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Baltimore Gas & Electric Co, et al. – ‘10-Q’ for 9/30/04

On:  Monday, 11/8/04, at 4:25pm ET   ·   For:  9/30/04   ·   Accession #:  1047469-4-33418   ·   File #s:  0-25931, 1-01910

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  As Of                Filer                Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size              Issuer               Agent

11/08/04  Baltimore Gas & Electric Co       10-Q        9/30/04   17:1.4M                                   Merrill Corp/New/FA
          Constellation Energy Group Inc

Quarterly Report   —   Form 10-Q
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-Q        Quarterly Report                                    HTML    722K 
 2: EX-10.(A)   Material Contract                                   HTML    117K 
 3: EX-10.(B)   Material Contract                                   HTML    119K 
 4: EX-10.(C)   Material Contract                                   HTML    117K 
 5: EX-10.(D)   Material Contract                                   HTML    132K 
 6: EX-10.(E)   Material Contract                                   HTML     57K 
 7: EX-10.(F)   Material Contract                                   HTML     58K 
 8: EX-12.(A)   Statement re: Computation of Ratios                 HTML     26K 
 9: EX-12.(B)   Statement re: Computation of Ratios                 HTML     31K 
10: EX-31.(A)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 302)  HTML     13K 
11: EX-31.(B)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 302)  HTML     13K 
12: EX-31.(C)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 302)  HTML     13K 
13: EX-31.(D)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 302)  HTML     13K 
14: EX-32.(A)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 906)  HTML     11K 
15: EX-32.(B)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 906)  HTML     11K 
16: EX-32.(C)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 906)  HTML     11K 
17: EX-32.(D)   Certification per Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Section 906)  HTML     11K 


10-Q   —   Quarterly Report
Document Table of Contents

Page (sequential) | (alphabetic) Top
 
11st Page   -   Filing Submission
"Table of Contents
"Consolidated Statements of Income
"Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
"Consolidated Balance Sheets
"Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
"Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
"Introduction and Overview
"Business Environment
"Events of 2004
"Results of Operations
"Financial Condition
"Capital Resources
"Market Risk
"Other Matters
"Item 4-Controls and Procedures
"Item 3-Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
"Item 1-Legal Proceedings
"Item 5-Other Information
"Item 6-Exhibits
"Signature

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TABLE OF CONTENTS



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

FORM 10-Q


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

For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2004

Commission File Number   Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter   IRS Employer Identification No.

1-12869

 

CONSTELLATION ENERGY GROUP, INC.

 

52-1964611

1-1910

 

BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

 

52-0280210

MARYLAND
(State of Incorporation of both registrants)

750 E. PRATT STREET,                BALTIMORE, MARYLAND                21202
                                         (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)

410-783-2800

(Registrants' telephone number, including area code)

NOT APPLICABLE

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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, and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý        No o

         Indicate by check mark whether Constellation Energy Group, Inc. is an accelerated filer Yes ý        No o

         Indicate by check mark whether Baltimore Gas and Electric Company is an accelerated filer Yes o        No ý

         Common Stock, without par value 175,852,525 shares outstanding of
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. on October 29, 2004.

         Baltimore Gas and Electric Company meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form in the reduced disclosure format.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Part I—Financial Information
  Item 1—Financial Statements
            Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
            Consolidated Statements of Income
            Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
            Consolidated Balance Sheets
            Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
            Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiaries
            Consolidated Statements of Income
            Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
            Consolidated Balance Sheets
            Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  Item 2—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
            Introduction and Overview
            Business Environment
            Events of 2004
            Results of Operations
            Financial Condition
            Capital Resources
            Market Risk
            Other Matters
  Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
  Item 4—Controls and Procedures
Part II—Other Information
  Item 1—Legal Proceedings
  Item 5—Other Information
  Item 6—Exhibits
  Signature

2


PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1—Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues                          
  Nonregulated revenues   $ 2,777.9   $ 1,940.0   $ 7,216.5   $ 5,173.8  
  Regulated electric revenues     582.0     582.3     1,543.6     1,505.5  
  Regulated gas revenues     74.6     78.3     504.0     514.0  

 
  Total revenues     3,434.5     2,600.6     9,264.1     7,193.3  

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Operating expenses     2,808.8     2,012.6     7,806.0     5,834.1  
  Impairment losses and other costs     1.1         3.7      
  Workforce reduction costs         0.7         2.1  
  Depreciation and amortization     138.4     127.7     391.6     355.6  
  Accretion of asset retirement obligations     14.5     10.7     38.1     32.0  
  Taxes other than income taxes     67.7     61.8     195.0     191.7  

 
  Total expenses     3,030.5     2,213.5     8,434.4     6,415.5  

Net (Loss) Gain on Sales of Investments and Other Assets

 

 

(7.5

)

 

2.1

 

 

(1.6

)

 

16.3

 

 
Income from Operations     396.5     389.2     828.1     794.1  

Other (Expense) Income

 

 

(2.7

)

 

4.5

 

 

7.6

 

 

19.3

 

Fixed Charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest expense     80.7     85.3     249.0     251.2  
  Interest capitalized and allowance for borrowed funds used during construction     (2.3 )   (2.3 )   (8.1 )   (9.5 )
  BGE preference stock dividends     3.3     3.3     9.9     9.9  

 
  Total fixed charges     81.7     86.3     250.8     251.6  

 
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes     312.1     307.4     584.9     561.8  
Income Taxes     101.5     114.5     130.9     205.1  

 
Income from Continuing Operations and Before                          
  Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles     210.6     192.9     454.0     356.7  
  Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes of $0.1 and $26.5, respectively     (0.2 )       (49.2 )    
  Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, net of income taxes of $119.5                 (198.4 )

 
Net Income   $ 210.4   $ 192.9   $ 404.8   $ 158.3  

 

Earnings Applicable to Common Stock

 

$

210.4

 

$

192.9

 

$

404.8

 

$

158.3

 

 
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding—Basic     175.5     167.0     170.7     165.9  
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding—Diluted     176.4     167.7     171.8     166.2  
Earnings Per Common Share from Continuing Operations and Before Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles—Basic   $ 1.20   $ 1.16   $ 2.66   $ 2.15  
  Loss from discontinued operations—Basic             (0.29 )    
  Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles—Basic                 (1.20 )

 
Earnings Per Common Share—Basic   $ 1.20   $ 1.16   $ 2.37   $ 0.95  

 
Earnings Per Common Share from Continuing Operations and Before Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles—Diluted   $ 1.19   $ 1.15   $ 2.64   $ 2.15  
  Loss from discontinued operations—Diluted             (0.28 )    
  Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles—Diluted                 (1.20 )

 
Earnings Per Common Share—Diluted   $ 1.19   $ 1.15   $ 2.36   $ 0.95  

 
Dividends Declared Per Common Share   $ 0.285   $ 0.260   $ 0.855   $ 0.780  

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Net Income   $ 210.4   $ 192.9   $ 404.8   $ 158.3  
  Other comprehensive income (OCI)                          
    Reclassification of net losses on securities from OCI to net income, net of taxes     2.6     0.8     2.3     0.5  
    Reclassification of net gains on hedging instruments from OCI to net income, net of taxes     (111.0 )   (15.2 )   (180.2 )   (24.9 )
    Net unrealized gains (losses) on hedging instruments, net of taxes     88.0     (48.3 )   286.8     (40.8 )
    Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities, net of taxes     (1.2 )   6.9     12.8     21.7  

 
Comprehensive Income   $ 188.8   $ 137.1   $ 526.5   $ 114.8  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

3


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
  September 30,
2004*
  December 31,
2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Assets              
  Current Assets              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 528.9   $ 721.3  
    Accounts receivable (net of allowance for uncollectibles
of 
$41.6 and $51.7, respectively)
    1,392.8     1,563.0  
    Mark-to-market energy assets     568.8     488.3  
    Risk management assets     594.9     249.5  
    Materials and supplies     201.4     203.2  
    Fuel stocks     327.5     196.8  
    Other     236.7     221.4  

 
    Total current assets     3,851.0     3,643.5  

 
 
Investments and Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Nuclear decommissioning trust funds     986.8     736.1  
    Investments in qualifying facilities and power projects     326.8     332.6  
    Mark-to-market energy assets     412.1     261.9  
    Risk management assets     341.2     158.4  
    Goodwill     142.5     144.0  
    Other     289.6     343.8  

 
    Total investments and other assets     2,499.0     1,976.8  

 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Nonregulated property, plant and equipment     8,600.4     8,110.0  
    Regulated property, plant and equipment     5,381.5     5,266.7  
    Nuclear fuel (net of amortization)     232.6     202.9  
    Accumulated depreciation     (4,191.7 )   (3,978.1 )

 
    Net property, plant and equipment     10,022.8     9,601.5  

 
 
Deferred Charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Regulatory assets (net)     206.6     229.5  
    Other     157.0     149.6  

 
    Total deferred charges     363.6     379.1  

 
 
Total Assets

 

$

16,736.4

 

$

15,600.9

 

 

* Unaudited

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

4


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
  September 30,
2004*
  December 31,
2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Liabilities and Equity              
  Current Liabilities              
    Short-term borrowings   $ 1.5   $ 9.6  
    Current portion of long-term debt     528.7     343.2  
    Accounts payable     849.0     1,149.2  
    Customer deposits and collateral     187.4     194.5  
    Mark-to-market energy liabilities     578.1     474.6  
    Risk management liabilities     174.8     134.6  
    Other     572.0     552.2  

 
    Total current liabilities     2,891.5     2,857.9  

 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Deferred income taxes     1,490.3     1,384.4  
    Asset retirement obligations     809.5     595.9  
    Mark-to-market energy liabilities     355.2     258.0  
    Risk management liabilities     505.9     170.1  
    Postretirement and postemployment benefits     375.5     361.8  
    Net pension liability     196.5     225.7  
    Deferred investment tax credits     73.0     78.4  
    Other     172.5     185.6  

 
    Total deferred credits and other liabilities     3,978.4     3,259.9  

 
 
Long-term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Long-term debt of Constellation Energy     3,367.1     3,350.0  
    Long-term debt of nonregulated businesses     380.0     389.2  
    First refunding mortgage bonds of BGE     346.3     476.1  
    Other long-term debt of BGE     919.6     919.6  
    6.20% deferrable interest subordinated debentures due October 15, 2043 to BGE wholly owned BGE Capital Trust II relating to trust preferred securities     257.7     257.7  
    Unamortized discount and premium     (11.2 )   (10.2 )
    Current portion of long-term debt     (528.7 )   (343.2 )

 
    Total long-term debt     4,730.8     5,039.2  

 
 
Minority Interests

 

 

125.4

 

 

113.4

 
 
BGE Preference Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption

 

 

190.0

 

 

190.0

 
 
Common Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Common stock     2,478.6     2,179.8  
    Retained earnings     2,341.2     2,081.9  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     0.5     (121.2 )

 
    Total common shareholders' equity     4,820.3     4,140.5  

 
 
Commitments, Guarantees, and Contingencies (see Notes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Liabilities and Equity

 

$

16,736.4

 

$

15,600.9

 

 

* Unaudited

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

5


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities              
  Net income   $ 404.8   $ 158.3  
  Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities              
    Loss from discontinued operations     49.2      
    Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles         198.4  
    Depreciation and amortization     487.3     446.6  
    Accretion of asset retirement obligations     38.1     32.0  
    Deferred income taxes     96.3     70.6  
    Investment tax credit adjustments     (5.4 )   (5.5 )
    Deferred fuel costs     10.8     (10.9 )
    Pension and postemployment benefits     (8.8 )   (76.0 )
    Net loss (gain) on sales of investments and other assets     1.6     (16.3 )
    Impairment losses and other costs     3.7      
    Workforce reduction costs         2.1  
    Equity in earnings of affiliates less than dividends received     17.3     24.5  
    Changes in              
      Accounts receivable     199.4     (544.6 )
      Mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities     (23.6 )   21.8  
      Risk management assets and liabilities     (17.4 )   (23.7 )
      Materials, supplies and fuel stocks     (138.7 )   (42.3 )
      Other current assets     (30.7 )   (56.3 )
      Accounts payable     (308.1 )   292.6  
      Other current liabilities     (9.4 )   158.2  
      Other     (17.3 )   (67.2 )

 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     749.1     562.3  

 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities              
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (496.4 )   (466.2 )
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired     (457.0 )   (517.3 )
  Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trust funds     (17.7 )   (13.2 )
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations     72.7      
  Sales of investments and other assets     29.6     124.3  
  Other investments     (16.3 )   (91.4 )

 
  Net cash used in investing activities     (885.1 )   (963.8 )

 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities              
  Net maturity of short-term borrowings     (8.1 )   (0.1 )
  Proceeds from issuance of              
    Common stock     271.7     62.0  
    Long-term debt         740.6  
  Repayment of long-term debt     (180.4 )   (456.1 )
  Common stock dividends paid     (139.7 )   (125.7 )
  Other     0.1     (11.1 )

 
  Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (56.4 )   209.6  

 
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents     (192.4 )   (191.9 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period     721.3     615.0  

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period   $ 528.9   $ 423.1  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

6


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiaries

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Revenues                          
  Electric revenues   $ 582.0   $ 582.3   $ 1,543.6   $ 1,505.6  
  Gas revenues     75.3     81.0     507.4     524.5  

 
  Total revenues     657.3     663.3     2,051.0     2,030.1  
Expenses                          
  Operating expenses                          
    Electricity purchased for resale     338.4     345.7     833.1     826.5  
    Gas purchased for resale     31.6     30.1     307.1     319.5  
    Operations and maintenance     107.9     130.6     312.3     299.4  
    Workforce reduction costs         0.2         0.7  
  Depreciation and amortization     61.3     57.5     181.9     169.3  
  Taxes other than income taxes     41.0     36.4     124.1     118.1  

 
  Total expenses     580.2     600.5     1,758.5     1,733.5  

 
Income from Operations     77.1     62.8     292.5     296.6  
Other (Expense) Income     (3.2 )   1.2     (2.2 )   2.2  
Fixed Charges                          
  Interest expense     23.9     26.6     73.6     85.6  
  Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction     (0.2 )   (0.3 )   (0.7 )   (1.3 )

 
  Total fixed charges     23.7     26.3     72.9     84.3  

 
Income Before Income Taxes     50.2     37.7     217.4     214.5  
Income Taxes     18.8     13.8     84.8     83.8  

 
Net Income     31.4     23.9     132.6     130.7  
Preference Stock Dividends     3.3     3.3     9.9     9.9  

 
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock   $ 28.1   $ 20.6   $ 122.7   $ 120.8  

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiaries

 
  Three Months Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003

 
  (In millions)
Net Income   $ 28.1   $ 20.6   $ 122.7   $ 120.8
  Other comprehensive income                        
    Reclassification of unrealized gain on hedging instruments from OCI to net income, net of taxes             (0.1 )  
    Unrealized gain on hedging instruments, net of taxes                 0.8

Comprehensive Income   $ 28.1   $ 20.6   $ 122.6   $ 121.6

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

7


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiaries

 
  September 30,
2004*
  December 31,
2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Assets              
  Current Assets              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 9.9   $ 11.0  
    Accounts receivable (net of allowance for uncollectibles
of 
$12.9 and $10.7, respectively)
    332.4     354.8  
    Investment in cash pool, affiliated company         230.2  
    Accounts receivable, affiliated companies     52.3     4.5  
    Fuel stocks     103.3     62.8  
    Materials and supplies     34.9     29.9  
    Prepaid taxes other than income taxes     66.3     42.8  
    Other     11.0     9.9  

 
    Total current assets     610.1     745.9  

 
 
Investments and Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Receivable, affiliated company     154.2     131.6  
    Other     88.0     90.4  

 
    Total other assets     242.2     222.0  

 
 
Utility Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Plant in service              
      Electric     3,712.2     3,599.3  
      Gas     1,080.6     1,064.7  
      Common     485.3     467.7  

 
      Total plant in service     5,278.1     5,131.7  
    Accumulated depreciation     (1,905.6 )   (1,807.7 )

 
    Net plant in service     3,372.5     3,324.0  
    Construction work in progress     98.2     130.5  
    Plant held for future use     5.2     4.5  

 
    Net utility plant     3,475.9     3,459.0  

 
 
Deferred Charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Regulatory assets (net)     206.6     229.5  
    Other     48.5     50.2  

 
    Total deferred charges     255.1     279.7  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Assets

 

$

4,583.3

 

$

4,706.6

 

 

* Unaudited

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

8


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiaries

 
  September 30,
2004*
  December 31,
2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Liabilities and Equity              
  Current Liabilities              
    Current portion of long-term debt   $ 217.9   $ 330.6  
    Accounts payable     102.8     111.2  
    Borrowing from cash pool, affiliated company     73.5      
    Accounts payable, affiliated companies     111.5     151.7  
    Customer deposits     62.9     59.7  
    Accrued taxes     13.3     33.0  
    Accrued interest     31.3     22.3  
    Other     28.4     43.3  

 
    Total current liabilities     641.6     751.8  

 
 
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Deferred income taxes     613.4     585.8  
    Postretirement and postemployment benefits     280.7     279.2  
    Other     40.8     49.5  

