PSEG Announces 2013 First Quarter Results

NEWARK, N.J., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) reported today Income from Continuing Operations and Net Income for the first quarter of 2013 of $320 million or $0.63 per share as compared to Income from Continuing Operations and Net Income of $493 million or $0.97 per share in the first quarter of 2012.  Operating Earnings for the first quarter of 2013 were $433 million or $0.85 per share compared to Operating Earnings for the first quarter of 2012 of $432 million or $0.85 per share.

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"PSEG delivered for shareholders in the first quarter of 2013, and remains on track to meet its objectives for full year operating earnings of $2.25 - $2.50 per share" said Ralph Izzo, chairman, president and chief executive officer.  He went on to say, "the results for the quarter demonstrate the locational value of Power's assets which, along with the strong performance of PSEG Power's nuclear fleet and Power's open position on its intermediate and peaking generation, allowed us to take advantage of a favorable price environment in the energy marketplace while managing downside risk through the hedges on our base load fleet.  Our results also reflect a contribution from PSE&G's increased capital investment in transmission and the continued benefit from our focus on operational excellence.  Our success, as always, is driven by the hard work and dedication of our employees."

PSEG believes that the non-GAAP financial measure of "Operating Earnings" provides a consistent and comparable measure of performance of its businesses to help shareholders understand performance trends.  Operating Earnings excludes gains or losses associated with Nuclear Decommissioning Trust (NDT), Mark-to-Market (MTM) accounting, and other material one-time items.  The table below provides a reconciliation of PSEG's Net Income to Operating Earnings (a non-GAAP measure) for the first quarter.  See Attachment 10 for a complete list of items excluded from Income from Continuing Operations in the determination of Operating Earnings.

"We are very pleased with our results," said Ralph Izzo.  "We benefited from excellent operations this quarter, but, as focused as we are on meeting our short-term goals, we are just as committed to delivering on the long-term promise associated with our proposed 10-year $3.9 billion Energy Strong investment program.  The program, along with plans to invest an additional $1.5 billion to harden our transmission system over this period, is a natural extension of our strategy to maintain PSE&G as one of the nation's most reliable utilities, and would occur during a period of time when major charges on the electric bill are scheduled to expire.  The combination of growth at PSE&G with PSEG Power's free cash flow and our strong balance sheet provide the diversification and financial flexibility to help us weather various market conditions and meet the long-term goals of our customers and shareholders."

The following table outlines continued expectations for operating earnings in 2013 by subsidiary:

Operating Earnings Review by Subsidiary

See Attachment 5 for detail regarding the quarter-over-quarter reconciliations for each of PSEG's businesses.

PSEG Power

PSEG Power reported operating earnings of $250 million ($0.49 per share) for the first quarter of 2013 compared with operating earnings of $196 million ($0.39 per share) for the first quarter of 2012. Power's operating earnings exclude the impact of Super Storm Sandy related restoration costs given the unusual nature of the storm's impact on Power.

Power's first quarter operating earnings benefited from strong market prices for energy, higher capacity prices, and an increase in generation.

Normal winter weather conditions this year compared to abnormally mild weather conditions in the year-ago quarter, higher prices for natural gas and an improvement in basis all had a favorable influence on spot market prices for energy in the first quarter. Power's results also benefited from higher market prices on its unhedged intermediate and peaking generation. The improvement in wholesale pricing quarter-over-quarter offset the impact of lower contract prices on energy hedged through the Basic Generation Services Contract (BGS) and other wholesale contracts resulting in a net increase in earnings quarter-over-quarter of $0.02 per share. An increase in capacity prices on June 1, 2012 to $153 per MW-day from $110 per MW-day improved Power's quarter-over-quarter earnings by $0.05 per share.

PSEG Power's output increased 7.7% during the quarter as a result of higher pricing and more favorable weather which had a positive influence on the dispatch of Power's fossil fleet. The increase in generation added $0.02 per share to earnings quarter-over-quarter. Normal weather conditions compared to abnormally warm conditions in the year-ago quarter also had a favorable impact on off-system gas sales. The improvement in send-out also supported recovery of Power's fixed expenses associated with its gas supply and storage operations; these items together improved quarter-over-quarter earnings by $0.04 per share. An increase in operating and maintenance expense (exclusive of storm-related activity) and other items reduced earnings by $0.02 per share. An increase in depreciation related to the in-service of new peaking capacity and low pressure turbines at Peach Bottom reduced earnings by $0.01 per share.

