EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 66756
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 66756_10-K_2021_0000066756-21-000025.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Overview.
ALLETE is a clean-energy leader committed to answering the call to transform the nation’s energy landscape through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our businesses deliver critical, quality-of-life services in ways that respect the environment, support communities and the people who live there, and provide value to customers and investors. Minnesota Power has a vision to deliver 100 percent carbon-free energy to customers by 2050, continuing its commitment to climate, customers and communities through its EnergyForward strategy. This vision builds on Minnesota Power’s recent achievement of now providing 50 percent renewable energy to its customers. ALLETE Clean Energy also operates more than 1,000 MW of renewable wind energy generation in addition to approximately 300 MW currently under construction and 155 MW previously constructed and sold to others. Delivery of these sustainable energy solutions helps the customers and communities we serve achieve their sustainability goals.
On February 1, 2021, Minnesota Power filed its latest IRP with the MPUC, which outlines its clean-energy transition plans through 2035. These plans include expanding its renewable energy supply to 70 percent by 2030, achieving coal-free operations at its facilities by 2035, and investing in a resilient and flexible transmission and distribution grid. Minnesota Power has also set a target to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. As part of these plans, Minnesota Power anticipates adding approximately 400 MW of new wind and solar energy resources, retiring Boswell Unit 3 by 2030 and transforming Boswell Unit 4 to be coal-free by 2035. Minnesota Power’s plans recognize that advances in technology will play a significant role in completing its transition to carbon-free energy supply, reliably and affordably. A final decision on the IRP is expected in late 2021.
In recent years, Minnesota Power has transformed its energy supply from more than a 95 percent reliance on coal to become a leader in the nation’s clean-energy transformation. Since 2013, the company has closed or converted seven of its nine coal-fired units and added nearly 900 megawatts of renewable energy sources. Additionally, Minnesota Power has been a leader in energy conservation, surpassing the state’s conservation goals each year for the past decade.
ALLETE is also committed to earning a financial return that rewards our shareholders, allows for reinvestment in our businesses, and sustains growth. ALLETE is predominately a regulated utility through Minnesota Power, SWL&P, and an investment in ATC. ALLETE’s strategy is to remain predominately a regulated utility while also investing in ALLETE Clean Energy and our Corporate and Other businesses to complement its regulated businesses, balance exposure to the utility’s industrial customers, and provide potential long-term earnings growth.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread impacts on the global economy and on our employees, customers, contractors, and suppliers. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the extent to which COVID-19 will spread and the extent and duration of measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders (including those in effect in areas our businesses operate), and business and government shutdowns. Additional disclosures in this Form 10-K regarding the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are located in Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Regulated Operations includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers. Minnesota Power also has 15 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated utility electric, natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility operations include retail and wholesale activities under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)
ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in seven states, more than 1,000 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that is contracted under PSAs of various durations. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy currently has approximately 300 MW of wind energy facilities under construction. ALLETE Clean Energy also engages in the development of wind energy facilities to operate under long-term PSAs or for sale to others upon completion.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Overview (Continued)
U.S. Water Services provided integrated water management for industry by combining chemical, equipment, engineering and service for customized solutions to reduce water and energy usage, and improve efficiency. In March 2019, the Company sold U.S. Water Services to a subsidiary of Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Corporate and Other is comprised of BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota; our investment in Nobles 2, an entity that owns and operates a 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern Minnesota; ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment; other business development and corporate expenditures; unallocated interest expense; a small amount of non-rate base generation; approximately 4,000 acres of land in Minnesota; and earnings on cash and investments.
ALLETE is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota. Our corporate headquarters are in Duluth, Minnesota. Statistical information is presented as of December 31, 2020, unless otherwise indicated. All subsidiaries are wholly-owned unless otherwise specifically indicated. References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Year Ended December 31 2020 2019 2018
Consolidated Operating Revenue - Millions (a)(b)
$1,169.1 $1,240.5 $1,498.6
Percentage of Consolidated Operating Revenue
Regulated Operations 84 % 84 % 71 %
ALLETE Clean Energy (a)
7 % 5 % 11 %
U.S. Water Services (b)
- 3 % 11 %
Corporate and Other 9 % 8 % 7 %
100 % 100 % 100 %
(a) Includes the sale of a wind energy facility to Montana-Dakota Utilities for $81.1 million in 2018.
(b) ALLETE sold U.S. Water Services in the first quarter of 2019.
For a detailed discussion of results of operations and trends, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. For business segment information, see Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 13. Business Segments.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS
Electric Sales / Customers
Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold
Year Ended December 31 2020 % 2019 % 2018 %
Millions
Retail and Municipal
Residential 1,134 9 1,130 8 1,140 8
Commercial 1,306 10 1,390 10 1,426 10
Industrial 6,192 47 7,277 54 7,261 50
Municipal 584 4 672 5 798 5
Total Retail and Municipal 9,216 70 10,469 77 10,625 73
Other Power Suppliers 4,039 30 3,185 23 3,953 27
Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold 13,255 100 13,654 100 14,578 100
Industrial Customers. In 2020, industrial customers represented 47 percent of total regulated utility kWh sales. Our industrial customers are primarily in the taconite mining, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, and pipeline industries.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental responses has led to a disruption of economic activity, and could result in an extended disruption of economic activity. This disruption has resulted in reduced sales and revenue from industrial customers as many industrial customers operated at reduced levels or were temporarily closed or idled during 2020. In addition, Verso Corporation indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. (See Outlook - Regulated Operations - Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load - Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products - Verso Corporation.) The current disruption of economic activity or an extended disruption of economic activity may lead to additional adverse impacts on our taconite and paper, pulp and secondary wood products, pipeline and other industrial customers’ operations including further reduced production or the temporary idling or indefinite shutdown of other facilities, which would result in lower sales and revenue from these customers.
Industrial Customer Kilowatt-hours Sold
Year Ended December 31 2020 % 2019 % 2018 %
Millions
Taconite 4,296 69 5,039 69 5,039 69
Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products 752 12 1,014 14 987 14
Pipelines and Other Industrial 1,144 19 1,224 17 1,235 17
Total Industrial Customer Kilowatt-hours Sold 6,192 100 7,277 100 7,261 100
Six taconite facilities served by Minnesota Power made up approximately 80 percent of 2019 iron ore pellet production in the U.S. according to data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue 2020 Mining Tax Guide. These taconite facilities were all owned by Cliffs and USS Corporation at the end of the 2020. (See Large Power Customer Contracts.) Sales to taconite customers represented 4,296 million kWh, or 69 percent of total industrial customer kWh sales in 2020. Taconite, an iron-bearing rock of relatively low iron content, is abundantly available in northern Minnesota and an important domestic source of raw material for the steel industry. Taconite processing plants use large quantities of electric power to grind the iron-bearing rock, and agglomerate and pelletize the iron particles into taconite pellets.
Minnesota Power’s taconite customers are capable of producing approximately 41 million tons of taconite pellets annually. Taconite pellets produced in Minnesota are primarily shipped to North American steel making facilities that are part of the integrated steel industry, which continues to lead the world in environmental performance among steelmaking countries. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, steel produced in the U.S. is the most energy efficient of any major steel producing country. Steel produced from these North American facilities is used primarily in the manufacture of automobiles, appliances, tubular applications for all industries, and in the construction industry. Steel is also a critical component of the clean energy transformation underway today. The demand for more renewable energy and the need for additional infrastructure to transport green energy from the point of generation to the end user all requires steel. Historically, less than 10 percent of Minnesota taconite production has been exported outside of North America.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Industrial Customers (Continued)
There has been a general historical correlation between U.S. steel production and Minnesota taconite production. The American Iron and Steel Institute, an association of North American steel producers, reported that U.S. raw steel production operated at approximately 68 percent of capacity in 2020 (80 percent in 2019 and 78 percent in 2018). The World Steel Association, an association of steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes representing approximately 85 percent of world steel production, projected U.S. steel consumption in 2021 will increase by approximately 7 percent compared to 2020.
The following table reflects Minnesota Power’s taconite customers’ production levels for the past ten years:
Minnesota Power Taconite Customer Production
Year Tons (Millions)
2020* 30
2019 37
2018 39
2017 38
2016 28
2015 31
2014 39
2013 37
2012 39
2011 39
Source: Minnesota Department of Revenue 2020 Mining Tax Guide for years 2011 - 2019.
* Preliminary data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Minnesota Power’s taconite customers may experience annual variations in production levels due to such factors as economic conditions, short-term demand changes or maintenance outages. We estimate that a one million ton change in Minnesota Power’s taconite customers’ production would impact our annual earnings per share by approximately $0.04, net of expected power marketing sales at current prices. Changes in wholesale electric prices or customer contractual demand nominations could impact this estimate. Minnesota Power proactively sells power in the wholesale power markets that is temporarily not required by industrial customers to optimize the value of its generating facilities. Long-term reductions in taconite production or a permanent shut down of a taconite customer may lead Minnesota Power to file a general rate case to recover lost revenue.
In addition to serving the taconite industry, Minnesota Power serves a number of customers in the paper, pulp and secondary wood products industry, which represented 752 million kWh, or 12 percent of total industrial customer kWh sales in 2020. Minnesota Power also has agreements to provide steam for two paper and pulp customers for use in the customers’ operations. The four major paper and pulp mills we serve reported operating at lower levels in 2020 compared to 2019 resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Verso Corporation indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. (See Outlook - Regulated Operations - Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load - Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products - Verso Corporation.)
Large Power Customer Contracts. Minnesota Power has eight Large Power Customer contracts, each serving requirements of 10 MW or more of customer load. The customers consist of six taconite facilities owned by Cliffs and USS Corporation at the end of the 2020 as well as four paper and pulp mills. Certain facilities with common ownership are served under combined contracts.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Large Power Customer Contracts (Continued)
Large Power Customer contracts require Minnesota Power to have a certain amount of generating capacity available. In turn, each Large Power Customer is required to pay a minimum monthly demand charge that covers the fixed costs associated with having this capacity available to serve the customer, including a return on common equity. Most contracts allow customers to establish the level of megawatts subject to a demand charge on a three to four-month basis and require that a portion of their megawatt needs be committed on a take-or-pay basis for at least a portion of the term of the agreement. In addition to the demand charge, each Large Power Customer is billed an energy charge for each kWh used that recovers the variable costs incurred in generating electricity. Five of the Large Power Customer contracts have interruptible service which provides a discounted demand rate in exchange for the ability to interrupt the customers during system emergencies. Minnesota Power also provides incremental production service for customer demand levels above the contractual take-or-pay levels. There is no demand charge for this service and energy is priced at an increment above Minnesota Power’s cost. Incremental production service is interruptible.
All contracts with Large Power Customers continue past the contract termination date unless the required advance notice of cancellation has been given. The required advance notice of cancellation varies from two to four years. Such contracts reduce the impact on earnings that otherwise would result from significant reductions in kWh sales to such customers. Large Power Customers are required to take all of their purchased electric service requirements from Minnesota Power for the duration of their contracts. The rates and corresponding revenue associated with capacity and energy provided under these contracts are subject to change through the same regulatory process governing all retail electric rates. (See Regulatory Matters - Electric Rates.)
Minnesota Power, as permitted by the MPUC, requires most of its Large Power Customers to pay weekly for electric usage based on monthly energy usage estimates. These customers receive estimated bills or make weekly prepayments based on Minnesota Power’s estimate of the customer’s energy usage, forecasted energy prices and fuel adjustment clause estimates. Minnesota Power’s taconite-producing Large Power Customers have generally predictable energy usage on a week-to-week basis and any differences that occur are trued-up the following month.
Contract Status for Minnesota Power Large Power Customers
As of December 31, 2020
Customer Industry Location Ownership Earliest
Termination Date
Cliffs - Minorca Mine (a)
Taconite Virginia, MN Cliffs December 31, 2025
Hibbing Taconite (a)(b)
Taconite Hibbing, MN 85.3% Cliffs
14.7% USS Corporation December 31, 2024
United Taconite and Northshore Mining Taconite Eveleth, MN and Babbitt, MN Cliffs December 31, 2026
USS Corporation
(USS - Minnesota Ore) (b)(c)
Taconite Mtn. Iron, MN and Keewatin, MN USS Corporation December 31, 2024
Boise, Inc. (b)
Paper International Falls, MN Packaging Corporation of America December 31, 2024
UPM Blandin Paper Grand Rapids, MN UPM-Kymmene Corporation December 31, 2029
Verso Duluth Mill (d)
Paper and Pulp Duluth, MN Verso Corporation January 31, 2025
Sappi Cloquet LLC (b)
Paper and Pulp Cloquet, MN Sappi Limited December 31, 2024
(a)In December 2020, Cliffs acquired substantially all of the operations of ArcelorMittal and its subsidiaries. The transaction included ArcelorMittal’s Minorca mine in Virginia, Minnesota, and its ownership share of Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, Minnesota. (See Outlook - Regulated Operations - Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load - Cliffs Acquisition.)
(b)The contract will terminate four years from the date of written notice from either Minnesota Power or the customer. No notice of contract cancellation has been given by either party. Thus, the earliest date of cancellation is December 31, 2024.
(c)USS Corporation owns both the Minntac Plant in Mountain Iron, MN, and the Keewatin Taconite Plant in Keewatin, MN.
(d)In June 2020, Verso Corporation indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. On January 29, 2021, Verso Corporation provided notice of termination for its contract effective in January 2025. (See Outlook - Regulated Operations - Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load - Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products - Verso Corporation.)
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Residential and Commercial Customers. In 2020, residential and commercial customers represented 19 percent of total regulated utility kWh sales.
Municipal Customers. In 2020, municipal customers represented 4 percent of total regulated utility kWh sales. All of the municipal customer contracts include a termination clause requiring a three-year notice to terminate.
Minnesota Power’s wholesale electric contracts with 15 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota have termination dates ranging from 2024 through 2037, with a majority of contracts effective through 2024. All wholesale contracts include a termination clause requiring a three-year notice to terminate. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)
The contract with a former municipal customer expired in June 2019. Minnesota Power historically provided approximately 29 MW of average monthly demand to this customer.
Other Power Suppliers. The Company also enters into off-system sales with Other Power Suppliers. These sales are at market-based prices into the MISO market on a daily basis or through bilateral agreements of various durations.
Our PSAs are detailed in Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies, with additional disclosure provided in the following paragraphs.
Basin PSAs. Minnesota Power had an agreement to sell 100 MW of capacity and energy to Basin for a ten-year period which expired in April 2020. Minnesota Power has two additional agreements to sell capacity to Basin at fixed prices. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
Minnkota Power PSA. Minnesota Power has a PSA with Minnkota Power where Minnesota Power is selling a portion of its entitlement from Square Butte to Minnkota Power, resulting in Minnkota Power’s net entitlement increasing and Minnesota Power’s net entitlement decreasing until Minnesota Power’s share is eliminated at the end of 2025. Of Minnesota Power’s 50 percent output entitlement, it sold approximately 28 percent to Minnkota Power in 2020 (28 percent in 2019 and in 2018). Minnkota Power’s net entitlement increases to approximately 32 percent in 2022, 37 percent in 2023, 41 percent in 2024, 46 percent in 2025 and 50 percent in 2026. (See Power Supply - Long-Term Purchased Power.)
Silver Bay Power PSA. In 2016, Minnesota Power and Silver Bay Power entered into a PSA through 2031. Silver Bay Power supplies approximately 90 MW of load to Northshore Mining, an affiliate of Silver Bay Power, which had previously been served predominately through self-generation by Silver Bay Power. Starting in 2016, Minnesota Power supplied Silver Bay Power with at least 50 MW of energy and Silver Bay Power had the option to purchase additional energy from Minnesota Power as it transitioned away from self-generation. In the third quarter of 2019, Silver Bay Power ceased self-generation and Minnesota Power began supplying the full energy requirements for Silver Bay Power.
Seasonality
The operations of our industrial customers, which make up a large portion of our electric sales, are not typically subject to significant seasonal variations. (See Electric Sales / Customers.) As a result, Minnesota Power is generally not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations in electric sales; however, Minnesota Power and SWL&P electric and natural gas sales to other customers may be affected by seasonal differences in weather. In general, peak electric sales occur in the winter and summer months with fewer electric sales in the spring and fall months. Peak sales of natural gas generally occur in the winter months. Additionally, our regulated utilities have historically generated fewer sales and less revenue when weather conditions are milder in the winter and summer.
Power Supply
In order to meet its customers’ electric requirements, Minnesota Power utilizes a mix of its own generation and purchased power. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 50 percent of Minnesota Power’s power supply is expected to be provided by renewable energy sources with the completion of the 250 MW Nobles 2 wind energy facility in December 2020 and the GNTL in June 2020, which will be used to deliver 250 MW of hydroelectric energy from Manitoba Hydro. Minnesota Power’s remaining operating coal-fired facilities are Boswell Units 3 and 4, which Minnesota Power proposed in its latest IRP to retire by 2030 and coal-free by 2035, respectively. (See Regulatory Matters.) The following table reflects Minnesota Power’s generating capabilities as of December 31, 2020, and total electrical supply for 2020. Minnesota Power had an annual net peak load of 1,588 MW on February 14, 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Power Supply (Continued)
Year Ended
Unit Year Net December 31, 2020
Regulated Utility Power Supply No. Installed Capability Generation and Purchases
MW MWh %
Coal-Fired
Boswell Energy Center (a)
3 1973 355
in Cohasset, MN 4 1980 468 (b)
823 3,673,480 26.9
Taconite Harbor Energy Center 1 1957 75
in Schroeder, MN 2 1957 75
150 (c) - -
Total Coal-Fired 973 3,673,480 26.9
Biomass Co-Fired / Natural Gas
Hibbard Renewable Energy Center in Duluth, MN 3 & 4 1949, 1951 62 30,858 0.2
Laskin Energy Center in Hoyt Lakes, MN 1 & 2 1953 110 16,473 0.1
Total Biomass Co-Fired / Natural Gas 172 47,331 0.3
Hydro (d)
Group consisting of ten stations in MN Multiple Multiple 120 546,847 4.0
Wind (e)
Taconite Ridge Energy Center in Mt. Iron, MN Multiple 2008 25 59,419 0.5
Bison Wind Energy Center in Oliver and Morton Counties, ND Multiple 2010-2014 497 1,700,098 12.4
Total Wind 522 1,759,517 12.9
Solar (f)
Group consisting of two solar arrays in MN Multiple Multiple 10 16,230 0.1
Total Generation 1,797 6,043,405 44.2
Long-Term Purchased Power
Lignite Coal - Square Butte near Center, ND (g)
1,466,584 10.7
Wind - Oliver Wind I and II in Oliver County, ND 309,324 2.3
Wind - Nobles 2 in Nobles County, MN (h)
52,477 0.4
Hydro - Manitoba Hydro in Manitoba, Canada 1,052,539 7.7
Total Long-Term Purchased Power 2,880,924 21.1
Other Purchased Power (i)
4,749,729 34.7
Total Purchased Power
7,630,653 55.8
Total Regulated Utility Power Supply
13,674,058 100.0
(a) Minnesota Power retired Boswell Units 1 and 2 in the fourth quarter of 2018. Minnesota Power proposed in its latest IRP to retire Boswell Unit 3 by 2030 and for Boswell Unit 4 to be coal-free by 2035. (See Regulatory Matters.)