 
    Total deferred credits and other liabilities     934.9     914.5  

 
 
Long-term Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    First refunding mortgage bonds of BGE     346.3     476.1  
    Other long-term debt of BGE     919.6     919.6  
    6.20% deferrable interest subordinated debentures due October 15, 2043 to wholly owned BGE Capital Trust II relating to trust preferred securities     257.7     257.7  
    Long-term debt of nonregulated businesses     25.0     25.0  
    Unamortized discount and premium     (3.4 )   (4.1 )
    Current portion of long-term debt     (217.9 )   (330.6 )

 
    Total long-term debt     1,327.3     1,343.7  

 
 
Minority Interest

 

 

18.8

 

 

18.9

 
 
Preference Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption

 

 

190.0

 

 

190.0

 
 
Common Shareholder's Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    Common stock     912.2     912.2  
    Retained earnings     557.8     574.7  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     0.7     0.8  

 
    Total common shareholder's equity     1,470.7     1,487.7  

 
 
Commitments, Guarantees, and Contingencies (see Notes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total Liabilities and Equity

 

$

4,583.3

 

$

4,706.6

 

 

* Unaudited

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

9


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiaries

Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities              
  Net income   $ 132.6   $ 130.7  
  Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities              
    Depreciation and amortization     187.9     175.1  
    Deferred income taxes     28.9     33.9  
    Investment tax credit adjustments     (1.4 )   (1.4 )
    Deferred fuel costs     10.8     (10.9 )
    Pension and postemployment benefits     (18.7 )   (61.3 )
    Workforce reduction costs         0.7  
    Allowance for equity funds used during construction     (1.4 )   (2.3 )
    Changes in              
      Accounts receivable     22.4     16.3  
      Receivables, affiliated companies     (47.8 )   128.8  
      Materials, supplies, and fuel stocks     (45.5 )   (50.1 )
      Other current assets     (24.6 )   (27.6 )
      Accounts payable     (8.4 )   (24.4 )
      Accounts payable, affiliated companies     (40.2 )   56.4  
      Other current liabilities     (22.4 )   60.9  
      Other     (19.8 )   (17.2 )

 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     152.4     407.6  

 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities              
  Utility construction expenditures (excluding allowance for funds used during construction)     (185.4 )   (187.3 )
  Change in cash pool at parent     303.7     134.6  
  Sales of investments and other assets     4.9      
  Other     2.7     (0.9 )

 
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     125.9     (53.6 )

 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities              
  Distribution to parent     (139.7 )   (81.3 )
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt         196.8  
  Repayment of long-term debt     (129.8 )   (460.4 )
  Preference stock dividends paid     (9.9 )   (9.9 )
  Other         1.2  

 
  Net cash used in financing activities     (279.4 )   (353.6 )

 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents     (1.1 )   0.4  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period     11.0     10.2  

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period   $ 9.9   $ 10.6  

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

10


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Various factors can have a significant impact on our results for interim periods. This means that the results for this quarter are not necessarily indicative of future quarters or full year results given the seasonality of our business.

        Our interim financial statements on the previous pages reflect all adjustments that management believes are necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. These adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

Basis of Presentation

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. (Constellation Energy) and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE). References in this report to "we" and "our" are to Constellation Energy and its subsidiaries, collectively. References in this report to the "regulated business(es)" are to BGE.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is computed by dividing earnings applicable to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

        Our common stock equivalent shares, consisting of stock options, were as follows:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003

 
  (In millions)

Dilutive   0.9   0.7   1.1   0.3
Not dilutive — excluded from diluted EPS   1.5     1.2   2.8

Stock-Based Compensation

Under our long-term incentive plans, we granted stock options, performance-based stock units, performance-based restricted stock, service-based restricted stock units, service-based restricted stock, and equity to officers, key employees, and members of the Board of Directors. As permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, we measure our stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. We discuss these plans and accounting further in Note 14 of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share had we applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to all outstanding stock options and stock awards in each period.

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions, except per share amounts)

 
Net income, as reported   $ 210.4   $ 192.9   $ 404.8   $ 158.3  
Add: Stock-based compensation expense determined under intrinsic value method and included in reported net income, net of related tax effects     3.7     3.8     9.0     7.9  
Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense expense determined under fair value determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects     (5.9 )   (5.9 )   (14.8 )   (14.4 )

 
Pro-forma net income   $ 208.2   $ 190.8   $ 399.0   $ 151.8  

 
Earnings per share:                          
  Basic — as reported   $ 1.20   $ 1.16   $ 2.37   $ 0.95  
  Basic — pro forma   $ 1.19   $ 1.14   $ 2.34   $ 0.91  
  Diluted — as reported   $ 1.19   $ 1.15   $ 2.36   $ 0.95  
  Diluted — pro forma   $ 1.18   $ 1.14   $ 2.32   $ 0.91  

Impairment Losses and Other Costs

In the second quarter of 2004, our other nonregulated businesses recognized an impairment loss of $2.6 million pre-tax, or $1.6 million after-tax, related to an other than temporary decline in fair value of one of our financial investments.

        In the third quarter of 2004, our other nonregulated businesses recognized an impairment loss of $1.1 million pre-tax, or $0.7 million after-tax, related to an other than temporary decline in fair value of one of our financial investments.

11


Accretion of Asset Retirement Obligations

SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, provides the accounting requirements for recognizing an estimated liability for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. We measure the liability at fair value when incurred and capitalize a corresponding amount as part of the book value of the related long-lived assets. The increase in the capitalized cost is included in determining depreciation expense over the estimated useful life of these assets. Since the fair value of the asset retirement obligations is determined using a present value approach, accretion of the liability due to the passage of time is recognized each period to "Accretion of asset retirement obligations" in our Consolidated Statements of Income until the settlement of the liability. We record a gain or loss when the liability is settled after retirement.

        The change in our "Asset retirement obligations" liability during 2004 was as follows:


 
 
(In millions)
 
Liability at January 1, 2004 $ 595.9  
Accretion expense   38.1  
Liabilities incurred   177.5  
Other   (2.0 )
Liabilities settled    
Revisions to cash flows    

 
Liability at September 30, 2004 $ 809.5  

 

        "Liabilities incurred" in the table above primarily reflects the asset retirement obligation recorded in connection with our acquisition of the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant (Ginna). We discuss the acquisition of Ginna in more detail in the Acquisition of Ginna section on the next page. "Other" in the table above represents the asset retirement obligation associated with our geothermal facility in Hawaii that was sold during the quarter ended June 30, 2004. At the time of the sale, the asset retirement obligation was transferred to the buyer of the geothermal facility. We discuss the sale of the geothermal facility in more detail in the Loss from Discontinued Operations section below.

Net Gain or Loss on Sales of Investments and Other Assets

2004

During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our other nonregulated businesses recognized a $1.6 million pre-tax, or $0.9 million after-tax, net loss on the sale of non-core assets as follows:

2003

During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, our other nonregulated businesses recognized a $16.3 million pre-tax, or $9.9 million after-tax, gain on the sale of non-core assets as follows:


Loss from Discontinued Operations

In the fourth quarter of 2003, we began to re-evaluate our strategy regarding our geothermal generating facility in Hawaii. The reevaluation of our strategy included soliciting bids to determine the level of interest in the facility. As of December 31, 2003, management determined that disposal of the facility was more likely than not to occur. As a result, we evaluated the facility for impairment as of December 31, 2003, in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and determined that the facility was not impaired primarily due to indicative bids from third parties above the carrying value of the assets.

        In March 2004, after reviewing final binding offers, management committed to a plan to sell the facility that met the "held for sale" criteria under SFAS No. 144. During the second quarter of 2004, we completed the sale of the facility.

12


        We recorded a loss on sale of $0.3 million pre-tax, or $0.2 million after-tax, during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and a loss on sale of $77.8 million pre-tax, or $50.5 million after-tax, during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. We reported the after-tax loss on sale as a component of "Loss from discontinued operations" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we recognized earnings from the facility prior to sale of $2.1 million pre-tax, or $1.3 million after-tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as a component of "Loss from discontinued operations." The sale is reflected in our Merchant Energy Business reportable segment.

        We have not reclassified the prior year results of operations, which were reported under the equity method as "Nonregulated revenues," because we believe that reclassification of immaterial prior period results would be less useful than consistent reporting of prior year amounts. The facility had a $4.0 million net loss, including a $1.1 million cumulative effect of change in accounting principle for the adoption of SFAS No. 143, during the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

Acquisition of Ginna

On June 10, 2004, we completed our purchase of the R. E. Ginna nuclear facility (Ginna) which is located in Ontario, New York from Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E). Ginna consists of a 495 megawatt single-unit pressurized water reactor that entered service in 1970 and is licensed to operate until 2029.

        We purchased 100 percent of Ginna for $457.0 million including direct costs associated with the acquisition, of which $430.0 million was paid in cash at closing and the remaining $27.0 million was paid in the third quarter of 2004. RG&E also transferred to us $200.5 million in decommissioning funds.

        We will sell 90 percent of Ginna's output back to RG&E at an average price of nearly $44 per megawatt-hour until June 2014 under a unit contingent power purchase agreement (if the output is not available because the plant is not operating, there is no requirement to provide output from other sources). The acquisition of Ginna was immediately accretive to earnings.

        We accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition and included Ginna in our Merchant Energy Business reportable segment. Our purchase price allocation for the net assets acquired is as follows:

Ginna Net Assets Acquired

At June 10, 2004

 

 
(In millions)
Current assets $ 27.9
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund   200.5
Nuclear fuel   14.5
Net property, plant and equipment   382.8
Intangible assets (details below)   38.8
Other assets   123.9

Total assets acquired   788.4
Current liabilities   20.8
Asset retirement obligations   177.3
Deferred credits and other liabilities   133.3

Net assets acquired $ 457.0

        The intangible assets acquired consist of the following:

Description

  Amount
  Weighted-
Average
Useful Life


 
  (In millions)

  (In years)

Operating procedures and manuals   $ 26.1   25
Permits and licenses     8.5   25
Software     4.2   5

   
Total intangible assets   $ 38.8    

   

Information by Operating Segment

Our reportable operating segments are—Merchant Energy, Regulated Electric, and Regulated Gas:

13


        Our remaining nonregulated businesses:

        In addition, we own several investments that we do not consider to be core operations. These include financial investments, real estate projects, and interests in a Latin American power distribution project and in a fund that holds interests in two South American energy projects.

        Our Merchant Energy, Regulated Electric, and Regulated Gas reportable segments are strategic businesses based principally upon regulations, products, and services all of which require different technology and marketing strategies. We evaluate the performance of these segments based on net income. We account for intersegment revenues using market prices. A summary of information by operating segment is shown in the table below.

 
  Reportable Segments
   
   
   
 
 
  Merchant
Energy
Business

  Regulated
Electric
Business

  Regulated
Gas
Business

  Other
Nonregulated
Businesses

  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 

For the three months ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2004                                      
Unaffiliated revenues   $ 2,669.7   $ 582.0   $ 74.6   $ 108.2   $   $ 3,434.5  
Intersegment revenues     282.4         0.7         (283.1 )    

 
Total revenues     2,952.1     582.0     75.3     108.2     (283.1 )   3,434.5  
Loss from discontinued operations     (0.2 )                   (0.2 )
Net income (loss)     188.0     36.8     (8.8 )   (5.6 )       210.4  

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Unaffiliated revenues   $ 1,795.7   $ 582.3   $ 78.3   $ 144.3   $   $ 2,600.6  
Intersegment revenues     377.8         2.7     0.2     (380.7 )    

 
Total revenues     2,173.5     582.3     81.0     144.5     (380.7 )   2,600.6  
Net income     171.6     18.2     2.4     0.7         192.9  

For the nine months ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2004                                      
Unaffiliated revenues   $ 6,905.7   $ 1,543.6   $ 504.0   $ 310.8   $   $ 9,264.1  
Intersegment revenues     799.0         3.4         (802.4 )    

 
Total revenues     7,704.7     1,543.6     507.4     310.8     (802.4 )   9.264.1  
Loss from discontinued operations     (49.2 )                   (49.2 )
Net income (loss)     287.7     107.1     15.7     (5.7 )       404.8  

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Unaffiliated revenues   $ 4,730.7   $ 1,505.5   $ 514.0   $ 443.1   $   $ 7,193.3  
Intersegment revenues     938.5     0.1     10.5     0.2     (949.3 )    

 
Total revenues     5,669.2     1,505.6     524.5     443.3     (949.3 )   7,193.3  
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles     (198.4 )                   (198.4 )
Net income     27.5     89.3     31.9     9.6         158.3  

Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

Our Merchant Energy Business segment assets have changed during 2004 due to the acquisition of Ginna and the sale of a geothermal generating facility in Hawaii. We discuss these events in more detail beginning on page 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

14


Pension and Postretirement Benefits

In December 2003, the President signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act). This legislation provides a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries, a benefit we provide to our Medicare eligible retirees.

        We concluded that prescription drug benefits available under our postretirement health care plan are currently "actuarially equivalent" to Medicare Part D and thus qualify for the subsidy under the Act. The expected subsidy will offset or reduce our share of the cost of the underlying postretirement prescription drug coverage. The impact of this legislation is to reduce our Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation by $30.6 million and reduce our annual postretirement benefit expense during 2004 by $4.0 million. We recorded a reduction of operating expenses of approximately $3 million as a result of the Act through September 30, 2004, reflecting its impact retroactive to January 1, 2004, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position (FSP) 106-2—Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, as discussed in the Accounting Standards Adopted section on page 24.

        We show the components of net periodic pension benefit cost in the following table:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Components of net periodic pension benefit cost                          
Service cost   $ 10.1   $ 8.5   $ 30.1   $ 26.9  
Interest cost     20.6     20.5     61.7     64.8  
Expected return on plan assets     (24.6 )   (24.0 )   (73.4 )   (75.9 )
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost     1.4     1.4     4.3     4.6  
Recognized net actuarial loss     3.6     1.2     10.8     3.9  
Amount capitalized as construction cost     (1.2 )   (0.7 )   (3.1 )   (2.3 )

 
Net periodic pension benefit cost   $ 9.9   $ 6.9   $ 30.4   $ 22.0  

 

The amounts shown above do not reflect a settlement charge of $2.8 million recorded in the third quarter of 2004 related to one of our nonqualified plans.

        We made a $50.0 million contribution to our qualified pension plans on January 16, 2004 even though there is no IRS required minimum contribution.

        We show the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the following table:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost                          
Service cost   $ 1.4   $ 1.7   $ 5.3   $ 5.3  
Interest cost     4.7     7.1     18.3     22.4  
Amortization of transition obligation     0.4     0.6     1.7     1.8  
Recognized net actuarial loss     0.6     1.5     2.5     4.9  
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost     (0.8 )   (0.9 )   (2.9 )   (3.0 )
Amount capitalized as construction cost     (1.3 )   (2.6 )   (5.3 )   (7.8 )

 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost   $ 5.0   $ 7.4   $ 19.6   $ 23.6  

 

        Our non-qualified pension plans and our postretirement benefit programs are not funded; however, we have trust assets securing certain executive pension benefits. We estimate that we will incur approximately $6 million in pension benefit payments for our non-qualified pension plans and approximately $28 million for retiree health and life insurance benefit payments during 2004.

Financing Activities

Constellation Energy

During the first quarter of 2004, we decided to continue our ownership in a synthetic fuel processing facility in South Carolina. We discuss this facility in more detail in the Income Taxes section on the next page. In connection with our decision to continue with our ownership in this facility, we are committed to making fixed payments until the end of 2007. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2004, we recorded a liability of $39.3 million in "Long-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets for these fixed payments.

        In June 2004, Constellation Energy arranged an $800.0 million three-year revolving credit facility and a $300.0 million five-year revolving credit facility replacing a $447.5 million 364-day revolving credit facility which expired in the second quarter of 2004. Constellation Energy also has an existing $640.0 million revolving credit facility expiring in June 2005 and a $447.5 million facility expiring in June 2006.

15


        We use these facilities to ensure adequate liquidity to support our operations. We can borrow directly from the banks or use the facilities to allow the issuance of commercial paper. Additionally, we use the facilities to support letters of credit primarily for our merchant energy business.

        These revolving credit facilities allow the issuance of letters of credit up to approximately $2.2 billion. In addition, BGE maintains $200.0 million in credit facilities as discussed below. At September 30, 2004, letters of credit that totaled $761.4 million were issued under our facilities.

        Under our continuous offering program, employee benefit plans, and shareholder investment plans we issued $44.8 million of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

        Additionally, on July 1, 2004, we issued 6.0 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of $226.9 million to fund a portion of the acquisition of Ginna.

        In October 2004, we terminated certain loans under other revolving credit agreements of $41.4 million related to our Latin American power distribution project. We replaced these revolving credit agreements with loans under new revolving credit agreements totaling $100.0 million.

