,978 
 
 
 
 
$
33,700 
 
 
 
 
$
541,678 
 
 
 
 
-50-

 
NOTE 16 – Subsequent Events

In addition to items disclosed in the footnotes, CH Energy Group has performed an evaluation of events subsequent to March 31, 2013 through the date the financial statements were issued and noted two additional items to disclose.

On April 18, 2013, Central Hudson's Board of Directors approved a $5.0 million dividend payment to parent CH Energy Group that was paid on April 30, 2013.
 
On April 24, 2013, the Commission issued a notice stating that the Administrative Law Judges ("ALJs") assigned to this matter would prepare a Recommended Decision ("RD") for the Commission.  On May 3, 2013 the Recommended Decision of the two Administrative Law Judges – an advisory document – was issued by the PSC.  See Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the caption "Regulatory Matters – PSC Proceedings" for further discussion regarding the terms of the Joint Proposal and schedule.
 
 
ITEM 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the first quarter Financial Statements and the notes thereto and the MD&A in Item 7 of the Companies' combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Business Overview

CH Energy Group's objective is to deliver value to its shareholders through current income, in the form of quarterly dividend payments, and through share appreciation that is expected to result from earnings and dividend growth over the long term.

CH Energy Group is a holding company with four business units:
 
Business Segments:
 
 
(1)
Central Hudson's regulated electric utility business;
 
 
 
(2)
Central Hudson's regulated natural gas utility business;
 
 
 
(3)
Griffith's fuel distribution business;
 
 
 
 
Other Businesses and Investments:
 
 
(4)
CHEC's renewable energy investments and the holding company's activities, which consist primarily of financing its subsidiaries.
 

Information Regarding the Fortis Transaction

On February 21, 2012, CH Energy Group announced that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger under which it agreed, subject to shareholder approval and the approval of applicable regulatory authorities, to be acquired by Fortis Inc. ("Fortis") for $65 per share of common stock in cash.  On April 20, 2012, CH Energy Group, Central Hudson, Fortis, FortisUS Inc. ("FortisUS"), and Cascade Acquisition Sub Inc. ("Petitioners"), submitted a joint petition to the PSC for approval of the proposed transaction under Section 70 of the Public Service Law.  On June 19, 2012, shareholders of CH Energy Group approved the proposed acquisition of the Company by Fortis.  As of December 31, 2012, the only outstanding approval needed for the transaction to close is from the New York State Public Service Commission ("PSC" or "Commission").  In January 2013, Fortis, Central Hudson, PSC Staff and other parties reached an agreement of terms related to the proposed transaction.  This joint proposal was filed with the PSC for its review and approval.  On April 24, 2013, the Commission issued a notice stating that the Administrative Law Judges ("ALJs") assigned to this matter would prepare a Recommended Decision ("RD") for the Commission.  On May 3, 2013 the Recommended Decision of the two Administrative Law Judges – an advisory document – was issued by the PSC.  The RD states that, in its current form, the Joint Proposal does not meet the public interest test as required by New York State Public Service Law, Section 70, but also states that the ALJs recommend the Commission consider adopting the Joint Proposal subject to modifications that would alter the transaction's balance of risks and benefits.  While no assurance regarding the closing can be given until a final PSC Order is issued, the Company continues to anticipate that the Commission will review and approve the merger in the second quarter of 2013.  Under the terms of the merger agreement, Fortis must close the transaction if all conditions precedent are met, including PSC approval, and a material adverse effect has not occurred.  Closing of the transaction would follow shortly after issuance of the final PSC Order approving the merger.  Management believes this will occur in the second quarter of 2013.  See Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the caption "Regulatory Matters – PSC Proceedings" for further discussion regarding the terms of the Joint Proposal and schedule.
 
 
Mission and Strategy
 
CH Energy Group's mission is to provide electricity, natural gas, petroleum and related services to an expanding customer base in a safe, reliable, courteous and affordable manner; to produce growing financial returns for shareholders; to foster a culture that encourages employees to reach their full potential; and to be a good corporate citizen.

CH Energy Group endeavors to fulfill its mission, providing an attractive risk adjusted return to CH Energy Group shareholders, by executing our plan to:
·
Concentrate on energy distribution through Central Hudson in the Mid-Hudson Valley and through Griffith in the Mid-Atlantic region
·
Invest primarily in utility electric and natural gas transmission and distribution
·
Focus on risk management
-
Limit commodity exposure
-
Manage regulatory affairs effectively
-
Maintain a financial profile that supports a credit rating in the "A" category
-
Limit the impact of weather on Griffith's earnings
·
Target stable and predictable earnings, with growth trend expectations of 5% or more per year
·
Provide an annualized dividend that is approximately 65% to 70% of annual earnings
 
Strategy Execution

Based on the current investment and capital structure, CH Energy Group's management believes that it is well positioned to achieve its earnings growth and annualized dividend goals.

Management continues to focus on Central Hudson's electric and natural gas infrastructure as the core growth drivers of CH Energy Group.  Central Hudson's capital expenditure program is on course to achieve its targets under its three year rate plan.  Central Hudson's capital expenditure program is off to a strong start in 2013 as weather conditions have been favorable for construction and infrastructure projected and the five year forecast includes increasing annual capital investments.  The capital program provides for continued strengthening of electric and gas infrastructure, as well as prudent investment in technology that will improve reliability and customer satisfaction.  Central Hudson continues to effectively manage its operational challenges, including significant weather events in the past few years and the impact of a significant recession on its customers' ability to pay bills.

Griffith's high quality service and brand recognition enabled management to continue its history of increasing margins in an environment of contracting customer demand for petroleum products.  Additionally, Griffith continued its focus on cost management in an effort to reduce the impact of the lower volumes and higher commodity costs on its cost of doing business.
 

Opportunities and Risks

In February 2013, Central Hudson experienced a cyber incident that may have exposed certain confidential customer information to an unauthorized third party.  Central Hudson commenced an investigation immediately upon becoming aware of the possible unauthorized access and began precautionary communications to Central Hudson customers as well as to the applicable regulatory agencies.  Central Hudson has also offered credit monitoring services to the potentially impacted customers free of charge.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, cyber incident investigation costs were $0.6 million and the total financial impact of the costs associated with the communication efforts and credit monitoring services is currently estimated to be approximately $0.8 million.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE AND OVERVIEW OF YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS
The following discussion and analyses include explanations of significant changes in revenues and expenses between the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 for Central Hudson's regulated electric and natural gas businesses, Griffith, and the Other Businesses and Investments.
 

The discussions and tables below present the change in earnings of CH Energy Group's business units in terms of earnings for each outstanding share of CH Energy Group's Common Stock.  Management believes that expressing the results in terms of the impact on shares of CH Energy Group is useful to investors because it shows the relative contribution of the various business units to CH Energy Group's earnings.  This information is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and not an alternative to earnings per share determined on a consolidated basis, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.  Additionally, management believes that the disclosure of Significant Events within each business unit provides investors with the context around the Company's results that is important in enabling them to ascertain the likelihood that past performance is indicative of future performance.  A reconciliation of each business unit's earnings per share to CH Energy Group's earnings per share, determined on a consolidated basis, is included in the table below.
 
CH Energy Group Consolidated
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
Change
 
Central Hudson - Electric
 
$
0.48
   
$
0.70
   
$
(0.22
)
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
   
0.42
     
0.41
     
0.01
 
Griffith
   
0.29
     
0.17
     
0.12
 
Other Businesses and Investments
   
0.02
     
(0.30
)
   
0.32
 
Total CH Energy Group Consolidated Earnings, as reported
 
$
1.21
   
$
0.98
   
$
0.23
 
 
                       
Significant Events:
                       
Central Hudson
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.10
)
Griffith
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.07
)
   
0.06
 
Other Businesses and Investments
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.33
)
   
0.31
 
Total Significant Events
 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
(0.45
)
 
$
0.27
 
 
                       
CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP):
                       
Central Hudson
 
$
1.05
   
$
1.16
   
$
(0.11
)
Griffith
   
0.30
     
0.24
     
0.06
 
Other Businesses and Investments
   
0.04
     
0.03
     
0.01
 
Total CH Energy Group Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)
 
$
1.39
   
$
1.43
   
$
(0.04
)

The Significant Events noted for each business unit above and further detailed below represent items impacting earnings during the respective quarters which Management does not consider representative of core earnings of each business unit.  Management considers core earnings to include the results of operations excluding the effect of unusual events or transactions not reflective of ongoing performance, such as the impacts of extreme weather or an incentive earned outside the normal course of business. Overall the Company believes that providing investors with a view of core earnings as described above provides increased transparency and clarity into the operational results of the business; improves visibility to management decisions and their impacts on operational performance; and allows the company to provide a long-term strategic view of the business going forward.
 