(b)Boswell Unit 4 net capability shown above reflects Minnesota Power’s ownership percentage of 80 percent. WPPI Energy owns 20 percent of Boswell Unit 4. (See Note 3. Jointly-Owned Facilities and Assets.)
(c)Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2 were idled in 2016. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook - EnergyForward.)
(d)Hydro consists of 10 stations with 34 generating units.
(e)Taconite Ridge consists of 10 WTGs and Bison consists of 165 WTGs.
(f)Solar includes the 10 MW Camp Ripley Solar Array near Little Falls, MN, and a 40 kW community solar garden in Duluth, MN.
(g)Minnesota Power has a PSA with Minnkota Power whereby Minnesota Power is selling a portion of its entitlement from Square Butte to Minnkota Power. (See Electric Sales / Customers - Minnkota Power PSA.)
(h)See Item 1. Business - Corporate and Other - Investment in Nobles 2.
(i)Includes short-term market purchases in the MISO market and from Other Power Suppliers.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Power Supply (Continued)
Fuel. Minnesota Power purchases low-sulfur, sub-bituminous coal from the Powder River Basin region located in Montana and Wyoming. Coal consumption in 2020 for electric generation at Minnesota Power’s coal-fired generating stations was 2.2 million tons (2.5 million tons in 2019; 3.8 million tons in 2018). As of December 31, 2020, Minnesota Power had coal inventories of 0.8 million tons (0.9 million tons as of December 31, 2019). Minnesota Power has coal supply agreements providing for the purchase of a significant portion of its coal requirements through December 2021. In 2021, Minnesota Power expects to obtain coal under these coal supply agreements and in the spot market. Minnesota Power continues to explore other future coal supply options and believes that adequate supplies of low-sulfur, sub-bituminous coal will continue to be available.
Minnesota Power also has coal transportation agreements in place for the delivery of a significant portion of its coal requirements through December 2021. The costs of fuel and related transportation costs for Minnesota Power’s generation are recoverable from Minnesota Power’s utility customers through the fuel adjustment clause.
Coal Delivered to Minnesota Power
Year Ended December 31 2020 2019 2018
Average Price per Ton $34.94 $35.31 $38.89
Average Price per MBtu $1.93 $1.94 $2.10
Long-Term Purchased Power. Minnesota Power has contracts to purchase capacity and energy from various entities, including output from certain coal, wind, hydro and solar generating facilities.
Our PPAs are detailed in Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies, with additional disclosure provided in the following paragraph.
Square Butte PPA. Under the PPA with Square Butte that extends through 2026, Minnesota Power is entitled to 50 percent of the output of Square Butte’s 455 MW coal-fired generating unit. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.) BNI Energy mines and sells lignite coal to Square Butte. This lignite supply is sufficient to provide fuel for the anticipated useful life of the generating unit. Square Butte’s cost of lignite consumed in 2020 was approximately $1.75 per MBtu ($1.88 per MBtu in 2019; $1.60 per MBtu in 2018). (See Electric Sales / Customers - Minnkota Power PSA.)
Manitoba Hydro. Minnesota Power has three long-term PPAs with Manitoba Hydro. Under the first PPA, Minnesota Power is purchasing surplus energy through April 2022. This energy-only agreement primarily consists of surplus hydro energy on Manitoba Hydro’s system that is delivered to Minnesota Power on a non-firm basis. Under this agreement, Minnesota Power will purchase at least one million MWh of energy over the contract term. The second PPA provides for Minnesota Power to purchase 250 MW of capacity and energy from Manitoba Hydro through May 2035. The third PPA provides for Minnesota Power to purchase up to 133 MW of energy from Manitoba Hydro through June 2040.
Transmission and Distribution
We have electric transmission and distribution lines of 500 kV (232 miles), 345 kV (242 miles), 250 kV (465 miles), 230 kV (714 miles), 161 kV (43 miles), 138 kV (130 miles), 115 kV (1,252 miles) and less than 115 kV (6,369 miles). We own and operate 158 substations with a total capacity of 10,066 megavoltamperes. Some of our transmission and distribution lines interconnect with other utilities.
Great Northern Transmission Line. As a condition of the 250 MW long-term PPA entered into with Manitoba Hydro, construction of additional transmission capacity was required. As a result, Minnesota Power constructed the GNTL, an approximately 220-mile 500-kV transmission line between Manitoba and Minnesota’s Iron Range that was proposed by Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro in order to strengthen the electric grid, enhance regional reliability and promote a greater exchange of sustainable energy. On June 1, 2020, Minnesota Power placed the GNTL into service with project costs of approximately $310 million incurred by Minnesota Power. Total project costs, including those costs contributed by a subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro, totaled approximately $660 million. Also on June 1, 2020, Manitoba Hydro placed the MMTP into service. The 250 MW PPA with Manitoba Hydro commenced when the GNTL was placed into service.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Investment in ATC
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ALLETE Transmission Holdings, owns approximately 8 percent of ATC, a Wisconsin-based utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. We account for our investment in ATC under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31 2020, our equity investment in ATC was $149.0 million ($141.6 million as of December 31, 2019). (See Note 5. Equity Investments.)
ATC’s authorized return on equity is 10.02 percent, or 10.52 percent including an incentive adder for participation in a regional transmission organization, based on a May 21, 2020, FERC order that granted rehearing of a November 2019 FERC order. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)
ATC’s 10-year transmission assessment, which covers the years 2020 through 2029, identifies a need for between $2.9 billion and $3.5 billion in transmission system investments. These investments by ATC, if undertaken, are expected to be funded through a combination of internally generated cash, debt and investor contributions. As opportunities arise, we plan to make additional investments in ATC through general capital calls based upon our pro rata ownership interest in ATC.
Properties
Our Regulated Operations businesses own office and service buildings, an energy control center, repair shops, electric plants, transmission facilities and storerooms in various localities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. All of the electric plants are subject to mortgages, which collateralize the outstanding first mortgage bonds of Minnesota Power and SWL&P. Most of the generating plants and substations are located on real property owned by Minnesota Power or SWL&P, subject to the lien of a mortgage, whereas most of the transmission and distribution lines are located on real property owned by others with appropriate easement rights or necessary permits from governmental authorities. WPPI Energy owns 20 percent of Boswell Unit 4. WPPI Energy has the right to use our transmission line facilities to transport its share of Boswell generation. (See Note 3. Jointly-Owned Facilities and Assets.)
Regulatory Matters
We are subject to the jurisdiction of various regulatory authorities and other organizations. Regulatory matters and proceedings are detailed in Note 4. Regulatory Matters, with a summary included in the following paragraphs.
Electric Rates. All rates and contract terms in our Regulated Operations are subject to approval by applicable regulatory authorities. Minnesota Power and SWL&P design their retail electric service rates based on cost of service studies under which allocations are made to the various classes of customers as approved by the MPUC or the PSCW. Nearly all retail sales include billing adjustment clauses, which may adjust electric service rates for changes in the cost of fuel and purchased energy, recovery of current and deferred conservation improvement program expenditures and recovery of certain transmission, renewable and environmental investments.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The MPUC has regulatory authority over Minnesota Power’s retail service area in Minnesota, retail rates, retail services, capital structure, issuance of securities and other matters. Minnesota Power’s current retail rates are based on a March 2018 MPUC retail rate order that allows for a 9.25 percent return on common equity and a 53.81 percent equity ratio. The resolution of Minnesota Power’s 2020 general rate case did not change its allowed return on equity or equity ratio. (See 2020 Minnesota General Rate Case.) As authorized by the MPUC, Minnesota Power also recognizes revenue under cost recovery riders for transmission, renewable and environmental investments.
2020 Minnesota General Rate Case. In November 2019, Minnesota Power filed a retail rate increase request with the MPUC seeking an average increase of approximately 10.6 percent for retail customers. The rate filing sought a return on equity of 10.05 percent and a 53.81 percent equity ratio. On an annualized basis, the requested final rate increase would have generated approximately $66 million in additional revenue. In orders dated December 23, 2019, the MPUC accepted the filing as complete and authorized an annual interim rate increase of $36.1 million beginning January 1, 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Regulatory Matters (Continued)
On April 23, 2020, Minnesota Power filed a request with the MPUC that proposed a resolution of Minnesota Power’s 2020 general rate case. Key components of our proposal included removing the power marketing margin credit in base rates and reflecting actual power marketing margins in the fuel adjustment clause effective May 1, 2020; refunding to customers interim rates collected through April 2020; increasing customer rates 4.1 percent compared to the 5.8 percent increase reflected in interim rates; and a provision that Minnesota Power would not file another rate case until at least November 1, 2021, unless certain events occur. In an order dated June 30, 2020, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s petition and proposal to resolve and withdraw the general rate case. Effective May 1, 2020, customer rates were set at an increase of 4.1 percent with the removal of the power marketing margin credit from base rates. Actual power marketing margins will be reflected in the fuel adjustment clause on an ongoing basis. Reserves for interim rates of $11.7 million were recorded in the second quarter of 2020 and refunded in the third and fourth quarters of 2020.
2021 Integrated Resource Plan. On February 1, 2021, Minnesota Power filed its latest IRP with the MPUC, which outlines its clean-energy transition plans through 2035. These plans include expanding its renewable energy supply to 70 percent by 2030, achieving coal-free operations at its facilities by 2035, and investing in a resilient and flexible transmission and distribution grid. Minnesota Power has also set a target to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. As part of these plans, Minnesota Power anticipates adding approximately 400 MW of new wind and solar energy resources, retiring Boswell Unit 3 by 2030 and transforming Boswell Unit 4 to be coal-free by 2035. Minnesota Power’s plans recognize that advances in technology will play a significant role in completing its transition to carbon-free energy supply, reliably and affordably. A final decision on the IRP is expected in late 2021.
Minnesota Power has a vision to deliver 100 percent carbon-free energy to customers by 2050, continuing its commitment to climate, customers and communities through its EnergyForward strategy. This vision builds on Minnesota Power’s recent achievement of now providing 50 percent renewable energy to its customers.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The PSCW has regulatory authority over SWL&P’s retail sales of electricity, natural gas and water, issuances of securities and other matters. SWL&P’s current retail rates are based on a December 2018 order that allows for a return on equity of 10.4 percent and a 55.0 percent equity ratio. The PSCW had directed SWL&P to file its next general rate case in 2020; however, the PSCW granted an extension request made by SWL&P to delay filing its next general rate case until on or before December 20, 2022. SWL&P requested the extension primarily due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Dakota Public Service Commission. The NDPSC has jurisdiction over site and route permitting of generation and transmission facilities in North Dakota.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The FERC has jurisdiction over the licensing of hydroelectric projects, the establishment of rates and charges for transmission of electricity in interstate commerce, electricity sold at wholesale (including the rates for Minnesota Power’s municipal and wholesale customers), natural gas transportation, certain accounting and record-keeping practices, certain activities of our regulated utilities and the operations of ATC. FERC jurisdiction also includes enforcement of NERC mandatory electric reliability standards. Violations of FERC rules are subject to enforcement action by the FERC including financial penalties up to $1 million per day per violation.
Regional Organizations
Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. Minnesota Power, SWL&P and ATC are members of MISO, a regional transmission organization. While Minnesota Power and SWL&P retain ownership of their respective transmission assets, their transmission networks are under the regional operational control of MISO. Minnesota Power and SWL&P take and provide transmission service under the MISO open access transmission tariff. In cooperation with stakeholders, MISO manages the delivery of electric power across 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation. The NERC has been certified by the FERC as the national electric reliability organization. The NERC ensures the reliability of the North American bulk power system. The NERC oversees six regional entities that establish requirements, approved by the FERC, for reliable operation and maintenance of power generation facilities and transmission systems. Minnesota Power is subject to these reliability requirements and can incur significant penalties for non-compliance.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
REGULATED OPERATIONS (Continued)
Regional Organizations (Continued)
Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO). Minnesota Power and ATC are members of the MRO, one of the six regional entities overseen by the NERC. The MRO's primary responsibilities are to: ensure compliance with mandatory reliability standards by entities who own, operate or use the interconnected, international bulk power system; conduct assessments of the grid's ability to meet electricity demand in the region; and analyze regional system events. The MRO region spans the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and all or parts of 16 states.
Minnesota Legislation
Renewable Energy. Minnesota law requires 25 percent of electric utilities’ applicable retail and municipal energy sales in Minnesota to be from renewable energy sources by 2025. Minnesota law also requires Minnesota Power to meet interim milestones including 20 percent by 2020. The law allows the MPUC to modify or delay meeting a milestone if implementation will cause significant ratepayer cost or technical reliability issues. If a utility is not in compliance with a milestone, the MPUC may order the utility to construct facilities, purchase renewable energy or purchase renewable energy credits. Minnesota Power has exceeded the interim milestone requirements to date.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 50 percent of Minnesota Power’s power supply is expected to be provided by renewable energy sources. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook - EnergyForward.)
Minnesota Solar Energy Standard. Minnesota law required at least 1.5 percent of total retail electric sales, excluding sales to certain customers, to be generated by solar energy by the end of 2020. At least 10 percent of the 1.5 percent mandate must be met by solar energy generated by or procured from solar photovoltaic devices with a nameplate capacity of 40 kW or less and community solar garden subscriptions. Minnesota Power has met both parts of the solar mandate.
Competition
Retail electric energy sales in Minnesota and Wisconsin are made to customers in assigned service territories. As a result, most retail electric customers in Minnesota do not have the ability to choose their electric supplier. Large energy users of 2 MW and above that are located outside of a municipality are allowed to choose a supplier upon MPUC approval. Minnesota Power serves 8 Large Power Customers under contracts of at least 10 MW, none of which have engaged in a competitive rate process. No other large commercial or small industrial customers in Minnesota Power’s service territory have sought a provider outside Minnesota Power’s service territory. Retail electric and natural gas customers in Wisconsin do not have the ability to choose their energy supplier. In both states, however, electricity may compete with other forms of energy. Customers may also choose to generate their own electricity, or substitute other forms of energy for their manufacturing processes.
In 2020, 4 percent of total regulated utility kWh sales were to municipal customers in Minnesota. These customers have the right to seek an energy supply from any wholesale electric service provider upon contract expiration. Minnesota Power’s wholesale electric contract with the Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission was extended in October 2020 and is effective through December 31, 2037. Minnesota Power wholesale electric contracts with 14 municipal customers are effective through varying dates ranging from 2024 through 2029. The contract with a former municipal customer expired on June 30, 2019. (See Electric Sales / Customers.)
The FERC has continued with its efforts to promote a competitive wholesale market through open-access electric transmission and other means. As a result, our electric sales to Other Power Suppliers and our purchases to supply our retail and wholesale load are made in a competitive market.
Franchises
Minnesota Power holds franchises to construct and maintain an electric distribution and transmission system in 95 cities. The remaining cities, villages and towns served by Minnesota Power do not require a franchise to operate. SWL&P serves customers under electric, natural gas or water franchises in 1 city and 14 villages and towns.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
ALLETE CLEAN ENERGY
ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in seven states, more than 1,000 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that is contracted under PSAs of various durations. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy currently has approximately 300 MW of wind energy facilities under construction. ALLETE Clean Energy also engages in the development of wind energy facilities to operate under long-term PSAs or for sale to others upon completion. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook - ALLETE Clean Energy.)
ALLETE Clean Energy believes the market for renewable energy in North America is robust, driven by several factors including environmental regulation, tax incentives such as the extension of production tax credit and investment tax credits, societal expectations and continual technology advances. State renewable portfolio standards, state or federal regulations to limit GHG emissions and the extension of production tax credit and investment tax credits are examples of environmental regulation or public policy that we believe will drive renewable energy development.
ALLETE Clean Energy’s strategy includes the safe, reliable, optimal and profitable operation of its existing facilities. This includes a strong safety culture, the continuous pursuit of operational efficiencies at existing facilities and cost controls. ALLETE Clean Energy generally acquires facilities in liquid power markets and its strategy includes the exploration of PSA extensions upon expiration of existing contracts, production tax credit requalification of existing facilities or the sale of facilities.
ALLETE Clean Energy manages risk by having a diverse portfolio of assets, which includes PSA expiration, technology and geographic diversity. The current operating portfolio is subject to typical variations in seasonal wind with higher wind resources typically available in the winter months. The majority of its planned maintenance leverages this seasonality and is performed during lower wind periods. ALLETE Clean Energy’s current operating portfolio is as follows:
Region Wind Energy Facility Capacity MW PSA MW PSA Expiration
East Armenia Mountain 101 100% 2024
Midwest Chanarambie/Viking 98
PSA 1 (a)
12% 2023
PSA 2 88% 2023
Lake Benton 104 100% 2028
Storm Lake I 108 100% 2027
Storm Lake II 77
PSA 1 90% 2022
PSA 2 10% 2032
Other 17 100% 2028
South Diamond Spring 303
PSA 1 58% 2035
PSA 2 25% 2032
PSA 3 16% 2035
West Condon 50 100% 2022
Glen Ullin 106 100% 2039
South Peak 80 100% 2035
(a)The PSA expiration assumes the exercise of four one-year renewal options that ALLETE Clean Energy has the sole right to exercise.
The majority of ALLETE Clean Energy’s wind operations are located on real property owned by others with easement rights or necessary consents of governmental authorities. One of ALLETE Clean Energy’s wind energy facilities is encumbered by liens against its assets securing financing. ALLETE Clean Energy’s Glen Ullin, South Peak, and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities are subject to tax equity financing structures. (See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.)
U.S. WATER SERVICES
U.S. Water Services provided integrated water management for industry by combining chemical, equipment, engineering and service for customized solutions to reduce water and energy usage, and improve efficiency. In March 2019, the Company sold U.S. Water Services to a subsidiary of Kurita Water Industries Ltd. pursuant to a stock purchase agreement for approximately $270 million in cash, net of transaction costs and cash retained. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of U.S. Water Services of $13.2 million after-tax in 2019. ALLETE used the proceeds from the sale of U.S. Water Services to reinvest in growth initiatives at our Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
CORPORATE AND OTHER
BNI Energy
BNI Energy is a supplier of lignite coal in North Dakota, producing approximately 4 million tons annually and has an estimated 650 million tons of lignite coal reserves. Two electric generating cooperatives, Minnkota Power and Square Butte, consume virtually all of BNI Energy’s production of lignite under cost-plus fixed fee coal supply agreements extending through December 31, 2037. (See Item 1. Business - Regulated Operations - Power Supply - Long-Term Purchased Power and Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.) The mining process disturbs and reclaims between 200 and 250 acres per year. Laws require that the reclaimed land be at least as productive as it was prior to mining. As of December 31, 2020, BNI Energy’s total reclamation liability is estimated at $67.3 million and is included in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These costs are included in the cost-plus fixed fee contract, for which an asset reclamation cost receivable was included in Other Non-Current Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The asset reclamation obligation is guaranteed by surety bonds and a letter of credit. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
Investment in Nobles 2
Our subsidiary, ALLETE South Wind, owns a 49 percent equity interest in Nobles 2, the entity that owns and operates the 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern Minnesota pursuant to a 20-year PPA with Minnesota Power. Construction of the wind energy facility was completed and tax equity funding of $116.3 million, net of issuance costs, was received in the fourth quarter of 2020. We account for our investment in Nobles 2 under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2020, our equity investment in Nobles 2 was $152.2 million ($56.0 million at December 31, 2019). (See Note 5. Equity Investments.)