BGE

Through the date of this report, certain credit facilities expired and BGE renewed those facilities. BGE continues to maintain $200.0 million in annual committed credit facilities, expiring May 2005 through November 2005, to ensure adequate liquidity to support its operations. We can borrow directly from the banks or use the facilities to allow commercial paper to be issued. As of September 30, 2004, BGE had no outstanding commercial paper, which results in $200.0 million in unused credit facilities.

        During the third quarter of 2004, BGE called $4.8 million principal amount of its Remarketed Floating Rate Series due September 1, 2006 to satisfy the sinking fund requirement under the First Refunding Mortgage Bond indenture. These bonds were redeemed in whole or in part at the sinking fund call price of 100% of principal amount plus accrued interest from June 1, 2004 to, but not including, August 25, 2004.

Income Taxes

Our merchant energy business has investments in facilities that manufacture solid synthetic fuel produced from coal as defined under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code for which we claim tax credits on our Federal income tax return. We recognize the tax benefit of these credits in our Consolidated Statements of Income when we believe it is highly probable that the credits will be sustained. The synthetic fuel process involves combining coal material with a chemical reagent to create a significant chemical change. A taxpayer may request a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to support its position that the synthetic fuel produced undergoes a significant chemical change and thus qualifies for Section 29 credits.

        As of September 30, 2004, we have recognized cumulative tax benefits associated with Section 29 credits of $180.6 million, of which $21.9 million was recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and $102.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

        We own a minority ownership in four synthetic fuel facilities located in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. These facilities have received private letter rulings from the IRS. In January 2004, the IRS concluded its examination of the partnership that owns these facilities for the tax years 1998 through 2001 and the IRS did not disallow any of the previously recognized synthetic fuel credits. During the second quarter of 2004, we received final written notice of the resolution of the examination from the IRS.

        In 2003, we purchased 99% ownership in a South Carolina facility that produces synthetic fuel. We did not recognize in our Consolidated Statements of Income the tax benefit of $35.9 million for credits claimed on our South Carolina facility in 2003 pending receipt of a favorable private letter ruling. On April 15, 2004, we received a favorable private letter ruling. We believe receipt of the private letter ruling provides assurance that it is highly probable that the credits will be sustained. Therefore, we recognized the tax benefit of $35.9 million in our Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

        While we believe the production and sale of synthetic fuel from all of our synthetic fuel facilities meet the conditions to qualify for tax credits under Section 29 of the IRS Code, we cannot predict the timing or outcome of any future challenge by the IRS, legislative or regulatory action, or the ultimate impact of such events on the Section 29 credits that we have claimed to date or expect to claim in the future, but the impact could be material to our financial results.

16


        Our recognition of the Section 29 credits reduced our effective tax rate as detailed in the table below. Total income taxes are different from the amount that would be computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate of 35% to book income before income taxes as follows:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Income before income taxes (excluding BGE preference stock dividends)   $ 315.4   $ 310.7   $ 594.8   $ 571.7  
Statutory federal income tax rate     35 %   35 %   35 %   35 %

 
Income taxes computed at statutory federal rate     110.4     108.7     208.2     200.1  
(Decreases) increases in income taxes due to:                          
  Synthetic fuel tax credits (2004)     (21.9 )   (8.9 )   (66.7 )   (26.8 )
  Synthetic fuel tax credits (2003)*             (35.9 )    
  State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit     12.5     12.6     22.0     28.3  
  Other     0.5     2.1     3.3     3.5  

 
Total income taxes   $ 101.5   $ 114.5   $ 130.9   $ 205.1  

 
Effective tax rate     32.2 %   36.8 %   22.0 %   35.9 %

 

* Credits associated with 2003 production at our South Carolina facility.

Commitments, Guarantees, and Contingencies

We have made substantial commitments in connection with our merchant energy, regulated gas, and other nonregulated businesses. These commitments relate to:

        Our merchant energy business has committed to long-term service agreements and other purchase commitments for our plants.

        Our regulated gas business enters into various long-term contracts for the procurement, transportation, and storage of gas.

        Our other nonregulated businesses have committed to gas purchases, as well as to contribute additional capital for construction programs and joint ventures in which they have an interest.

        We have also committed to long-term service agreements and other obligations related to our information technology systems.

        At September 30, 2004, the total amount of commitments was $4,502.8 million, which are primarily related to our merchant energy business.


Long-Term Power Sales Contracts

We enter into long-term power sales contracts in connection with our load-serving activities. We also enter into long-term power sales contracts associated with certain of our power plants. Our load-serving power sales contracts extend for terms through 2012 and provide for the sale of full requirements energy to electricity distribution utilities and certain retail customers. Our power sales contracts associated with our power plants extend for terms into 2014 and provide for the sale of all or a portion of the actual output of certain of our power plants. All long-term contracts were executed at pricing that approximated market rates, including profit margin, at the time of execution.

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Guarantees

The terms of our guarantees are as follows:

 
  Expiration
   
 
  2004
  2005-
2006

  2007-
2008

  Thereafter
  Total

 
  (In millions)

Competitive Supply   $ 2,884.9   $ 1,359.5   $ 305.0   $ 562.2   $ 5,111.6
Other     0.3     5.3         1,270.0     1,275.6

Total   $ 2,885.2   $ 1,364.8   $ 305.0   $ 1,832.2   $ 6,387.2

        At September 30, 2004, Constellation Energy had a total of $6,387.2 million of guarantees outstanding related to loans, credit facilities, and contractual performance of certain of its subsidiaries as described below. These guarantees do not represent incremental obligations and we do not expect to fund the full amount under these guarantees.

        The total recorded fair value of obligations in our Consolidated Balance Sheets was $699.8 million and not the $6.4 billion of total guarantees. We assess the risk of loss from these guarantees to be minimal.


Environmental Matters

We are subject to regulation by various federal, state, and local authorities with regard to:


Air Quality

The Clean Air Act affects both existing generating facilities and new projects. The Clean Air Act and many state laws impose significant requirements relating to emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, and other pollutants that result from burning fossil fuels. The Clean Air Act also contains other provisions that could materially affect some of our projects. Various provisions may require permits, inspections, or installation of additional pollution control technology or may require the purchase of emission allowances. Certain of these provisions are described in more detail on the next page.

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National Ambient Air Quality Standards

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for very fine particulates and a new eight-hour standard for ozone to replace the existing one-hour standard. In April 2004, the EPA identified the areas that would be in ozone nonattainment under the new eight-hour standard. The affected states have three years to develop and submit plans for compliance. The EPA has also proposed a rule to address the interstate transport of SO2 and NOx emissions from fossil fired plants located primarily in the Eastern United States. While any new standards may require increased controls at some of our fossil generating plants in the future, planning and implementation of unit specific requirements will likely take place over several years. We are unable to estimate the cost of compliance until the states and the EPA have finalized their plans for meeting the standards or finalized the proposed rule.

        We own several generating facilities in Maryland and California, states that have been designated as severe ozone nonattainment areas under the existing one-hour standard. The Clean Air Act requires states to assess fees against every major stationary source of NOx and volatile organic chemicals in severe ozone nonattainment areas if national air quality standards are not achieved by a specified deadline. If implemented, the fee would be assessed based on the magnitude of a source's emissions as compared to its emissions when the area failed to meet the deadline. The exact method of computing these fees has not been established and will depend in part on state implementation regulations that have not been finalized.

        The current deadline for most severe ozone nonattainment areas is 2005, including those in which our generating facilities are located. Assessment of fees would commence in 2006 if the current effective date is maintained. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the date when fees would be assessed, if they are assessed, in light of the EPA's designation of nonattainment areas under the new eight-hour ozone nonattainment standard, as well as its recent decision to reconsider, in part, its planned rescission of the existing one-hour nonattainment standard. Consequently, we are unable to estimate the ultimate timing or financial impact of the fees in light of the uncertainty surrounding the effective date and the methodology that will be used in calculating the fees.

New Source Review

The EPA and several states filed suits against a number of coal-fired power plants primarily in Mid-Western and Southern states alleging violations of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Non-Attainment provisions of the Clean Air Act's new source review requirements. The EPA requested information relating to modifications made to our Brandon Shores, Crane, and Wagner plants in Baltimore, Maryland. The EPA also sent similar, but narrower, information requests to two of our newer Pennsylvania waste-coal burning plants in which we have an ownership interest. We have responded to the EPA, and as of the date of this report the EPA has taken no further action.

        Based on the level of emissions control that the EPA and states are seeking in these new source review enforcement actions, we believe that material additional costs and penalties could be incurred, and planned capital expenditures could be accelerated, if the EPA was successful in any future actions regarding our facilities.

        On October 27, 2003, the EPA's new source review rule on routine maintenance was published in the Federal Register. The new regulations would establish an equipment replacement cost threshold for determining when major new source review requirements are triggered. Plant owners may spend up to 20% of the replacement value of a generation unit on certain improvements each year without triggering requirements for new pollution controls. An appeal was filed with the United States Court of Appeals delaying the effective date of the rule pending the outcome of the appeal. We cannot predict the timing or outcome of this appeal, or its possible effect on our financial results.

Hazardous Air Emissions

The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to evaluate the public health impacts of hazardous air emissions from electric generating facilities. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed to regulate the emissions of mercury from coal-fired facilities and nickel from residual oil-fired facilities. Under the mercury proposal, the EPA has proposed two compliance alternatives, a unit specific standard and a cap and trade program. As proposed, compliance with the unit specific limits would be as early as March 2008 and compliance with the cap and trade program would be by 2010. The nickel emission limits for residual oil-fired facilities would require compliance by March 2008. We believe final regulations could be issued in 2005 and could affect all coal and oil-fired boilers. The cost of compliance with the final regulations could be material.

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Global Climate Change

Future initiatives regarding greenhouse gas emissions and global warming continue to be the subject of much debate. As a result of our diverse fuel portfolio, our contribution to greenhouse gases varies by plant type. Fossil fuel-fired power plants are significant sources of carbon dioxide emissions, a principal greenhouse gas. Our compliance costs with any mandated federal greenhouse gas reductions in the future could be material.

Water Quality

Our facilities are subject to a variety of federal and state regulations governing existing and potential water/wastewater and storm water discharges. Under current provisions of the Clean Water Act, existing wastewater discharge permits are renewed every five years, at which time permit effluent limits come under extensive review and can be modified to account for more stringent regulations. In addition, the permits can be modified at any time. Changes to the water discharge permits of our coal or other fuel suppliers due to federal or state initiatives may increase the cost of fuel, which in turn could have a significant impact on our operations.

Water Intake Regulations

On July 9, 2004, EPA published final rules under the Clean Water Act that require cooling water intake structures to reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts. The final rules require the installation of additional intake screens or other protective measures, as well as extensive site-specific study and monitoring requirements. We currently have six facilities affected by the regulation. The rule allows for a number of compliance options that will be assessed through 2007, following which we will determine our most viable options. Until we determine our most viable option under the final rules, we can not estimate our compliance costs, however the costs associated with the final rules could be material.

Solid and Hazardous Waste

The EPA and several state agencies have notified us that we are considered a potentially responsible party with respect to the clean-up of certain environmentally contaminated sites. We cannot estimate the clean-up costs for all of these sites.

Metal Bank

In 1997, EPA, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("Superfund"), issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the proposed clean-up at the Metal Bank of America site, a metal reclaimer in Philadelphia. We had previously recorded a liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets for BGE's 15.47% share of probable clean-up costs. Based on current settlement negotiations among the EPA and the potentially responsible parties involved at the site, we do not believe we will incur clean-up costs in excess of the amount recorded as a liability. The EPA and the potentially responsible parties, including BGE, are currently pursuing claims against Metal Bank of America for an equitable share of expected site remediation costs.

68th Street Dump

In 1999, the EPA proposed to add the 68th Street Dump in Baltimore, Maryland to the Superfund National Priorities List ("NPL"), which is its list of sites targeted for clean-up and enforcement, and sent a general notice letter to BGE and 19 other parties identifying them as potentially liable parties at the 68th Street Dump site. In April 2003, EPA re-proposed the 68th Street site to the NPL, but decided not to include the site in its September 2003 update. We and other potentially responsible parties formed the 68th Street Coalition in March 2004, and the coalition has entered into consent order negotiations with the EPA to investigate clean-up options for the site under the Superfund Alternative Sites Program. During negotiations under this program, the 68th Street Dump will not be placed on the NPL. At this stage, it is not possible to predict the outcome of those discussions or our share of the liability. However, the costs could have a material effect on our financial results.

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Kane and Lombard

The EPA issued its ROD for the Kane and Lombard Drum site located in Baltimore, Maryland on September 30, 2003. The ROD specifies the clean-up plan for the site, consisting of enhanced reductive dechlorination, a soil management plan, and institutional controls. The ROD was consistent with the proposed remedy the EPA released in December 2002. On July 1, 2004, the EPA issued a Special Notice/Demand Letter to BGE and three other potentially responsible parties regarding implementation of the remedy. In response, the potentially responsible parties have proposed negotiations with the EPA regarding the implementation. The total clean-up costs are estimated to be approximately $10 million. We estimate our current share of site-related costs to be 11.1%. Our share of these future costs has not been determined and it may vary from the current estimate. In December 2002, we recorded a liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets for our share of the clean-up costs that we believe is probable.

Spring Gardens

In late December 1996, BGE signed a consent order with the Maryland Department of the Environment that required BGE to implement remedial action plans for contamination at and around the Spring Gardens site, located in Baltimore, Maryland. The Spring Gardens site was once used to manufacture gas from coal and oil. Based on the remedial action plans, the costs BGE considers to be probable to remedy the contamination are estimated to total $47 million. BGE recorded these costs as a liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheets and deferred these costs, net of accumulated amortization and amounts it recovered from insurance companies, as a regulatory asset. Because of the results of studies at this site, it is reasonably possible that additional costs could exceed the amount BGE recognized by approximately $14 million. Through September 30, 2004, BGE spent approximately $40 million for remediation at this site. BGE also investigated other small sites where gas was manufactured in the past. We do not expect the clean-up costs of the remaining smaller sites to have a material effect on our financial results.


Nuclear Insurance

We maintain nuclear insurance coverage for Calvert Cliffs, Nine Mile Point, and Ginna in four program areas: liability, worker radiation, property, and accidental outage. These policies contain certain industry standard exclusions, including, but not limited to, ordinary wear and tear and war.

        In November 2002, the President signed into law the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act ("TRIA") of 2002. Under the TRIA, property and casualty insurance companies are required to offer insurance for losses resulting from Certified acts of terrorism. Certified acts of terrorism are determined by the Secretary of State and Attorney General and primarily are based upon the occurrence of significant acts of international terrorism. Our nuclear property and accidental outage insurance programs, as discussed later in this section, provide coverage for Certified acts of terrorism.

        If there were an accident or an extended outage at any unit of Calvert Cliffs, Nine Mile Point, or Ginna, it could have a substantial adverse impact on our financial results.

Nuclear Liability Insurance

Pursuant to the Price-Anderson Act, we are required to insure against public liability claims resulting from nuclear incidents to the full limit of public liability. This limit of liability consists of the maximum available commercial insurance of $300 million and mandatory participation in an industry-wide retrospective premium assessment program. The retrospective premium assessment is $100.6 million per reactor, increasing the total amount of insurance for public liability to approximately $10.8 billion. Under the retrospective assessment program, we can be assessed up to $503 million per incident at any commercial reactor in the country, payable at no more than $50 million per incident per year. This assessment also applies in excess of our worker radiation claims insurance and is subject to inflation and state premium taxes. Claims resulting from non-certified acts of terrorism are limited to the commercial insurance discussed above, regardless of the number of nuclear plants affected. In addition, the U.S. Congress could impose additional revenue-raising measures to pay claims.

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Worker Radiation Claims Insurance

We participate in the American Nuclear Insurers Master Worker Program that provides coverage for worker tort claims filed for radiation injuries. Effective January 1, 1998, this program was modified to provide coverage to all workers whose nuclear-related employment began on or after the commencement date of reactor operations. Waiving the right to make additional claims under the old policy was a condition for coverage under the new policy. We describe the old and new policies below:

        The sellers of Nine Mile Point retain the liabilities for existing and potential claims that occurred prior to November 7, 2001. In addition, the Long Island Power Authority, which continues to own 18% of Unit 2 at Nine Mile Point, is obligated to assume its pro rata share of any liabilities for retrospective premiums and other premium assessments. RG&E, the seller of Ginna, retains the liabilities for existing and potential claims that occurred prior to June 10, 2004. If claims under these policies exceed the coverage limits, the provisions of the Price-Anderson Act would apply.

Nuclear Property Insurance

Our policies provide $500 million in primary coverage at Calvert Cliffs, Nine Mile Point, and Ginna. In addition, we maintain $2.25 billion of excess coverage at Calvert Cliffs and Nine Mile Point and $1.77 billion of excess coverage at Ginna for property damage, decontamination, and premature decommissioning liability. This coverage currently is purchased through an industry mutual insurance company. If accidents at plants insured by the mutual insurance company cause a shortfall of funds, all policyholders could be assessed, with our share being up to $91.7 million.