PSEG Power expensed approximately $28 million pre-tax on storm recovery activity in the first quarter of 2013, bringing Power's total pre-tax storm related expenditures to $113 million. Of this amount, Power has received $19 million in initial insurance proceeds to return its facilities to service.

The nuclear fleet operated slightly in excess of its rated capacity in the first quarter, or at 101%, and provided 57% of Power's output. The fleet's performance was enhanced by record quarterly generation from the Salem Station. An upgrade of the equipment and the design at Salem's circulating water intake structure strongly aided plant performance. The economics of operating Power's coal units improved in the first quarter. Performance was supported by higher demand under more normal winter weather conditions and higher gas prices. Generation from Power's coal fleet nearly doubled from the year-ago quarter and provided approximately 16% of Power's output. Power's gas-fired combined cycle fleet operated at an average capacity factor in the quarter of 52% compared to 56% in the year-ago quarter. Output at the Linden facility was reduced due to repair activity following Super Storm Sandy. The facility was returned to full-service on January 11, 2013.

Power continues to forecast output for 2013 of 53 – 55 TWh. Output for the remainder of the year is approximately 70% - 75% hedged at an average price of $50 per MWh. For 2014, forecast output of 53 – 55 TWh is approximately 50% - 55% hedged at an average price of $50 per MWh. Power has hedged 25% - 30% of its forecast generation in 2015 of 52 – 54 TWh at an average price of $50 per MWh. The results include the impact of the February 2013 auction of Basic Generation Service (BGS) load in New Jersey. A price of $92 per MWh for the PSE&G zone in the latest auction will replace BGS auction prices of $96 per MWh for the three-year period beginning June 1, 2013. Average hedge prices also continue to reflect assumed BGS volumes of 12 TWh in 2013 and 10 TWh in 2014.

The forecast of Power's operating earnings for 2013 remains unchanged at $535 million - $600 million.

PSE&G

PSE&G reported operating earnings of $179 million ($0.35 per share) for the first quarter of 2013 compared with operating earnings of $197 million ($0.39 per share) for the first quarter of 2012.

PSE&G's first quarter results reflect the absence of the $0.06 per share tax settlement in the year-ago quarter which more than offset the contribution to earnings from the increased level of transmission investment.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized PSE&G's request for an annual increase in transmission revenue under the company's formula rate filing. The rate increase, which was effective on January 1, 2013, supported a quarter-over-quarter increase in the net earnings contribution from transmission of $0.03 per share. Electric and gas demand in the quarter was influenced by weather which was only slightly colder than normal, but significantly colder than a year ago.  Electric and gas sales increased in the quarter by 0.9% and 23% respectively. We estimate weather normalized electric sales declined by 2.0% in the first quarter from year-ago levels as weather normalized gas deliveries increased by 0.6% quarter-over-quarter. The favorable weather comparison added $0.02 per share to earnings.

An increase in Distribution Operation and Maintenance (O&M) expense quarter-over-quarter was influenced by the continued impact of storm related repair, and the more normal weather experienced in the current period which resulted in O&M related work versus the warm weather in the year-ago period which supported an acceleration of capital related work. The increase in Distribution O&M reduced quarter-over-quarter earnings by $0.02 per share. The full year growth rate for O&M is expected to be lower than the rate of growth seen during the first quarter.  An increase in depreciation expense and other miscellaneous items reduced earnings quarter-over-quarter by $0.01 per share.

The forecast of PSE&G's operating earnings for 2013 remains unchanged at $580 - $635 million.

Solar Agreement

PSE&G has reached an agreement with the Staff of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and certain other parties on its proposal to increase spending on renewable energy under its Solar Loan and Solar 4 All investment programs.  Under the agreement, which will now be subject to comment by all parties, PSE&G will invest up to $199 million on new solar (97.5 MW) as part of the Solar Loan III program. The agreement also provides for PSE&G to invest approximately $247 million to develop new solar capacity (42 MW) on landfills, brownfields, and 3 MW in smaller pilot programs as part of the Solar 4 All extension. The investment would represent 50% of PSE&G's original request to invest up to $883 million on the two programs. The capital investment would occur over a
3-year period of time as compared to the original 5-year request. A decision by the New Jersey BPU is anticipated no later than May 31.