Details by business unit were as follows:
 
Central Hudson
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
Change
 
Central Hudson - Electric
 
$
0.48
   
$
0.70
   
$
(0.22
)
Central Hudson - Natural Gas
   
0.42
     
0.41
     
0.01
 
Total Central Hudson Earnings
 
$
0.90
   
$
1.11
   
$
(0.21
)
 
                       
Significant Events:
                       
Storm Deferral Adjustment
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
(0.05
)
 
$
(0.10
)
Central Hudson Adjusted Earnings Per Share
 
$
1.05
   
$
1.16
   
$
(0.11
)
 
                       
 
                 
Change
 
Delivery revenue
                 
$
0.10
 
Higher trimming costs
                   
(0.04
)
Higher depreciation
                   
(0.04
)
Higher property and other taxes
                   
(0.03
)
Higher operating expenses
                   
(0.07
)
Cyber security incident
                   
(0.03
)
 
                 
$
(0.11
)
 
(1)
Amount represents incremental costs incurred for weather related service restoration, including costs for outside contractor assistance in restoration efforts and higher than average internal expenses (such as overtime and materials), which did not meet the PSC criteria for deferral and therefore have not been deferred for future recovery from customers.
 
Earnings from Central Hudson's electric and natural gas operation decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  In March 2013, Central Hudson recorded $3.7 million reversal of storm costs previously deferred for future recovery following the Commission's April 22, 2013 Orders denying recovery of incremental storm costs associated with Tropical Storm Irene and October 2011 Snowfall storm. In March 2012, Central Hudson reduced its deferred storm costs associated with the significant snow storm event in late October 2011 ("SnowFall") by $0.05.  After adjusting Central Hudson's earnings per share for this deferral adjustment, earnings were $0.11 per share lower quarter over quarter primarily as a result of higher trimming costs and cyber security incident costs.  The delays in trimming at the end of 2012 due to the redeployment of trimming crews to assist in the restoration effort of Central Hudson and other neighboring utilities following Superstorm Sandy combined with the requirement to meet the level of expenditures over the three year rate plan ending June 30, 2013 increased trimming costs during the first quarter of 2013.  In addition, Central Hudson incurred costs associated with the cyber security incident in the first quarter of 2013.  Also negatively impacting quarter over quarter earnings were higher operating expenses including higher compensation costs not included in rates, higher costs associated with environmental remediation, higher level of gas service retirements and new programs to expand the use of natural gas and to collect past due bills from customers.
 
 
Griffith
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
Change
 
Griffith - Fuel Distribution Earnings
 
$
0.29
   
$
0.17
   
$
0.12
 
 
                       
Significant Events:
                       
Weather impact on sales
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.07
)
 
$
0.06
 
Griffith Adjusted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.30
   
$
0.24
   
$
0.06
 
 
                       
 
                 
Change
 
Gross margin on petroleum sales
                 
$
0.07
 
Gross margin on services
                   
0.01
 
Weather-normalized sales (including conservation)
                   
(0.01
)
Other
                   
(0.01
)
 
                 
$
0.06
 
 
Griffith's earnings increased $0.12 per share in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 2012 primarily as a result of first quarter 2012 earnings being negatively impacted due to unusually warm weather.  Griffith's core earnings, excluding the impacts of the significant event were favorable quarter over quarter as a result of higher margins.
 
Other Businesses and Investments
 
Earnings per Share (Basic)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
Change
 
Other Businesses & Investments Earnings
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.32
 
 
                       
Significant Events:
                       
   Merger related costs
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
0.31
 
Other Businesses and Investments Adjusted Earnings Per Share
 
$
0.04
   
$
0.03
   
$
0.01
 
 
                       
 
                 
Change
 
Other
                 
$
0.01
 
 
                 
$
0.01
 
 
 
The earnings of CH Energy Group (the holding company) and CHEC's partnerships and other investments increased in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to the costs associated with the Fortis acquisition which impacted year-over-year earnings by $0.31 per share.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
A breakdown by business unit of CH Energy Group's operating revenues and net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are illustrated below (Dollars in Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2013
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2012
 
Business Unit
 
Operating
Revenues
   
Net Income Attributable to CH Energy Group
   
Operating
Revenues
   
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to CH Energy Group
 
Electric(1)
 
$
138,163
     
46
%
 
$
7,263
     
40
%
 
$
129,272
     
47
%
 
$
10,278
     
70
%
Gas(1)
   
56,300
     
19
     
6,250
     
34
     
55,850
     
21
     
6,213
     
43
 
Total Central Hudson
   
194,463
     
65
     
13,513
     
74
     
185,122
     
68
     
16,491
     
113
 
Griffith(1)
   
103,911
     
35
     
4,268
     
24
     
88,950
     
32
     
2,518
     
17
 
Other Businesses and Investments
   
-
     
-
     
309
     
2
     
-
     
-
     
(4,428
)
   
(30
)
Total CH Energy Group
 
$
298,374
     
100
%
 
$
18,090
     
100
%
 
$
274,072
     
100
%
 
$
14,581
     
100
%
 
(1)
A portion of the revenues above represent amounts collected from customers for the recovery of purchased electric and natural gas costs at Central Hudson and the cost of purchased petroleum products at Griffith and therefore have no material impact on net income.  A breakout of these components is as follows:
 
   Electric 1st Quarter 2013: 17% cost recovery revenues + 29% other revenues = 46%
 
 
   Electric 1st Quarter 2012: 16% cost recovery revenues + 31% other revenues = 47%
 
 
   Natural gas 1st Quarter 2013: 8% cost recovery revenues + 11% other revenues = 19%
 
 
   Natural gas 1st Quarter 2012: 9% cost recovery revenues + 12% other revenues = 21%
 
 
   Griffith 1st Quarter 2013: 27% commodity costs + 8% other revenues = 35%
 
 
   Griffith 1st Quarter 2012: 25% commodity costs + 7% other revenues = 32%
 
 
 
Central Hudson

The following discussion and analysis includes explanations of significant changes in operating revenues, operating expenses, volumes delivered, other income, interest charges, and income taxes between the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 for Central Hudson's regulated electric and natural gas businesses.
 
Income Statement Variances
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease) in
 
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
Amount
 
Percent
Operating Revenues
 
$
194,463 
 
$
185,122 
 
$
9,341 
 
5.0 
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Purchased electricity, fuel and natural gas
 
73,808 
 
 
69,673 
 
 
4,135 
 
5.9 
 
   Depreciation and amortization
 
 
9,955 
 
 
9,468 
 
 
487 
 
5.1 
 
   Other operating expenses
 
 
81,542 
 
 
73,377 
 
 
8,165 
 
11.1 
 
      Total Operating Expenses
 
 
165,305 
 
 
152,518 
 
 
12,787 
 
8.4 
 
Operating Income
 
 
29,158 
 
 
32,604 
 
 
(3,446)
 
(10.6)
 
Other Income, net
 
 
1,796 
 
 
2,137 
 
 
(341)
 
(16.0)
 
Interest Charges
 
 
7,801 
 
 
7,255 
 
 
546 
 
7.5 
 
Income before income taxes
 
 
23,153 
 
 
27,486 
 
 
(4,333)
 
(15.8)
 
Income Taxes
 
 
8,784 
 
 
10,753 
 
 
(1,969)
 
(18.3)
 
Net income
 
$
14,369 
 
$
16,733 
 
$
(2,364)
 
(14.1)
%
 
Delivery Volumes

Delivery volumes for Central Hudson vary in response to weather conditions and customer behavior.  Electric deliveries peak in the summer and deliveries of natural gas used for heating purposes peak in the winter.  Delivery volumes also vary as customers respond to the price of the particular energy product and changes in local economic conditions.