        Losses resulting from non-certified acts of terrorism are covered as a common occurrence, meaning that if non-certified terrorist acts occur against one or more commercial nuclear power plants insured by our nuclear property insurance company within a 12-month period, they would be treated as one event and the owners of the plants would share one full limit of liability (currently $3.24 billion).

Accidental Nuclear Outage Insurance

Our policies provide indemnification on a weekly basis for losses resulting from an accidental outage of a nuclear unit. Coverage begins after a 12-week deductible period and continues at 100% of the weekly indemnity limit for 52 weeks and then 80% of the weekly indemnity limit for the next 110 weeks. Our coverage is up to $490.0 million per unit at Calvert Cliffs and Ginna, $420.0 million for Unit 1 of Nine Mile Point, and $401.8 million for Unit 2 of Nine Mile Point. This amount can be reduced by up to $98.0 million per unit at Calvert Cliffs and $84.0 million for Nine Mile Point if an outage of more than one unit is caused by a single insured physical damage loss.

Non-nuclear Property Insurance

Our conventional property insurance provides coverage of $1.0 billion per occurrence for Certified acts of terrorism as defined under the TRIA. Certified acts of terrorism are determined by the Secretary of State and Attorney General of the United States and primarily are based upon the occurrence of significant acts of international terrorism. Our conventional property insurance program also provides coverage for non-certified acts of terrorism up to an annual aggregate limit of $333 million. If a terrorist act occurs at any of our facilities, it could have a significant adverse impact on our financial results.

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SFAS No. 133 Hedging Activities

We are exposed to market risk, including changes in interest rates and the impact of market fluctuations in the price and transportation costs of electricity, natural gas, and other commodities. We discuss our market risk in more detail in the Market Risk section on page 49.

Interest Rates

We use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate exposures associated with new debt issuances and to optimize the mix of fixed and floating rate debt. The swaps used to manage our exposure prior to the issuance of new debt are designated as cash-flow hedges under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, with gains and losses, net of associated deferred income tax effects, recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, in anticipation of planned financing transactions. We reclassify gains and losses on the hedges from "Accumulated other comprehensive income" into "Interest expense" in our Consolidated Statements of Income during the periods in which the interest payments being hedged occur.

        The swaps used to optimize the mix of fixed and floating rate debt are designated as fair value hedges under SFAS No. 133. We record any gains or losses on swaps that qualify for fair value hedge accounting treatment, as well as changes in the fair value of the debt being hedged, in "Interest expense," and we record any changes in fair value of the swaps and the debt in "Risk management assets and liabilities" and "Long-term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we record the difference between interest on hedged fixed rate debt and floating rate swaps in "Interest expense" in the periods that the swaps settle.

        At September 30, 2004, we have net unrealized pre-tax gains of $19.1 million related to interest rate cash-flow hedges recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income." We expect to reclassify $2.9 million of pre-tax net gains on these swap contracts from "Accumulated other comprehensive income" into "Interest expense" during the next twelve months.

        During the third quarter of 2004, to optimize the mix of fixed and floating rate debt, we entered into interest rate swaps qualifying as fair value hedges relating to $450 million of our fixed rate debt and converted this notional amount of debt to a floating rate. At September 30, 2004, the $17.1 million increase in the fair value of these hedges was recorded, for which there was no hedge ineffectiveness, as an increase in our "Risk management assets" and "Long-term debt."

Commodity Prices

At September 30, 2004, our merchant energy business had designated certain purchase and sale contracts as cash-flow hedges of forecasted transactions for the years 2004 through 2011 under SFAS No. 133.

        Under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, we record gains and losses on energy derivative contracts designated as cash-flow hedges of forecasted transactions in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets prior to the settlement of the anticipated hedged physical transaction. We reclassify these gains or losses into earnings upon settlement of the underlying hedged transaction. We record derivatives used for hedging activities from our merchant energy business in "Risk management assets and liabilities" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        At September 30, 2004, our merchant energy business has net unrealized pre-tax gains of $179.8 million on these hedges recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income." We expect to reclassify $390.4 million of net pre-tax gains on cash-flow hedges from "Accumulated other comprehensive income" into earnings during the next twelve months based on the market prices at September 30, 2004. However, the actual amount reclassified into earnings could vary from the amounts recorded at September 30, 2004 due to future changes in market prices.

        We recognized into earnings a pre-tax loss of $7.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and a pre-tax loss of $6.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 related to the ineffective portion of our hedges.

        We recognized into earnings a pre-tax loss of $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and a pre-tax gain of $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 related to the ineffective portion of our hedges.

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Accounting Standards Issued

EITF 03-1

In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on Issue 03-1, The Meaning of Other Than Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments, related to measurement and recognition criteria that would have become effective July 1, 2004. In September 2004, the FASB issued FSP EITF 03-1-1 which delayed the implementation of the measurement and recognition criteria until additional implementation guidance could be developed. In accordance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations, we do not manage the day-to-day activities of our nuclear decommissioning trust funds. As a result, a strict interpretation of EITF 03-1 would indicate that we do not have the ability and intent to hold investments whose market value is less than our cost until recovery. If relief from this strict interpretation is not included in the pending FASB implementation guidance, we would be required to record into earnings any decline in market value below the cost of our nuclear decommissioning investments. If this strict interpretation of EITF 03-1 had become effective at September 30, 2004, we would have been required to record a pre-tax charge of approximately $7.5 million. We have approximately $1 billion invested in nuclear decommissioning trust assets. As a result, a one percent decline in all of our investments below book value would result in approximately a $10 million pre-tax charge. We cannot predict the outcome of the implementation guidance; however, the impact could be material to our financial results.

Accounting Standards Adopted

FSP 106-2

In May 2004, the FASB issued FSP 106-2, which addresses accounting and disclosure requirements pertaining to Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. FSP 106-2 is effective July 1, 2004. We discuss the impacts of this standard in the Pension and Postretirement Benefits section on page 15.

FIN 46/FIN 46R

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. (FIN) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was subsequently revised in its entirety with the issuance of FIN 46R in December 2003.

        FIN 46R establishes conditions under which an entity must be consolidated based upon variable interests rather than voting interests. Variable interests are ownership interests or contractual relationships that enable the holder to share in the financial risks and rewards resulting from the activities of a Variable Interest Entity (VIE). A VIE can be a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes. An entity is considered a VIE under FIN 46R if it does not have an equity investment sufficient for it to finance its activities without assistance from variable interests or if its equity investors lack any of the following characteristics of a controlling financial interest:

        FIN 46R requires us to consolidate VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary and to disclose certain information about significant variable interests we hold. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that receives the majority of a VIE's expected losses, expected residual returns, or both.

        FIN 46R was effective March 31, 2004 for all VIEs except special purpose entities (SPEs), for which the effective date was December 31, 2003. Therefore, at December 31, 2003, we and BGE deconsolidated BGE Capital Trust II, an SPE established to issue trust preferred securities as described in Note 9 of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, because BGE is not its primary beneficiary. As a result, we currently record $257.7 million of deferrable interest subordinated debentures due to BGE Capital Trust II, and $7.7 million equity investment in BGE Capital Trust II in "Other investments" in our and BGE's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        As a result of adopting the remainder of the provisions of FIN 46R as of March 31, 2004, we were not required to consolidate or deconsolidate any non-SPE entities with which we are involved through variable interests. We had preliminarily determined that we were the primary beneficiary for an unconsolidated investment in a hydroelectric generating plant located in Pennsylvania because our two-thirds voting interest is disproportionate to our 50% interest in the plant's earnings. However, we subsequently determined that the entity is not a VIE because less than substantially all of the plant's activities are conducted on our behalf, and therefore we do not have to consolidate the entity.

        We have a significant interest in the following VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary:

VIE

  Nature of
Involvement

  Date of
Involvement


Power projects and fuel supply entities   Equity investment and guarantees   Prior to 2003
Natural gas producing facility   Volumetric and price swap   July 2003

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        The following is summary information about these entities as of September 30, 2004:


 
  (In millions)
Total assets   $ 307
Total liabilities     165
Our ownership interest     41
Other ownership interests     101
Our maximum exposure to loss     94

        The maximum exposure to loss represents the loss that we would incur in the unlikely event that our interests in all of these entities were to become worthless and we were required to fund the full amount of all guarantees associated with these entities. Our maximum exposure to loss as of September 30, 2004 consists of the following:

        We assess the risk of a loss equal to our maximum exposure to be remote.

Related Party Transactions—BGE

Income Statement

BGE provides standard offer service to those customers that do not choose an alternate supplier. Our wholesale marketing and risk management operation provided BGE with the energy and capacity required to meet its commercial and industrial standard offer service obligations through June 30, 2004 and provides the energy and capacity required to meet its residential standard offer service obligations through June 30, 2006. Effective July 1, 2004, BGE executed one and two-year contracts for commercial and industrial electric power supply totaling approximately 2,300 megawatts. Our wholesale marketing and risk management operation will supply a significant portion of this electric power supply.

        The cost of BGE's purchased energy from nonregulated affiliates of Constellation Energy to meet its standard offer service obligation was as follows:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003

 
  (In millions)

Purchased energy   $ 281.7   $ 345.7   $ 776.2   $ 826.5

        In addition, Constellation Energy charges BGE for the costs of certain corporate functions. Certain costs are directly assigned to BGE. We allocate other corporate function costs based on a total percentage of expected use by BGE. Management believes this method of allocation is reasonable and approximates the cost BGE would have incurred as an unaffiliated entity. These costs were $27.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 compared to $20.1 million for the same period in September 30, 2003 and $70.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $54.8 million for the same period in 2003.


Balance Sheet

BGE participates in a cash pool under a Master Demand Note agreement with Constellation Energy. Under this arrangement, participating subsidiaries may invest in or borrow from the pool at market interest rates. Constellation Energy administers the pool and invests excess cash in short-term investments or issues commercial paper to manage consolidated cash requirements. BGE had borrowed $73.5 million at September 30, 2004 and had invested $230.2 million at December 31, 2003 under this arrangement.

        Amounts related to corporate functions performed at the Constellation Energy holding company, BGE's purchases to meet its standard offer service obligation, BGE's charges to Constellation Energy and its nonregulated affiliates for certain services it provides them, and the participation of BGE's employees in the Constellation Energy pension plan result in intercompany balances in BGE's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Item 2. Management's Discussion

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

Introduction and Overview

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. (Constellation Energy) is a North American energy company that conducts its business through various subsidiaries including a merchant energy business and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE). We describe our operating segments in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 13.

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is a combined report of Constellation Energy and BGE. References in this report to "we" and "our" are to Constellation Energy and its subsidiaries, collectively. References in this report to the "regulated business(es)" are to BGE.

        Our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K includes a detailed discussion of various items impacting our business, our results of operations and financial condition. These include:

        Critical accounting policies are the accounting policies that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgment. Our critical accounting policies include revenue recognition/mark-to-market accounting, evaluation of assets for impairment and other than temporary decline in value, and asset retirement obligations.

        In this discussion and analysis, we explain the general financial condition and the results of operations for Constellation Energy and BGE including:

        As you read this discussion and analysis, refer to our Consolidated Statements of Income on page 3, which present the results of our operations for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. We analyze and explain the differences between periods in the specific line items of the Consolidated Statements of Income.

        We have organized our discussion and analysis as follows:

Business Environment

With the shift toward customer choice, competition, and the growth of our merchant energy business, various factors affect our financial results. We discuss these various factors in Item 1. Description of Business—Merchant Energy Business section and in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis—Business Environment section of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Also refer to the Forward Looking Statements section on page 54 and a discussion of our market risks in the Market Risk section on page 49.

        In this section, we discuss in more detail events which have impacted our business during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.


Regulated Electric Competition

All BGE electric customers have the option to purchase electricity from alternate suppliers.

Standard Offer Service

BGE provides fixed price standard offer service for residential customers that do not select an alternative supplier through June 30, 2006. Beginning July 1, 2006, BGE's current obligation to provide fixed price standard offer service to residential customers ends, and all residential customers that receive their electric supply from BGE will be charged market-based standard offer service rates, as discussed in the Standard Offer Service—Provider of Last Resort (POLR) section on the next page.

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        BGE provided fixed price standard offer service for most of its commercial and industrial customers through June 30, 2002. The large commercial and industrial customers that did not select an alternative supplier were provided market-based standard offer service through June 30, 2004. BGE provided fixed price standard offer service to its remaining commercial and industrial customers through June 30, 2004. Beginning July 1, 2004, all commercial and industrial customers that receive their electric supply from BGE are charged market-based standard offer service rates, as discussed in the Standard Offer Service—Provider of Last Resort (POLR) section below.

Standard Offer Service—Provider of Last Resort (POLR)

Under the POLR settlement agreement approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission (Maryland PSC), BGE is obligated to provide market-based standard offer service to residential customers from July 1, 2006 through May 31, 2010, and for commercial and industrial customers for one, two or four year periods beyond June 30, 2004, depending on customer load. The POLR rates charged during this time will recover BGE's wholesale power supply costs and include an administrative fee. The administrative fee includes a shareholder return component and an incremental cost component.

        Bidding to supply BGE's standard offer service to commercial and industrial customers beyond June 30, 2004 occurred through a multi-round competitive bidding process in the first quarter of 2004. As a result, BGE executed one- and two-year contracts for commercial and industrial electric power supply totaling approximately 2,300 megawatts.

        On October 1, 2004, BGE issued requests for proposals to supply standard offer service to commercial and industrial customers beyond May 31, 2005. Bidding on approximately 1,420 megawatts is scheduled to begin in December 2004 and conclude in March 2005.

FERC Regulation

Regional Transmission Organizations and
Standard Market Design

There are a number of proceedings at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that may affect the transmission revenues of BGE and other transmission owners in PJM Interconnection (PJM). In addition, there are continued market developments both in PJM and in other regions, such as the Mid-West, New York and New England that have the potential to impact our financial results. However, at this time, we cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or the possible effect on our, or BGE's, financial results.

Other Factors

Our merchant energy business contracts with rail companies to ensure the delivery of coal to our coal-fired generation facilities. The timely delivery of coal together with the maintenance of appropriate levels of inventory is necessary to allow for continued, reliable generation from these facilities. Since the second quarter of 2004, we have experienced delays in deliveries from one of the rail companies that supplies coal to our generating facilities. In response, we have begun to procure coal using an alternative delivery method to meet our contractual load obligations. We discuss the impact on our financial results in the Mid-Atlantic Fleet section on page 33.

Accounting Standards Adopted and Issued

We discuss recently adopted and issued accounting standards in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 24.

27


Events of 2004

Loss from Discontinued Operations

During the second quarter of 2004, we completed the sale of a geothermal facility in Hawaii. We recorded a loss on sale of $0.3 million pre-tax, or $0.2 million after-tax, during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and a loss on sale of $77.8 million pre-tax, or $50.5 million after-tax, during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. We reported the after-tax loss on sale as a component of "Loss from discontinued operations" in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we recognized earnings from the facility prior to sale of $2.1 million pre-tax, or $1.3 million after-tax, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 as a component of "Loss from discontinued operations." We discuss the loss from discontinued operations in more detail in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 12.

Acquisition

On June 10, 2004, we completed our purchase of the R. E. Ginna nuclear facility (Ginna) which is located in Ontario, New York from Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E). Ginna consists of a 495 megawatt single-unit pressurized water reactor that entered service in 1970 and is licensed to operate until 2029. We discuss the acquisition further in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 13.

Synthetic Fuel Tax Credits

We have investments in facilities that manufacture solid synthetic fuel produced from coal as defined under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code for which we claim tax credits on our Federal income tax return. We recognize the tax benefit of these credits in our Consolidated Statements of Income when we believe it is highly probable that the credits will be sustained.

        As of September 30, 2004, we have recognized cumulative tax benefits associated with Section 29 credits of $180.6 million, of which $21.9 million was recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 and $102.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. We discuss the synthetic fuel tax credits in more detail in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 16.

Impairment of Financial Investment

Our other nonregulated businesses recognized a pre-tax impairment loss of $1.1 million in the third quarter and $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. We discuss our impairments of financial investments in more detail in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 11.

Net Loss on Sales of Investments and Other Assets

Our other nonregulated businesses recognized a loss of $7.5 million pre-tax in the third quarter and a loss of $1.6 million pre-tax for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 on the sale of non-core assets. We discuss our net loss on sales of investments and other assets in more detail in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 12.

Pension Plan Assets

Our actual return on pension plan assets was 3.5% through September 30, 2004. In addition, we contributed $50 million, or approximately $30 million after-tax, to our pension plans in 2004.

        If pension plan assets earned 2.25% during the fourth quarter of 2004, or one-fourth of our 9% annual return on pension assets assumption, and the liability discount rate remains unchanged, an after-tax charge to equity of approximately $43 million would be recorded at December 31, 2004 as a result of increasing our additional minimum pension liability. The amount ultimately recorded will be determined by our actual 2004 return on pension plan assets, which depends on the performance of the financial markets during 2004, and our discount rate assumption, which depends on year-end interest rates. As a result, the charge to equity, if any, could be materially different than our current estimate.