ALLETE Properties
ALLETE Properties represents our legacy Florida real estate investment. ALLETE Properties’ major project in Florida is Town Center at Palm Coast, which consists of 639 acres of land as well as various residential units and non-residential square footage. In addition to the Town Center at Palm Coast project, ALLETE Properties has approximately 600 acres of other land available for sale. (See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook - Corporate and Other - ALLETE Properties.)
Seller Financing. ALLETE Properties occasionally provides seller financing to qualified buyers. As of December 31, 2020, outstanding finance receivables were $4.3 million, net of reserves, with maturities through 2025. These finance receivables accrue interest at market-based rates and are collateralized by the financed properties.
Regulation. A substantial portion of our development properties in Florida are subject to federal, state and local regulations, and restrictions that may impose significant costs or limitations on our ability to develop the properties. Much of our property is vacant land and some is located in areas where development may affect the natural habitats of various protected wildlife species or in sensitive environmental areas such as wetlands.
Non-Rate Base Generation and Miscellaneous
Corporate and Other also includes other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, approximately 4,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.
As of December 31, 2020, non-rate base generation consists of 29 MW of natural gas and hydro generation at Rapids Energy Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, which is primarily dedicated to the needs of one customer, UPM Blandin.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters by various federal, state and local authorities. A number of regulatory changes to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and various waste management requirements have been promulgated by both the EPA and state authorities over the past several years. Minnesota Power’s facilities are subject to additional requirements under many of these regulations. Minnesota Power is reshaping its generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal, has installed cost-effective emission control technology, and advocates for sound science and policy during rulemaking implementation.
We consider our businesses to be in substantial compliance with currently applicable environmental regulations and believe all necessary permits have been obtained. We anticipate that with many state and federal environmental regulations and requirements finalized, or to be finalized in the near future, potential expenditures for future environmental matters may be material and require significant capital investments. Minnesota Power has evaluated various environmental compliance scenarios using possible outcomes of environmental regulations to project power supply trends and impacts on customers.
We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current law and existing technologies. Accruals are adjusted as assessment and remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are expensed unless recoverable in rates from customers. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company’s key human capital management objectives are to attract, recognize and retain high quality talent, align with strategic business objectives and support the Company’s values. To support these objectives, the Company’s programs are designed to develop talent; reward and support employees through competitive compensation programs and benefit plans; enhance the Company’s culture through efforts aimed at making the workplace more engaging, safe and inclusive; and acquire talent and leverage internal opportunities to create a high-performing, diverse workforce. Our management and Board of Directors play key roles in reviewing and overseeing our human capital practices.
As of December 31, 2020, ALLETE had 1,342 employees, of which 1,322 were full-time. Minnesota Power and SWL&P have an aggregate of 460 employees covered under collective bargaining agreements, of which most are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 31. The current labor agreements with IBEW Local 31 expire on April 30, 2023 for Minnesota Power and expired on February 1, 2021 for SWL&P. Negotiations are proceeding between SWL&P and IBEW Local 31. SWL&P and IBEW Local 31 are operating under the expired labor agreements until new contracts are agreed upon. BNI Energy has 137 employees that are members of IBEW Local 1593. The current labor agreement with IBEW Local 1593 expires on March 31, 2023.
Integrity. Integrity is a foundational, shared value at ALLETE, is important to ALLETE’s business and operations, and enables our success. The Company has a written Code of Ethics that applies to all of our employees.
Health and Safety. The success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people. We are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by taking steps to mitigate the potential risks to us posed by its transmission and have implemented company-wide business continuity plans in response to the pandemic. These plans guide our emergency response, business continuity, and the precautionary measures we are taking on behalf of employees and the public.
Zero Injury Culture. Our journey to Zero Injury starts with a culture that is open and transparent. We encourage all employees to report injuries, near misses, and good catches, so that we can learn and share with others throughout the Company in an effort to improve safety performance. Leaders have regular safety conversations with employees, where the data learned from the conversations is examined, shared with the ALLETE safety strategy team and used to improve the Company’s safety programs.
Talent Development. We recognize and support the growth and development of our employees and offer opportunities to participate in internal and external learning programs. Our internal talent development programs provide employees with the resources they need to develop proficiency in their role, help achieve their career goals and build leadership skills. In addition to role specific training, targeted training also includes respect in the workplace, cyber awareness, safety, integrity and leadership development.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (Continued)
Compensation and Benefits. Our competitive compensation package gives employees flexibility, choices and opportunities. Competitive compensation is important for the Company to attract and retain a qualified workforce to successfully manage our business and achieve our business objectives. We also strive to ensure pay equity amongst diverse employees performing equal or substantially similar work. Periodically, we review the median pay of our male and female employees as well as employees from diverse backgrounds.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Increasing staff diversity enriches our workforce culture at ALLETE. Our employees are operating in an increasingly diverse society. In order to be accountable to our employees and stakeholders, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, promotes inclusivity and is equitable.
At ALLETE, we want to ensure that we have a workplace culture where we treat each other with fairness, dignity and respect. The Company has a Respect in the Workplace initiative, which includes education as well as ongoing discussions focused on building respectful relationships and managing bias. In 2020, further efforts began in crafting a framework to strengthen ALLETE’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the areas of: workforce, supply chain and ALLETE as a community citizen.
Yellow Ribbon Program. ALLETE and its subsidiaries are dedicated to supporting veterans, military members and their families. An employee effort grew out of that spirit of commitment to veterans and led the state of Minnesota to designate ALLETE/Minnesota Power and ALLETE Clean Energy as Yellow Ribbon Companies. The mission of ALLETE’s Yellow Ribbon Program is to contribute to the Company’s unique culture by proactively recruiting and retaining the best and supporting an environment in which military-connected employees can thrive.
AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION
ALLETE makes its SEC filings, including its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(e) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, available free of charge on ALLETE’s website, www.allete.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of February 17, 2021, these are the executive officers of ALLETE:
Executive Officers Initial Effective Date
Alan R. Hodnik, Age 61
Executive Chairman (a)
February 3, 2020
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer January 31, 2019
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer May 10, 2011
Bethany M. Owen, Age 55
President and Chief Executive Officer February 3, 2020
President January 31, 2019
Senior Vice President and Chief Legal and Administrative Officer November 26, 2016
Robert J. Adams, Age 58
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer March 4, 2017
Senior Vice President - Energy-Centric Businesses and Chief Risk Officer November 14, 2015
Patrick L. Cutshall, Age 55
Vice President and Corporate Treasurer December 18, 2017
Treasurer January 1, 2016
Nicole R. Johnson, Age 46
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer June 28, 2019
Steven W. Morris, Age 59
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer December 24, 2016
Controller March 3, 2014
Margaret A. Thickens, Age 54
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary February 13, 2019
(a) Alan R. Hodnik will retire in May 2021.
All of the executive officers have been employed by us for more than five years in executive or management positions. Prior to election to the position listed above, the following executives held other positions with the Company during the past five years.
Ms. Johnson was Vice President - Human Resources; Director - Compensation and Benefits.
Ms. Owen was Vice President - Information Technology Solutions and President - SWL&P.
Ms. Thickens was General Counsel and Director of Compliance - ALLETE Clean Energy; General Counsel and Secretary - ALLETE Clean Energy.
There are no family relationships between any of the executive officers. All officers and directors are elected or appointed annually.
The present term of office of the executive officers listed in the preceding table extends to the first meeting of our Board of Directors after the next annual meeting of shareholders. Both meetings are scheduled for May 11, 2021.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risks and uncertainties discussed below could materially affect our business operations, financial position, results of operations and cash flows, and should be carefully considered by stakeholders. The risks and uncertainties in this section are not the only ones we face; additional risks and uncertainties that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently consider immaterial, may also affect our business operations, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Accordingly, the risks described below should be carefully considered together with other information set forth in this report and in future reports that we file with the SEC.
Regulated Operations Risks
Our results of operations could be negatively impacted if our taconite, paper and pipeline customers experience an economic downturn, incur work stoppages, fail to compete effectively, experience decreased demand, fail to economically obtain raw materials, fail to renew or obtain necessary permits, or experience a decline in prices for their product.
Minnesota Power’s eight Large Power Customers, which consist of six taconite facilities and four paper and pulp mills, and Silver Bay Power accounted for 29 percent of our 2020 consolidated operating revenue (30 percent in 2019 and 24 percent in 2018) and 34 percent of Regulated Operations operating revenue (36 percent in 2019 and 34 percent in 2018). Minnesota Power’s taconite customers, which are currently owned by only two entities at the end of 2020, accounted for approximately 25 percent of consolidated operating revenue and 29 percent of Regulated Operations operating revenue in 2020. These customers are involved in cyclical industries that by their nature are adversely impacted by economic downturns and are subject to strong competition in the marketplace. Additionally, the North American paper and pulp industry also faces declining demand due to the impact of electronic substitution for print and changing customer needs. As a result, certain paper and pulp customers have reduced their existing operations in recent years and have pursued or are pursuing product changes in response to declining demand.
Minnesota Power also serves two pipeline customers that accounted for 2 percent of our 2020 consolidated operating revenue (2 percent in 2019 and in 2018) and 3 percent of Regulated Operations revenue in 2020 (3 percent in 2019 and 2 percent in 2018). These customers are involved in an industry that is seeing increased environmental pressure for construction of new or expanded pipeline infrastructure for the transportation of fossil fuels. Changes in regulatory rulings or permit proceedings could result in changes to operations of the pipeline network in our service territory.
Accordingly, if our industrial customers experience an economic downturn, incur a work stoppage (including strikes, lock-outs or other events), fail to compete effectively, experience decreased demand, fail to economically obtain raw materials, fail to renew or obtain necessary permits, or experience a decline in prices for their product, there could be adverse effects on their operations and, consequently, this could have a negative impact on our results of operations if we are unable to remarket at similar prices the energy that would otherwise have been sold to such customers. In addition, these customers have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (See Entity-wide Risks.)
Our utility operations are subject to an extensive legal and regulatory framework under federal and state laws as well as regulations imposed by other organizations that may have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.
We are subject to an extensive legal and regulatory framework imposed under federal and state law including regulations administered by the FERC, MPUC, MPCA, PSCW, NDPSC and EPA as well as regulations administered by other organizations including the NERC. These laws and regulations relate to allowed rates of return, capital structure, financings, rate and cost structure, acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities, construction and operation of generation, transmission and distribution facilities (including the ongoing maintenance and reliable operation of such facilities), recovery of purchased power costs and capital investments, approval of integrated resource plans and present or prospective wholesale and retail competition, renewable portfolio standards that require utilities to obtain specified percentages of electric supply from eligible renewable generation sources, among other things. Energy policy initiatives at the state or federal level could increase renewable portfolio standards or incentives for distributed generation, municipal utility ownership, or local initiatives could introduce generation or distribution requirements that could change the current integrated utility model. Our transmission systems and electric generation facilities are subject to the NERC mandatory reliability standards, including cybersecurity standards. Compliance with these standards may lead to increased operating costs and capital expenditures which are subject to regulatory approval for recovery. If it was determined that we were not in compliance with these mandatory reliability standards or other statutes, rules and orders, we could incur substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Regulated Operations Risks (Continued)
These laws and regulations significantly influence our operations and may affect our ability to recover costs from our customers. We are required to have numerous permits, licenses, approvals and certificates from the agencies and other organizations that regulate our business. We believe we have obtained the necessary permits, licenses, approvals and certificates for our existing operations and that our business is conducted in accordance with applicable laws; however, we are unable to predict the impact on our operating results from the future regulatory activities of any of these agencies and other organizations. Changes in regulations, the adoption of new regulations or the expansion of jurisdiction by these agencies and other organizations could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Our ability to obtain rate adjustments to maintain reasonable rates of return depends upon regulatory action under applicable statutes and regulations, and we cannot provide assurance that rate adjustments will be obtained or reasonable authorized rates of return on capital will be earned. Minnesota Power and SWL&P, from time to time, file general rate cases with, or otherwise seek cost recovery authorization from, federal and state regulatory authorities. If Minnesota Power and SWL&P do not receive an adequate amount of rate relief in general rate cases, including if rates are reduced, if increased rates are not approved on a timely basis, if cost recovery is not granted at the requested level, or costs are otherwise unable to be recovered through rates, we may experience an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We are unable to predict the impact on our business and results of operations from future legislation or regulatory activities of any of these agencies or organizations.
Our regulated operations present certain environmental risks that could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations, including effects of environmental laws and regulations, physical risks associated with climate change and initiatives designed to reduce the impact of GHG emissions.
We are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations affecting many aspects of our past, present and future operations, including air quality, water quality and usage, waste management, reclamation, hazardous wastes, avian mortality and natural resources. These laws and regulations, or new laws and regulations that may be passed, can result in increased capital expenditures and increased operating and other costs as a result of compliance, remediation, containment and monitoring obligations, particularly with regard to laws relating to emissions, coal ash and water discharge at generating facilities.
These laws and regulations could restrict the output of some existing facilities, limit the use of some fuels in the production of electricity, require the installation of additional pollution control equipment, require participation in environmental emission allowance trading, and lead to other environmental considerations and costs, which could have an adverse impact on our business, operations and results of operations.
These laws and regulations generally require us to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental licenses, permits, inspections and other approvals. Violations of these laws and regulations could expose us to regulatory and legal proceedings, disputes with, and legal challenges by, governmental authorities and private parties, as well as potential significant civil fines criminal penalties and other sanctions.
Existing environmental regulations may be revised and new environmental regulations may be adopted or become applicable to us. Revised or additional regulations which result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, particularly if those costs are not fully recoverable from customers, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
The scientific community generally accepts that emissions of GHG are linked to global climate change. Physical risks of climate change, such as more frequent or more extreme weather events, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, changes to ground and surface water availability, and other related phenomena, could affect some, or all, of our operations. Severe weather or other natural disasters could be destructive, which could result in increased costs. An extreme weather event within our utility service areas can also directly affect our capital assets, causing disruption in service to customers due to downed wires and poles or damage to other operating equipment. These all have the potential to adversely affect our business and operations.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Regulated Operations Risks (Continued)
There is significant uncertainty regarding if and when new laws, regulations or administrative policies will be adopted to reduce or limit GHG and the impact any such laws or regulations would have on us. In 2020, our operating coal-fired generating facilities consisted of the 355 MW Boswell Unit 3 and the 468 MW Boswell Unit 4. (See Outlook - EnergyForward.) Any future limits on GHG emissions at the federal or state level, or action taken by regulators, before these facilities are retired or become coal-free may require us to incur significant capital expenditures and increases in operating costs, or could result in early closure of coal-fired generating facilities, an impairment of assets, or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations, particularly if resulting expenditures and costs are not fully recoverable from customers.
We cannot predict the amount or timing of all future expenditures related to environmental matters because of uncertainty as to applicable regulations or requirements. There is also uncertainty in quantifying liabilities under environmental laws that impose joint and several liability on all potentially responsible parties. Violations of certain environmental statutes, rules and regulations could expose ALLETE to third party disputes and potentially significant monetary penalties, as well as other sanctions for non-compliance.
The operation and maintenance of our regulated electric generation and transmission facilities are subject to operational risks that could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The operation of generating facilities involves many risks, including start-up operational risks, breakdown or failure of facilities, the dependence on a specific fuel source, inadequate fuel supply, availability of fuel transportation, and the impact of unusual or adverse weather conditions or other natural events, as well as the risk of performance below expected levels of output or efficiency. A significant portion of our facilities contain older generating equipment, which, even if maintained in accordance with good engineering practices, may require significant capital expenditures to continue operating at peak efficiency. Generation and transmission facilities and equipment are also likely to require periodic upgrades and improvements due to changing environmental standards and technological advances. We could be subject to costs associated with any unexpected failure to produce or deliver power, including failure caused by breakdown or forced outage, as well as repairing damage to facilities due to storms, natural disasters, wars, sabotage, terrorist acts and other catastrophic events.
Our ability to successfully and timely complete capital improvements to existing regulated facilities or other capital projects is contingent upon many variables.
We expect to incur significant capital expenditures in making capital improvements to our existing electric generation and transmission facilities and in the development and construction of new electric generation and transmission facilities. Should any such efforts be unsuccessful or not completed in a timely manner, we could be subject to additional costs or impairments which could have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operation and cash flows.
Our regulated electric generating operations may not have access to adequate and reliable transmission and distribution facilities necessary to deliver electricity to our customers.
We depend on our own transmission and distribution facilities, as well as facilities owned by other utilities, to deliver the electricity produced and sold to our customers, and to other energy suppliers. If transmission capacity is inadequate, our ability to sell and deliver electricity may be limited. We may have to forgo sales or may have to buy more expensive wholesale electricity that is available in the capacity-constrained area. In addition, any infrastructure failure that interrupts or impairs delivery of electricity to our customers could negatively impact the satisfaction of our customers, which could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Our results of operations could be impacted by declining wholesale power prices.
Wholesale prices for electricity have declined in recent years primarily due to low natural gas prices, the extension of renewable tax credits and additional renewable generation commencing operations. If there are reductions in demand from customers, we lose retail customers, or we lose municipal customers that do not renew existing contracts, we will market any available power to Other Power Suppliers in an effort to mitigate any earnings impact. Sales to Other Power Suppliers are sold at market-based prices into the MISO market on a daily basis or through bilateral agreements of various durations. Due to the low wholesale prices for electricity, we do not expect that our power marketing efforts would fully offset the reduction in earnings resulting from the lower demand from existing customers or the loss of customers. (See Item 1. Business - Regulated Operations - Electric Sales / Customers.)
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Regulated Operations Risks (Continued)
The price of electricity and fuel may be volatile.
Volatility in market prices for electricity and fuel could adversely impact our financial position and results of operations and may result from:
•severe or unexpected weather conditions and natural disasters;
•seasonality;
•changes in electricity usage;
•transmission or transportation constraints, inoperability or inefficiencies;
•availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources;
•changes in supply and demand for energy;
•changes in power production capacity;
•outages at our generating facilities or those of our competitors;
•availability of fuel transportation;
•changes in production and storage levels of natural gas, lignite, coal, crude oil and refined products;
•wars, sabotage, terrorist acts or other catastrophic events; and
•federal, state, local and foreign energy, environmental, or other regulation and legislation.
Fluctuations in our fuel and purchased power costs related to our retail and municipal customers are passed on to customers through the fuel adjustment clause. Volatility in market prices for our fuel and purchase power costs primarily impacts our sales to Other Power Suppliers.
Demand for energy may decrease.