The following chart reflects the change in the level of electric and natural gas deliveries for Central Hudson in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  Deliveries of electricity and natural gas to residential and commercial customers have historically contributed the most to Central Hudson's earnings.  Industrial sales and interruptible sales have a negligible impact on earnings.  Central Hudson's delivery rate structure includes revenue decoupling mechanisms ("RDMs"), which provide the ability to record revenues equal to those forecasted in the development of current rates for most of Central Hudson's customers.  As a result, fluctuations in actual delivery volumes do not have a significant impact on Central Hudson's earnings.
 
 
Electric Deliveries
(In Gigawatt-Hours)
 
 
 
Actual Deliveries
 
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
Variation in
 
March 31,
 
Variation in
 
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
Amount
 
Percent
Residential
 
589 
 
548 
 
41 
 
%
 
602 
 
586 
 
16 
 
%
Commercial
 
479 
 
476 
 
 
 
 
480 
 
478 
 
 
 
Industrial and other
 
256 
 
254 
 
 
 
 
255 
 
256 
 
(1)
 
 
Total Deliveries
 
1,324 
 
1,278 
 
46 
 
%
 
1,337 
 
1,320 
 
17 
 
%
 
(1)
Central Hudson uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes.
 
Natural Gas Deliveries
(In Million Cubic Feet)
 
 
 
Actual Deliveries
 
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31,
 
Variation in
 
March 31,
 
Variation in
 
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
Amount
 
Percent
Residential
 
2,481 
 
2,094 
 
387 
 
18 
%
 
2,653 
 
2,547 
 
106 
 
%
Commercial
 
2,664 
 
2,257 
 
407 
 
18 
 
 
2,833 
 
2,681 
 
152 
 
 
Industrial and other
 
175 
 
148 
 
27 
 
18 
 
 
186 
 
177 
 
 
 
Total Deliveries
 
5,320 
 
4,499 
 
821 
 
18 
%
 
5,672 
 
5,405 
 
267 
 
%
 
(1)
Central Hudson uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes.
 
Total electric deliveries to residential customers increased for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 primarily as a result of the impacts of the warmer than normal winter heating season at the beginning of 2012.  In addition, higher sales per customer for residential non-heating customers and increases in the number of customers billed favorably impacted the year-over-year variation.

Total natural gas deliveries to residential and commercial customers increased during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 primarily due to the warmer than normal winter heating season at the beginning of 2012 as compared to the normal 2013 winter heating season.  The higher level of billed customers and increased sales per customer also favorably impacted the year-over-year variation in gas deliveries.
 
Revenues

Central Hudson's revenues consist of two major categories: those that offset specific expenses in the current period (matching revenues), and those that impact earnings.  Matching revenues recover Central Hudson's actual costs for particular expenses.  Any difference between these revenues and the actual expenses incurred is deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and therefore does not impact earnings.
 
 
Change in Central Hudson Revenues - Electric
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
 
    
 
March 31,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
(Decrease)
 
Revenues with Matching Expense Offsets:(1)
 
   
   
 
Energy cost adjustment
 
$
49,144
   
$
43,920
   
$
5,224
 
Sales to others for resale
   
1,265
     
1,139
     
126
 
Other revenues with matching offsets
   
22,765
     
20,899
     
1,866
 
Subtotal
   
73,174
     
65,958
     
7,216
 
 
                       
Revenues Impacting Earnings:
                       
Customer sales
   
63,341
     
58,131
     
5,210
 
RDM and other regulatory mechanisms
   
(644
)
   
2,902
     
(3,546
)
Pole attachments and other rents
   
1,159
     
1,110
     
49
 
Finance charges
   
742
     
748
     
(6
)
Other revenues
   
391
     
423
     
(32
)
Subtotal
   
64,989
     
63,314
     
1,675
 
 
                       
Total Electric Revenues
 
$
138,163
   
$
129,272
   
$
8,891
 
 
(1)
Revenues with matching offsets do not affect earnings since they offset related costs, the most significant being energy cost adjustment revenues, which provide for the recovery of purchased electricity costs.  Other related costs include authorized business expenses recovered through rates and the cost of special programs authorized by the PSC and funded with certain available credits.  Changes in revenues from electric sales to other entities for resale also do not affect earnings since any related profits or losses are returned or charged, respectively, to customers.
 
Change in Central Hudson Revenues - Natural Gas
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
 
    
 
March 31,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
(Decrease)
 
Revenues with Matching Expense Offsets:(1)
 
   
   
 
Energy cost adjustment
 
$
16,472
   
$
16,599
   
$
(127
)
Sales to others for resale
   
7,200
     
8,220
     
(1,020
)
Other revenues with matching offsets
   
8,286
     
7,522
     
764
 
Subtotal
   
31,958
     
32,341
     
(383
)
 
                       
Revenues Impacting Earnings:
                       
Customer sales
   
23,840
     
20,311
     
3,529
 
RDM and other regulatory mechanisms
   
(677
)
   
1,945
     
(2,622
)
Interruptible profits
   
646
     
663
     
(17
)
Finance charges
   
257
     
267
     
(10
)
Other revenues
   
276
     
323
     
(47
)
Subtotal
   
24,342
     
23,509
     
833
 
 
                       
Total Natural Gas Revenues
 
$
56,300
   
$
55,850
   
$
450
 
 
(1)
Revenues with matching offsets do not affect earnings since they offset related costs, the most significant being energy cost adjustment revenues, which provide for the recovery of purchased natural gas costs.  Other related costs include authorized business expenses recovered through rates and the cost of special programs authorized by the PSC and funded with certain available credits.  For natural gas sales to other entities for resale, 85% of such profits are returned to customers.
 
-61-

 
Electric revenues increased for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to 2012, primarily due to higher energy cost adjustment revenues, increased customer sales and higher other revenues with matching offsets, partially reduced by lower RDM revenues.  The increase in the energy cost adjustment revenues was driven by higher wholesale prices partially reduced by lower purchased volumes and a decrease in revenues for the recovery of previously deferred costs.  The higher electric revenues were also driven by increased revenue from energy deliveries, which resulted primarily from the increase in delivery rates as prescribed in the 2010 Rate Order.

Natural gas revenues increased for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to higher customer sales partially offset by the impacts of lower RDM revenue. The higher gas revenues was the result of increased revenue from energy deliveries, which resulted primarily from the increase in delivery rates as prescribed in the 2010 Rate Order.

Regulatory adjustments to revenues for RDMs can fluctuate from year to year based on the actual sales volumes compared to those projected in the 2010 Rate Order.  Electric RDM targets are total class volume based while Gas RDM targets are based on a projected use per customer.  In general, positive RDMs are a result of actual delivery volumes that are below the levels projected in the PSC approved rates for that period.  Negative RDMs are a result of actual delivery volumes exceeding the levels projected in PSC approved rates.  These amounts are deferred for future recovery from or return to customers.

Other revenues with matching offsets for both electric and natural gas increased for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the prior period in 2012.  The fluctuations were primarily driven by an increase in rates related to NYS energy efficiency programs.

Operating Expenses

The most significant elements of Central Hudson's operating expenses are purchased electricity and purchased natural gas; however, changes in these costs do not affect earnings since they are offset by changes in related revenues recovered through Central Hudson's energy cost adjustment mechanisms.  Additionally, there are other costs that are matched to revenues largely from customer billings, notably the cost of pensions and OPEBs, the Temporary State Assessment, and NYS energy efficiency programs.
 