Dividend Increase

In January 2004, we announced an increase in our quarterly dividend to 28.5 cents per share on our common stock. This is equivalent to an annual rate of $1.14 per share. Previously, our quarterly dividend on our common stock was 26 cents per share, equivalent to an annual rate of $1.04 per share.

28


Results of Operations for the Quarter and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004 Compared with the Same Periods of 2003

In this section, we discuss our earnings and the factors affecting them. We begin with a general overview, then separately discuss earnings for our operating segments. Changes in other income and expense, fixed charges, and income taxes are discussed, as necessary, in the aggregate for all segments in the Consolidated Nonoperating Income and Expenses section on page 43.

Overview

Results

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions, after-tax)

 
Merchant energy   $ 188.2   $ 171.6   $ 336.9   $ 225.9  
Regulated electric     36.8     18.2     107.1     89.3  
Regulated gas     (8.8 )   2.4     15.7     31.9  
Other nonregulated     (5.6 )   0.7     (5.7 )   9.6  

 
Income from Continuing Operations and Before Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles     210.6     192.9     454.0     356.7  
  Loss from Discontinued Operations (see Notes)     (0.2 )       (49.2 )    
  Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles                 (198.4 )

 
Net Income   $ 210.4   $ 192.9   $ 404.8   $ 158.3  

 
Special Items Included in Operations                          
    Recognition of 2003 synthetic fuel tax credits   $   $   $ 35.9   $  
    Net (losses) gains on sale of investments and other assets     (4.6 )   1.3     (0.9 )   9.9  
    Impairment losses and other costs     (0.7 )       (2.3 )    
    Workforce reduction costs         (0.4 )       (1.3 )

 
Total Special Items   $ (5.3 ) $ 0.9   $ 32.7   $ 8.6  

 

Quarter Ended September 30, 2004

Our total net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 increased $17.5 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of the following:

        These increases were partially offset by the following:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

Our total net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased $246.5 million, or $1.41 per share, compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of the following:

29


        These increases were partially offset by the following:

        Earnings per share was impacted by additional dilution resulting from the issuance of 6.0 million shares of common stock on July 1, 2004.

        In the following sections, we discuss our net income by business segment in greater detail.

Merchant Energy Business

Background

Our merchant energy business is a competitive provider of energy solutions for large customers in North America. We discuss the impact of deregulation on our merchant energy business in the Business Environment—Electric Competition section of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        We record merchant energy revenues and expenses in our financial results in different periods depending upon which portion of our business they affect. We discuss our revenue recognition policies in the Critical Accounting Policies section and Note 1 of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We summarize our policies as follows:

        Mark-to-market accounting requires us to make estimates and assumptions using judgment in determining the fair value of our contracts and in recording revenues from those contracts. We discuss the effects of mark-to-market accounting on our revenues in the Competitive Supply—Mark-to-Market Revenues section on page 34.

30


Results

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
   
  (In millions)

   
 
Revenues   $ 2,952.1   $ 2,173.5   $ 7,704.7   $ 5,669.2  
Fuel and purchased energy expenses     (2,227.4 )   (1,542.5 )   (6,008.8 )   (4,240.5 )
Operations and maintenance expenses     (296.2 )   (214.5 )   (888.0 )   (694.5 )
Workforce reduction costs         (0.5 )       (1.3 )
Depreciation and amortization     (68.3 )   (64.7 )   (185.4 )   (172.2 )
Accretion of asset retirement obligations     (14.5 )   (10.7 )   (38.1 )   (32.0 )
Taxes other than income taxes     (26.6 )   (24.6 )   (69.6 )   (71.0 )

 
Income from Operations   $ 319.1   $ 316.0   $ 514.8   $ 457.7  

 
Income from Continuing Operations and Before Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles (after-tax)   $ 188.2   $ 171.6   $ 336.9   $ 225.9  
  Loss from Discontinued Operations (after-tax)     (0.2 )       (49.2 )    
  Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles (after-tax)                 (198.4 )

 
Net Income   $ 188.0   $ 171.6   $ 287.7   $ 27.5  

 
Special Items Included in Operations (after-tax)                          
  Recognition of 2003 synthetic fuel tax credits   $   $   $ 35.9   $  
  Workforce reduction costs         (0.3 )       (0.8 )

 
Total Special Items   $   $ (0.3 ) $ 35.9   $ (0.8 )

 

Above amounts include intercompany transactions eliminated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The Information by Operating Segment section within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 14 provides a reconciliation of operating results by segment to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenues and Fuel and Purchased Energy Expenses

Our merchant energy business manages our costs of procuring fuel and energy and revenues we realize from the sale of energy to our customers. The difference between revenues and fuel and purchased energy expenses is the primary driver of the profitability of our merchant energy business. Accordingly, we believe it is appropriate to discuss the operating results of our merchant energy business by analyzing the changes in the relationship between revenues and fuel and purchased energy expenses. In managing our portfolio, we occasionally terminate, restructure, or acquire contracts. Such transactions are within the normal course of managing our portfolio and may materially impact the timing of our recognition of revenues, fuel and purchased energy expenses, and cash flows from operating activities.

        We analyze our merchant energy revenues and fuel and purchased energy expenses in the following categories because of the risk profile of each category, differences in the revenue sources, and the nature of fuel and purchased energy expenses. With the exception of a portion of our competitive supply activities that we are required to account for using the mark-to-market method of accounting, all of these activities are accounted for on an accrual basis.

31


        We provide a summary of our revenues and fuel and purchased energy expenses as follows:

 
  Quarter Ended September 30,
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
  2004
   
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (Dollar amounts in millions)

 
Revenues:                                          
  Mid-Atlantic Fleet   $ 701.3       $ 507.6       $ 1,557.7       $ 1,346.1      
  Plants with Power Purchase Agreements     262.6         206.6         554.9         472.6      
  Competitive Supply     1,961.9         1,438.0         5,535.2         3,811.6      
  Other     26.3         21.3         56.9         38.9      

 
  Total   $ 2,952.1       $ 2,173.5       $ 7,704.7       $ 5,669.2      

 
Fuel and purchased energy expenses:                                          
  Mid-Atlantic Fleet   $ (403.8 )     $ (189.8 )     $ (803.5 )     $ (580.7 )    
  Plants with Power Purchase Agreements     (17.6 )       (14.8 )       (41.6 )       (38.6 )    
  Competitive Supply     (1,806.0 )       (1,337.9 )       (5,163.7 )       (3,621.2 )    
  Other                                  

 
  Total   $ (2,227.4 )     $ (1,542.5 )     $ (6,008.8 )     $ (4,240.5 )    

 
Revenues less fuel and purchased energy expenses:

   
  % of
Total

   
  % of
Total

   
  % of
Total

   
  % of
Total

 
  Mid-Atlantic Fleet   $ 297.5   41 % $ 317.8   50 % $ 754.2   44 % $ 765.4   54 %
  Plants with Power Purchase Agreements     245.0   34     191.8   30     513.3   30     434.0   30  
  Competitive Supply     155.9   21     100.1   17     371.5   22     190.4   13  
  Other     26.3   4     21.3   3     56.9   4     38.9   3  

 
  Total   $ 724.7   100 % $ 631.0   100 % $ 1,695.9   100 % $ 1,428.7   100 %

 

Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period's presentation.

Mid-Atlantic Fleet

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Revenues   $ 701.3   $ 507.6   $ 1,557.7   $ 1,346.1  
Fuel and purchased energy expenses     (403.8 )   (189.8 )   (803.5 )   (580.7 )

 
Revenues less fuel and purchased energy expenses   $ 297.5   $ 317.8   $ 754.2   $ 765.4  

 

Revenues

Our merchant energy revenues in the PJM region increased $193.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of the following:

        These increases were partially offset by a $172.2 million decrease from supplying BGE's standard offer service requirements. As of July 1, 2004, our merchant energy business no longer supplied 100% of BGE's standard offer service for commercial and industrial customers.

        For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, merchant energy revenues in the PJM region increased $211.6 million compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of the following:

        These increases in revenues were offset in part by the following:

32


Fuel and Purchased Energy Expenses

Our merchant energy business had higher fuel and purchased energy expenses in the Mid-Atlantic Fleet during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 primarily due to increased purchased fuel and capacity expenses associated with our load-serving obligations in New Jersey and higher generation during the nine months ended September 30, 2004. In addition, as discussed in the Other Factors section on page 27, we have experienced higher coal prices because we have purchased coal from alternative suppliers at a higher price as a result of delays in deliveries from one of the rail companies that supplies coal to our generating facilities.

Plants with Power Purchase Agreements

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Revenues   $ 262.6   $ 206.6   $ 554.9   $ 472.6  
Fuel and purchased energy expenses     (17.6 )   (14.8 )   (41.6 )   (38.6 )

 
Revenues less fuel and purchased energy expenses   $ 245.0   $ 191.8   $ 513.3   $ 434.0  

 

The $56.0 million increase in revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 was primarily due to higher revenues of $57.5 million from Ginna which was acquired in June 2004. We discuss the acquisition of Ginna in more detail in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 13.

        The $82.3 million increase in revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 was primarily due to higher revenues of $68.5 million from Ginna and higher revenues of $44.3 million from High Desert which commenced operations in April 2003. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $19.1 million at Nine Mile Point mostly because of lower generation and lower prices for our Nine Mile Point output in 2004 compared to 2003.

Competitive Supply

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Accrual revenues   $ 1,906.8   $ 1,433.2   $ 5,458.3   $ 3,812.4  
Mark-to-market revenues     55.1     4.8     76.9     (0.8 )
Fuel and purchased energy expenses     (1,806.0 )   (1,337.9 )   (5,163.7 )   (3,621.2 )

 
Revenues less fuel and purchased energy expenses   $ 155.9   $ 100.1   $ 371.5   $ 190.4  

 

We analyze our accrual and mark-to-market competitive supply activities separately below.

Accrual Revenues and Fuel and Purchased Energy Expenses

Our accrual revenues and fuel and purchased energy expenses increased during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 mostly because of retail sales to commercial and industrial customers. We sold approximately 4 million megawatt hours more of electricity and 22 billion cubic feet (BCF) more of gas during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 and approximately 12 million megawatt hours more of electricity and 87 BCF more of gas during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003. Theses increases are primarily due to:

        During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the increase in revenues was partially offset by lower rates received from our customers.

33


        Additionally, our wholesale marketing and risk management operation had higher sales primarily in Texas, New England and Mid-West regions, and Canada. The higher sales in Texas and the New England region are primarily due to our growth in these regions. The increased sales in the Mid-West are primarily due to the portfolio acquisition from CMS Energy Corp., which occurred in the second quarter of 2003. We provide the changes in revenues and purchased fuel and energy expenses in 2004 compared to 2003 in the following table:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

 
 
 
  Increases
in
revenues

  Increases
in fuel and
purchased
energy
expenses

  Increases
in
revenues

  Increases
in fuel and
purchased
energy
expenses


 
  (In millions)

Retail accrual activities   $ 411.2   $ 387.2   $ 1,269.3   $ 1,208.5
Wholesale accrual activities     62.4     80.9     376.6     334.0

Total increase   $ 473.6   $ 468.1   $ 1,645.9   $ 1,542.5

Mark-to-Market Revenues

Mark-to-market revenues include net gains and losses from origination and risk management activities for which we use the mark-to-market method of accounting. We discuss these activities and the mark-to-market method of accounting in more detail in the Critical Accounting Policies section of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        As a result of the nature of our operations and the use of mark-to-market accounting for certain activities, mark-to-market revenues and earnings will fluctuate. We cannot predict these fluctuations, but the impact on our revenues and earnings could be material. We discuss our market risk in more detail in the Market Risk section on page 49. The primary factors that cause fluctuations in our mark-to-market revenues and earnings are:

        Mark-to-market revenues were as follows:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Unrealized revenues                          
  Origination transactions   $ 7.5   $ 25.0   $ 17.1   $ 50.2  

 
  Risk management                          
    Unrealized changes in fair value     47.6     (20.2 )   59.8     (51.0 )
    Changes in valuation techniques                  
    Reclassification of settled contracts to realized     (17.3 )   (10.0 )   (53.5 )   (80.1 )

 
  Total risk management     30.3     (30.2 )   6.3     (131.1 )

 
Total unrealized revenues*     37.8     (5.2 )   23.4     (80.9 )
Realized revenues     17.3     10.0     53.5     80.1  

 
Total mark-to-market revenues   $ 55.1   $ 4.8   $ 76.9   $ (0.8 )

 

* Total unrealized revenues is the sum of origination transactions and total risk management.

        Origination gains arise from contracts that our wholesale marketing and risk management operation structure to meet the risk management needs of our customers. Transactions that result in origination gains may be unique and provide the potential for individually significant revenues and gains from a single transaction.

        Origination gains represent the initial fair value recognized on these structured transactions. The recognition of origination gains is dependent on the existence of observable market data that validates the initial fair value of the contract. For the quarter ended September 30, 2004 we recognized $7.5 million in origination gains from three transactions and for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 we recognized $17.1 million in origination gains from ten transactions.

        As noted above, the recognition of origination gains is dependent on sufficient observable market data. Liquidity and market conditions impact our ability to identify sufficient, objective market-price information to permit recognition of origination gains. As a result, while our strategy and competitive position provide the opportunity to continue to originate such transactions, the level of origination revenues we are able to recognize may vary from year to year as a result of the number, size, and market-price transparency of the individual transactions executed in any period.

34


        Risk management revenues represent both realized and unrealized gains and losses from changes in the value of our entire portfolio, including the recognition of gains associated with decreases in the close-out reserve when we are able to obtain sufficient market price information. We discuss the changes in mark-to-market revenues below. We show the relationship between our revenues and the change in our net mark-to-market energy asset/liability later in this section.

        Our mark-to-market revenues are affected by the portion of our activities that are subject to mark-to-market accounting. Beginning January 1, 2003, under EITF 02-3, we do not record non-derivative contracts at fair value. Further, to the extent that we are not able to observe quoted market prices or other current market transactions for derivative contract values determined using models, we record a reserve to adjust such contracts to result in zero gain or loss at inception. We remove the reserve and record such contracts at fair value when we obtain current market information for contracts with similar terms and counterparties.

        Mark-to-market revenues increased $50.3 million during the third quarter of 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of gains from risk management activities compared to losses from risk management activities in the prior year, partially offset by lower revenues from origination transactions. The increase in risk management revenues is primarily due to favorable changes in regional energy prices, price volatility, and other factors for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003.

        Mark-to-market revenues increased $77.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of gains from risk management activities compared to losses from risk management activities in the prior year, partially offset by lower revenues from origination transactions. The increase in risk management revenues is primarily due to favorable changes in regional energy prices, price volatility, and other factors. In addition, we had lower mark-to-market losses on hedges that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment in 2004 compared to 2003 as discussed in more detail below.

        With the implementation of EITF 02-3 in the first quarter of 2003, all of our load-serving contracts were converted to accrual accounting. However, several economically effective hedges on these positions did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, and remained in the mark-to-market portfolio. We recorded a lower pre-tax loss of $2.5 million on these mark-to-market hedges during the third quarter of 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 and a lower pre-tax loss of $36.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003. These mark-to-market losses will be offset as we realize the related accrual load-serving positions in cash.

Mark-to-Market Energy Assets and Liabilities

Our mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities are comprised of derivative contracts and consisted of the following:

 
  September 30,
2004

  December 31,
2003


 
  (In millions)

Current Assets   $ 568.8   $ 488.3
Noncurrent Assets     412.1     261.9

Total Assets     980.9     750.2

Current Liabilities     578.1     474.6
Noncurrent Liabilities     355.2     258.0

Total Liabilities     933.3     732.6

Net mark-to-market energy asset   $ 47.6   $ 17.6

        The following are the primary sources of the change in net mark-to-market energy asset/liability during 2004:

Change in Net Mark-to-Market Asset/Liability

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30, 2004

  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004

 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Fair value beginning of period   $(11.6 ) $ 17.6  
Changes in fair value recorded as revenues          
  Origination gains   $   7.5   $ 17.1  
  Unrealized changes in fair value      47.6      59.8  
  Changes in valuation techniques        —        —  
  Reclassification of settled contracts to realized     (17.3)     (53.5)  
   
 
 
Total changes in fair value recorded as revenues   37.8   23.4  
Changes in value of exchange-listed futures and options   10.6   (31.4 )
Net change in premiums on options   13.7   28.7  
Other changes in fair value   (2.9 ) 9.3  

 
Fair value at end of period   $47.6   $47.6  

 

35


        Components of changes in the net mark-to-market energy asset/liability that affected revenues include:

        The net mark-to-market energy asset/liability also changed due to the following items recorded in accounts other than revenue:

        The settlement terms of the net mark-to-market energy asset/liability and sources of fair value as of September 30, 2004 are as follows:

 
  Settlement Term
 
 
 
   
 
 
  2004
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  2009
  Thereafter
  Fair Value
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Prices provided by external sources (1)   $ 23.4   $ 6.2   $ 14.0   $ 125.4   $ (1.3 ) $   $   $ 167.7  
Prices based on models     0.3     (13.4 )   (1.1 )   (107.5 )   6.8     (2.1 )   (3.1 )   (120.1 )

 
Total net mark-to-market energy asset/(liability)   $ 23.7   $ (7.2 ) $ 12.9   $ 17.9   $ 5.5   $ (2.1 ) $ (3.1 ) $ 47.6  

 

(1)  Includes contracts actively quoted and contracts valued from other external sources.