Our results of operations are impacted by the demand for energy in our service territories, our municipal customers and other power suppliers. There could be lower demand for energy due to a loss of customers as a result of economic conditions, customers constructing or installing their own generation facilities, higher costs and rates charged to customers, eligible municipal and other power suppliers choosing an alternative energy provider, or loss of service territory or franchises. Further, energy conservation and technological advances that increased energy efficiency may temporarily or permanently reduce the demand for energy products. In addition, we are impacted by state and federal regulations requiring mandatory conservation measures, which reduce the demand for energy products. Continuing technology improvements and regulatory developments may make customer and third party-owned generation technologies such as rooftop solar systems, WTGs, microturbines and battery storage systems more cost effective and feasible for of our customers. If customers utilize their own generation, demand for energy from us would decline. There may not be future economic growth opportunities that would enable us to replace the lost energy demand from these customers. Therefore, a decrease in demand for energy could adversely impact our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We may not be able to successfully implement our strategic objectives of growing load at our utilities if current or potential industrial or municipal customers are unable to successfully implement expansion plans, including the inability to obtain necessary governmental permits.
As part of our long-term strategy, we pursue new wholesale and retail loads in and around our service territories. Currently, there are several companies in northeastern Minnesota that are in the process of developing natural resource-based projects that represent long-term growth potential and load diversity for our Regulated Operations businesses. These projects may include construction of new facilities and restarts of old facilities, both of which require permitting and approvals to be obtained before the projects can be successfully implemented. If a project does not obtain any necessary governmental (including environmental) permits and approvals or if these customers are unable to successfully implement expansion plans, our long-term strategy and thus our results of operations could be adversely impacted.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy / Corporate and Other Risks
The inability to successfully manage and grow ALLETE Clean Energy and our Corporate and Other businesses could adversely affect our results of operations.
The Company's strategy for ALLETE Clean Energy includes adding customers, new geographies, and growth through acquisitions or project development with long-term PSAs in place for the output or to be sold upon completion. This strategy depends, in part, on the Company’s ability to successfully identify and evaluate acquisition or development opportunities and consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms. The Company may compete with other companies for these acquisition and development opportunities, which may increase the Company’s cost of making acquisitions and the Company may be unsuccessful in pursuing these acquisition opportunities. Other companies may be able to pay more for acquisitions and may be able to identify, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of assets than the Company’s financial or human resources permit. New laws and regulations promoting renewable energy generation may result in increased competition. Our ALLETE Clean Energy business is experiencing return pressures from increased competition, and lower forward price curves, as a growing amount of investment capital is being directed into wind generation opportunities. In addition, current and potential new project developments can be negatively affected by a lower ALLETE stock price, which may result in such projects not being accretive, or otherwise unable to satisfy our financial objectives criteria to proceed. Additionally, tax law changes may adversely impact the economic characteristics of potential acquisitions or investments. If the Company is unable to execute its strategy of growth through acquisitions, project development for others, or the addition of new customers and geographies, it may impede our long-term objectives and business strategy.
Acquisitions are subject to uncertainties. If we are unable to successfully integrate and manage future acquisitions or strategic investments, this could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Our actual results may also differ from our expectations due to factors such as the ability to obtain timely regulatory or governmental approvals, integration and operational issues and the ability to retain management and other key personnel.
The generation of electricity from our wind energy facilities depends heavily on suitable meteorological conditions.
Although our wind energy facilities are located in diverse geographic regions to reduce the potential impact that may be caused by unfavorable weather in a particular region, suitable meteorological conditions are variable and difficult to predict. If wind conditions are unfavorable or meteorological conditions are unsuitable, our electricity generation and revenue from wind energy facilities may be substantially below our expectations. The electricity produced, production tax credits received, and revenues generated by a wind energy facility are highly dependent on suitable wind conditions and associated weather conditions, which are variable and beyond our control. We base our decisions about which wind projects to build or acquire as well as our electricity generation estimates, in part, on the findings of long-term wind and other meteorological studies conducted on the project site and its region; however, the unpredictable nature of wind conditions, weather and meteorological conditions can result in material deviations from these studies and our expectations. Furthermore, components of our systems could be damaged by severe weather, such as hailstorms, lightning or tornadoes. In addition, replacement and spare parts for key components of our diverse turbine portfolio may be difficult or costly to acquire or may be unavailable. Unfavorable wind conditions, weather or changes to meteorological patterns could impair the effectiveness of our wind energy facility assets, reduce their output beneath their rated capacity or require shutdown of key equipment, impeding operation of our wind energy facilities.
The construction, operation and maintenance of our electric generation facilities or investment in facilities are subject to operational risks that could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The construction and operation of generating facilities involves many risks, including the performance by key contracted suppliers and maintenance providers, start-up operations risks, breakdown or failure of facilities, the dependence on the availability of wind resources, or the impact of unusual, adverse weather conditions or other natural events, as well as the risk of performance below expected levels of output or efficiency. Some of our facilities contain older generating equipment, which even if maintained in accordance with good engineering practices, may require significant capital expenditures to continue operating at peak efficiency. We could be subject to costs associated with any unexpected failure to produce and deliver power, including failure caused by breakdown or forced outage, as well as repairing damage to facilities due to storms, natural disasters, wars, sabotage, terrorist acts and other catastrophic events.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy / Corporate and Other Risks (Continued)
As contracts with counterparties expire, we may not be able to replace them with agreements on similar terms.
ALLETE Clean Energy is party to PSAs which expire in various years between 2022 and 2039. These PSA expirations are prior to the end of the estimated useful lives of the respective wind energy facilities. If, for any reason, ALLETE Clean Energy is unable to enter into new agreements with existing or new counterparties on similar terms once the current agreements expire, or sell energy in the wholesale market resulting in similar revenue, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected, which includes potential impairment of property, plant and equipment.
Counterparties to turbine supply, service and maintenance, or power sale agreements may not fulfill their obligations.
ALLETE Clean Energy is party to turbine supply agreements, service and maintenance agreements, and PSAs under various durations with a limited number of creditworthy counterparties. If, for any reason, any of the counterparties under these agreements do not fulfill their related contractual obligations, and ALLETE Clean Energy is unable to mitigate non-performance by a key supplier or maintenance provider or remarket PSA energy resulting in similar revenue, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
BNI Energy may be adversely impacted by its exposure to customer concentration, and environmental laws and regulations.
BNI Energy sells lignite coal to two electric generating cooperatives, Minnkota Power and Square Butte, and could be adversely impacted if these customers were unable or unwilling to fulfill their related contractual obligations, or change the way in which they operate their generating facilities. In addition, BNI Energy and its customers may be adversely impacted by existing or new environmental laws and regulations which could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, insurance companies have decreased the available coverage for policy holders in the mining industry, impacting the availability of coverage, and leading to higher deductibles and premiums.
Real estate market conditions where our legacy Florida real estate investment is located may not improve.
The Company’s strategy related to the real estate assets of ALLETE Properties incorporates the possibility of a bulk sale of its entire portfolio, in addition to sales over time, however, adverse market conditions could impact the timing of land sales, which could result in little to no sales, while still incurring operating expenses such as community development district assessments and property taxes, resulting in net operating losses at ALLETE Properties. Furthermore, weak market conditions could put the properties at risk for an impairment charge. An impairment charge would result in a non-cash charge to earnings that could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Entity-wide Risks
We could be materially adversely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for which we are unable to predict the ultimate impact as the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread impacts on the global economy and on our employees, customers, contractors, and suppliers. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the extent to which COVID-19 will spread and the extent and duration of measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders (including those in effect in areas our businesses operate), and business and government shutdowns. We are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by taking steps to mitigate the potential risks to us posed by its transmission and have implemented company-wide business continuity plans in response to the pandemic. These plans guide our emergency response, business continuity, and the precautionary measures we are taking on behalf of employees and the public. We have taken additional precautions for our employees who work in the field and for employees who continue to work in our facilities, and we have implemented work from home policies where appropriate. We continue to implement physical and cyber-security measures to ensure that our systems remain functional in order to both serve our operational needs with a remote workforce and keep them running to ensure uninterrupted service to our customers.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related federal and state government responses has led to a disruption of economic activity, and could result in an extended disruption of economic activity. This disruption has resulted and is expected to continue to result in reduced sales and revenue from commercial, municipal and industrial customers as well as an increase in uncollectible accounts from residential and commercial customers. Many commercial and industrial customers were operating at reduced levels or were temporarily closed or idled during 2020. In addition, Verso Corporation indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. (See Outlook - Regulated Operations - Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load - Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products - Verso Corporation.) The current disruption of economic activity or an extended disruption of economic activity may lead to additional adverse impacts on our taconite, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, and pipeline customers’ operations including further reduced production or the temporary idling or indefinite shutdown of other facilities, which would result in lower sales and revenue from these customers. In Minnesota Power’s service territory, we have also voluntarily and as requested by state regulators extended Minnesota’s cold weather rule as well as temporarily suspended disconnections for non-payment and waived late payment charges for residential and small business customers. In SWL&P’s service territory, we have implemented state regulator requested customer service actions to further limit service disconnections and late payment charges for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
The Company is monitoring the capital markets and has access to liquidity to enable us to operate our businesses and fund capital projects; however, a disruption in capital markets could lead to increased borrowing costs or adversely impact our ability to access capital markets or other financing sources. If we are not able to access capital on acceptable terms in sufficient amounts and when needed, or at all, the ability to maintain our businesses or to implement our business plans would be adversely affected. In addition, the performance of capital markets impacts the values of the assets that are held in trust to satisfy future obligations under our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. A decline in the market value of these assets would increase the funding requirements under our benefit plans and future costs recognized for the benefit plans if the asset market values do not recover. The Company is also monitoring supply chains for key materials, supplies and services for our operations and large capital projects. We have received notices of force majeure from certain suppliers and the pandemic could result in a disruption to our supply chains which could adversely impact our operations and capital projects; however, there has been limited impact on our supply chains as to the availability of materials, supplies and services to date. In addition, disruptions in our supply chains or a lack of available financing could jeopardize our ability to complete certain capital projects in time to qualify them for production tax credits.
We will continue to monitor developments affecting our workforce, operations and customers, and we will take additional precautions that we determine are necessary in order to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite our efforts to manage these impacts to the Company, their ultimate impact also depends on factors beyond our control, including the duration and severity of this pandemic as well as governmental and third-party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects. As a result, we cannot predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether it will have a material impact on our liquidity, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Entity-wide Risks (Continued)
We rely on access to financing sources and capital markets. If we do not have access to capital on acceptable terms or are unable to obtain capital when needed, our ability to execute our business plans, make capital expenditures or pursue other strategic actions that we may otherwise rely on for future growth would be adversely affected.
We rely on access to financing sources and the capital markets, on acceptable terms and at reasonable costs, as sources of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by our cash flows from operations. Market disruptions or a downgrade of our credit ratings may increase the cost of borrowing or adversely affect our ability to access and finance in the capital markets or to access other financing sources. Such disruptions or causes of a downgrade could include but are not limited to: the effects of the TCJA on the Company’s cash flow metrics; a loss of, or a reduction in sales to, our taconite, paper and pipeline customers if we are unable to offset the related lost margins; weaker operating performance; adverse regulatory outcomes; disproportionate increase in the contribution to net income from ALLETE Clean Energy and our Corporate and Other businesses as compared to that from our Regulated Operations; deteriorating economic or capital market conditions; or volatility in commodity prices.
If we are not able to access capital on acceptable terms in sufficient amounts and when needed, or at all, the ability to maintain our businesses or to implement our business plans would be adversely affected.
A deterioration in general economic conditions may have adverse impacts on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
If economic conditions deteriorate on a national or regional level, it may have a negative impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows as well as on our customers. This impact may include volatility and unpredictability in the demand for the products and services offered by our businesses, the loss of existing customers, tempered growth strategies, customer production cutbacks or customer bankruptcies. An uncertain economy could also adversely affect expenses including pension costs, interest costs, and uncollectible accounts, or lead to reductions in the value of certain real estate and other investments.
We are subject to extensive state and federal legislation and regulation, compliance with which could have an adverse effect on our businesses.
We are subject to, and affected by, extensive state and federal legislation and regulation. If it was determined that our businesses failed to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or be required to implement additional compliance measures or actions, the cost of which could be material. Adoption of new laws, rules, regulations, principles, or practices by federal and state agencies, or changes to or a failure to comply with current laws, rules, regulations, principles, or practices and their interpretations, could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The inability to attract and retain a qualified workforce including, but not limited to, executive officers, key employees and employees with specialized skills, could have an adverse effect on our operations.
The success of our business heavily depends on the leadership of our executive officers and key employees to implement our business strategy. The inability to maintain a qualified workforce including, but not limited to, executive officers, key employees and employees with specialized skills, may negatively affect our ability to service our existing or new customers, or successfully manage our business or achieve our business objectives. Personnel costs may increase due to competitive pressures or terms of collective bargaining agreements with union employees.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Entity-wide Risks (Continued)
Market performance and other changes could decrease the value of pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets, which may result in significant additional funding requirements and increased annual expenses.
The performance of the capital markets impacts the values of the assets that are held in trust to satisfy future obligations under our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. We have significant obligations to these plans and the trusts hold significant assets. These assets are subject to market fluctuations and will yield uncertain returns, which may fall below our projected rates of return. A decline in the market value of the pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets would increase the funding requirements under our benefit plans if asset returns do not recover. Additionally, our pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates. As interest rates decrease, the liabilities increase, potentially increasing benefit expense and funding requirements. Our pension and other postretirement benefit plan costs are generally recoverable in our electric rates as allowed by our regulators or through our cost-plus fixed fee coal supply agreements at BNI Energy; however, there is no certainty that regulators will continue to allow recovery of these rising costs in the future.
We are exposed to significant reputational risk.
The Company could suffer negative impacts to its reputation as a result of operational incidents, violations of corporate compliance policies, regulatory violations, or other events which may result in negative customer perception and increased regulatory oversight, each of which could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Catastrophic events, such as natural disasters and acts of war, may adversely affect our operations.
Catastrophic events such as fires, including wildfires, earthquakes, explosions, and floods, severe weather, such as ice storms, hailstorms, or tornadoes or similar occurrences, as well as acts of war, could adversely affect the Company’s facilities, operations, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Although the Company has contingency plans and employs crisis management to respond and recover operations in the event of a severe disruption resulting from a catastrophic event, these measures may not be successful. Furthermore, despite these measures, if a catastrophic event were to occur, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
We are vulnerable to acts of terrorism or cybersecurity attacks.
Our operations may be targets of terrorist activities or cybersecurity attacks, which could disrupt our ability to provide utility service at our regulated utilities, develop or operate our renewable energy projects at ALLETE Clean Energy, or operate our other businesses. The impacts may also impair the fulfillment of critical business functions, negatively impact our reputation, subject us to litigation or increased regulation, or compromise sensitive, confidential and other data.
There have been cybersecurity attacks on U.S. energy infrastructure in the past and there may be such attacks in the future. Our generation, transmission and distribution facilities, information technology systems and other infrastructure facilities and systems could be direct targets of, or otherwise be materially adversely affected by such activities. Hacking, computer viruses, terrorism, theft and sabotage could impact our systems and facilities, or those of third parties on which we rely, which may disrupt our operations.
Our businesses require the continued operation of sophisticated custom-developed, purchased, and leased information technology systems and network infrastructure as well as the collection and retention of personally identifiable information of our customers, shareholders and employees. Although we maintain security measures designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents and protect our information technology and control systems, network infrastructure and other assets, our technology systems, or those of third parties on which we rely, may be vulnerable to disability, failures or unauthorized access due to hacking, viruses, acts of war or terrorism as well as other causes. If those technology systems fail or are breached and not recovered in a timely manner, we may be unable to perform critical business functions including effectively maintaining certain internal controls over financial reporting, our reputation may be negatively impacted, we may become subject to litigation or increased regulation, and sensitive, confidential and other data could be compromised. If our business were impacted by terrorist activities or cybersecurity attacks, such impacts could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Item 1A. Risk Factors (Continued)
Entity-wide Risks (Continued)
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties we face.
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties we face. The occurrence of these risks and uncertainties, if not fully covered by insurance, could have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Government challenges to our tax positions, as well as tax law changes and the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of our operations and business decisions, could adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.
We are required to make judgments regarding the potential tax effects of various financial transactions and our ongoing operations in order to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. The obligations, which include income taxes and taxes other than income taxes, involve complex matters that ultimately could be litigated. We also estimate our ability to use tax benefits, including those in the form of carryforwards and tax credits that are recorded as deferred tax assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. A disallowance of these tax benefits could have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We are currently utilizing, and plan to utilize in the future, our carryforwards and tax credits to reduce our income tax obligations. If we cannot generate enough taxable income in the future to utilize all of our carryforwards and tax credits before they expire, we may incur adverse charges to earnings. If federal or state tax authorities deny any deductions or tax credits, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely impacted.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
A discussion of our properties is included in Item 1. Business and is incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Discussions of material regulatory and environmental proceedings are included in Note 4. Regulatory Matters and Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies, and are incorporated by reference herein.
We are involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. Also in the normal course of business, we are involved in tax, regulatory and other governmental audits, inspections, investigations and other proceedings that involve state and federal taxes, safety, and compliance with regulations, rate base and cost of service issues, among other things. We do not expect the outcome of these matters to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) requires issuers to include in periodic reports filed with the SEC certain information relating to citations or orders for violations of standards under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Safety Act). Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and this Item are included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Part II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol ALE. We have paid dividends, without interruption, on our common stock since 1948. A quarterly dividend of $0.63 per share on our common stock is payable on March 1, 2021, to the shareholders of record on February 16, 2021. The timing and amount of future dividends will depend upon earnings, cash requirements, the financial condition of the Company, applicable government regulations and other factors deemed relevant by the ALLETE Board of Directors. As of February 1, 2021, there were approximately 20,000 common stock shareholders of record.
Performance Graph.
The following graph compares ALLETE’s cumulative Total Shareholder Return on its common stock with the cumulative return of the S&P 500 Index and the Philadelphia Utility Index. The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. Because this composite index has a broad industry base, its performance may not closely track that of a composite index comprised solely of electric utilities. The Philadelphia Utility Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 20 utility companies involved in the generation of electricity.
The calculations assume a $100 investment on December 31, 2015, and reinvestment of dividends.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
ALLETE $100 $131 $156 $165 $181 $144
S&P 500 Index $100 $112 $136 $130 $171 $203
Philadelphia Utility Index $100 $117 $132 $137 $174 $179
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Not Required.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to those statements and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Form 10-K contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our disclosures in this Form 10-K under the headings: “Forward-Looking Statements” located on page 6 and “Risk Factors” located in Item 1A. The risks and uncertainties described in this Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently consider immaterial, may also affect our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer if the risks are realized.
The trends and results for the year ended December 31, 2020, may not be indicative of future results that may be expected due to uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has resulted in widespread impacts on the global economy and on our employees, customers, contractors, and suppliers. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the extent to which COVID-19 will spread and the extent and duration of measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders (including those in effect in areas our businesses operate), and business and government shutdowns. Additional disclosures in this Form 10-K regarding the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are located in Outlook - Regulated Operations - Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load, Liquidity and Capital Resources - Liquidity Position and Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Overview
Basis of Presentation. We present three reportable segments: Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services. Our segments were determined in accordance with the guidance on segment reporting. We measure performance of our operations through budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated net income by each business segment.