Total utility operating expenses increased 8% in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  The following table summarizes the change in operating expenses:
 
Change in Central Hudson Operating Expenses
(In Thousands)
 
   
 
Three Months Ended
   
 
   
 
March 31,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
(Decrease)
 
Expenses Currently Matched to Revenues:(1)
 
   
   
 
Purchased electricity
 
$
50,409
   
$
45,059
   
$
5,350
 
Purchased natural gas
   
23,672
     
24,819
     
(1,147
)
Temporary State Assessment
   
6,163
     
5,760
     
403
 
Pension
   
5,923
     
7,067
     
(1,144
)
 OPEB
   
1,978
     
1,953
     
25
 
NYS energy programs
   
9,307
     
6,511
     
2,796
 
MGP site remediations
   
1,241
     
1,232
     
9
 
Other matched expenses
   
6,439
     
5,898
     
541
 
Subtotal
   
105,132
     
98,299
     
6,833
 
 
                       
Other Expense Variations:
                       
Tree trimming
   
4,462
     
3,521
     
941
 
Other distribution maintenance
   
1,486
     
1,860
     
(374
)
Property and school taxes(2)
   
10,793
     
10,130
     
663
 
Weather related service restoration
   
4,497
     
1,439
     
3,058
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
9,955
     
9,468
     
487
 
Uncollectible expense
   
589
     
2,125
     
(1,536
)
Purchased natural gas incentive arrangements
   
(273
)
   
(205
)
   
(68
)
Cyber security incident
   
623
     
-
     
623
 
Other expenses
   
28,041
     
25,881
     
2,160
 
Subtotal
   
60,173
     
54,219
     
5,954
 
   Total Operating Expenses
 
$
165,305
   
$
152,518
   
$
12,787
 
 
(1)
Includes expenses that, in accordance with the 2010 Rate Order, are adjusted in the current period to equal the revenues earned for the applicable expenses.
(2)
In accordance with the 2010 Rate Order, Central Hudson is authorized to defer 90% of any difference between actual property tax expense and the amounts provided in rates for each Rate Year.
 
In addition to the required adjustment to match revenues collected from customers, the increase in purchased electricity costs and decrease in purchased natural gas costs for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in the prior year was driven primarily by changes in wholesale prices, purchased volumes and changes in deferred purchased electricity and gas costs.  The increase in purchased electricity costs was driven primarily by the impacts of higher wholesale prices partially reduced by the lower volumes and the change in revenues collected for previously deferred purchased electric.  Purchased gas costs was primarily impacted by the lower revenues collected for the recovery of previously deferred gas costs partially offset by higher volumes and higher wholesale gas prices.
 

Variations in costs associated with NYS energy programs, pension and other matched expenses were due to a change in the level of expenses recorded, with a corresponding change in revenues, resulting from the change in the amounts included in delivery rates as authorized in the 2010 Rate Order.  The costs associated with the Temporary State Assessment are adjusted to match revenues collected from customers over the applicable period.  Variations in the Temporary State Assessment year over year primarily relate to variations in delivery volumes to which the surcharge is applied.

Bad debt expense decreased in the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 primarily as a result of lower write-offs of customer receivables and a decrease in the amount recorded as a reserve for future uncollectible accounts.  Management believes this is primarily a result of enhanced collection efforts, including increased resources, improved planning, improvements in the business processes related to its customer payment agreements and lower gas prices during the winter heating season at the end of 2012 as compared to 2011.

Weather related service restoration costs can fluctuate from year to year based on changes in the number and severity of storms each year.  In March 2013, Central Hudson recorded a $3.7 million reversal of storm costs previously deferred for future recovery following the Commission's April 22, 2013 Orders denying recovery of incremental storm costs associated with Tropical Storm Irene and October 2011 Snowfall storm.  In March 2012, Central Hudson also recorded a $1.1 million reversal of storm costs previously deferred for future recovery.  For further information regarding PSC Orders, see "Regulatory Matters – PSC Proceedings".

Expenses associated with tree-trimming increased during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily as a result of tree trimming that was deferred during the fourth quarter of 2012 due to the redeployment of trimming crews to assist in the restoration effort for Central Hudson as well as providing mutual aid to other neighboring utilities following Superstorm Sandy.  Trimming delayed due to the storm will be incurred prior to June 30, 2013 to meet the level of expenditures required over the three year rate plan.  In addition, to complete the first cycle of distribution line clearance by December 31, 2011 as prescribed by the rate plan and to take advantage of crew availability and favorable contract pricing, trimming efforts were shifted to the end of calendar year 2011 from the first quarter of 2012, reducing expenditures during the first quarter of 2012. 
 
In February 2013, Central Hudson experienced a cyber incident that may have exposed certain confidential customer information to an unauthorized third party.  Central Hudson commenced an investigation immediately upon becoming aware of the possible unauthorized access and began precautionary communications to Central Hudson customers as well as to the applicable regulatory agencies.  Central Hudson has also offered credit monitoring services to the potentially impacted customers free of charge.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, cyber security investigation costs were $0.6 million and the total financial impact of the costs associated with the communication efforts and credit monitoring services is currently estimated to be approximately $0.8 million.
 

Other Income

Other income and deductions for Central Hudson for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 decreased $0.3 million primarily as a result of the reversal of $3.7 million of previously deferred storm costs associated with Tropical Storm Irene and the October 2011 Snowfall storm following the Commission's April 22, 2013 Orders.  As a result, approximately $0.3 million of regulatory carrying charges due from customers associated with the disallowed storm costs were reversed in March 2013.

Interest Charges

Central Hudson's interest charges increased $0.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.  This increase was the result of the higher outstanding debt balance for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the prior period and an increase in carrying charges on regulatory liabilities primarily related to an increase in the underlying reserve balance for OPEBs and the impact of the tax repair project on rate base.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for Central Hudson decreased $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax book income and R&D credits recorded in 2013 that were not in effect in the first quarter of 2012.
 

CH Energy Group

In addition to the impacts on Central Hudson discussed above, CH Energy Group's sales volumes, revenues and operating expenses, income taxes and other income were impacted by Griffith and the other businesses described below.  The results of Griffith and the other businesses described below exclude inter-company interest income and expense which are eliminated in consolidation.
 
Income Statement Variances
(Dollars In Thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease) in
 
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
Amount
 
Percent
Operating Revenues
 
$
298,374 
$
274,072 
 
$
24,302 
 
8.9 
%
Operating Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Purchased electricity, fuel, natural gas and petroleum
 
155,337 
 
139,978 
 
 
15,359 
 
11.0 
 
   Depreciation and amortization
 
 
11,187 
 
10,624 
 
 
563 
 
5.3 
 
   Merger related costs
 
 
387 
 
5,219 
 
 
(4,832)
 
(92.6)
 
   Other operating expenses
 
 
95,042 
 
86,038 
 
 
9,004 
 
10.5 
 
      Total Operating Expenses
 
 
261,953 
 
241,859 
 
 
20,094 
 
8.3 
 
Operating Income
 
 
36,421 
 
32,213 
 
 
4,208 
 
13.1 
 
Other Income (Deductions), net
 
 
2,035 
 
2,081 
 
 
(46)
 
(2.2)
 
Interest Charges
 
 
8,345 
 
7,802 
 
 
543 
 
7.0 
 
Income before income taxes, non-controlling interest and preferred dividends of subsidiary
 
 
30,111 
 
26,492 
 
 
3,619 
 
13.7 
 
Income Taxes
 
 
11,165 
 
11,669 
 
 
(504)
 
(4.3)
 
Net income
 
 
18,946 
 
14,823 
 
 
4,123 
 
27.8 
 
Dividends declared on Preferred Stock of subsidiary
 
 
92 
 
 
242 
 
 
(150)
 
(62.0)
 
Preferred Stock Redemption Premium
 
 
764 
 
 
 
 
764 
 
N/A
 
Net income attributable to CH Energy Group
 
$
18,090 
 
$
14,581 
 
$
3,509 
 
24.1 
%
 
 
Griffith

Sales Volumes

Delivery and sales volumes for Griffith vary in response to weather conditions, changes in our customer base and customer behavior.  Deliveries of petroleum products used for heating purposes peak in the winter.  Sales also vary as customers respond to the price of the particular energy product and changes in local economic conditions.