PSEG Energy Holdings/Enterprise

PSEG Energy Holdings/Enterprise reported operating earnings of $4 million ($0.01 per share) for the first quarter of 2013 compared with operating earnings of $39 million ($0.07 per share) during the first quarter of 2012.  First quarter operating earnings reflect the absence of $0.07 per share of tax benefits received in the first quarter of 2012 related to the settlement of IRS tax audits.

The forecast of PSEG Energy Holdings/Parent full year operating earnings for 2013 is unchanged at $25 million - $35 million. The results will reflect the full year operation of the Milford and Queen Creek solar facilities (40 MW) which entered service in the fourth quarter of 2012 as well as the commercial operation of a 19MW solar facility located in Arizona expected to enter in-service in the fourth quarter at a cost of approximately $50 million.

Credit Ratings

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) raised its corporate credit ratings on PSEG, PSE&G and PSEG Power LLC to BBB+ from BBB on April 23, 2013. S&P also raised the rating on PSE&G's senior secured debt to A from A-. The rating outlook on all three issuers is stable.

The following attachments can be found on www.pseg.com:

Attachment 1 - Operating Earnings and Per Share Results by Subsidiary
Attachment 2 - Consolidating Statements of Operations
Attachment 3 - Capitalization Schedule
Attachment 4 – Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Attachment 5 - Quarter-over-Quarter EPS Reconciliation
Attachment 6 – Generation Measures
Attachment 7 – Retail Sales and Revenues
Attachment 8 – Retail Sales and Revenues
Attachment 9 – Statistical Measures
Attachment 10 - Reconciling Items Excluded from Income from Continuing Operations/Net Income to Compute Operating Earnings

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
Certain of the matters discussed in this report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such statements are based on management's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "should," "hypothetical," "potential," "forecast," "project," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements made by us herein are discussed in Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 8. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and other factors discussed in filings we make with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These factors include, but are not limited to:

• adverse changes in the demand for or the price of the capacity and energy that we sell into wholesale electricity  markets,
  
  
• adverse changes in energy industry law, policies and regulation, including market structures and a potential shift away from competitive markets toward subsidized  market mechanisms, transmission planning and cost allocation rules, including rules regarding how transmission is planned and who is permitted to build transmission in the future, and reliability standards,
  
  
• any inability of our transmission and distribution businesses to obtain adequate and timely rate relief and regulatory approvals from federal and state regulators,
  
  
• changes in federal and state environmental regulations that could increase our costs or limit our operations,
  
  
• changes in nuclear regulation and/or general developments in the nuclear power industry, including various impacts from any accidents or incidents experienced at our facilities or by others in the industry, that could limit operations of our nuclear generating units,
  
  
• actions or activities at one of our nuclear units located on a multi-unit site that might adversely affect our ability to continue to operate that unit or other units located at the same site,
  
  
• any inability to balance our energy obligations, available supply and risks,
  
  
• any deterioration in our credit quality or the credit quality of our counterparties, including in our leveraged leases,
  
  
• availability of capital and credit at commercially reasonable terms and conditions and our ability to meet cash needs,
  
  
• changes in the cost of, or interruption in the supply of, fuel and other commodities necessary to the operation of our generating units,
  
  
• delays in receipt of necessary permits and approvals for our construction and development activities,
  
  
• delays or unforeseen cost escalations in our construction and development activities,
  
  
• any inability to achieve, or continue to sustain, our expected levels of operating performance,
  
  
• any equipment failures, accidents, severe weather events or other incidents that impact our ability to provide safe and reliable service to our customers,  and any inability to sufficiently obtain coverage or recover proceeds of insurance on such matters,
  
  
• increase in competition in energy supply markets as well as competition for certain rate-based transmission projects,
  
  
• any inability to realize anticipated tax benefits or retain tax credits,
  
  
• challenges associated with recruitment and/or retention of a qualified workforce,
  
  
• adverse performance of our decommissioning and defined benefit plan trust fund investments and changes in funding requirements, and
  
  
• changes in technology and customer usage patterns.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements and we cannot assure you that the results or developments anticipated by management will be realized or even if realized, will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or our business prospects, financial condition or results of operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements in making any investment decision. Forward-looking statements made in this report apply only as of the date of this report. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements from time to time, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if internal estimates change, unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws.  The forward-looking statements contained in this report are intended to qualify for the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE:PEG) is a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $9.8 billion, and three principal subsidiaries: PSEG Power, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) and PSEG Energy Holdings. For more information, visit www.pseg.com.

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SOURCE Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)

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