Regulated Operations includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers. Minnesota Power also has 15 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated utility electric, natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility operations include retail and wholesale activities under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)
ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in seven states, more than 1,000 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that is contracted under PSAs of various durations. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy currently has approximately 300 MW of wind energy facilities under construction. ALLETE Clean Energy also engages in the development of wind energy facilities to operate under long-term PSAs or for sale to others upon completion.
U.S. Water Services provided integrated water management for industry by combining chemical, equipment, engineering and service for customized solutions to reduce water and energy usage, and improve efficiency. In March 2019, the Company sold U.S. Water Services to a subsidiary of Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Corporate and Other is comprised of BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota; our investment in Nobles 2, an entity that owns and operates a 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern Minnesota; ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment; other business development and corporate expenditures; unallocated interest expense; a small amount of non-rate base generation; approximately 4,000 acres of land in Minnesota; and earnings on cash and investments.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Overview (Continued)
ALLETE is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota. Our corporate headquarters are in Duluth, Minnesota. Statistical information is presented as of December 31, 2020, unless otherwise indicated. All subsidiaries are wholly-owned unless otherwise specifically indicated. References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries, collectively.
2020 Financial Overview
The following net income discussion summarizes a comparison of the year ended December 31, 2020 to the year ended December 31, 2019. The trends and results for the year ended December 31, 2020 may not be indicative of future results due to uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. (See Overview.)
Net income attributable to ALLETE in 2020 was $174.2 million, or $3.35 per diluted share, compared to $185.6 million, or $3.59 per diluted share, in 2019. Net income in 2020 included reserves for interim rates of $8.3 million after-tax, or $0.16 per share, for the refund of interim rates collected through April 30, 2020, resulting from the MPUC’s approval of the resolution of Minnesota Power’s 2020 general rate case. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.) Net income in 2019 included the gain on sale of U.S. Water Services of $13.2 million after-tax, or $0.26 per share, and U.S. Water Services results of operations amounted to a net loss of $1.1 million after-tax, or $0.02 per share. Earnings per share dilution in 2020 was $0.02 due to additional shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2020.
Regulated Operations net income attributable to ALLETE was $136.3 million in 2020, compared to $154.4 million in 2019. Net income at Minnesota Power was lower than 2019 primarily due to: lower kWh sales to retail and municipal customers; lower revenue from Other Power Suppliers resulting from the expiration of a PSA; higher depreciation expense; and lower fuel adjustment clause recoveries in 2020 with the adoption of a new fuel adjustment clause methodology for Minnesota utilities this year. These decreases were partially offset by higher rates resulting from Minnesota Power’s rate case and increased earnings related to the GNTL. In addition, results for 2020 included reserves for interim rates of $8.3 million after-tax for the refund of interim rates collected through April 30, 2020. Net income at SWL&P was similar to 2019. Our after-tax equity earnings in ATC were higher compared to 2019 primarily due to additional investments.
ALLETE Clean Energy net income attributable to ALLETE was $29.9 million in 2020 compared to $12.4 million in 2019. Net income in 2020 included $9.1 million of additional production tax credits compared to 2019 as well as earnings from the Glen Ullin, South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities, which commenced full operations in December 2019, April 2020 and December 2020, respectively, and higher wind resources at other wind energy facilities.
U.S. Water Services net loss attributable to ALLETE was $1.1 million in 2019. ALLETE completed the sale of U.S. Water Services in the first quarter of 2019.
Corporate and Other net income attributable to ALLETE was $8.0 million in 2020 compared to $19.9 million in 2019. Net income in 2019 included a gain on the sale of U.S. Water Services of $13.2 million after-tax. Net income in 2020 included earnings from our investment in Nobles 2 which commenced operations in December 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
2020 Compared to 2019
(See Note 13. Business Segments for financial results by segment.)
Regulated Operations
Year Ended December 31 2020 2019
Millions
Operating Revenue - Utility $987.3 $1,042.4
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas - Utility 358.6 390.7
Transmission Services - Utility 67.0 69.8
Operating and Maintenance 200.9 201.9
Depreciation and Amortization 166.9 159.4
Taxes Other than Income Taxes 50.7 48.4
Operating Income 143.2 172.2
Interest Expense (58.5) (58.9)
Equity Earnings 22.3 21.7
Other Income 9.9 12.3
Income Before Income Taxes 116.9 147.3
Income Tax Benefit (19.4) (7.1)
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE $136.3 $154.4
Operating Revenue - Utility decreased $55.1 million from 2019 primarily due to lower revenue from kWh sales, fuel adjustment clause recoveries and conservation improvement program recoveries, partially offset by higher rates resulting from Minnesota Power’s rate case and increased revenue related to the GNTL.
Revenue from kWh sales decreased $68.5 million from 2019 reflecting lower sales to commercial, industrial and municipal customers as well as the expiration of a 100 MW PSA in April 2020. Sales to commercial and industrial customers decreased primarily due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customer operations. Many commercial and industrial customers were operating at reduced levels or were temporarily closed or idled during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental responses. In addition, Verso Corporation indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. (See Outlook - Regulated Operations - Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load - Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products - Verso Corporation.) Sales to municipal customers decreased from 2019 as a result of the expiration of a contract with a municipal customer in June 2019. Sales to residential customers increased from 2019 primarily due to the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by warmer weather in 2020.
Kilowatt-hours Sold
2020 2019 Quantity
Variance %
Variance
Millions
Regulated Utility
Retail and Municipal
Residential 1,134 1,130 4 0.4
Commercial 1,306 1,390 (84) (6.0)
Industrial 6,192 7,277 (1,085) (14.9)
Municipal 584 672 (88) (13.1)
Total Retail and Municipal 9,216 10,469 (1,253) (12.0)
Other Power Suppliers 4,039 3,185 854 26.8
Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold 13,255 13,654 (399) (2.9)
Revenue from electric sales to taconite customers accounted for 30 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2020 (30 percent in 2019). Revenue from electric sales to paper, pulp and secondary wood product customers accounted for 5 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2020 (7 percent in 2019). Revenue from electric sales to pipelines and other industrial customers accounted for 9 percent of regulated operating revenue in 2020 (9 percent in 2019).
Fuel adjustment clause revenue decreased $14.4 million due to lower fuel and purchased power costs attributable to retail and municipal customers.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
2020 Compared to 2019 (Continued)
Regulated Operations (Continued)
Conservation improvement program recoveries decreased $4.9 million from 2019 primarily due to a decrease in related expenditures. (See Operating Expenses - Operating and Maintenance.)
Revenue increased $19.4 million due to higher rates beginning in May 2020 resulting from the resolution of Minnesota Power’s 2020 general rate case. As part of the resolution, interim rates collected from January 2020 through April 2020 were offset with reserves for interim rates which were refunded in the third and fourth quarters of 2020. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)
Cost recovery rider and transmission revenue related to GNTL increased $18.7 million primarily due to recovery of related expenses resulting from the GNTL being placed into service in June 2020 and additional expenditures for property, plant and equipment.
Operating Expenses decreased $26.1 million, or 3 percent, from 2019.
Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas - Utility expense decreased $32.1 million, or 8 percent, from 2019 primarily due to lower kWh sales, purchased power prices and fuel costs. Fuel and purchased power expense related to our retail and municipal customers is recovered through the fuel adjustment clause.
Transmission Services - Utility expense decreased $2.8 million, or 4 percent, from 2019 primarily due to lower MISO-related expense.
Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $7.5 million, or 5 percent, from 2019 primarily due to additional property, plant and equipment in service resulting from the GNTL being placed into service in June 2020.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes increased $2.3 million, or 5 percent, from 2019 primarily due to higher property tax expense resulting from the GNTL being placed into service in June 2020.
Other Income decreased $2.4 million from 2019 reflecting various individually immaterial items.
Income Tax Benefit increased $12.3 million from 2019 primarily due to lower pre-tax income and additional production tax credits in 2020 compared to 2019.
ALLETE Clean Energy
Year Ended December 31 2020 2019
Millions
Operating Revenue
Contracts with Customers - Non-utility $68.3 $48.0
Other - Non-utility (a)
11.3 11.6
Operating and Maintenance 37.4 29.5
Depreciation and Amortization 37.9 26.8
Taxes Other than Income Taxes 3.3 2.1
Operating Income 1.0 1.2
Interest Expense (2.2) (2.8)
Other Income 0.2 2.0
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (1.0) 0.4
Income Tax Benefit (19.1) (11.9)
Net Income 18.1 12.3
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest (b)
(11.8) (0.1)
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE $29.9 $12.4
(a)Represents non-cash amortization of differences between contract prices and estimated market prices on assumed PSAs.
(b)See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.
Operating Revenue increased $20.0 million from 2019 primarily due to revenue from the Glen Ullin, South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities which commenced full operations in December 2019, April 2020 and December 2020, respectively, as well as higher wind resources at other wind energy facilities.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
2020 Compared to 2019 (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy (Continued)
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Production and Operating Revenue kWh Revenue kWh Revenue
Millions
Wind Energy Regions
East 262.2 $23.5 232.9 $21.0
Midwest 902.0 32.2 805.8 32.4
South 169.1 3.9 - -
West 777.5 20.0 87.8 6.2
Total Production and Operating Revenue 2,110.8 $79.6 1,126.5 $59.6
Operating and Maintenance expense increased $7.9 million, or 27 percent, from 2019 primarily due to operating and maintenance expenses related to the Glen Ullin, South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities.
Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $11.1 million, or 41 percent, from 2019 primarily due to additional property, plant and equipment in service related to the Glen Ullin, South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes increased $1.2 million, or 57 percent, from 2019 primarily due to additional property, plant and equipment in service related to the Glen Ullin, South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities.
Other Income decreased $1.8 million from 2019 reflecting various individually immaterial items.
Income Tax Benefit increased $7.2 million from 2019 primarily due to additional production tax credits generated in 2020. The income tax benefit reflected production tax credits of $20.6 million in 2020 and $11.5 million in 2019.
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest increased $11.7 million reflecting net losses attributable to non-controlling interests for the Glen Ullin, South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities.
U.S. Water Services
Year Ended December 31 2020 2019
Millions
Operating Revenue - $33.4
Net Loss Attributable to ALLETE - $(1.1)
Operating Revenue decreased $33.4 million from 2019. ALLETE sold U.S. Water Services in the first quarter of 2019. (See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.)
Corporate and Other
Operating Revenue decreased $2.9 million, or 3 percent, from 2019 primarily due to lower land sales at ALLETE Properties, partially offset by higher revenue at BNI Energy, which operates under cost-plus fixed fee contracts, as a result of higher expenses in 2020 compared to 2019.
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE was $8.0 million in 2020 compared to $19.9 million in 2019. Net income in 2019 included a gain on the sale of U.S. Water Services of $13.2 million after-tax. Net income in 2020 included earnings from our investment in Nobles 2 which commenced operations in December 2020. Net income at BNI Energy was $7.3 million in 2020 compared to $7.4 million in 2019. Net income at ALLETE Properties was $0.4 million in 2020 compared to $0.3 million in 2019.
Income Taxes - Consolidated
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the effective tax rate was a benefit of 32.4 percent (benefit of 3.7 percent for the year ended December 31, 2019). The effective tax rate for 2020 was a higher benefit primarily due to additional production tax credits generated in 2020 and lower pre-tax income. (See Note 10. Income Tax Expense.)
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
2019 Compared to 2018
The comparison of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is included in Management's Discussion in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make various estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates and assumptions may be revised, which may have a material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. These policies are discussed with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors on a regular basis. We believe the following policies are most critical to our business and the understanding of our results of operations.
Regulatory Accounting. Our regulated utility operations are subject to accounting standards for the effects of certain types of regulation. These standards require us to reflect the effect of regulatory decisions in our financial statements. Regulatory assets represent incurred costs that have been deferred as they are probable for recovery in customer rates. Regulatory liabilities represent obligations to make refunds to customers and amounts collected in rates for which the related costs have not yet been incurred. The Company assesses quarterly whether regulatory assets and liabilities meet the criteria for probability of future recovery or deferral. This assessment considers factors such as, but not limited to, changes in the regulatory environment and recent rate orders to other regulated entities under the same jurisdiction. If future recovery or refund of costs becomes no longer probable, the assets and liabilities would be recognized in current period net income or other comprehensive income. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)
Pension and Postretirement Health and Life Actuarial Assumptions. We account for our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations in accordance with the accounting standards for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. These standards require the use of several important assumptions, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate and mortality assumptions, among others, in determining our obligations and the annual cost of our pension and other postretirement benefits. In establishing the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, we determine the long-term historical performance of each asset class and adjust these for current economic conditions while utilizing the target allocation of our plan assets to forecast the expected long-term rate of return. Our pension asset allocation as of December 31, 2020, was approximately 36 percent equity securities, 61 percent fixed income, 1 percent private equity and 2 percent real estate. Our postretirement health and life asset allocation as of December 31, 2020, was approximately 67 percent equity securities, 32 percent fixed income and 1 percent private equity. Equity securities consist of a mix of market capitalization sizes with domestic and international securities. In 2020, we used weighted average expected long-term rates of return of 6.75 percent in our actuarial determination of our pension expense and 6.08 percent in our actuarial determination of our other postretirement expense. The actuarial determination uses an asset smoothing methodology for actual returns to reduce the volatility of varying investment performance over time. We review our expected long-term rate of return assumption annually and will adjust it to respond to changing market conditions. A one-quarter percent decrease in the expected long-term rate of return would increase the annual expense for pension and other postretirement benefits by approximately $1.9 million, pre-tax.
The discount rate is computed using a bond matching study which utilizes a portfolio of high quality bonds that produce cash flows similar to the projected costs of our pension and other postretirement plans. In 2020, we used weighted average discount rates of 3.52 percent and 3.45 percent in our actuarial determination of our pension and other postretirement expense, respectively. We review our discount rates annually and will adjust them to respond to changing market conditions. A one-quarter percent decrease in the discount rate would increase the annual expense for pension and other postretirement benefits by approximately $1.3 million, pre-tax.
The mortality assumptions used to calculate our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations as of December 31, 2020, considered a modified PRI-2012 mortality table and mortality projection scale. (See Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We review our long-lived assets, which include the legacy real estate assets of ALLETE Properties, for indicators of impairment in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment on a quarterly basis.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Critical Accounting Policies (Continued)
In accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment, if indicators of impairment exist, we test our long-lived assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Cash flows are assessed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. The undiscounted future net cash flows are impacted by trends and factors known to us at the time they are calculated and our expectations related to: management’s best estimate of future sales prices; holding period and timing of sales; method of disposition; and future expenditures necessary to maintain the operations.
Taxation. We are required to make judgments regarding the potential tax effects of various financial transactions and our ongoing operations to estimate our obligations to taxing authorities. These tax obligations include income taxes and taxes other than income taxes. Judgments related to income taxes require the recognition in our financial statements of the largest tax benefit of a tax position that is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained on audit. Tax positions that do not meet the “more-likely-than-not” criteria are reflected as a tax liability in accordance with the accounting standards for uncertainty in income taxes. We record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets to the extent it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We are subject to income taxes in various jurisdictions. We make assumptions and judgments each reporting period to estimate our income tax assets, liabilities, benefits and expenses. Judgments and assumptions are supported by historical data and reasonable projections. Our assumptions and judgments include the application of tax statutes and regulations, and projections of future federal taxable income, state taxable income, and state apportionment to determine our ability to utilize NOL and credit carryforwards prior to their expiration. Significant changes in assumptions regarding future federal and state taxable income or a change in tax rates could require new or increased valuation allowances which could result in a material impact on our results of operations.
Outlook
ALLETE is an energy company committed to earning a financial return that rewards our shareholders, allows for reinvestment in our businesses, and sustains growth. The Company has a long-term objective of achieving consolidated average annual earnings per share growth of 5 percent to 7 percent; with a Regulated Operations growth objective of 4 percent to 5 percent, and an ALLETE Clean Energy and Corporate and Other businesses growth objective of at least 15 percent over the long-term. We have made steady progress over the past several quarters in the evolution of our ALLETE Clean Energy strategy as we position the business to provide more comprehensive clean energy solutions. We believe that the renewable energy industry continues to have tremendous potential driven by societal demands for climate action and fulfilling ESG commitments. ALLETE Clean Energy’s existing platform provides a strong foundation for growth as we seek to expand our product offerings, further diversify our portfolio and deliver financial returns within our expected criteria over the long-term. Our efforts have resulted in an improvement in our long-term growth outlook above the 4 percent most recently reported. Our current projection of ALLETE’s consolidated average annual earnings per share growth rate, using 2019 as a base year, is in line with our stated long-term (5-year) growth objective of 5 percent to 7 percent; with a Regulated Operations growth projection of approximately 3 percent, and an ALLETE Clean Energy and Corporate and Other businesses growth projection of approximately 30 percent to 40 percent.
Our earnings during the year ended December 31, 2020 were negatively impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions. COVID-19 has had a material impact on Minnesota Power’s industrial customers and, as a result, our sales to these customers. Multiple taconite facilities were idled for portions of the year in 2020 and Verso Corporation idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. The Verso Corporation paper mill remains indefinitely idled; however, Verso Corporation has disclosed it is considering options for the paper mill, including marketing for a sale. In addition, many of our commercial, municipal, and small industrial customers are operating at reduced levels, or are temporarily closed. We expect our earnings to continue to be impacted in 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with lower sales to our industrial customers than historical levels, Verso Corporation remaining indefinitely idled, and some of our commercial, municipal, and small industrial customers operating at reduced levels throughout the year. Our 2021 consolidated ALLETE earnings are expected to be lower than 2020, primarily due to lower earnings at our Regulated Operations.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
In response to these lower sales in 2020, and in anticipation of potentially lower sales in 2021, Minnesota Power submitted a petition in November 2020 to the MPUC requesting authority to track and record as a regulatory asset lost large industrial customer revenue resulting from the idling of USS Corporation’s Keetac facility and Verso Corporation’s paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. Keetac and Verso represent revenue of approximately $30 million annually, net of associated expense savings such as fuel costs. Minnesota Power proposed in this petition to defer any lost revenue related to the idling of the Keetac facility and the Verso paper mill to its next general rate case or other proceeding for review for recovery by the MPUC. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters - COVID-19 Related Deferred Accounting.) Minnesota Power anticipates filing a general rate case in November 2021 with a 2022 test year.
Minnesota Power also submitted its IRP with the MPUC on February 1, 2021. The outcome of this IRP is likely to be instrumental in the evolution of our EnergyForward strategic plan that provides for significant emission reductions and diversifying our electricity generation mix to include more renewables, and is expected to provide potential earnings growth over the long-term. (See EnergyForward.)