Changes in sales volumes of petroleum products, including the impact of acquisitions, are set forth below.
 
Actual & Weather Normalized Deliveries
(In Thousands of Gallons)
 
 
 
 
 
Actual Deliveries
 
 
Weather Normalized Deliveries(1)
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
Increase /
(Decrease) in
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
Increase /
(Decrease) in
 
 
 
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
 
2013 
 
2012 
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
Heating Oil:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base company volume(2)
 
14,626 
 
11,378 
 
 
3,248 
 
29 
%
 
 
14,846 
 
14,710 
 
 
136 
 
%
 
Acquisitions volume
566 
 
 
 
566 
 
N/A
 
 
 
575 
 
 
 
575 
 
N/A
 
 
 
Total Heating Oil
 
15,192 
 
11,378 
 
 
3,814 
 
34 
 
 
 
15,421 
 
14,710 
 
 
711 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Motor Fuels:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base company volume(2)
 
10,453 
 
10,436 
 
 
17 
 
 
 
 
10,453 
 
10,436 
 
 
17 
 
 
 
Acquisitions volume
136 
 
 
 
136 
 
N/A
 
 
 
136 
 
 
 
136 
 
N/A
 
 
 
Total Motor Fuels
 
10,589 
 
10,436 
 
 
153 
 
 
 
 
10,589 
 
10,436 
 
 
153 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Propane and Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base company volume(2)
 
417 
 
336 
 
 
81 
 
24 
 
 
 
423 
 
428 
 
 
(5)
 
(1)
 
 
 
Total Propane and Other
 
417 
 
336 
 
 
81 
 
24 
 
 
 
423 
 
428 
 
 
(5)
 
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Base company volume(2)
 
25,496 
 
22,150 
 
 
3,346 
 
15 
 
 
 
25,722 
 
25,574 
 
 
148 
 
 
 
Acquisitions volume
702 
 
 
 
702 
 
N/A
 
 
 
711 
 
 
 
711 
 
N/A
 
 
 
Total
 
26,198 
 
22,150 
 
 
4,048 
 
18 
%
 
 
26,433 
 
25,574 
 
 
859 
 
%
 
(1)
Griffith uses an internal analysis based on historical weather data to remove the estimated impacts of weather on delivery volumes.
(2)
For the purpose of this chart, "Base company" excludes any impact from acquisitions made by Griffith in 2013 and 2012.
 
 
-67-

 
Actual and Weather Normalized Delivery Volumes as % of Total Volumes
 
  
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
 
  
 
Actual
   
Weather
Normalized
   
Actual
   
Weather
Normalized
 
Heating Oil:
 
   
   
   
 
Base company
   
56
%
   
56
%
   
52
%
   
58
%
Acquisitions
   
2
%
   
2
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
Motor Fuels:
                               
Base company
   
39
%
   
39
%
   
47
%
   
40
%
Acquisitions
   
1
%
   
1
%
   
-
%
   
-
%
Propane and Other:
                               
Base company
   
2
%
   
2
%
   
1
%
   
2
%
   Total
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
 
Sales of petroleum products increased 18% in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 due primarily to weather that was 29% colder in the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, as measured by heating degree days. Additionally, volume increased due to acquisitions made in 2012.
 
Gross Profit
 
A breakdown of Griffith's gross profit by product and service line for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 are illustrated below (Dollars in Thousands):
 
  
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Product and Service Line
 
2013
   
2012
 
Heating oil - Base company
 
$
13,746
     
66
%
 
$
9,750
     
56
%
Heating oil - Acquisitions
   
374
     
2
     
-
     
-
 
Motor fuels - Base company
   
2,603
     
13
     
2,439
     
14
 
Motor fuels - Acquisitions
   
29
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Propane and Other - Base company
   
649
     
3
     
491
     
3
 
Service and installations - Base company
   
3,214
     
15
     
3,026
     
17
 
Service and installations - Acquisitions
   
241
     
1
     
-
     
-
 
Other - Base company
   
89
     
-
     
1,647
     
10
 
Total
 
$
20,945
     
100
%
 
$
17,353
     
100
%
 
 
Revenues
 
Change in Griffith Revenues
(In Thousands)
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
   
 
 
 
March 31,
   
Increase /
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
(Decrease)
 
Revenues:
 
   
   
 
Heating oil(1)
 
$
59,886
   
$
46,064
   
$
13,822
 
Heating oil - Acquisitions
   
2,164
     
-
     
2,164
 
Motor Fuels(1)
   
35,293
     
35,901
     
(608
)
Motor Fuels - Acquisitions
   
457
     
-
     
457
 
Other(1)
   
1,219
     
2,667
     
(1,448
)
Service Revenues(1)
   
4,454
     
4,318
     
136
 
Service Revenues - Acquisitions
   
438
     
-
     
438
 
Total
 
$
103,911
   
$
88,950
   
$
14,961
 
 
(1)
These line items exclude the impact of acquisitions made by Griffith in 2013 and 2012 for the analysis which compares the three months ended March 31, 2013 to 2012.
 
Note: The above chart reflects revenues net of weather hedging contracts.
 
Revenues increased in the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, due primarily to an increase in sales volume.

Operating Expenses

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, operating expenses increased $12.1 million, or 14%, from $84.0 million in 2012 to $96.1 million in 2013, due primarily to an increase in the cost of petroleum products of $11.2 million, or 16%, driven by an increase in sales volume.

Other operating expenses increased $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 when compared to the same period in 2012 due primarily to higher costs associated with the increased volumes delivered in 2013 compared to 2012.

Other Businesses and Investments

Operating expenses of other businesses and investments decreased $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 as a result of costs related to the agreement and plan of merger entered into with Fortis.  These costs relate to professional services and the increase in the cost of outstanding performance share awards under CH Energy Group's equity-based compensation plans.  Professional services totaled $0.3 million and $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The increase in the cost of outstanding performance share awards was $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and has been recognized at the holding company as a merger-related transaction cost and not allocated to its subsidiaries.
 

Other income and deductions and interest charges for the balance of CH Energy Group, primarily the holding company and CHEC's investments in partnerships and other investments (other than Griffith), for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were relatively unchanged as compared to the same period in 2012.

CH Energy Group – Income Taxes

Income before taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2013 increased by $3.6 million compared to the same period in 2012.  However, income tax expense decreased $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  This is a result of decreased costs related to the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis.  Acquisition costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $0.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively.  These acquisition costs included certain professional fees that are being treated as non-deductible for tax purposes.  These non-deductible transaction costs result in higher tax expense as well as higher Federal and NY State effective tax rates for each period.
 
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

The growth of CH Energy Group's retained earnings in the three months ended March 31, 2013, contributed to the increase in the book value per share of its Common Stock from $34.05 at December 31, 2012, to $34.73 at March 31, 2013.  Common equity comprised 47.5% of total capital (including short-term debt) at March 31, 2013, a decrease from 48.20% at December 31, 2012.  Book value per share at March 31, 2012 was $33.97 and the common equity ratio was 46.3%.
 