        We manage our mark-to-market risk on a portfolio basis based upon the delivery period of our contracts and the individual components of the risks within each contract. Accordingly, we record and manage the energy purchase and sale obligations under our contracts in separate components based upon the commodity (e.g., electricity or gas), the product (e.g., electricity for delivery during peak or off-peak hours), the delivery location (e.g., by region), the risk profile (e.g., forward or option), and the delivery period (e.g., by month and year).

        Consistent with our risk management practices, we have presented the information in the table above based upon the ability to obtain reliable prices for components of the risks in our contracts from external sources rather than on a contract-by-contract basis. Thus, the portion of long-term contracts that is valued using external price sources is presented under the caption "prices provided by external sources." This is consistent with how we manage our risk, and we believe it provides the best indication of the basis for the valuation of our portfolio. Since we manage our risk on a portfolio basis rather than contract-by-contract, it is not practicable to determine separately the portion of long-term contracts that is included in each valuation category. We describe the commodities, products, and delivery periods included in each valuation category in detail below.

36


        The amounts for which fair value is determined using prices provided by external sources represent the portion of forward, swap, and option contracts for which price quotations are available through brokers or over-the-counter transactions. The term for which such price information is available varies by commodity, region, and product. The fair values included in this category are the following portions of our contracts:

        The remainder of the net mark-to-market energy asset/liability is valued using models. The portion of contracts for which such techniques are used includes standard products for which external prices are not available and customized products that are valued using modeling techniques to determine expected future market prices, contract quantities, or both.

        Modeling techniques include estimating the present value of cash flows based upon underlying contractual terms and incorporate, where appropriate, option pricing models and statistical and simulation procedures. Inputs to the models include:

        Additionally, we incorporate counterparty-specific credit quality and factors for market price and volatility uncertainty and other risks in our valuation. The inputs and factors used to determine fair value reflect management's best estimates.

        The electricity, fuel, and other energy contracts we hold have varying terms to maturity, ranging from contracts for delivery the next hour to contracts with terms of ten years or more. Because an active, liquid electricity futures market comparable to that for other commodities has not developed, the majority of contracts used in our wholesale marketing and risk management operation are direct contracts between market participants and are not exchange-traded or financially settling contracts that can be readily liquidated in their entirety through an exchange or other market mechanism. Consequently, we and other market participants generally realize the value of these contracts as cash flows become due or payable under the terms of the contracts rather than through selling or liquidating the contracts themselves.

        Consistent with our risk management practices, the amounts shown in the table on the previous page as being valued using prices from external sources include the portion of long-term contracts for which we can obtain reliable prices from external sources. The remaining portions of these long-term contracts are shown in the table as being valued using models. In order to realize the entire value of a long-term contract in a single transaction, we would need to sell or assign the entire contract. If we were to sell or assign any of our long-term contracts in their entirety, we may not realize the entire value reflected in the table. However, based upon the nature of our wholesale marketing and risk management operation, we expect to realize the value of these contracts, as well as any contracts we may enter into in the future to manage our risk, over time as the contracts and related hedges settle in accordance with their terms. We do not expect to realize the value of these contracts and related hedges by selling or assigning the contracts themselves in total.

        The fair values in the table represent expected future cash flows based on the level of forward prices and volatility factors as of September 30, 2004 and could change significantly as a result of future changes in these factors. Additionally, because the depth and liquidity of the power markets varies substantially between regions and time periods, the prices used to determine fair value could be affected significantly by the volume of transactions executed.

        Management uses its best estimates to determine the fair value of commodity and derivative contracts it holds and sells. These estimates consider various factors including closing exchange and over-the-counter price quotations, time value, volatility factors, and credit exposure. However, future market prices and actual quantities will vary from those used in recording mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities, and it is possible that such variations could be material.

37


Other

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003

 
  (In millions)

Revenues   $ 26.3   $ 21.3   $ 56.9   $ 38.9

Our merchant energy business holds up to a 50% ownership interest in 25 operating domestic energy projects that consist of electric generation, fuel processing, or fuel handling facilities. Of these 25 projects, 18 are "qualifying facilities" that receive certain exemptions and pricing under the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act of 1978 based on the facilities' energy source or the use of a cogeneration process. In June 2004, we sold our geothermal generating facility in Hawaii. We discuss the sale of our geothermal facility in more detail in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 12.

        We believe the current market conditions for our equity-method investments that own geothermal, coal, hydroelectric, and fuel processing projects provide sufficient positive cash flows to recover our investments. We continuously monitor issues that potentially could impact future profitability of these investments, including environmental and legislative initiatives. We discuss the impact of subsidies from the State of California in more detail in the Merchant Energy Business—Other section of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We discuss certain risks and uncertainties in more detail in our Forward Looking Statements section on page 54. However, should future events cause these investments to become uneconomic, our investments in these projects could become impaired under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock.

        If our strategy were to change from an intent to hold to an intent to sell for any of our equity-method investments in qualifying facilities or power projects, we would need to adjust their book value to fair value, and that adjustment could be material. If we were to sell these investments in the current market, we may have losses that could be material.

Operations and Maintenance Expenses

Our merchant energy business operations and maintenance expenses increased $81.7 million in the third quarter of 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly due to the following:

        Our merchant energy business operations and maintenance expenses increased $193.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003 mostly due to the following:

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Merchant energy depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of higher depreciation associated with Ginna and our synthetic fuel processing facility in South Carolina, which was acquired in May 2003.

        Merchant energy depreciation and amortization expense increased $13.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of the High Desert Power Project, which was placed into service during the second quarter of 2003, our synthetic fuel processing facility in South Carolina, and Ginna.

38


Regulated Electric Business

Our regulated electric business is discussed in detail in the Regulated Electric Competition—Maryland section of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Results

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Revenues   $ 582.0   $ 582.3   $ 1,543.6   $ 1,505.6  
Electricity purchased for resale expenses     (338.4 )   (345.7 )   (833.1 )   (826.5 )
Operations and maintenance expenses     (77.5 )   (105.8 )   (222.9 )   (225.3 )
Workforce reduction costs         (0.2 )       (0.6 )
Depreciation and amortization     (49.2 )   (45.8 )   (145.5 )   (134.5 )
Taxes other than income taxes     (33.9 )   (33.1 )   (100.3 )   (98.3 )

 
Income from Operations   $ 83.0   $ 51.7   $ 241.8   $ 220.4  

 
Net Income   $ 36.8   $ 18.2   $ 107.1   $ 89.3  

 
Special Items Included in Operations
(after-tax)
                         
  Workforce reduction costs   $   $ (0.1 ) $   $ (0.4 )

 

Above amounts include intercompany transactions eliminated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The Information by Operating Segment section within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 14 provides a reconciliation of operating results by segment to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net income from the regulated electric business increased during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 mostly because of the following:

        These favorable results were partially offset by the following:

Electric Revenues

The changes in electric revenues in 2004 compared to 2003 were caused by:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003


 
  (In millions)
Distribution sales volumes   $ 0.5   $ 16.8
Standard offer service     (2.5 )   20.1

Total change in electric revenues from electric system sales     (2.0 )   36.9
Other     1.7     1.1

Total change in electric revenues   $ (0.3 ) $ 38.0

        BGE measures the effect of weather using "degree-days." We show the number of heating and cooling degree-days in the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and the percentage change in the number of degree-days between these periods in the following table:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003

Heating degree days   49   57   3,111   3,482
Percent change from prior period   (14.0)%   (10.7)%
Cooling degree days   538   580   831   733
Percent change from prior period   (7.2)%   13.4%

39


Distribution Sales Volumes

Distribution sales volumes are sales to customers in BGE's service territory at rates set by the Maryland Public Service Commission (Maryland PSC).

        The percentage changes in our distribution sales volumes, by type of customer, in 2004 compared to 2003 were:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

 

 
Residential   6.1 % 5.7 %
Commercial   (1.8 ) 1.0  
Industrial   (5.9 ) (2.0 )

        During the quarter ended September 30, 2004, we distributed more electricity to residential customers compared to the same period of 2003 mostly due to increased usage per customer partially offset by milder weather. We distributed less electricity to commercial and industrial customers mostly due to decreased usage per customer.

        During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we distributed more electricity to residential and commercial customers compared to the same period of 2003 due to increased usage per customer, an increased number of customers, and warmer weather during the second quarter of 2004. We distributed less electricity to industrial customers mostly due to a decreased number of customers and decreased usage per customer.

Standard Offer Service

BGE provides standard offer service for customers that do not select an alternative generation supplier as discussed in the Regulated Electric Competition section on page 26.

        Standard offer service revenues decreased during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of large commercial and industrial customers that left BGE's standard offer service and elected an alternative supplier beginning July 1, 2004.

        Standard offer service revenues increased during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same period of 2003 mostly due to increased sales volumes to residential customers.

Electricity Purchased for Resale Expenses

Electricity purchased for resale expenses include the cost of electricity purchased for resale to our standard offer service customers. These costs do not include the cost of electricity purchased by delivery service only customers.

Electric Operations and Maintenance Expenses

Regulated electric operations and maintenance expenses decreased $28.3 million for the quarter and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 primarily because we incurred $31.4 million of incremental distribution service restoration expenses associated with Hurricane Isabel in the third quarter of 2003. Excluding the impact of Hurricane Isabel, regulated electric operations and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to higher benefit and other inflationary costs, higher Sarbanes-Oxley 404 implementation costs, higher uncollectible expenses, and increased spending on electric system reliability.

Electric Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Regulated electric depreciation and amortization expenses increased $3.4 million for the quarter and $11.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 mostly because of increased depreciation expense associated with more property being placed in service and accelerated amortization expense associated with the planned replacement of information technology assets.

40


Regulated Gas Business

All BGE customers have the option to purchase gas from other suppliers. To date, customer choice has not had a material effect on our, or BGE's, financial results.

Results

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Gas revenues   $ 75.3   $ 81.0   $ 507.4   $ 524.5  
Gas purchased for resale expenses     (31.6 )   (30.1 )   (307.1 )   (319.5 )
Operations and maintenance expenses     (30.4 )   (24.8 )   (89.4 )   (74.1 )
Workforce reduction costs                 (0.1 )
Depreciation and amortization     (12.1 )   (11.7 )   (36.4 )   (34.8 )
Taxes other than income taxes     (7.1 )   (3.3 )   (23.8 )   (19.8 )

 
(Loss) Income from operations   $ (5.9 ) $ 11.1   $ 50.7   $ 76.2  

 
Net (Loss) Income   $ (8.8 ) $ 2.4   $ 15.7   $ 31.9  

 

Above amounts include intercompany transactions eliminated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The Information by Operating Segment section within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 14 provides a reconciliation of operating results by segment to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net income from the regulated gas business for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004 decreased compared to the same periods of 2003 mostly because of the following:

Gas Revenues

The changes in gas revenues in 2004 compared to 2003 were caused by:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Distribution sales volumes   $ 0.6   $ (2.7 )
Base rates     (0.1 )   (0.2 )
Weather normalization     (0.1 )   4.7  
Gas cost adjustments     1.4     12.6  

 
Total change in gas revenues from gas system sales     1.8     14.4  
Off-system sales     (7.5 )   (31.5 )
Other          

 
Total change in gas revenues   $ (5.7 ) $ (17.1 )

 

        We show the change in degree-days in the Electric Revenues section on page 39.

Distribution Sales Volumes

The percentage changes in our distribution sales volumes, by type of customer, in 2004 compared to 2003 were:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2004 vs. 2003

 

 
Residential   (10.1 )% (5.3 )%
Commercial   10.1   9.7  
Industrial   (15.3 ) (19.7 )

        During the quarter ended September 30, 2004, we distributed less gas to residential and industrial customers compared to the same period in 2003 mostly due to decreased usage per customer. We distributed more gas to commercial customers mostly due to increased usage per customer.

        During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we distributed less gas to residential customers compared to the same period in 2003 mostly due to milder winter weather, partially offset by an increased number of customers and increased usage per customer. We distributed more gas to commercial customers mostly due to increased usage per customer, partially offset by milder winter weather. We distributed less gas to industrial customers mostly due to decreased usage per customer.

41


Weather Normalization

The Maryland PSC allows us to record a monthly adjustment to our gas revenues to eliminate the effect of abnormal weather patterns on our gas distribution sales volumes. This means our monthly gas base rate revenues are based on weather that is considered "normal" for the month and, therefore, are not affected by actual weather conditions.

Gas Cost Adjustments

We charge our gas customers for the natural gas they purchase from us using gas cost adjustment clauses set by the Maryland PSC as described in Note 1 of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under market-based rates, our actual cost of gas is compared to a market index (a measure of the market price of gas in a given period). The difference between our actual cost and the market index is shared equally between shareholders and customers.

        Delivery service only customers are not subject to the gas cost adjustment clauses because we are not selling gas to them. We charge these customers fees to recover the fixed costs for the transportation service we provide. These fees are the same as the base rate charged for gas distributed and are included in gas distribution sales volumes.

        During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004, gas cost adjustment revenues increased compared to the same periods of 2003 mostly because we sold gas at a higher price partially offset by less gas sold.

Off-System Gas Sales

Off-system gas sales are low-margin direct sales of gas to wholesale suppliers of natural gas outside our service territory. Off-system gas sales, which occur after we have satisfied our customers' demand, are not subject to gas cost adjustments. The Maryland PSC approved an arrangement for part of the margin from off-system sales to benefit customers (through reduced costs) and the remainder to be retained by BGE (which benefits shareholders). Changes in off-system sales do not significantly impact earnings.

        During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004, revenues from off-system gas sales decreased compared to the same periods of 2003 mostly due to less gas sold.

Gas Purchased For Resale Expenses

Gas purchased for resale expenses include the cost of gas purchased for resale to our customers and for off-system sales. These costs do not include the cost of gas purchased by delivery service only customers.

        During the quarter ended September 30, 2004, gas purchased for resale expenses increased compared to the same period of 2003 primarily due to a $7.7 million recovery of previously disallowed fuel-related costs recognized in the third quarter of 2003 that had a positive impact in that period and higher gas prices, partially offset by less gas sold. In August 2003, the Maryland PSC issued an order authorizing us to recover $7.7 million of disallowed fuel-related costs previously reserved in the fourth quarter of 2002.

        During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, gas purchased for resale expenses decreased compared to the same period of 2003 mostly due to less gas sold partially offset by $7.7 million of previously disallowed fuel-related costs recognized in the third quarter of 2003 that had a positive impact in that period and higher gas prices.

Gas Operations and Maintenance Expenses

Regulated gas operations and maintenance expenses increased $5.6 million for the quarter and $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 mostly due to higher benefit and other inflationary costs, higher Sarbanes-Oxley 404 implementation costs, and higher uncollectible expenses.

42


Other Nonregulated Businesses

Results

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)

 
Revenues   $ 108.2   $ 144.5   $ 310.8   $ 443.3  
Operating expenses     (90.4 )   (129.9 )   (259.1 )   (403.0 )
Impairment losses and other costs     (1.1 )       (3.7 )    
Workforce reduction costs                 (0.1 )
Depreciation and amortization     (8.8 )   (5.5 )   (24.3 )   (14.1 )
Taxes other than income taxes     (0.1 )   (0.8 )   (1.3 )   (2.6 )
Net (loss) gain on sale of investments and other assets     (7.5 )   2.1     (1.6 )   16.3  

 
Income from Operations   $ 0.3   $ 10.4   $ 20.8   $ 39.8  

 
Net (Loss) Income   $ (5.6 ) $ 0.7   $ (5.7 ) $ 9.6  

 
Special Items Included in Operations (after-tax)                          
  Net (loss) gain on sale of investments and other assets   $ (4.6 ) $ 1.3   $ (0.9 ) $ 9.9  
  Impairment losses and other costs     (0.7 )       (2.3 )    
  Workforce reduction costs                 (0.1 )

 
  Total Special Items   $ (5.3 ) $ 1.3   $ (3.2 ) $ 9.8  

 

Above amounts include intercompany transactions eliminated in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The Information by Operating Segment section within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 14 provides a reconciliation of operating results by segment to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2004, net income from our other nonregulated businesses decreased $6.3 million compared to the same period of 2003 primarily due to a $7.5 million pre-tax, or $4.6 million after-tax, loss in the third quarter of 2004 on the sale of a non-core financial investment.

        During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, net income from our other nonregulated businesses decreased compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because we recognized a $16.3 million pre-tax, or $9.9 million after-tax, gain on the sale of non-core assets in 2003 that had a positive impact in that period as follows:

        As previously discussed in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we decided to sell certain non-core assets and accelerate the exit strategies on other assets that we will continue to hold and own over the next several years. While our intent is to dispose of these assets, market conditions and other events beyond our control may affect the actual sale of these assets. In addition, a future decline in the fair value of these assets could result in additional losses.