Portions of our ALLETE Clean Energy business is experiencing return pressures on our earnings per share growth from increased competition, and lower forward price curves, as a growing amount of investment capital is being directed into wind generation opportunities. In addition, current and potential new project developments can be negatively affected by a lower ALLETE stock price, which may result in such projects not being accretive, or otherwise unable to satisfy our financial objectives criteria to proceed. In response to these market pressures, we are actively evaluating additional growth opportunities to deliver more comprehensive clean energy solutions for customers at ALLETE Clean Energy, which may include solar, storage solutions, and related energy infrastructure investments and services. We believe that the renewable energy industry is entering a new phase of growth and that we are well-positioned to serve customers and drive future growth at ALLETE. ALLETE Clean Energy will continue to optimize its existing wind energy facility portfolio, seek development of its remaining safe harbor inventory of tax credit qualified turbines, and explore other renewable energy opportunities to expand its service offerings to further enhance its growth and profitability.
ALLETE is predominately a regulated utility through Minnesota Power, SWL&P, and an investment in ATC. ALLETE’s strategy is to remain predominately a regulated utility while investing in ALLETE Clean Energy and our Corporate and Other businesses to complement its regulated businesses, balance exposure to the utility’s industrial customers, and provide potential long-term earnings growth. ALLETE expects net income from Regulated Operations to be approximately 80 percent of total consolidated net income in 2021. Over the next several years, the contribution of ALLETE Clean Energy and our Corporate and Other businesses to net income is expected to increase as ALLETE grows these operations. ALLETE expects its businesses to provide regulated, contracted or recurring revenues, and to support sustained growth in net income and cash flow.
Regulated Operations. Minnesota Power’s long-term strategy is to be the leading electric energy provider in northeastern Minnesota by providing safe, reliable and cost-competitive electric energy, while complying with environmental permit conditions and renewable energy requirements. Keeping the cost of energy production competitive enables Minnesota Power to effectively compete in the wholesale power markets and minimizes retail rate increases to help maintain customer viability. As part of maintaining cost competitiveness, Minnesota Power intends to reduce its exposure to possible future carbon and GHG legislation by reshaping its generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal. Minnesota Power has a goal of delivering 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2050. (See EnergyForward.) We will monitor and review proposed environmental regulations and may challenge those that add considerable cost with limited environmental benefit. Minnesota Power will continue to pursue customer growth opportunities and cost recovery rider approvals for transmission, renewable and environmental investments, as well as work with regulators to earn a fair rate of return.
Regulatory Matters. Entities within our Regulated Operations segment are under the jurisdiction of the MPUC, FERC, PSCW and NDPSC. See Note 4. Regulatory Matters for discussion of regulatory matters within these jurisdictions.
2020 Minnesota General Rate Case. In November 2019, Minnesota Power filed a retail rate increase request with the MPUC seeking an average increase of approximately 10.6 percent for retail customers. The rate filing sought a return on equity of 10.05 percent and a 53.81 percent equity ratio. On an annualized basis, the requested final rate increase would have generated approximately $66 million in additional revenue. In orders dated December 23, 2019, the MPUC accepted the filing as complete and authorized an annual interim rate increase of $36.1 million beginning January 1, 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
Regulatory Matters (Continued)
On April 23, 2020, Minnesota Power filed a request with the MPUC that proposed a resolution of Minnesota Power’s 2020 general rate case. Key components of our proposal included removing the power marketing margin credit in base rates and reflecting actual power marketing margins in the fuel adjustment clause effective May 1, 2020; refunding to customers interim rates collected through April 2020; increasing customer rates 4.1 percent compared to the 5.8 percent increase reflected in interim rates; and a provision that Minnesota Power would not file another rate case until at least November 1, 2021, unless certain events occur. In an order dated June 30, 2020, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s petition and proposal to resolve and withdraw the general rate case. Effective May 1, 2020, customer rates were set at an increase of 4.1 percent with the removal of the power marketing margin credit from base rates. Actual power marketing margins will be reflected in the fuel adjustment clause. Reserves for interim rates of $11.7 million were recorded in the second quarter of 2020 and refunded in the third and fourth quarters of 2020.
2018 Wisconsin General Rate Case. SWL&P’s current retail rates are based on a December 2018 PSCW order that allows for a return on equity of 10.4 percent and a 55.0 percent equity ratio. The PSCW had directed SWL&P to file its next general rate case in 2020; however, the PSCW granted an extension request made by SWL&P to delay filing its next general rate case until on or before December 20, 2022. SWL&P requested the extension primarily due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load
Industrial Customers. Electric power is one of several key inputs in the taconite mining, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, pipeline and other industries. Approximately 47 percent of our regulated utility kWh sales in 2020 (54 percent in 2019 and 50 percent in 2018) were made to our industrial customers. We expect industrial sales of approximately 6.0 million to 6.5 million MWh in 2021 (6.2 million MWh in 2020 and 7.3 million in 2019). (See Item 1. Business - Regulated Operations - Electric Sales / Customers.)
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental responses has led to a disruption of economic activity, and could result in an extended disruption of economic activity. This disruption has resulted in reduced sales and revenue from industrial customers as many industrial customers operated at reduced levels or were temporarily closed or idled during 2020. In addition, Verso Corporation indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. (See Verso Corporation.) The current disruption of economic activity or an extended disruption of economic activity may lead to additional adverse impacts on our taconite and paper, pulp and secondary wood products, pipeline and other industrial customers’ operations including further reduced production or the temporary idling or indefinite shutdown of other facilities, which would result in lower sales and revenue from these customers.
Taconite. Minnesota Power’s taconite customers are capable of producing up to approximately 41 million tons of taconite pellets annually. Taconite pellets produced in Minnesota are primarily shipped to North American steel making facilities that are part of the integrated steel industry, which continues to lead the world in environmental performance among steelmaking countries. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, steel produced in the U.S. is the most energy efficient of any major steel producing country. Steel produced from these North American facilities is used primarily in the manufacture of automobiles, appliances, tubular applications for all industries, and in the construction industry. Steel is also a critical component of the clean energy transformation underway today. The demand for more renewable energy and the need for additional infrastructure to transport green energy from the point of generation to the end user all requires steel. Historically, less than 10 percent of Minnesota taconite production has been exported outside of North America.
There has been a general historical correlation between U.S. steel production and Minnesota taconite production. The American Iron and Steel Institute, an association of North American steel producers, reported that U.S. raw steel production operated at approximately 68 percent of capacity in 2020 (80 percent in 2019 and 78 percent in 2018); however, the American Iron and Steel Institute also reported that U.S. raw steel production in January 2021 was approximately 76 percent of capacity. The World Steel Association, an association of steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes representing approximately 85 percent of world steel production, projected U.S. steel consumption in 2021 will increase by approximately 7 percent compared to 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load (Continued)
Minnesota Power’s taconite customers may experience annual variations in production levels due to such factors as economic conditions, short-term demand changes or maintenance outages. We estimate that a one million ton change in Minnesota Power’s taconite customers’ production would impact our annual earnings per share by approximately $0.04, net of expected power marketing sales at current prices. Changes in wholesale electric prices or customer contractual demand nominations could impact this estimate. Minnesota Power proactively sells power in the wholesale power markets that is temporarily not required by industrial customers to optimize the value of its generating facilities. Long-term reductions in taconite production or a permanent shut down of a taconite customer may lead Minnesota Power to file a general rate case to recover lost revenue.
Northshore Mining. Cliffs completed constructed of a hot briquetted iron production plant in Toledo, Ohio, in 2020, which utilizes direct reduced-grade pellets from Northshore Mining. In April 2020, Cliffs announced that, based on market conditions, it would be temporarily idling Northshore Mining. Cliffs idled production at Northshore Mining in April 2020 and resumed normal production at the facility in August 2020. Northshore Mining has the capability to produce approximately 6 million tons annually. Minnesota Power has a PSA through 2031 with Silver Bay Power, which provides the majority of the electric service requirements for Northshore Mining. (See Silver Bay Power.)
Silver Bay Power. In 2016, Minnesota Power and Silver Bay Power entered into a PSA through 2031. Silver Bay Power supplies approximately 90 MW of load to Northshore Mining, an affiliate of Silver Bay Power, which had previously been served predominately through self-generation by Silver Bay Power. Starting in 2016, Minnesota Power supplied Silver Bay Power with at least 50 MW of energy and Silver Bay Power had the option to purchase additional energy from Minnesota Power as it transitioned away from self-generation. In the third quarter of 2019, Silver Bay Power ceased self-generation and Minnesota Power began supplying the full energy requirements for Silver Bay Power.
USS Corporation. In April 2020, USS Corporation stated it would idle its Keetac facility in Keewatin, Minnesota, in response to the sudden and dramatic decline in business conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, in May 2020, USS Corporation announced that production was expected to be temporarily reduced at its Minntac Plant in Mountain Iron, Minnesota. USS Corporation resumed normal production at its Minntac Plant beginning in late July 2020 and resumed operations at its Keetac facility in December 2020. USS Corporation has the capability to produce approximately 15 million and 5 million tons annually at its Minntac and Keetac plants, respectively.
Hibbing Taconite. In April 2020, ArcelorMittal announced that Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, Minnesota, would idle production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hibbing Taconite resumed normal production in August 2020. Hibbing Taconite’s current mineable ore reserves are expected to be exhausted in 2025. Cliffs, who in December 2020 became majority owner and resumed management of Hibbing Taconite, has stated that it has a plan to extend the mine life of Hibbing Taconite with ore reserves already under control of Cliffs. There are ample ore reserves in northeastern Minnesota that could supply operations for decades to come, and Minnesota Power’s taconite customers routinely develop and extend their mine plans to optimize assets. Hibbing Taconite has the capability to produce approximately 8 million tons annually.
Cliffs Acquisition. On December 9, 2020, Cliffs announced that it had completed the previously announced acquisition of substantially all of the operations of ArcelorMittal USA LLC and its subsidiaries. Cliffs had stated that upon closure Cliffs would be the largest flat-rolled steel producer and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The transaction included ArcelorMittal’s Minorca mine in Virginia, Minnesota, and its ownership share of Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, Minnesota, which are both large industrial customers of Minnesota Power. Cliffs is now Minnesota Power’s largest customer. The acquisition has increased customer concentration risk for the Company and could lead to further capacity consolidation for both steel blast furnaces and the related Minnesota iron ore production.
Paper, Pulp and Secondary Wood Products. The North American paper and pulp industry faces declining demand due to the impact of electronic substitution for print and changing customer needs. As a result, certain paper and pulp customers have reduced their existing operations in recent years and have pursued or are pursuing product changes in response to the declining demand. We expect operating levels in 2021 at the four major paper and pulp mills we serve to be lower than 2020 primarily due to the indefinite idling of Verso Corporation’s paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota. (See Verso Corporation.)
Verso Corporation. In June 2020, Verso Corporation indefinitely idled its paper mill in Duluth, Minnesota (Duluth Mill). Verso Corporation stated the decision was due to the accelerated decline in graphic paper demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and has disclosed it is considering options for the Duluth Mill, including marketing for a sale. On January 29, 2021, Verso Corporation provided notice of termination for its contract effective in January 2025, with no demand charge expected after February 2023 (minimal demand charge through January 2023).
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load (Continued)
Pipeline and Other Industries.
Husky Energy. In April 2018, a fire at Husky Energy’s refinery in Superior, Wisconsin, disrupted operations at the facility. Under normal operating conditions, SWL&P provides approximately 14 MW of average monthly demand to Husky Energy in addition to water service. In September 2019, Husky Energy announced that it had received the required permit approvals to begin reconstruction. In June 2020, Husky Energy announced that rebuild construction at the refinery had resumed following a suspension in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility remains at minimal operations, and the refinery is not expected to resume normal operations until 2022. On October 25, 2020, Husky Energy announced a transaction to combine with Cenovus Energy Inc., which closed in the first quarter of 2021.
Prospective Additional Load. Minnesota Power is pursuing new wholesale and retail loads in and around its service territory. Currently, several companies in northeastern Minnesota continue to progress in the development of natural resource-based projects that represent long-term growth potential and load diversity for Minnesota Power. We cannot predict the outcome of these projects.
PolyMet. PolyMet is planning to start a new copper-nickel and precious metal (non-ferrous) mining operation in northeastern Minnesota. In 2015, PolyMet announced the completion of the final EIS by state and federal agencies, which was subsequently published in the Federal Register and Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Monitor. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have both issued final Records of Decision, finding the final EIS adequate.
In 2016, PolyMet submitted applications for water-related permits with the DNR and MPCA, an air quality permit with the MPCA, and a state permit to mine application with the DNR detailing its operational plans for the mine. In June 2018, the U.S. Forest Service and PolyMet closed on a land exchange, which resulted in PolyMet obtaining surface rights to land needed to develop its mining operation. In November 2018, the DNR issued PolyMet’s permit to mine and certain water-related permits. In December 2018, the MPCA issued PolyMet’s final state water and air quality permits. On March 21, 2019, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued PolyMet’s final federal permit. PolyMet was issued all necessary permits to construct and operate its new mining operation; however, on January 13, 2020, the Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed the DNR’s decisions granting PolyMet’s permit to mine and dam-safety permits, and remanded them back to the DNR to hold a contested-case hearing. Further, in March 2020, the Minnesota Court of Appeals remanded PolyMet’s air permit. PolyMet filed petitions for further review with the Minnesota Supreme Court seeking to overturn the Minnesota Court of Appeals decisions, which were accepted for review by the Minnesota Supreme Court with oral arguments held in October and November 2020. Minnesota Power could supply between 45 MW and 50 MW of load under a 10-year power supply contract with PolyMet that would begin upon start-up of operations.
EnergyForward. Minnesota Power is executing EnergyForward, its strategy assuring reliability, protecting affordability and further improving environmental performance. The plan includes completed and planned investments in wind, solar, natural gas and hydroelectric power, construction of additional transmission capacity, the installation of emissions control technology and the idling and retirement of certain coal-fired generating facilities. Minnesota Power has a vision to deliver 100 percent carbon-free energy to customers by 2050, continuing its commitment to climate, customers and communities through its EnergyForward strategy. This vision builds on Minnesota Power’s recent achievement of now providing 50 percent renewable energy to its customers.
2021 Integrated Resource Plan. On February 1, 2021, Minnesota Power filed its latest IRP with the MPUC, which outlines its clean-energy transition plans through 2035. These plans include expanding its renewable energy supply to 70 percent by 2030, achieving coal-free operations at its facilities by 2035, and investing in a resilient and flexible transmission and distribution grid. Minnesota Power has also set a target to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. As part of these plans, Minnesota Power anticipates adding approximately 400 MW of new wind and solar energy resources, retiring Boswell Unit 3 by 2030 and transforming Boswell Unit 4 to be coal-free by 2035. Minnesota Power’s plans recognize that advances in technology will play a significant role in completing its transition to carbon-free energy supply, reliably and affordably. A final decision on the IRP is expected in late 2021.
In recent years, Minnesota Power has transformed its energy supply from more than a 95 percent reliance on coal to become a leader in the nation’s clean-energy transformation. Since 2013, the company has closed or converted seven of its nine coal-fired units and added nearly 900 megawatts of renewable energy sources. Additionally, Minnesota Power has been a leader in energy conservation, surpassing the state’s conservation goals each year for the past decade.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
EnergyForward (Continued)
Nemadji Trail Energy Center. In 2017, Minnesota Power submitted a resource package to the MPUC which included requesting approval of a 250 MW natural gas capacity dedication and other affiliated-interest agreements for NTEC, a proposed 525 MW to 550 MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired generating facility which will be jointly owned by Dairyland Power Cooperative and a subsidiary of ALLETE. Minnesota Power would purchase approximately 50 percent of the facility's output starting in 2025. In a January 2019 order, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s request for approval of the NTEC natural gas capacity dedication and other affiliated-interest agreements. In December 2019, the Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the MPUC’s decision to approve certain affiliated-interest agreements. The MPUC was ordered to determine whether NTEC may have the potential for significant environmental effects and, if so, to prepare an environmental assessment before reassessing the agreements. On January 22, 2020, Minnesota Power filed a petition for further review with the Minnesota Supreme Court requesting that it review and overturn the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision, which petition was accepted for review by the Minnesota Supreme Court with oral arguments held on October 6, 2020. There is no deadline for the Minnesota Supreme Court to issue a ruling. In January 2019, an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for NTEC was submitted to the PSCW, which was approved by the PSCW at a hearing on January 16, 2020. Construction of NTEC is subject to obtaining additional permits from local, state and federal authorities. The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $700 million, of which ALLETE’s portion is expected to be approximately $350 million. ALLETE’s portion of NTEC project costs incurred through December 31, 2020, is approximately $15 million.
Renewable Energy. Minnesota Power continues to execute its renewable energy strategy and expects approximately 50 percent of its energy will be supplied by renewable energy sources in 2021. Minnesota Power also has a goal of delivering 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2050. (See EnergyForward.)
Wind Energy. Minnesota Power’s wind energy facilities consist of Bison (497 MW) located in North Dakota, and Taconite Ridge (25 MW) located in northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Power also has two long-term wind energy PPAs with an affiliate of NextEra Energy, Inc. to purchase the output from Oliver Wind I (50 MW) and Oliver Wind II (48 MW) located in North Dakota.
Minnesota Power uses the 465-mile, 250-kV DC transmission line that runs from Center, North Dakota, to Duluth, Minnesota, to transport wind energy from North Dakota while gradually phasing out coal-based electricity delivered to its system over this transmission line from Square Butte’s lignite coal-fired generating unit. Minnesota Power is currently pursuing a modernization and capacity upgrade of its DC transmission system to continue providing reliable operations and additional system capabilities.
Minnesota Power has an approved cost recovery rider for certain renewable investments and expenditures. The cost recovery rider allows Minnesota Power to charge retail customers on a current basis for the costs of certain renewable investments plus a return on the capital invested. Updated customer billing rates were approved by the MPUC in an order dated December 10, 2020.
Nobles 2 PPA. Minnesota Power and Nobles 2 have a long-term PPA that provides for Minnesota Power to purchase the energy and associated capacity from a 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern Minnesota through 2040. The agreement provides for the purchase of output from the facility at fixed energy prices. There are no fixed capacity charges, and Minnesota Power will only pay for energy as it is delivered. (See Corporate and Other - Investment in Nobles 2.)
Manitoba Hydro. Minnesota Power has three long-term PPAs with Manitoba Hydro. Under the first PPA, Minnesota Power is purchasing surplus energy through April 2022. This energy-only agreement primarily consists of surplus hydro energy on Manitoba Hydro’s system that is delivered to Minnesota Power on a non-firm basis. Under this agreement, Minnesota Power will purchase at least one million MWh of energy over the contract term. The second PPA provides for Minnesota Power to purchase 250 MW of capacity and energy from Manitoba Hydro through May 2035. The third PPA provides for Minnesota Power to purchase up to 133 MW of energy from Manitoba Hydro through June 2040. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
Solar Energy. Minnesota Power’s solar energy supply consists of Camp Ripley, a 10 MW solar energy facility at the Camp Ripley Minnesota Army National Guard base and training facility near Little Falls, Minnesota, and a community solar garden in northeastern Minnesota, which is comprised of a 1 MW solar array owned and operated by a third party with the output purchased by Minnesota Power and a 40 kW solar array that is owned and operated by Minnesota Power. SWL&P also plans to construct a 470 kW solar array in 2021 as part of a community solar garden in Superior, Wisconsin, which was approved by the PSCW on October 7, 2020.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
EnergyForward (Continued)
On June 17, 2020, Minnesota Power filed a proposal with the MPUC to accelerate its plans for solar energy with an estimated $40 million investment in approximately 20 MW of solar energy projects in Minnesota. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.)