Cash Flow Summary - CH Energy Group and Central Hudson
 
Changes in CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's cash and cash equivalents resulting from operating, investing, and financing activities are summarized in the following chart (In Millions):
 
 
 
CH Energy Group
   
Central Hudson
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Net Cash Provided By/(Used In):
 
   
   
 
   Operating Activities
 
$
(4.9
)
 
$
12.6
   
$
(1.1
)
 
$
11.2
 
   Investing Activities
   
(28.4
)
   
(26.4
)
   
(28.3
)
   
(26.6
)
   Financing Activities
   
18.3
     
64.4
     
12.2
     
68.7
 
Net change for the period
   
(15.0
)
   
50.6
     
(17.2
)
   
53.3
 
Balance at beginning of period
   
30.5
     
15.3
     
24.3
     
2.5
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
15.5
   
$
65.9
   
$
7.1
   
$
55.8
 
 
Central Hudson's net cash used in operations was $(1.1) million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and net cash provided by operations was $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  Excluding contributions to Central Hudson's pension and OPEB plans (which totaled $26.2 million and $28.2 million in the three months ended March 2013 and 2012, respectively), cash provided by sales exceeded the period's expenses and working capital needs.  Recovery of previously deferred electric and natural gas costs had a negative impact on net cash provided by operations during the first three months of 2013 compared to the positive impact in the first three months of 2012 driven by wholesale prices in the respective periods.  Costs spent for MGP remediation efforts in excess of amounts collected in rates during the three months ended March 31, 2013 negatively impacted the cash from operations compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012 when amounts collected in rates for MGP site remediation were greater than remediation costs due to the timing of project completion.
 
 
Central Hudson's net cash used in investing activities of $28.3 million and $26.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, was primarily for investments in Central Hudson's electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems.
 
Central Hudson's net cash provided by financing activities was $12.1 million and $68.7 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.  At the end of the first quarter of 2012, Central Hudson undertook additional short-term borrowings of $36.0 million from uncommitted lines of credit to fund the repayment of maturing notes as well as issuing $48.0 million of its Series G Medium Term Notes.  The proceeds of the sale of the additional notes were used by Central Hudson to refinance short-term borrowings in April 2012 and to redeem preferred stock.  Also, in the first three months of 2013 Central Hudson paid dividends of $5.0 million to parent CH Energy Group while comparatively, no dividends were paid in to parent the first three months of 2012.  From time to time Central Hudson borrows from its parent CH Energy Group on an intercompany demand note and for the three months ended March 31, 2012 Central Hudson borrowed $20.0 million under this program with no comparable activity in the current year.  Central Hudson redeemed $9.7 million of preferred stock in the three months ended March 31, 2013 while no preferred stock was redeemed during the same period in 2012.  Finally, CH Energy Group's financing activities in the three months ended March 2012 included final settlement costs associated with the ASR program of $3.0 million.
 
Capitalization – Issuance of Treasury Stock

Effective July 1, 2011, employer matching contributions to an eligible employee's Savings Incentive Plan ("SIP") account could be paid in either cash or in CH Energy Group Common Stock, and CH Energy Group chose to meet its matching obligation in Common Stock.  Since March 1, 2012, the Company has been using cash for all of its matching obligations, except for matching associated with classified employees of Central Hudson.  The classified employees will continue to receive matching contributions in CH Energy Group Common Stock.  As of March 31, 2013, 44,786 shares had been issued from treasury related to employer matching contributions, of which 3,425 shares were issued in 2013.
 

For information regarding equity compensation and the purchase of treasury shares, see Note 11 - "Equity Based Compensation" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Financing Program

CH Energy Group believes that it is well positioned with a strong balance sheet and strong liquidity.  Significant capacity is available on CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's committed credit facilities.  Central Hudson's investment-grade credit ratings help facilitate access to long-term debt.  However, management can make no assurance in regards to the continued availability of financing or the terms and costs.

At March 31, 2013, CH Energy Group maintained a $100 million credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A. and KeyBank National Association as the participating banks. The credit facility has a term of up to three years.  The maximum borrowing amount reflects CH Energy Group's projected liquidity needs in accordance with its current business strategy.  If the participating lenders are unable to fulfill their commitments under this facility, funding may not be available as needed.

At March 31, 2013, Central Hudson maintained a $150 million committed revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., HSBC Bank USA, N.A., KeyBank National Association and RBS Citizens Bank, N.A. as the participating banks.  The credit facility has a term of up to five years.  If these lenders are unable to fulfill their commitments under these facilities, funding may not be available as needed.

Central Hudson's current senior unsecured debt rating/outlook is 'A'/CreditWatch negative by Standard & Poor's Rating Services ("Standard & Poor's"), 'A'/stable by Fitch Ratings and 'A3'/stable by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's")1.

On February 22, 2012, Standard & Poor's placed its ratings of Central Hudson on CreditWatch with negative implications, following the February 21, 2012 announcement that CH Energy Group had agreed to be acquired by Fortis. Standard & Poor's stated that they expect to resolve the CreditWatch listing as the merger nears completion and additional information is available.  CH Energy Group is unable to predict the outcome of that resolution.  The CreditWatch listing is not expected to have a material impact on Central Hudson's financial performance.

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson believe they will be able to meet their short-term and long-term cash requirements, assuming that Central Hudson's future rate plans reflect the costs of service, including a reasonable return on invested capital.
 

1 These ratings reflect only the views of the rating agency issuing the rating, are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold securities of Central Hudson and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the rating agency issuing the rating.  Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
 
 
On March 21, 2013, Central Hudson redeemed its two outstanding series of preferred stock.  Registered holders of 4 1/2% Cumulative Preferred Stock received $107.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date in the amount of $1.00 per share, for a total redemption price of $108.00 per share.  Registered holders of 4.75% Cumulative Preferred Stock received $106.75 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date in the amount of $1.056 per share, for a total redemption price of $107.806 per share.  The premium paid in connection with the redemption of the preferred stock was recorded as a reduction of Retained Earnings on Central Hudson's Balance Sheet and as Premium on Preferred Stock Redemption on Central Hudson's Income Statement.

For additional information related to CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's financing program, please see Note 7 – "Short-term Borrowing Arrangements," Note 8 – "Capitalization – Common and Preferred Stock" and Note 9 – "Capitalization – Long-term Debt" to the Financial Statements of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report.

NYSERDA

Central Hudson's outstanding Series B NYSERDA Bonds total $33.7 million at March 31, 2013.  These bonds are tax-exempt multi-modal bonds that are currently in a variable rate mode.  In its Orders, the PSC has authorized deferral accounting treatment for variations in the interest costs from these bonds.  As such, variations between the actual interest rates on these bonds and the interest rate included in the current delivery rate structure for these bonds are deferred for future recovery from or refund to customers and do not have any impact on earnings.

To mitigate the potential cash flow impact from unexpected increases in short-term interest rates on Series B NYSERDA Bonds, on March 26, 2012, Central Hudson purchased an interest rate cap based on an index of short-term tax-exempt debt.  The rate cap is two years in length with a notional amount aligned with Series B and will expire on April 1, 2014.  The cap is based on the monthly weighted average of an index of tax-exempt variable rate debt, multiplied by 175%.  Central Hudson would receive a payout if the adjusted index exceeds 5.0% for a given month.  This rate cap replaces an expiring rate cap with substantially similar terms.

REGULATORY MATTERS – PSC PROCEEDINGS
 
Fortis – Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation Section 70 Joint Petition
(Case 12-M-0192 – Proceeding on the Joint Petition for Approval of the Acquisition of CH Energy Group, Inc. by Fortis Inc. and Related Transactions)

Background:  On April 20, 2012, CH Energy Group, Central Hudson, Fortis, FortisUS, and Cascade Acquisition Sub Inc., submitted a joint petition to the PSC for approval of the acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis and related transactions.  The petition describes how the acquisition of Central Hudson by Fortis will produce benefits for constituencies that include customers, employees and communities in Central Hudson's service territory as well as positive public benefits.  The petition categorizes the public benefits into three major areas: 1) FortisUS' commitments and intention to preserve and build on the existing strength of Central Hudson as a "stand-alone" company, 2) comprehensive financial protections to mitigate any potential financial risks of the merger consistent with the PSC's disposition of specific issues that have arisen in prior utility merger proceedings in New York State and 3) identifiable financial customer benefits resulting from avoidance of costs otherwise owed to customers by shareholders and cost savings made possible by the merger.  The petition includes proposals and commitments that effectively mitigate any potential risks to Central Hudson's customers from foreign holding company ownership and rate increase risk.
 