Consolidated Nonoperating Income
and Expenses

Other Income and Expense

The decrease in other income of $7.2 million during the quarter and $11.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to the same periods of 2003 is primarily due to lower earnings on decommissioning trust assets, higher charitable contributions, and higher minority interest expense.

        During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004, total other income at BGE decreased compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of a higher level of charitable contributions.

Fixed Charges

During the quarter ended September 30, 2004, total fixed charges decreased $4.6 million compared to the same period of 2003 primarily due to a lower level of debt outstanding and the benefit of lower interest rates due to floating rate swaps entered into during the third quarter of 2004. We discuss these floating rate swaps in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 23.

        During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004, total fixed charges at BGE decreased compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of a lower level of debt outstanding.

43


Income Taxes

During the quarter ended September 30, 2004, our income taxes decreased $13.0 million compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of the recognition of synthetic fuel tax credits claimed in 2004 related to our investment in a South Carolina synthetic fuel facility, which reduced our effective tax rate. We discuss our synthetic fuel tax credits in more detail and provide our effective tax rate reconciliation in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 16.

        During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our income taxes decreased $74.2 million compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of the recognition of synthetic fuel tax credits claimed in 2003 and 2004 related to our investment in a South Carolina synthetic fuel facility, which reduced our effective tax rate.

        During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004, income taxes at BGE increased compared to the same period of 2003 mostly because of higher taxable income.


Financial Condition

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our 2004 cash flows by business segment, as well as our consolidated cash flows for 2004 and 2003. This table excludes the impact of the refinancing of High Desert Power Project (High Desert) in 2003 and the impact of changes in intercompany balances. We exclude the impact of the High Desert refinancing in 2003 due to the fact that there was no net impact on cash. The financing source of cash we received from the issuance of debt was offset by the investing use of cash we incurred from terminating the lease. We discuss the refinancing of High Desert in more detail in Note 15 of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
  2004 Segment Cash Flows
   
Consolidated Cash Flows
 
 
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  Merchant
  Regulated
  Other
   
2004
  2003
 

 
 
  (In millions)
 
Operating Activities                                  
Net income (loss)   $ 287.7   $ 122.8   $ (5.7 )   $ 404.8   $ 158.3  
Non-cash adjustments to net income     446.6     223.6     28.7       698.9     741.5  
Changes in working capital     (272.4 )   (82.3 )   26.2       (328.5 )   (194.3 )
Pension and postemployment benefits*                         (8.8 )   (76.0 )
Other     (23.5 )   (16.2 )   22.4       (17.3 )   (67.2 )
   

 
Net cash provided by operating activities     438.4     247.9     71.6       749.1     562.3  
   

 
Investing Activities (excluding $514.1 million related to the refinancing of the High Desert lease in 2003)                                  
  Investments in property, plant and equipment     (288.5 )   (181.2 )   (26.7 )     (496.4 )   (466.2 )
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (excluding High Desert)     (457.0 )             (457.0 )   (3.2 )
  Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trust funds     (17.7 )             (17.7 )   (13.2 )
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations     72.7               72.7      
  Sale of investments and other assets         4.9     24.7       29.6     124.3  
  Other investments     (14.7 )       (1.6 )     (16.3 )   (91.4 )
   

 
Net cash used in investing activities (excluding High Desert)     (705.2 )   (176.3 )   (3.6 )     (885.1 )   (449.7 )
   

 
Cash flows from operating activities less cash flows from investing activities   $ (266.8 ) $ 71.6   $ 68.0       (136.0 )   112.6  
   

 
Financing Activities (excluding $514.1 million related to the refinancing of the High Desert lease in 2003)                                  
  Net repayment of debt (excluding High Desert)*                         (188.5 )   (229.7 )
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock*                         271.7     62.0  
  Common stock dividends paid*                         (139.7 )   (125.7 )
  Other*                         0.1     (11.1 )
                       
 
Net cash used in financing activities (excluding High Desert)*                         (56.4 )   (304.5 )
                       
 
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents*                       $ (192.4 ) $ (191.9 )
                       
 

*Items are not allocated to the business segments because they are managed for the company as a whole.

44


Overview—2004 compared to 2003

Cash flows from operating activities less cash flows from investing activities were a use of cash of $136.0 million in 2004 compared to cash provided of $112.6 million in 2003. The $248.6 million decrease in 2004 compared to 2003 is primarily due to the acquisition of Ginna for $457.0 million in 2004, lower non-cash adjustments to net income of $42.6 million, a use of cash from working capital of $134.2 million and a $94.7 million decrease in the sale of investments and other assets. These decreases were partially offset by higher net income of $246.5 million, a lower pension contribution of approximately $65 million, the proceeds from sale of discontinued operations of $72.7 million, and a decrease in other investing activities of $73.8 million.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $749.1 million in 2004 compared to $562.3 million in 2003, an increase of $186.8 million. Net income was $246.5 million higher in 2004 compared to 2003. This was partially offset by a decrease in non-cash adjustments to net income of $42.6 million in 2004 compared to 2003. The net decrease in non-cash adjustments to net income was primarily due to cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles of $198.4 million as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 143 and EITF 02-3 in 2003, which had the effect of reducing net income but were non-cash transactions. This decrease in non-cash adjustments to net income was partially offset by the following increases:

        Changes in working capital had a negative impact of $328.5 million on cash flow from operations in 2004 compared to a negative impact of $194.3 million in 2003 resulting in a decrease in cash of $134.2 million. Pension and postemployment benefits were a use of cash of $8.8 million in 2004 compared to a use of $76.0 million in 2003. This primarily reflects a $65 million lower contribution to the pension plan in 2004 compared to 2003.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $885.1 million in 2004 compared to $449.7 million in 2003 excluding High Desert. The increase in cash used was primarily due to a $453.8 million increase in cash paid for acquisitions in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to the acquisition of Ginna in 2004 for $457.0 million.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $56.4 million in 2004 compared to $304.5 million in 2003 excluding High Desert. The $248.1 million increase in cash was primarily due to proceeds from issuances of common stock of $271.7 million in 2004 as compared to a $62.0 million in 2004. This was primarily the result of the 6 million share equity issuance in 2004 related to the Ginna acquisition which yielded net proceeds of $226.9 million.

Security Ratings

Independent credit-rating agencies rate Constellation Energy's and BGE's fixed-income securities. The ratings indicate the agencies' assessment of each company's ability to pay interest, distributions, dividends, and principal on these securities. These ratings affect how much it will cost each company to sell these securities. The better the rating, the lower the cost of the securities to each company when they sell them.

        The factors that credit rating agencies consider in establishing Constellation Energy's and BGE's credit ratings include, but are not limited to, cash flows, liquidity, and the amount of debt as a component of total capitalization. In March 2004, Standard & Poors rating group reduced Constellation Energy's and BGE's corporate credit rating from A- to BBB+ and reduced certain other ratings as noted in the table below. In October 2004, Fitch-Ratings affirmed Constellation Energy's and BGE's credit ratings. All Constellation Energy and BGE credit ratings have stable outlooks. At the date of this report, our credit ratings were as follows:

 
  Standard
& Poors
Rating Group

  Moody's
Investors
Service

  Fitch-
Ratings


Constellation Energy            
  Commercial Paper   A-2   P-2   F-2
  Senior Unsecured Debt*   BBB   Baa1   A-

BGE

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Commercial Paper   A-2   P-1   F-1
  Mortgage Bonds   A   A1   A+
  Senior Unsecured Debt   BBB+   A2   A
  Trust Preferred Securities*   BBB-   A3   A-
  Preference Stock*   BBB-   Baa1   A-

* In March 2004, Standard & Poors rating group reduced the rating one level to this current rating.

45


Available Sources of Funding

We continuously monitor our liquidity requirements and believe that our facilities and access to the capital markets provide sufficient liquidity to meet our business requirements. We discuss our available sources of funding in more detail below.

Constellation Energy

In addition to our cash balance, we have a commercial paper program under which we can issue short-term notes to fund our subsidiaries. At September 30, 2004, we had approximately $2.2 billion of credit under several facilities.

        In June 2004, Constellation Energy arranged an $800.0 million three-year revolving credit facility and a $300.0 million five-year revolving credit facility replacing a $447.5 million 364-day revolving credit facility, which expired in the second quarter of 2004. Constellation Energy also has an existing $640.0 million revolving credit facility expiring in June 2005 and a $447.5 million facility expiring in June 2006.

        We use these facilities to ensure adequate liquidity to support our operations. We can borrow directly from the banks or use the facilities to allow the issuance of commercial paper. Additionally, we use the multi-year facilities to support letters of credit primarily for our merchant energy business.

        These revolving credit facilities allow the issuance of letters of credit up to approximately $2.2 billion. In addition, BGE maintains $200.0 million in credit facilities as discussed below. At September 30, 2004, letters of credit that totaled $761.4 million were issued under our facilities.

        In October 2004, we terminated certain loans under other revolving credit agreements of $41.4 million related to our Latin American power distribution project. We replaced these revolving credit agreements with loans under new revolving credit agreements totaling $100.0 million.

        We expect to fund future acquisitions with an overall goal of maintaining a strong investment grade credit profile. We funded our June 2004 acquisition of Ginna with a mix of cash and equity. On July 1, 2004, we issued 6.0 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of $226.9 million to fund a portion of the acquisition of Ginna. We discuss our acquisition of Ginna in more detail in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 13.

BGE

Through the date of this report, certain credit facilities expired and BGE renewed those facilities. BGE continues to maintain $200.0 million in annual committed credit facilities, expiring May 2005 through November 2005, to ensure adequate liquidity to support its operations. We can borrow directly from the banks or use the facilities to allow commercial paper to be issued. As of September 30, 2004, BGE had no outstanding commercial paper, which results in $200.0 million in unused credit facilities.

Other Nonregulated Businesses

BGE Home Products & Services' program to sell up to $50 million of receivables was not extended beyond its March 2004 expiration date. As of the date of this report, this receivables program has been fully liquidated.

        If we can get a reasonable value for our remaining real estate projects and other investments, additional cash may be obtained by selling them. Our ability to sell or liquidate assets will depend on market conditions, and we cannot give assurances that these sales or liquidations could be made.

46



Capital Resources

Our estimated annual amounts of capital requirements for the years 2004 and 2005 are shown in the table below.

        We will continue to have cash requirements for:

        Capital requirements for 2004 and 2005 include estimates of spending for existing and anticipated projects. We continuously review and modify those estimates. Actual requirements may vary from the estimates included in the table below because of a number of factors including:

        Our estimates are also subject to additional factors. Please see the Forward Looking Statements section on page 54.

Calendar Year Estimates
  2004
  2005

 
  (In millions)
Nonregulated Capital Requirements:            
  Merchant energy            
    Generation plants   $ 180   $ 170
    Nuclear fuel     130     85
    Portfolio acquisitions     25     60
    Technology/other     125     90

  Total merchant energy capital requirements     460     405
  Other nonregulated capital requirements     45     50

  Total nonregulated capital requirements     505     455

Regulated Capital Requirements:            
  Regulated electric     210     250
  Regulated gas     55     50

  Total regulated capital requirements     265     300

Total capital requirements   $ 770   $ 755

Above amounts do not include the acquisition of Ginna but do include post-acquisition capital requirements for Ginna. We discuss the acquisition of Ginna in more detail in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 13.

         We discuss our capital requirements and funding for capital requirements in more detail in the Capital Requirements and the Funding for Capital Requirements sections of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Contractual Payment Obligations and
Committed Amounts

Our total contractual payment obligations as of September 30, 2004 are shown in the following table. Certain amounts presented in the table below are estimates and actual future payments may vary from these estimates.

 
  Payments
   
 
  2004
  2005-
2006

  2007-
2008

  There-
after

  Total

 
  (In millions)
Contractual Payment Obligations                              
Long-term debt:1                              
  Nonregulated                              
    Principal   $ 4.6   $ 342.1   $ 638.5   $ 2,761.9   $ 3,747.1
    Interest     93.3     422.3     374.3     1,774.2     2,664.1

  Total     97.9     764.4     1,012.8     4,536.1     6,411.2
  BGE                              
    Principal     20.0     484.4     418.5     600.7     1,523.6
    Interest     35.3     169.8     103.5     824.4     1,133.0

  Total     55.3     654.2     522.0     1,425.1     2,656.6
BGE preference stock                 190.0     190.0
Operating leases     6.9     47.5     33.9     136.2     224.5
Purchase obligations:2                              
  Purchased capacity and energy3     331.1     1,368.5     469.2     229.1     2,397.9
  Fuel and transportation4     304.4     967.8     277.5     86.4     1,636.1
  Other     42.4     98.1     35.6     292.7     468.8
Other noncurrent liabilities:                              
  Postretirement and postemployment benefits5     10.5     72.1     77.2     215.7     375.5
  Other     0.4     4.2     1.4         6.0

Total contractual payment obligations   $ 848.9   $ 3,976.8   $ 2,429.6   $ 7,111.3   $ 14,366.6

1 Amounts in long-term debt reflect the original maturity date. Investors may require us to repay $322.1 million early through put options and remarketing features. Interest on variable rate debt is included based on the September 30, 2004 forward curve for interest rates.

2 Contracts to purchase goods or services that specify all significant terms. Amounts related to certain purchase obligations are based on future purchase expectations which may differ from actual purchases.

3 Our contractual obligations for purchased capacity and energy are shown on a gross basis for certain transactions, including both the fixed payment portions of tolling contracts and estimated variable payments under unit-contingent power purchase agreements. We have recorded $23.9 million of liabilities related to purchased capacity and energy obligations at September 30, 2004 in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

4 We have recorded liabilities of $35.5 million related to fuel and transportation obligations at September 30, 2004 in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

5 Amounts related to postretirement and postemployment benefits are for unfunded plans and reflect present value amounts consistent with the determination of the related liabilities recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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         The table below presents our contingent obligations. Our contingent obligations increased $2.1 billion during the first nine months of 2004, primarily due to the issuance of additional guarantees and letters of credit by the parent company for subsidiary obligations to third parties in support of the growth of our merchant energy business. These amounts do not represent incremental consolidated Constellation Energy obligations; rather they primarily represent parent company guarantees of certain subsidiary obligations to third parties. Our calculation of the fair value of subsidiary obligations covered by the $5,111.6 million of parent company guarantees was $1,144.7 million at September 30, 2004. Accordingly, if the parent company was required to fund defaulted subsidiary obligations, the total amount at market prices at September 30, 2004 is $1,144.7 million.

 
  Expiration
   
 
  2004
  2005-
2006

  2007-
2008

  There-
after

  Total

 
  (In millions)

Contingent Obligations                              
Letters of credit   $ 606.9   $ 154.5   $   $   $ 761.4
Guarantees—competitive supply1     2,884.9     1,359.5     305.0     562.2     5,111.6
Other guarantees, net2     0.3     5.3         1,245.0     1,250.6

Total contingent obligations   $ 3,492.1   $ 1,519.3   $ 305.0   $ 1,807.2   $ 7,123.6

1 While the face amount of these guarantees is $5,111.6 million, the parent company would only fund the fair value of any defaulted subsidiary obligations. Our calculation of the fair value of obligations covered by these guarantees was $1,144.7 million at September 30, 2004.

2 Other guarantees in the above table are shown net of liabilities of $25.0 million recorded at September 30, 2004 in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Liquidity Provisions

We have certain agreements that contain provisions that require additional collateral upon significant credit rating decreases in the senior unsecured debt of Constellation Energy. Decreases in Constellation Energy's credit ratings would not trigger an early payment on any of our credit facilities.

        Under certain counterparty contracts related to our wholesale marketing and risk management operation, we are obligated to post collateral if Constellation Energy's senior, unsecured credit ratings decline below established contractual levels. As a result of the ratings action taken by Standard & Poors rating agency in March 2004, we posted approximately $40 million in additional collateral during the first quarter of 2004 to support our wholesale marketing and risk management operational requirements. We discuss the Standard & Poors ratings action in more detail in the Financial Condition section on page 45.

        Based on contractual provisions at September 30, 2004, we estimate that we would have additional collateral obligations based on downgrades to the following credit ratings for our senior unsecured debt:

Credit Ratings
Downgraded

  Level Below
Lowest
Current Rating

  Incremental
Obligations

  Cumulative
Obligations


 
   
  (In millions)

BBB-/Baa3   1   $ 107   $ 107
Below investment grade   2     654     761

        At September 30, 2004, we had approximately $1.6 billion of unused credit facilities and $528.9 million of cash available to meet these potential requirements. However, based on market conditions and contractual obligations at the time of such a downgrade, we could be required to post collateral in an amount that could exceed the amounts specified in the table above, and which could be material.

        We consistently review our liquidity needs to ensure that we have adequate facilities available to meet these requirements. This includes having liquidity available to meet margin requirements for our wholesale marketing and risk management operation and our retail competitive supply activities.