Minnesota Power has approval for current cost recovery of investments and expenditures related to compliance with the Minnesota Solar Energy Standard. On June 30, 2020, Minnesota Power filed a petition seeking MPUC approval of a customer billing rate for solar costs related to investments and expenditures for meeting the state of Minnesota’s solar energy standard.
Transmission. We continue to make investments in transmission opportunities that strengthen or enhance the transmission grid or take advantage of our geographical location between sources of renewable energy and end users. These include the GNTL, investments to enhance our own transmission facilities, investments in other transmission assets (individually or in combination with others) and our investment in ATC. See Item 1. Business - Regulated Operations and Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.
ALLETE Clean Energy.
ALLETE Clean Energy will pursue growth through acquisitions or project development. ALLETE Clean Energy is targeting acquisitions of existing operating portfolios which have a mix of long-term PSAs in place and/or available for repowering and recontracting. Further, ALLETE Clean Energy will evaluate actions that will lead to the addition of complimentary clean energy products and services. At this time, ALLETE Clean Energy expects acquisitions or development of new facilities will be primarily wind, solar, energy storage or storage ready facilities across North America. ALLETE Clean Energy is also targeting the development of new facilities up to 300 MW each, which will have long-term PSAs in place for the output or may be sold upon completion.
Federal production tax credit qualification is important to the economics of project development, and ALLETE Clean Energy has invested in equipment to meet production tax credit safe harbor provisions which provides an opportunity to seek development of its remaining safe harbor production tax credit qualified equipment through 2024. ALLETE Clean Energy has invested approximately $80 million through 2020 for production tax credit requalification of approximately 470 WTGs at its Storm Lake I, Storm Lake II, Lake Benton and Condon wind energy facilities. We anticipate annual production tax credits relating to these projects of approximately $17 million to $22 million annually through 2027 and decreasing thereafter through 2030. Disruptions in our supply chains or a lack of available financing resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, if they occur, could jeopardize our ability to complete certain capital projects in time to qualify them for production tax credits. To date we have not experienced disruptions in our supply chains related to the COVID-19 pandemic. (See Item 1A. Risk Factors.)
In 2018, ALLETE Clean Energy announced that it would build, own and operate the South Peak wind project, an 80 MW wind energy facility in Montana, pursuant to a 15-year PSA with NorthWestern Corporation; construction was completed and tax equity funding of $67.8 million in cash, net of issuance costs, was received in the second quarter of 2020.
In May 2019, ALLETE Clean Energy acquired the Diamond Spring wind project in Oklahoma from Apex Clean Energy. ALLETE Clean Energy owns and operates the approximately 300 MW wind energy facility. The Diamond Spring wind energy facility is fully contracted to sell wind power under long-term power sales agreements; construction was completed and tax equity funding of $230.7 million in cash, net of issuance costs, was received in the fourth quarter of 2020.
On March 10, 2020, ALLETE Clean Energy acquired the rights to the approximately 300 MW Caddo wind development project in Oklahoma from Apex Clean Energy. The Caddo wind project is fully contracted to sell wind power under long-term power sales agreements. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2021.
On February 4, 2021, ALLETE Clean Energy entered into a purchase and sale agreement with a subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc. to sell a 120 MW wind energy facility for approximately $210 million. ALLETE Clean Energy will repower and expand its Northern Wind project, consisting of its 100 MW Chanarambie and Viking wind energy facilities located in southwest Minnesota, as part of the transaction. Construction is expected to begin in late 2021, and the Northern Wind project is expected to continue operating until early 2022. The sale is expected to close in late 2022, subject to regulatory approval by the MPUC and receipt of permits.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy (Continued)
ALLETE Clean Energy manages risk by having a diverse portfolio of assets, which includes PSA expiration, technology and geographic diversity. The current operating portfolio is subject to typical variations in seasonal wind with higher wind resources typically available in the winter months. The majority of its planned maintenance leverages this seasonality and is performed during lower wind periods. ALLETE Clean Energy’s current operating portfolio is as follows:
Region Wind Energy Facility Capacity MW PSA MW PSA Expiration
East Armenia Mountain 101 100% 2024
Midwest Chanarambie/Viking 98
PSA 1 (a)
12% 2023
PSA 2 88% 2023
Lake Benton 104 100% 2028
Storm Lake I 108 100% 2027
Storm Lake II 77
PSA 1 90% 2022
PSA 2 10% 2032
Other 17 100% 2028
South Diamond Spring 303
PSA 1 58% 2035
PSA 2 25% 2032
PSA 3 16% 2035
West Condon 50 100% 2022
Glen Ullin 106 100% 2039
South Peak 80 100% 2035
(a)The PSA expiration assumes the exercise of four one-year renewal options that ALLETE Clean Energy has the sole right to exercise.
Non-cash amortization to revenue recognized by ALLETE Clean Energy relates to the amortization of differences between contract prices and estimated market prices on assumed PSAs. As part of wind energy facility acquisitions, ALLETE Clean Energy assumed various PSAs that were above or below estimated market prices at the time of acquisition; the resulting differences between contract prices and estimated market prices are amortized to revenue over the remaining PSA term. Non-cash amortization is expected to be approximately $11.5 million annually in 2021 through 2023, $5.5 million annually in 2024 through 2027, and decreasing thereafter through 2032.
Corporate and Other.
BNI Energy. In 2020, BNI Energy sold 4.2 million tons of coal (4.1 million tons in 2019) and anticipates 2021 sales will be similar to 2020. BNI Energy operates under cost-plus fixed fee agreements extending through December 31, 2037.
Investment in Nobles 2. Our subsidiary, ALLETE South Wind, owns a 49 percent equity interest in Nobles 2, the entity that owns and operates the 250 MW wind energy facility in southwestern Minnesota pursuant to a 20-year PPA with Minnesota Power. Construction of the wind energy facility was completed and tax equity funding of $116.3 million, net of issuance costs, was received in the fourth quarter of 2020. We account for our investment in Nobles 2 under the equity method of accounting. (See Note 5. Equity Investments.)
ALLETE Properties. Our strategy incorporates the possibility of a bulk sale of the entire ALLETE Properties portfolio. Proceeds from a bulk sale would be strategically deployed to support growth initiatives at our Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy. ALLETE Properties also continues to pursue sales of individual parcels over time and will continue to maintain key entitlements and infrastructure. Market conditions can impact land sales and could result in our inability to cover our cost basis and operating expenses including fixed carrying costs such as community development district assessments and property taxes.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Outlook (Continued)
Income Taxes
ALLETE’s aggregate federal and multi-state statutory tax rate is approximately 28 percent for 2020. ALLETE also has tax credits and other tax adjustments that reduce the combined statutory rate to the effective tax rate. These tax credits and adjustments historically have included items such as investment tax credits, production tax credits, AFUDC-Equity, depletion, as well as other items. The annual effective rate can also be impacted by such items as changes in income before income taxes, state and federal tax law changes that become effective during the year, business combinations, tax planning initiatives and resolution of prior years’ tax matters. We expect our effective tax rate to be a benefit of approximately 35 percent to 40 percent for 2021 primarily due to federal production tax credits as a result of wind energy generation. We also expect that our effective tax rate will be lower than the combined statutory rate over the next 10 years due to production tax credits attributable to our wind energy generation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity Position. ALLETE is well-positioned to meet its liquidity needs; however, the Company is monitoring capital markets and other financing sources in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (See Item 1A. Risk Factors.) A disruption in capital markets could lead to increased borrowing costs or adversely impact our ability to access capital markets or other financing sources. If we are not able to access capital on acceptable terms in sufficient amounts and when needed, or at all, the ability to maintain our businesses or to implement our business plans would be adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $44.3 million, $384.7 million in available consolidated lines of credit, 2.9 million original issue shares of common stock available for issuance through a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets and a debt-to-capital ratio of 39 percent.
In 2020, ALLETE received $414.5 million in cash, net of issuance costs, from third-party investors as part of tax equity financing for ALLETE Clean Energy’s South Peak and Diamond Spring wind energy facilities as well as for our investment in Nobles 2. In addition, ALLETE issued $140 million of the Company's first mortgage bonds in August 2020, sold $150 million of senior unsecured notes in September 2020 and ALLETE Clean Energy borrowed $65 million under a term loan agreement.
Capital Structure. ALLETE’s capital structure for each of the last three years is as follows:
As of December 31 2020 % 2019 % 2018 %
Millions
ALLETE Equity $2,294.6 50 $2,231.9 56 $2,155.8 59
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries 505.6 11 103.7 3 - -
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (a)
1,806.4 39 1,622.6 41 1,495.2 41
$4,606.6 100 $3,958.2 100 $3,651.0 100
(a) Excludes unamortized debt issuance costs.
Cash Flows. Selected information from ALLETE’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows is as follows:
Year Ended December 31 2020 2019 2018
Millions
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period $92.5 $79.0 $110.1
Cash Flows from (used for)
Operating Activities 299.8 246.9 431.3
Investing Activities (812.8) (342.7) (347.2)
Financing Activities 485.7 109.3 (115.2)
Change in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (27.3) 13.5 (31.1)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period $65.2 $92.5 $79.0
Operating Activities. Cash from operating activities was higher in 2020 compared to 2019. Cash from operating activities in 2019 included the refund of Minnesota Power’s provisions for interim rates and tax reform, and the impact of U.S. Water Services prior to its sale. Cash from operating activities in 2020 included lower collections of accounts receivable due to timing.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)
Cash Flows (Continued)
Cash from operating activities was lower in 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due to the refund of Minnesota Power’s provisions for tax reform and interim rates to customers, fewer customer deposits received and lower recoveries from customers under cost recovery riders in 2019. These decreases were partially offset by the timing of collections of accounts receivable.
Investing Activities. Cash used for investing activities was higher in 2020 compared to 2019. Cash used for investing activities in 2020 included higher additions to property, plant and equipment and additional payments for equity method investments compared to 2019. Cash used for investing activities in 2019 included proceeds received from the sale of U.S. Water Services.
Cash used for investing activities in 2019 was similar to 2018 reflecting proceeds received from the sale of U.S. Water Services, mostly offset by higher additions to property, plant and equipment.
Financing Activities. Cash from financing activities was higher in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to higher proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and proceeds from a tax equity financing (non-controlling interest in subsidiaries) in 2020. These increases were partially offset by higher repayments of long-term debt in 2020.
Cash from financing activities was higher in 2019 compared to 2018primarily due to higher proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and proceeds from a tax equity financing (non-controlling interest in subsidiaries), partially offset by higher dividends on common stock.
Working Capital. Additional working capital, if and when needed, generally is provided by consolidated bank lines of credit and the issuance of securities, including long-term debt, common stock and commercial paper. As of December 31, 2020, we had consolidated bank lines of credit aggregating $407.0 million ($407.0 million as of December 31, 2019), most of which expire in January 2024. We had $22.3 million outstanding in standby letters of credit and no outstanding draws under our lines of credit as of December 31, 2020 ($62.0 million in standby letters of credit and no outstanding draws as of December 31, 2019). We also have other credit facility agreements in place that provide the ability to issue up to $100.0 million in standby letters of credit. As of December 31, 2020, we had $82.9 million outstanding in standby letters of credit under these agreements.
In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had 3.4 million original issue shares of our common stock available for issuance through Invest Direct and 2.9 million original issue shares of common stock available for issuance through a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets. (See Securities.) The amount and timing of future sales of our securities will depend upon market conditions and our specific needs. In July 2019, we filed Registration Statement No. 333-232905, pursuant to which the remaining shares under this agreement will continue to be offered for sale, from time to time.
Securities. We entered into a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets, in 2008, as amended most recently in 2020, with respect to the issuance and sale of up to an aggregate of 13.6 million shares of our common stock, without par value, of which 2.9 million shares remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, no shares of common stock were issued under this agreement (none in 2019 and 2018). In July 2019, we filed Registration Statement No. 333-232905, pursuant to which the remaining shares will continue to be offered for sale, from time to time.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued 0.4 million shares of common stock through Invest Direct, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership Plan, resulting in net proceeds of $18.1 million (0.2 million shares for net proceeds of $1.9 million in 2019; 0.4 million shares for net proceeds of $20.3 million in 2018). These shares of common stock were registered under Registration Statement Nos. 333-231030, 333-183051 and 333-162890. See Note 9. Common Stock and Earnings Per Share for additional detail regarding ALLETE’s equity securities.
Financial Covenants. See Note 7. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt for information regarding our financial covenants.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans. Management considers various factors when making funding decisions, such as regulatory requirements, actuarially determined minimum contribution requirements and contributions required to avoid benefit restrictions for the defined benefit pension plans. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we contributed $10.7 million in cash to the defined benefit pension plans. On January 15, 2021, we contributed $10.3 million in cash to the defined benefit pension plans. We do not expect to make any additional contributions to our defined benefit pension plans in 2021, and we do not expect to make any contributions to our other postretirement benefit plans in 2021. (See Note 9. Common Stock and Earnings Per Share and Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Off-balance sheet arrangements are discussed in Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments. ALLETE has contractual obligations and other commitments that will need to be funded in the future, in addition to its capital expenditure programs. Material contractual obligations and other commitments are as follows:
Long-Term Debt. ALLETE has material long-term debt obligations, including long-term debt due within one year. These obligations include the principal amount of bonds, notes and loans which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, plus interest. (See Note 7. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt.)
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans. Pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations include the current estimate of future benefit payments. Pension contributions are dependent on several factors including realized asset performance, future discount rate and other actuarial assumptions, Internal Revenue Service and other regulatory requirements, and contributions required to avoid benefit restrictions for the pension plans. Funding for the other postretirement benefit plans is impacted by realized asset performance, future discount rate and other actuarial assumptions, and utility regulatory requirements. Our obligations are estimates and will change based on actual market performance, changes in interest rates and any changes in governmental regulations. (See Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)
Operating Lease Obligations. ALLETE has certain operating lease obligations for the minimum payments required under various lease agreements which are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. (See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.)
Easement Obligations. ALLETE has easement obligations for the minimum payments required under our land easement agreements at our wind energy facilities. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
PPA Obligations. PPA obligations represent our Square Butte, Manitoba Hydro and other PPAs. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
Other Purchase Obligations. ALLETE has other purchase obligations covering our minimum purchase commitments under coal supply and rail contracts, and long-term service agreements for wind energy facilities. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
Credit Ratings. Access to reasonably priced capital markets is dependent in part on credit and ratings. Our securities have been rated by S&P and by Moody’s. Rating agencies use both quantitative and qualitative measures in determining a company’s credit rating. These measures include business risk, liquidity risk, competitive position, capital mix, financial condition, predictability of cash flows, management strength and future direction. Some of the quantitative measures can be analyzed through a few key financial ratios, while the qualitative ones are more subjective. Our current credit ratings are listed in the following table:
Credit Ratings S&P Moody’s
Issuer Credit Rating BBB Baa1
Commercial Paper A-2 P-2
First Mortgage Bonds (a) A2
(a) Not rated by S&P.
On April 22, 2020, S&P Global Ratings downgraded ALLETE’s long-term issuer credit rating to BBB stable from BBB+ outlook negative and affirmed its short-term rating at A-2. S&P Global Ratings noted the impacts of debt coverage ratios going forward along with the lack of a revenue decoupling mechanism at Minnesota Power combined with the large commercial and industrial presence in its service territory as its rationale for the downgrade.
The disclosure of these credit ratings is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our securities. Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Liquidity and Capital Resources (Continued)
Credit Ratings (Continued)
The Company believes it is well-positioned to meet its liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $44.3 million, $384.7 million in available consolidated lines of credit and a debt-to-capital ratio of 39 percent. Our cash from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $299.8 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had 3.4 million original issue shares of our common stock available for issuance through Invest Direct and 2.9 million original issue shares of common stock available for issuance through a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets.
Common Stock Dividends. ALLETE is committed to providing a competitive dividend to its shareholders while at the same time funding its growth. ALLETE’s long-term objective is to maintain a dividend payout ratio similar to our peers and provide for future dividend increases. Our targeted payout range is between 60 percent and 70 percent. In 2020, we paid out 74 percent (65 percent in 2019; 66 percent in 2018) of our per share earnings in dividends. On February 4, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.63 per share, which is payable on March 1, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 16, 2021.
Capital Requirements
ALLETE’s projected capital expenditures for the years 2021 through 2025 are presented in the following table. Actual capital expenditures may vary from the projections due to changes in forecasted plant maintenance, regulatory decisions or approvals, future environmental requirements, base load growth, capital market conditions or executions of new business strategies.
Capital Expenditures 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total
Millions
Regulated Operations
Base and Other $160 $120 $160 $220 $205 $865
Nemadji Trail Energy Center (a)
15 50 150 115 15 345
Regulated Operations Capital Expenditures 175 170 310 335 220 1,210
ALLETE Clean Energy (b)
255 5 10 10 10 290
Corporate and Other 60 20 15 15 10 120
Total Capital Expenditures $490 $195 $335 $360 $240 $1,620
(a)Our portion of estimated capital expenditures for construction of NTEC, a proposed 525 MW to 550 MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired generating facility which will be jointly owned by Dairyland Power Cooperative and a subsidiary of ALLETE.
(b)Capital expenditures in 2021 include construction of a 300 MW wind energy facility by ALLETE Clean Energy. These capital expenditures do not include the cost of safe harbor equipment purchased previously. (See Outlook - ALLETE Clean Energy.)
We are well positioned to meet our financing needs due to adequate operating cash flows, available additional working capital and access to capital markets. We will finance capital expenditures from a combination of internally generated funds, debt and equity issuance proceeds. We intend to maintain a capital structure with capital ratios near current levels. (See Capital Structure.)
Environmental and Other Matters
Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters by various federal, state and local authorities. A number of regulatory changes to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and various waste management requirements have been promulgated by both the EPA and state authorities over the past several years. Minnesota Power’s facilities are subject to additional requirements under many of these regulations. Minnesota Power is reshaping its generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal, has installed cost-effective emission control technology, and advocates for sound science and policy during rulemaking implementation. (See Note 8. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Market Risk
Securities Investments.
Available-for-Sale Securities. As of December 31, 2020, our available-for-sale securities portfolio consisted primarily of securities held in other postretirement plans to fund employee benefits.