Notable Activity:
Pursuant to the schedule adopted by the ALJs in the proceeding:
·
On October 12, 2012, the PSC's Staff and other interested parties filed testimony and comments regarding the proposed acquisition.
·
On November 5, 2012, the PSC Trial Staff filed Supplemental Testimony and Exhibits to correct errors related to their calculation of a Public Benefit Adjustment.
·
On November 27, 2012, Petitioners submitted Reply Comments and Rebuttal Testimony and PSC Staff filed Rebuttal Testimony.
·
On December 4, 2012, PSC filed surrebuttal testimony.
·
Parties filed their lists of Disputed Issues of Material Fact on December 4, 2012.
·
Pursuant to a Notice of Potential Settlement filed by the Petitioners on December 12, 2012, a series of settlement discussions were held between December 17, 2012 and January 11, 2013.
·
On January 25, 2013, a Joint Proposal with the Company, Fortis, PSC Staff, Multiple Intervenors, the Department of State Utility Intervention Unit (consumer advocate), and Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties as signatories, was submitted to the PSC.  The signatory parties have concluded that, based on the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the acquisition is in the public interest pursuant to the New York State Public Service Law, Section 70, and recommended approval by the Commission.
 
 
The major components of the Joint Proposal include:
·
Quantified benefits, in addition to a one-year rate freeze for the period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 including:
-
synergy savings/guaranteed future rate mitigation of $1.85 million per year for 5 years, totaling $9.25 million;
-
$35 million to write off existing deferred regulatory assets and to provide additional future rate mitigation;
-
establishment of a Community Benefit Fund of $5 million to be used for economic development and low income programs;
-
earnings sharing was modified to reduce the threshold from 10.5% to 10% with 50/50 sharing beginning at 10%; and
-
a provision that Central Hudson file a formal Superstorm Sandy deferral petition as soon as reasonably practicable for review by the Commission on an expedited basis.  This petition was filed on February 6, 2013.

The Joint Proposal also includes various governance, corporate and financial protection conditions.  These protections include goodwill and acquisition cost conditions, credit quality and dividend restriction conditions, money pooling conditions and establishing a special class of preferred stock.  In addition, the Joint Proposal established provisions for financial transparency and reporting, affiliate transactions, cost allocations and code of conduct.  Finally, the terms of the Joint Proposal provide additional customer service protections and benefits
 
·
Statements in Support/Opposition to the Joint Proposal were filed February 8, 2013, with Statement Replies filed February 15, 2013.
·
Public Statement Hearings were held in Poughkeepsie and Kingston on February 21, 2013.  On April 2, 2013, the Commission issued a notice of additional Public Statement Hearings to be held in Poughkeepsie on April 17, 2013 and in Kingston on April 18, 2013.
·
The deadline for submission of public comments in the proceeding was extended to May 1, 2013 by the Commission in a notice issued March 22, 2013.
·
On April 24, 2013, the PSC issued notice that a recommended decision will be issued.

On May 3, 2013 the Recommended Decision ("RD") of the two Administrative Law Judges ("ALJs") – an advisory document – was issued by the PSC.  The RD states that, in its current form, the Joint Proposal does not meet the public interest test as required by New York State Public Service Law, Section 70, but also states that the ALJs recommend the Commission consider adopting the Joint Proposal subject to modifications that would alter the transaction's balance of risks and benefits.  In the RD, the ALJs' statements included the following regarding the current terms of the Joint Proposal in relation to the public interest:

·
Customer Benefits include:
-
Synergy savings of $9.25 million;
-
Rate mitigation of $35 million; and
-
Economic development funding of $5 million.

·
The RD's concerns include the following Residual Risks:
-
Loss of local ownership and loss of goodwill toward the company, compromising management's ability to perform its service obligations to customers.
-
Workforce uncertainty regarding job security beyond the 2-year employment commitment in the joint proposal.
-
Complications in communications and data availability required for effective regulatory oversight due to foreign ownership.
-
Lack of public confidence in the putative future benefits of the Joint Proposal.

Management believes that the concerns expressed in the RD can be resolved.

·
Briefs on exceptions to the RD are due May 17, 2013 and briefs opposing exceptions are due on May 24, 2013.
·
A PSC order regarding the Joint Proposal and closing of the merger are expected in the second quarter of 2013.

Potential Impacts:  Central Hudson believes the merger is in the public interest.  While no assurance regarding the closing can be given until a final PSC Order is issued, the Company continues to anticipate that the Commission will review and approve the merger in the second quarter of 2013 in time for the closing to occur in the second quarter of 2013.  Under the terms of the merger agreement, Fortis must close the transaction if all conditions precedent are met, including PSC approval, and a material adverse effect has not occurred.

Failure to complete the acquisition could negatively affect our share price, including by reducing it to a level at or below the trading range preceding the announcement of the Fortis transaction.
 
Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Commission Approval of Deferred Incremental Costs Associated with Superstorm Sandy
(Case 13-E-0048)

Background:  On October 29, 2012, Central Hudson's service territory was impacted by Superstorm Sandy, and approximately 103,000 electric customers were affected.  The Sandy storm costs were included in the estimate of $22 million storm costs identified in the $35 million of regulatory liabilities to be funded by Fortis. Consistent with the Joint Proposal, on February 6, 2013, Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC seeking expedited Commission approval to recover $9.7 million of incremental electric storm restoration expense, with carrying charges.  These storm costs represent the amount Central Hudson deferred on its books as of December 31, 2012, based on actual costs incurred, bills received and an estimate for bills outstanding and are above the respective rate allowance during the twelve months ended June 30, 2013, which is the third rate year established by the PSC in its approval of a Joint Proposal in Case 09-E-0588. The Company believes the incremental costs associated with this storm meet the PSC's criteria for deferral: 1) the amount is incremental to the amount in rates; 2) the incremental amount is material and extraordinary in nature and 3) the utility's earnings are below the authorized rate of return on common equity.
 

Potential Impacts:  If the PSC approves any amount less than the $9.7 million reflected in the petition, Central Hudson's expenses would increase by the unapproved amount.

Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Commission Approval of Deferred Incremental Costs Associated with Tropical Storm Irene
(Case 11-E-0651)
Petition of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation for Commission Approval of Deferral of October 29, 2011 SnowFall Costs
(Case 12-M-0204)

Background:  On October 29, 2011, Central Hudson experienced an unusual fall storm with snow accumulations of up to 20 inches in the service territory, resulting in electric service outages to over 150,000 customers, extensive damage to the electric system and significant restoration costs.  Following Tropical Storm Irene, the October snowstorm represented the second extraordinary storm event that occurred within the rate year.  Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC to defer for future recovery with carrying charges the $8.6 million of total incremental electric storm restoration expense.  However, because the petition requested the PSC to deviate from its prior precedents, the Company was aware that the amount the PSC granted could have been lower.  Accordingly, management deferred only the portion of the incremental costs that strictly follows Commission practice used in the Company's previous requests to defer incremental storm costs.  Approximately $3.7 million and $3.3 million of incremental restoration expense associated with this storm was expensed in 2011 and 2012, respectively, so that the return on common equity for the twelve months ending June 30, 2012 did not exceed the authorized rate of return of 10%.

Background:  In late August 2011, Central Hudson's service territory was affected by Tropical Storm Irene, disrupting service to approximately 180,000 customers.  On November 28, 2011 Central Hudson filed a petition with the PSC seeking to defer for future recovery with carrying charges for the estimated $11.4 million of incremental electric storm restoration expense above the respective rate allowance during the twelve months ended June 30, 2012.