        In many cases, customers of our wholesale marketing and risk management operation rely on the creditworthiness of Constellation Energy. A decline below investment grade of Constellation Energy would negatively impact the business prospects of that operation. The credit facilities of Constellation Energy and BGE have limited material adverse change clauses that only consider a material change in financial condition and are not directly affected by decreases in credit ratings. If these clauses are violated, the lending institutions can decline making new advances or issuing new letters of credit, but cannot accelerate existing amounts outstanding. The long-term debt indentures of Constellation Energy and BGE do not contain material adverse change clauses or financial covenants.

        Certain credit facilities of Constellation Energy contain a provision requiring Constellation Energy to maintain a ratio of debt to capitalization equal to or less than 65%. At September 30, 2004, the debt to capitalization ratios as defined in the credit agreements were no greater than 51%. Certain credit facilities of BGE contain provisions requiring BGE to maintain a ratio of debt to capitalization equal to or less than 65%. At September 30, 2004, the debt to capitalization ratio for BGE as defined in these credit agreements was 48%. At September 30, 2004, no amount is outstanding under these facilities.

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        Failure by Constellation Energy, or BGE, to comply with these covenants could result in the maturity of the debt outstanding under these facilities being accelerated. The credit facilities of Constellation Energy contain usual and customary cross-default provisions that apply to defaults on debt by Constellation Energy and certain subsidiaries over a specified threshold. Certain BGE credit facilities also contain usual and customary cross-default provisions that apply to defaults on debt by BGE over a specified threshold. The indentures pursuant to which BGE has issued and outstanding mortgage bonds and subordinated debentures provide that a default under any debt instrument issued under the relevant indenture may cause a default of all debt outstanding under such indenture.

        Constellation Energy also provides credit support to Calvert Cliffs, Nine Mile Point, and Ginna to ensure these plants have funds to meet expenses and obligations to safely operate and maintain the plants.


Market Risk

Commodity Risk

During the first nine months of 2004, the energy markets continued to be highly volatile with significant changes in fuel prices, primarily natural gas, oil, and coal, and power prices, as well as periods of reduced liquidity in the marketplace.

        We measure the sensitivity of our wholesale marketing and risk management mark-to-market energy contracts to potential changes in market prices using value at risk. Value at risk represents the potential pre-tax loss in the fair value of our wholesale marketing and risk management mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities over one and ten-day holding periods. We discuss value at risk in more detail in the Market Risk section of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The table below is the value at risk associated with our wholesale marketing and risk management operation's mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities, including both trading and non-trading activities.

 
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004


 
  (In millions)

99% Confidence Level, Two-tailed, One-Day Holding Period      
  Average   $ 3.8
  High     7.8

95% Confidence Level, Two-tailed, One-Day Holding Period

 

 

 
  Average     2.9
  High     5.9

95% Confidence Level, Two-tailed, Ten-Day Holding Period

 

 

 
  Average     9.1
  High     18.7

        The following table details our value at risk for the trading portion of our wholesale marketing and risk management mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities over a one-day holding period at a 99% confidence level (two-tailed) for the first nine months of 2004:

 
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2004


 
  (In millions)

Average   $ 2.5
High     6.1

        Due to the inherent limitations of statistical measures such as value at risk and the seasonality of changes in market prices, the value at risk calculation may not reflect the full extent of our commodity price risk exposure. Additionally, actual changes in the value of options may differ from the value at risk calculated using a linear approximation inherent in our calculation method.

        As a result, actual changes in the fair value of mark-to-market energy assets and liabilities could differ from the calculated value at risk, and such changes could have a material impact on our financial results.


Wholesale Credit Risk

We continue to actively manage the credit portfolio of our wholesale marketing and risk management operation to attempt to reduce the impact of the general decline in the overall credit quality of the energy industry and the impact of a potential counterparty default. As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the credit portfolio of our wholesale marketing and risk management operation had the following public credit ratings:

 
  September 30,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 

 
Rating          
  Investment Grade1   64 % 75 %
  Non-Investment Grade   9   4  
  Not Rated   27   21  

1 Includes counterparties with an investment grade rating by at least one of the major credit rating agencies. If split rating exists, the lower rating is used.

        In addition to the credit ratings provided by the major credit rating agencies, we utilize internal credit ratings to evaluate the creditworthiness of our wholesale customers, including those companies that do not have public credit ratings. The "Not Rated" category in the table above includes counterparties that do not have public credit ratings and includes governmental entities, municipalities, cooperatives, power pools, and other load-serving entities, and marketers for which we determine creditworthiness based on internal credit ratings.

49



        The following table provides the breakdown of the credit quality of our wholesale credit portfolio based on our internal credit ratings.

 
  September 30,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 

 
Investment Grade Equivalent   73 % 91 %
Non-Investment Grade   27   9  

        Compared to December 31, 2003, we have experienced deterioration in the credit quality of our wholesale marketing and risk management portfolio measured using both public credit ratings and our internal credit ratings. The decline in investment grade equivalent counterparties is primarily due to increased exposure to lower credit quality fuel and power supply counterparties, most notably coal suppliers who tend to be smaller and of

lower credit quality, and lower credit exposure to stronger credit quality transmission and distribution utilities to whom we supply energy to meet their customers' energy needs. These changes are primarily due to higher energy commodity prices.

        A portion of our wholesale credit risk is related to transactions that are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These transactions primarily consist of open positions from our wholesale marketing and risk management operation that are accounted for using mark-to-market accounting, amounts owed by wholesale counterparties for transactions that settled but have not yet been paid, and open positions for contracts not subject to mark-to-market accounting. The following table highlights the credit quality and exposures related to these activities at September 30, 2004:

Rating
  Total Exposure
Before Credit
Collateral

  Credit
Collateral

  Net
Exposure

  Number of
Counterparties Greater
than 10% of Net
Exposure

  Net Exposure of
Counterparties Greater
than 10% of Net
Exposure


 
  (Dollars in millions)
   
Investment grade   $ 1,088   $ 95   $ 993   1   $ 165
Non-investment grade     247     103     144      
Internally rated — investment grade     178     9     169      
Internally rated — non-investment grade     259     15     244      

Total   $ 1,772   $ 222   $ 1,550   1   $ 165

        Due to the possibility of extreme volatility in the prices of energy commodities and derivatives, the market value of contractual positions with individual counterparties could exceed established credit limits or collateral provided by those counterparties. If such a counterparty were then to fail to perform its obligations under its contract (for example, fail to deliver the electricity our wholesale marketing and risk management operation had contracted for), we could incur a loss that could have a material impact on our financial results.

        Additionally, if a counterparty were to default and we were to liquidate all contracts with that entity, our credit loss would include the loss in value of mark-to-market contracts, the amount owed for settled transactions, and additional payments, if any, we would have to make to settle unrealized losses on accrual contracts.

        We continue to examine plans to achieve our strategies and to further strengthen our balance sheet and enhance our liquidity. We discuss our liquidity in the Financial Condition section on page 48.


Interest Rate Risk

In July 2004, to optimize the mix of fixed and floating rate debt, we entered into interest rate swaps relating to $450 million of our long-term debt. These fair value hedges will convert our current fixed rate debt to a floating rate instrument tied to the three month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate. Including the $450 million in interest rate swaps, approximately 15% of our long-term debt is floating rate.


Retail Credit Risk and Equity Price Risk

We discuss our exposure to retail credit risk and equity price risk in the Market Risk section of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other Matters

Environmental Matters

We are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations that work to improve or maintain the quality of the environment. If certain substances were disposed of, or released at any of our properties, whether currently operating or not, these laws and regulations require us to remove or remedy the effect on the environment. This includes Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites.

        You will find details of our environmental matters in the Environmental Matters section of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 18 and in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K in Item 1. Business—Environmental Matters. These details include financial information. Some of the information is about costs that may be material.

Accounting Standards Adopted and Issued

We discuss recently adopted and issued accounting standards in the Accounting Standards Issued and Accounting Standards Adopted sections of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page 24.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We discuss the following information related to our market risk:



Item 4. Controls and Procedures

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Constellation Energy or BGE have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by collusion of two or more people.

        The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no absolute assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

        The principal executive officers and principal financial officer of both Constellation Energy and BGE have evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, Constellation Energy's and BGE's disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that such officers are alerted on a timely basis to material information relating to Constellation Energy and BGE that is required to be included in Constellation Energy's and BGE's periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

        During the fiscal quarter covered by this quarterly report, there has been no change in either Constellation Energy's or BGE's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a -15(f) and 15d – 15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, either Constellation Energy's or BGE's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Western Power Markets

Baldwin Associates, Inc. v. Gray Davis, Governor of California and 22 other defendants (including Constellation Power Development, Inc., a subsidiary of Constellation Power, Inc.)—This class action lawsuit was filed on October 5, 2001 in the Superior Court, County of San Francisco. The action seeks damages of $43 billion, recession and reformation of approximately 38 long-term power purchase contracts, and an injunction against improper spending by the state of California.

        Constellation Power Development, Inc. is named as a defendant but has never been served with process in this case and does not have a power purchase agreement with the State of California. However, our High Desert Power Project does have a power purchase agreement with the California Department of Water Resources. The court issued an order to the plaintiff asking that he show cause why he had not yet served any of the defendants with process. A hearing is scheduled on December 6, 2004 on the court's show cause order.

James M. Millar v. Allegheny Energy Supply, Constellation Power Source, Inc., High Desert Power Project, LLC, et al.,—On December 19, 2003, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, naming for the first time, Constellation Power Source, Inc. (CPS) and High Desert Power Project, LLC (High Desert), two of our subsidiaries, as additional defendants. The complaint is a putative class action on behalf of California electricity consumers and alleges that the defendant power suppliers, including CPS and High Desert, violated California's Unfair Competition Law in connection with certain long-term power contracts that the defendants negotiated with the California Department of Water Resources in 2001 and 2002. Notwithstanding the amended long-term power contracts and the releases and settlement agreements negotiated at the time of such amendments, the plaintiff seeks to have the Court certify the case as a class action and to order the repayment of any monies that were acquired by the defendants under the long-term contracts or the amended long-term contracts by means of unfair competition in violation of California law. The amended complaint was removed to federal court by one of the defendants and a motion to remand the case back to the state court is pending before the federal court. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to this action and intend to defend against it vigorously. However, we cannot predict the timing, or outcome, of this case, or its possible effect on our results.

City of Tacoma v. AEP, et al.,—The City of Tacoma, on June 7, 2004, in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, filed a complaint against over 60 companies, including CPS. The complaint alleges that the defendants engaged in manipulation of electricity markets resulting in prices for power in the western power markets that were substantially above what market prices would have been in the absence of the alleged unlawful contracts, combinations and conspiracy in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The complaint further alleges that the total amount of damages is unknown, but is estimated to exceed $175 million. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to this action and intend to defend against it vigorously. However, we cannot predict the timing, or outcome, of this case, or its possible effect on our results.

NewEnergy

Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. v. PowerWeb Technology, Inc.—Prior to our acquisition, NewEnergy filed a complaint on May 9, 2002 in the U.S. District Court of Eastern Pennsylvania seeking approximately $100,000 in direct damages relating to a contract previously entered into with PowerWeb. PowerWeb Technology counter-claimed seeking $100 million in damages against NewEnergy alleging a breach of a non-disclosure agreement by misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference claims. This case was settled for an immaterial amount.

Mercury Poisoning

Beginning in September 2002, BGE, Constellation Energy, and several other defendants have been involved in numerous actions filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland alleging mercury poisoning from several sources, including coal plants formerly owned by BGE. The plants are now owned by a subsidiary of Constellation Energy. In addition to BGE and Constellation Energy, approximately 11 other defendants, consisting of pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers of vaccines and manufacturers of Thimerosal have been sued. Approximately 66 cases have been filed to date, with each case seeking $90 million in damages from the group of defendants.

        In a ruling applicable to all but several of the cases, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City dismissed with prejudice all claims against BGE and Constellation Energy and entered into a stay of the proceedings as they relate to other defendants. The several cases that were not dismissed were filed subsequent to the ruling by the Circuit Court. Plaintiffs may attempt to pursue appeals of the rulings in favor of BGE and Constellation Energy once the cases are finally concluded as to all defendants. We believe that we have meritorious defenses and intend to defend the actions vigorously. However, we cannot predict the timing, or outcome, of these cases, or their possible effect on our, or BGE's, financial results.

52


Employment Discrimination

Miller, et. al., v. Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, et al.,—This action was filed on September 20, 2000 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Besides BGE, Constellation Energy Group, Constellation Nuclear, and Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant are also named defendants. The action seeks class certification for approximately 150 past and present employees and alleges racial discrimination at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The amount of damages is unspecified, however the plaintiffs seek back and front pay, along with compensatory and punitive damages. The Court scheduled a briefing process for the motion to certify the case as a class action suit. The briefing process concluded, oral argument on the class certification motion was held on April 16, 2004, and the parties are awaiting the court's decision. We do not believe class certification is appropriate and we further believe that we have meritorious defenses to the underlying claims and intend to defend the action vigorously. However, we cannot predict the timing, or outcome, of the action or its possible effect on our, or BGE's, financial results.

Asbestos

Since 1993, BGE has been involved in several actions concerning asbestos. The actions are based upon the theory of "premises liability," alleging that BGE knew of and exposed individuals to an asbestos hazard. The actions relate to two types of claims.

        The first type is direct claims by individuals exposed to asbestos. BGE is involved in these claims with approximately 70 other defendants. Approximately 510 individuals that were never employees of BGE each claim $6 million in damages ($2 million compensatory and $4 million punitive). These claims are currently pending in state courts in Maryland and Pennsylvania. BGE does not know the specific facts necessary to estimate its potential liability for these claims. The specific facts BGE does not know include:

        To date, 339 asbestos cases were dismissed or resolved for amounts that were not significant. Approximately 20 cases are currently scheduled for trial through the end of 2006.

        The second type is claims by one manufacturer—Pittsburgh Corning Corp. (PCC)—against BGE and approximately eight others, as third-party defendants. On April 17, 2000, PCC declared bankruptcy.

        These claims relate to approximately 1,500 individual plaintiffs and were filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland in the fall of 1993. To date, about 375 cases have been resolved, all without any payment by BGE. BGE does not know the specific facts necessary to estimate its potential liability for these claims. The specific facts we do not know include:

        Until the relevant facts for both types of claims are determined, we are unable to estimate what our, or BGE's, liability might be. Although insurance and hold harmless agreements from contractors who employed the plaintiffs may cover a portion of any awards in the actions, the potential effect on our, or BGE's, financial results could be material.

53


Item 5. Other Information

Forward Looking Statements

We make statements in this report that are considered forward looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Sometimes these statements will contain words such as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," and other similar words. We also disclose non-historical information that represents management's expectations, which are based on numerous assumptions. These statements and projections are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause our actual performance or achievements to be materially different from those we project. These risks, uncertainties, and factors include, but are not limited to:

        Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward looking statements. Please see the other sections of this report and our other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for more information on these factors. These forward looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report.

        Changes may occur after that date, and neither Constellation Energy nor BGE assume responsibility to update these forward looking statements.

54


Item 6. Exhibits

(a)   Exhibit No. 10(a)   Constellation Energy Group, Inc. Management Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
    Exhibit No. 10(b)   Constellation Energy Group, Inc. 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
    Exhibit No. 10(c)   Constellation Energy Group, Inc. 2002 Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
    Exhibit No. 10(d)   Constellation Energy Group, Inc. Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
    Exhibit No. 10(e)   Change in control severance agreement between Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Mayo A. Shattuck III.
    Exhibit No. 10(f)   Change in control severance agreement between Constellation Energy Group, Inc. and Michael J. Wallace.
    Exhibit No. 12(a)   Constellation Energy Group, Inc. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
    Exhibit No. 12(b)   Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred and Preference Dividend Requirements.
    Exhibit No. 31(a)   Certification of Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit No. 31(b)   Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit No. 31(c)   Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit No. 31(d)   Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit No. 32(a)   Certification of Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit No. 32(b)   Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Constellation Energy Group, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit No. 32(c)   Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
    Exhibit No. 32(d)   Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

55



SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

      CONSTELLATION ENERGY GROUP, INC.
(Registrant)
 

 

 

 

BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY

(Registrant)

 
 
Date: November 8, 2004

 

 

/s/  
E. FOLLIN SMITH      
E. Follin Smith,
Executive Vice President of Constellation Energy Group,  Inc. and Senior Vice President of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, and as Principal Financial Officer of each Registrant

56




Dates Referenced Herein   and   Documents Incorporated by Reference

This ‘10-Q’ Filing    Date    Other Filings
5/31/10
9/1/06
7/1/06
6/30/0610-Q
5/31/054
12/31/0410-K,  11-K,  5
12/6/04
Filed on:11/8/043
10/29/048-K
10/1/043
For Period End:9/30/04
8/25/04
7/9/04
7/1/04
6/30/0410-Q
6/10/04
6/7/04
6/1/04
4/16/04
4/15/04
3/31/0410-Q
1/16/04
1/1/044
12/31/0310-K,  11-K,  4
12/19/03424B3
12/15/03424B3
10/27/03
9/30/0310-Q
1/1/034
6/30/0210-Q
5/9/02
11/7/01
10/5/01
9/20/00
4/17/0011-K
1/1/98
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