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to risks resulting from changes in interest rates as a result of our issuance of variable rate debt. We manage our interest rate risk by varying the issuance and maturity dates of our fixed rate debt, limiting the amount of variable rate debt, and continually monitoring the effects of market changes in interest rates. We may also enter into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to mitigate interest rate exposure. The following table presents the long-term debt obligations and the corresponding weighted average interest rate as of December 31, 2020:
Expected Maturity Date
Interest Rate Sensitive
Financial Instruments 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Thereafter Total Fair Value
Long-Term Debt
Fixed Rate - Millions $99.0 $89.2 $89.1 $73.9 $213.3 $1,109.1 $1,673.6 $1,989.2
Average Interest Rate - % 3.9 3.7 5.9 3.9 3.4 4.2 4.1
Variable Rate - Millions $105.0 - - - $27.8 - $132.8 $132.8
Average Interest Rate - % 1.5 - - - 0.1 - 1.2
Interest rates on variable rate long-term debt are reset on a periodic basis reflecting prevailing market conditions. Based on the variable rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2020, an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would impact the amount of pre-tax interest expense by $1.3 million. This amount was determined by considering the impact of a hypothetical 100 basis point increase to the average variable interest rate on the variable rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2020.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Our regulated utility operations incur costs for power and fuel (primarily coal and related transportation) in Minnesota, and power and natural gas purchased for resale in our regulated service territory in Wisconsin. Minnesota Power’s exposure to price risk for these commodities is significantly mitigated by the current ratemaking process and regulatory framework, which allows recovery of fuel costs in excess of those included in base rates or distribution of savings in fuel costs to ratepayers. SWL&P’s exposure to price risk for natural gas is significantly mitigated by the current ratemaking process and regulatory framework, which allows the commodity cost to be passed through to customers. We seek to prudently manage our customers’ exposure to price risk by entering into contracts of various durations and terms for the purchase of power and coal and related transportation costs (Minnesota Power) and natural gas (SWL&P).
POWER MARKETING
Minnesota Power’s power marketing activities consist of: (1) purchasing energy in the wholesale market to serve its regulated service territory when energy requirements exceed generation output; and (2) selling excess available energy and purchased power. From time to time, Minnesota Power may have excess energy that is temporarily not required by retail and municipal customers in our regulated service territory. Minnesota Power actively sells any excess energy to the wholesale market to optimize the value of its generating facilities.
We are exposed to credit risk primarily through our power marketing activities. We use credit policies to manage credit risk, which includes utilizing an established credit approval process and monitoring counterparty limits.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.
New accounting pronouncements are discussed in Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies of this Form 10-K.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk for information related to quantitative and qualitative disclosure about market risk.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See our Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and supplementary data, which are indexed in Item 15(a).

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2020, evaluations were performed, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, on the effectiveness of the design and operation of ALLETE’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). Based upon those evaluations, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in ALLETE’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Controls
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Part III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Unless otherwise stated, the information required by this Item is incorporated by reference herein from our Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (2021 Proxy Statement) under the following headings:
•Directors. The information regarding directors will be included in the “Election of Directors” section;
•Audit Committee Financial Expert. The information regarding the Audit Committee financial expert will be included in the “Corporate Governance” section and the “Audit Committee Report” section;
•Audit Committee Members. The identity of the Audit Committee members will be included in the “Corporate Governance” section and the “Audit Committee Report” section;
•Executive Officers. The information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K; and
•Section 16(a) Delinquency. If applicable, information regarding Section 16(a) delinquencies will be included in a “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” section.
Our 2021 Proxy Statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our 2020 fiscal year.
Code of Ethics. We have adopted a written Code of Ethics that applies to all of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. A copy of our Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.allete.com and print copies are available without charge upon request to ALLETE, Inc., Attention: Secretary, 30 West Superior St., Duluth, Minnesota 55802. Any amendment to the Code of Ethics or any waiver of the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on our website at www.allete.com promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver.
Corporate Governance. The following documents are available on our website at www.allete.com and print copies are available upon request:
•Corporate Governance Guidelines;
•Audit Committee Charter;
•Executive Compensation Committee Charter; and
•Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter.
Any amendment to these documents will be disclosed on our website at www.allete.com promptly following the date of such amendment.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference herein from the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the “Compensation of Executive Officers,” the “Compensation Committee Report” and the “Director Compensation” sections in our 2021 Proxy Statement.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference herein from the “Ownership of ALLETE Common Stock - Securities Owned by Certain Beneficial Owners” and the “Ownership of ALLETE Common Stock - Securities Owned by Directors and Management” sections in our 2021 Proxy Statement.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth the shares of ALLETE common stock available for issuance under the Company's equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020:
Plan Category Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights (a)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights (b)
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (c)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders 122,431 - 820,161
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders - - -
Total 122,431 - 820,161
(a) Includes the following as of December 31, 2020: (i) 51,909 securities representing the target number of performance share awards (including accrued dividends) granted under the executive long-term incentive compensation plan that were unvested; and (ii) 70,522 director deferred stock units (including accrued dividends) under the non-employee director compensation deferral plan. With respect to unvested performance share awards, the actual number of shares to be issued will vary from 0 percent to 200 percent of the target level depending upon the achievement of total shareholder return objectives established for such awards. For additional information about the performance shares, including payout calculations, see our 2021 Proxy Statement.
(b) Earned performance share awards are paid in shares of ALLETE common stock on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, these awards do not have a weighted-average exercise price.
(c) Excludes the number of securities shown in the first column as to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights. The amount shown is comprised of: (i) 700,864 shares available for issuance under the executive long-term incentive compensation plan in the form of options, rights, restricted stock units, performance share awards, and other grants as approved by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors; (ii) 27,186 shares available for issuance under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan as payment for a portion of the annual retainer payable to non-employee Directors; and (iii) 92,111 shares available for issuance under the ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference herein from the “Corporate Governance” section in our 2021 Proxy Statement.
We have adopted a Related Person Transaction Policy which is available on our website at www.allete.com. Print copies are available without charge, upon request. Any amendment to this policy will be disclosed on our website at www.allete.com promptly following the date of such amendment.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference herein from the “Audit Committee Report” section in our 2021 Proxy Statement.
Part IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Certain Documents Filed as Part of this Form 10-K.
(1) Financial Statements Page
ALLETE
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
For the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consolidated Statement of Income
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II - ALLETE Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
All other schedules have been omitted either because the information is not required to be reported by ALLETE or because the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes.
(3) Exhibits including those incorporated by reference.
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Exhibit Number
*2
- Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Global Water Services Holding Company, Inc., ALLETE Enterprises, Inc., and Kurita American Holdings Inc., dated February 8, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 2 to the March 31, 2019, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*3(a)1
- Articles of Incorporation, amended and restated as of May 8, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the March 31, 2001, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*3(a)2
- Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated as of September 20, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the September 21, 2004, Form 8-K, File No. 1-3548).
*3(a)3
- Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated as of May 12, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the June 30, 2009, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*3(a)4
- Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated as of May 11, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the May 14, 2010, Form 8-K, File No. 1-3548).
*3(a)5
- Amendment to Certificate of Assumed Name, filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State on May 8, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 3(a) to the March 31, 2001, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*3(b)
Bylaws, as amended effective April 13, 2020 (filed as Exhibit 3 to the April 14, 2020, Form 8-K, File No. 1-3548).
*4(a)1 - Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of September 1, 1945, between Minnesota Power & Light Company (now ALLETE) and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly Irving Trust Company) and Andres Serrano (successor to Richard H. West), Trustees (filed as Exhibit 7(c), File No. 2-5865).
*4(a)2 - Supplemental Indentures to ALLETE’s Mortgage and Deed of Trust:
Number Dated as of Reference File Exhibit
First March 1, 1949 2-7826 7(b)
Second July 1, 1951 2-9036 7(c)
Third March 1, 1957 2-13075 2(c)
Fourth January 1, 1968 2-27794 2(c)
Fifth April 1, 1971 2-39537 2(c)
Sixth August 1, 1975 2-54116 2(c)
Seventh September 1, 1976 2-57014 2(c)
Eighth September 1, 1977 2-59690 2(c)
Ninth April 1, 1978 2-60866 2(c)
Tenth August 1, 1978 2-62852 2(d)2
Eleventh December 1, 1982 2-56649 4(a)3
Twelfth April 1, 1987 33-30224 4(a)3
Thirteenth March 1, 1992 33-47438 4(b)
Fourteenth June 1, 1992 33-55240 4(b)
Fifteenth July 1, 1992 33-55240 4(c)
Sixteenth July 1, 1992 33-55240 4(d)
Seventeenth February 1, 1993 33-50143 4(b)
Eighteenth July 1, 1993 33-50143 4(c)
Nineteenth
February 1, 1997
1-3548 (1996 Form 10-K)
4(a)3
Twentieth
November 1, 1997
1-3548 (1997 Form 10-K)
4(a)3
Twenty-first
October 1, 2000
333-54330
4(c)3
Twenty-second
July 1, 2003
1-3548 (June 30, 2003, Form 10-Q)
Twenty-third
August 1, 2004
1-3548 (Sept. 30, 2004, Form 10-Q)
4(a)
Twenty-fourth
March 1, 2005
1-3548 (March 31, 2005, Form 10-Q)
Twenty-fifth
December 1, 2005
1-3548 (March 31, 2006, Form 10-Q)
Twenty-sixth
October 1, 2006
1-3548 (2006 Form 10-K)
4(a)3
Twenty-seventh
February 1, 2008
1-3548 (2007 Form 10-K)
4(a)3
Twenty-eighth
May 1, 2008
1-3548 (June 30, 2008, Form 10-Q)
Twenty-ninth
November 1, 2008
1-3548 (2008 Form 10-K)
4(a)3
Thirtieth
January 1, 2009
1-3548 (2008 Form 10-K)
4(a)4
Thirty-first
February 1, 2010
1-3548 (March 31, 2010, Form 10-Q)
Thirty-second
August 1, 2010
1-3548 (Sept. 30, 2010, Form 10-Q)
Thirty-third
July 1, 2012
1-3548 (July 2, 2012, Form 8-K)
Thirty-fourth
April 1, 2013
1-3548 (April 2, 2013, Form 8-K)
Thirty-fifth
March 1, 2014
1-3548 (March 31, 2014, Form 10-Q)
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Exhibit Number
Thirty-sixth
June 1, 2014
1-3548 (June 30, 2014, Form 10-Q)
Thirty-seventh
September 1, 2014
1-3548 (Sept. 30, 2014, Form 10-Q)
Thirty-eighth
September 1, 2015
1-3548 (Sept. 30, 2015, Form 10-Q)
4(a)
Thirty-ninth
April 1, 2018
1-3548 (March 31, 2018, Form 10-Q)
Fortieth
March 1, 2019
1-3548 (March 31, 2019, Form 10-Q)
4(a)
Forty-first
August 1, 2020
1-3548 (Sept. 30, 2020, Form 10-Q)
4(a)
*4(b)1 - Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of March 1, 1943, between Superior Water, Light and Power Company and Chemical Bank & Trust Company and Howard B. Smith, as Trustees, both succeeded by U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 7(c), File No. 2-8668).
*4(b)2 - Supplemental Indentures to Superior Water, Light and Power Company’s Mortgage and Deed of Trust:
Number Dated as of Reference File Exhibit
First March 1, 1951 2-59690 2(d)(1)
Second March 1, 1962 2-27794 2(d)1
Third July 1, 1976 2-57478 2(e)1
Fourth March 1, 1985 2-78641 4(b)
Fifth December 1, 1992 1-3548 (1992 Form 10-K) 4(b)1
Sixth
March 24, 1994
1-3548 (1996 Form 10-K)
4(b)1
Seventh
November 1, 1994
1-3548 (1996 Form 10-K)
4(b)2
Eighth
January 1, 1997
1-3548 (1996 Form 10-K)
4(b)3
Ninth
October 1, 2007
1-3548 (2007 Form 10-K)
4(c)3
Tenth
October 1, 2007
1-3548 (2007 Form 10-K)
4(c)4
Eleventh
December 1, 2008
1-3548 (2008 Form 10-K)
4(c)3
Twelfth
December 2, 2013
1-3548 (2013 Form 10-K)
4(c)3
Thirteenth
May 29, 2018
1-3548 (June 30, 2018, Form 10-Q)
*4(c)
- Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement dated as of November 5, 2015, among Armenia Mountain Wind LLC, AMW I Holding, LLC and the purchasers named therein (filed as Exhibit 4 to the November 12, 2015, Form 8-K, File No. 1-3548).
*4(d)
- Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 8, 2016, between ALLETE and Hartford Investment Management Company, Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company, The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life insurance Company (filed as Exhibit 4 to the December 12, 2016, Form 8-K, File No. 1-3548).
*4(e)
- Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement dated as of August 14, 2019 among ALLETE, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner (filed as Exhibit 4 to the September 30, 2019, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548)
*4(f)
- Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed as Exhibit 4(h) to the 2020 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*4(g)
- Term Loan Agreement dated as of April 8, 2020, among ALLETE, Inc., as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent and CoBank, ACB, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Documentation Agents, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Lead Arranger and Book Runner (filed as Exhibit 4 to the March 31, 2020, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548)
*4(h)
- Note Purchase Agreement, dated September 10, 2020, between ALLETE and the purchasers named therein (filed as Exhibit 4 to the September 30, 2020, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
4(i)
- Term Loan Agreement dated as of December 28, 2020, among Caddo Wind, LLC, as Borrower, ALLETE, Inc. and ALLETE Clean Energy, Inc., as Guarantors and Bank of America, N.A., as the Lender.
*10(a)
- Power Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 29, 1998, between Minnesota Power, Inc. (now ALLETE) and Square Butte Electric Cooperative (filed as Exhibit 10 to the June 30, 1998, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*10(b)1
- Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 10, 2019 among ALLETE, as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner (filed as Exhibit 10(b)2 to the 2018 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*10(b)2
- First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated May 15, 2019, among ALLETE, as Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (filed as Exhibit 4 to the June 30, 2019, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*10(c)1
- Financing Agreement between Collier County Industrial Development Authority and ALLETE dated as of July 1, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10(b)1 to the June 30, 2006, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*10(c)2
- Amended and Restated Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2011, among ALLETE, the participating banks and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the June 30, 2011, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Exhibit Number
*10(c)3
- First Amendment to Amended and Restated Letter of Credit Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2013, between ALLETE and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent and Sole Participating Bank (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the June 30, 2013, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*10(d)
- Agreement dated December 16, 2005, among ALLETE, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and WPS Investments, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the 2009 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(e)1
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10(h)1 to the 2010 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(e)2
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan Form of Award Effective 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10(e)6 to the 2016 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(e)3
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan Form of Award Superior Water, Light and Power Effective 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10(e)7 to the 2016 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(e)4
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan Form of Award Effective 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10(a)1 to the March 31, 2018, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(e)5
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan Form of Award Superior Water, Light and Power Effective 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10(a)2 to the March 31, 2018, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(e)6
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan Form of Award Effective 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10(e)7 to the 2018 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(e)7
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan Form of Award Effective 2020 (filed as Exhibit 10(e)8 to the 2019 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
+10(e)8
- ALLETE Executive Annual Incentive Plan Form of Award Effective 2021.
*+10(f)1
- ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP I), as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)4 to the 2008 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(f)2
- Amendment to the ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP I), effective January 1, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)2 to the 2010 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(f)3
- ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan II (SERP II), as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10(f)3 to the 2014 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(f)4
- ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan II (SERP II), as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10(f)4 to the 2018 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(g)
- ALLETE Deferred Compensation Trust Agreement, as amended and restated, effective December 15, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10(j) to the 2012 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(h)1
- ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan as amended and restated effective January 1, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10 to the May 16, 2005, Form 8-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(h)2
- Amendment to the ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10(m)2 to the 2010 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(h)3
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Grant Effective 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10(j)16 to the 2014 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(h)4
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Effective 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10(j)17 to the 2014 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)1
- ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2016 (filed November 6, 2015, as Exhibit 99 to Form S-8, File No. 333-207846).
*+10(i)2
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Effective 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10(k)3 to the 2015 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)3
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Grant Effective 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10(k)2 to the 2015 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)4
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Cash Award Effective 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)4 to the 2016 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)5
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Effective 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)5 to the 2016 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)6
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Grant Effective 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)6 to the 2016 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)7
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Cash Award Effective 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the March 31, 2018, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)8
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Effective 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)7 to the 2017 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)9
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Grant Effective 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)8 to the 2017 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)10
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Effective 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)10 to the 2018 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Exhibit Number
*+10(i)11
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Grant Effective 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)11 to the 2018 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)12
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Effective 2020 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)12 to the 2019 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(i)13
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Grant Effective 2020 (filed as Exhibit 10(i)13 to the 2019 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
+10(i)14
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Effective 2021.
+10(i)15
- Form of ALLETE Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan Performance Share Grant Effective 2021.
*+10(i)16
- Description of Compensation Arrangement 2021 with respect to Alan R. Hodnik (incorporated by reference from the Form 8-K, dated January 30, 2020, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(j)1
- Amended and Restated ALLETE Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, effective May 15, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the June 30, 2013, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(k)1
- ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Summary effective January 1, 2017 (filed as Exhibit 10(k)3 to the 2016 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(k)2
- ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Summary effective January 1, 2019 (filed as Exhibit 10(k)3 to the 2018 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
+10(k)3
- ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Summary effective January 1, 2020.
*+10(l)1
- Minnesota Power (now ALLETE) Non-Employee Director Compensation Deferral Plan Amended and Restated, effective January 1, 1990 (filed as Exhibit 10(ac) to the 2002 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(l)2
- October 2003 Amendment to the Minnesota Power (now ALLETE) Non-Employee Director Compensation Deferral Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(aa)2 to the 2003 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(l)3
- January 2005 Amendment to the ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Deferral Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the March 31, 2005, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(l)4
- October 2006 Amendment to the ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Deferral Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to the September 30, 2006, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(l)5
- July 2012 Amendment to the ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Deferral Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(n)5 to the 2012 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(m)1
- ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Deferral Plan II, effective May 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the June 30, 2009, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(m)2
- ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Deferral Plan II, as amended and restated, effective July 24, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10(o)2 to the 2012 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(n)
- ALLETE Non-Employee Director Compensation Trust Agreement, as amended and restated, effective December 15, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10(p)2 to the 2012 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(o)1
- ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Change in Control Severance Plan, as amended and restated, effective January 19, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10(q) to the 2010 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(o)2
- ALLETE and Affiliated Companies Change in Control Severance Plan, as amended and restated, effective April 23, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10(c) to the March 31, 2018, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3548).
*+10(p)
- ALLETE Executive Separation Agreement effective November 29, 2018 (filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the 2018 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3548).
ALLETE, Inc. 2020 Form 10-K
Exhibit Number
- Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
- Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31(a)
- Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b)
- Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
- Section 1350 Certification of Annual Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
- Mine Safety.
- ALLETE News Release dated February 17, 2021, announcing earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020. (This exhibit has been furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.)
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101.PRE - XBRL Presentation
104 - Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
ALLETE or its subsidiaries are obligors under various long-term debt instruments including, but not limited to, the following:
•$6,370,000 of City of Superior, Wisconsin, Collateralized Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 2007A; and
•$6,130,000 of City of Superior, Wisconsin, Collateralized Utility Revenue Bonds Series 2007B.
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, these and other long-term debt instruments are not filed as exhibits because the total amount of debt authorized under each omitted instrument does not exceed 10 percent of our total consolidated assets. We will furnish copies of these instruments to the SEC upon its request.
* Incorporated herein by reference as indicated.
+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement pursuant to Item 15(b).