PSC Orders:  On April 22, 2013, the Commission issued Orders approving deferral of $8.9 million and denying deferral of $3.7 million of the incremental electric storm restoration expense related to Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm.  Regarding the majority of the disallowed costs, the PSC's decision stated that the Company did not meet the third prong requirement which requires the Company not being in an over earnings position.  The Commission adopted a staff recommendation to exclude ratemaking normalization adjustments for purposes of calculating authorized electric regulatory earnings, and therefore denied a portion of these petitioned deferrals based on this third prong criterion.  In addition, the PSC's Order stated that approximately $0.6 million of the costs related to Tropical Storm Irene should have been allocated to a separate storm, Tropical Storm Lee, and that this separate amount did not meet the materiality threshold for recovery.  Central Hudson expects to file a petition for reconsideration and rehearing on the PSC's April 22, 2013 Order challenging the exclusion of the Company's normalization adjustments used to measure earnings.  The petition will seek rehearing for reconsideration and recovery of $3.7 million of costs denied by the Commission for deferral accounting treatment.  The Company believes that it is entitled to fully recover all of these incremental electric storm restoration expenses; however Central Hudson cannot predict the final outcome of this proceeding.
 

Other PSC Proceedings

For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, there has been no significant activity related to the following proceedings:

·
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
·
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
·
Management Audit
·
Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard and State Energy Planning
·
SIR Proceeding
·
Gas Expansion Case
·
AC Transmission Upgrades Proceeding
·
Moreland Commission
 
OTHER MATTERS

Changes in Accounting Standards

See Note 1 – "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 3 – "New Accounting Guidance" for discussion of relevant changes, which discussion is incorporated by reference herein.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

CH Energy Group and Central Hudson do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
 

Climate

While it is possible that some form of global climate change program will be adopted at the federal level in the next term of Congress, it is too early to determine what impact such program will have on CH Energy Group.  It should be noted, however, that the Company's calculated CO2 emission levels are relatively small, mainly because the Company does not generate electricity in significant quantities and the electricity it does generate is primarily from zero emission hydroelectric plants.  Therefore, federally mandated greenhouse gas reductions or limits on CO2 emissions are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.  However, the Company can make no prediction as to the outcome of this matter.  If the cost of CO2 emissions causes purchased electricity and natural gas costs to rise, such increases are expected to be collected through automatic adjustment clauses.  If sales are depressed by higher costs through price elasticity, the RDMs are expected to prevent an earnings impact on the Company.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and any documents incorporated by reference which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "believes," "projects," "expects," "plans," "assumes," "seeks," and similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements including, without limitation, those relating to CH Energy Group's and Central Hudson's future business prospects, revenues, proceeds, working capital, investment valuations, liquidity, income, and margins, as well as the acquisition by a subsidiary of Fortis Inc. and the expected timing of the transaction, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, due to several important factors, including those identified from time to time in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to: the possibility that various conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed Fortis transaction will not be satisfied or waived, including regulatory approvals of the proposed Fortis transaction and the timing and terms thereof; the impact of delay or failure to complete the proposed Fortis transaction on CH Energy Group's stock price; the costs associated with the proposed Fortis transaction; deviations from normal seasonal weather and storm activity; fuel prices; energy supply and demand; potential future acquisitions; legislative, regulatory, and competitive developments; interest rates; access to capital; market risks; electric and natural gas industry restructuring and cost recovery; the ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief; changes in fuel supply or costs including future market prices for energy, capacity, and ancillary services; the success of strategies to satisfy electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and propane requirements; the outcome of pending litigation and certain environmental matters, particularly the status of inactive hazardous waste disposal sites and waste site remediation requirements; and certain presently unknown or unforeseen factors, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism.  CH Energy Group and Central Hudson undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.  Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements.
 

Additional Information about the Fortis Transaction and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis, CH Energy Group filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC on May 9, 2012, and has filed other relevant materials with the SEC as well.  Investors and stockholders of CH Energy Group are urged to read the proxy statement and other relevant materials filed with the SEC because they contain important information about the proposed acquisition and related matters.  Investors and stockholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement and other documents filed by CH Energy Group, at the SEC's Web site, www.sec.gov.  These documents can also be obtained by investors and stockholders free of charge from CH Energy Group at CH Energy Group's website at www.chenergygroup.com, or by contacting CH Energy Group's Shareholder Relations Department at (845) 486-5204.
 
ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Reference is made to Part II, Item 7A of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report for a discussion of market risk.  The practices employed by CH Energy Group and Central Hudson to mitigate these risks - which were discussed in the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report - continue to operate effectively.  For related discussion on this activity, see, in the Financial Statements of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report, Note 14 – "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and Item 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the sub-caption "Capital Resources and Liquidity," and Note 9 – "Capitalization - Long-Term Debt" and Item 2 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the sub-caption "Financing Program" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4 – Controls and Procedures

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of CH Energy Group and Central Hudson evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and based on the evaluation, concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Corporations' controls and procedures are effective.

There were no changes to the Corporations' internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Corporations' last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporations' internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – Legal Proceedings

For information about developments regarding certain legal proceedings, see Item 3 ("Legal Proceedings") of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report, and Note 12 – "Commitments and Contingencies" of that 10-K and/or Note 12 – "Commitments and Contingencies" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A – Risk Factors

RISKS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION BY FORTIS, INC.

We May Be Unable to Satisfy the Conditions or Obtain the Approvals Required to Complete the Proposed Acquisition

While the proposed acquisition has been approved by CH Energy Group shareholders, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the approval of the PSC has not yet been obtained.  The PSC may not approve the acquisition or may seek to impose conditions on the completion of the transaction, which could cause the conditions to the acquisition to not be satisfied or which could delay or increase the cost of the transaction.  In addition, the occurrence of a material adverse effect could result in a termination of the agreement by Fortis.

The Proposed Acquisition May Not Be Completed, Which May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Share Price

Failure to complete the acquisition could negatively affect our share price, including by reducing it to a level at or below the trading range preceding the announcement of the Fortis transaction.

Termination of the Proposed Acquisition Could Result in CH Energy Group Being Required to Pay Termination Fees to Fortis

CH Energy Group will be obligated to reimburse up to $4 million of FortisUS' expenses if (i) FortisUS or CH Energy Group terminates the merger agreement because the acquisition has not been completed by the outside date of August 20, 2013 or FortisUS terminates the merger agreement based on a breach of the merger agreement by CH Energy Group, and (ii) a competing proposal has been made or publicly disclosed and not withdrawn prior to the termination of the merger agreement or applicable breach.  In addition, if within twelve months after such termination, a definitive agreement providing for an acquisition transaction is entered into, or an acquisition transaction is consummated by CH Energy Group with, the person who made the acquisition proposal prior to such termination or applicable breach or with any other third party making an acquisition proposal within three months following such termination, CH Energy Group will be obligated to pay FortisUS a termination fee of $19.7 million (less any expense reimbursement previously paid).  In no event will more than one termination fee be payable.
 

For a discussion identifying additional risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, see the discussion under "Item 1A – Risk Factors" of the Corporations' 10-K Annual Report.
 
ITEM 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
The following table provides a summary of shares repurchased by CH Energy Group for the quarter ended March 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share(2)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(3)
January 1-31, 2013
 
$
 
 
February 1-28, 2013
2,111 
 
$
65.10 
 
 
March 1-31, 2013
 
$
 
 
Total
 
 
2,111 
 
$
65.10 
 
 

(1)
Consists of shares surrendered to CH Energy Group in satisfaction of tax withholdings on the vesting of restricted shares.
(2)
Value at which reacquired shares of CH Energy Group's common stock credited on the date the stock was surrendered.
(3)
On July 31, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares or approximately 13% of CH Energy Group's outstanding common stock on that date, from time to time, over the five year period ending July 31, 2012.  Upon expiration, the repurchase program was not extended under the terms of the merger agreement.
 
ITEM 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

ITEM 6 – Exhibits

Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibit Index for this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is located immediately after the signature pages to this report.
 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
CH ENERGY GROUP, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Vice President - Accounting and Controller
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CENTRAL HUDSON GAS & ELECTRIC CORPORATION
 
 
(Co-Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Kimberly J. Wright
 
 
Controller

Dated: May 8, 2013
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
Following is the list of Exhibits, as required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Exhibit No.
(Regulation
S-K Item 601
Designation)
 
Exhibit Description
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Lant.
 
 
 
 
Section 1350 Certification by Mr. Capone.
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
 
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