Statements contained in this report that are not of historical fact are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified as such because the statements include words such as “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “projections,” “estimate,” or other words of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe future financial performance or plans or strategies are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. Some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties of Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL that could materially affect actual results include:
•IPL’s and WPL’s ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief to allow for, among other things, the recovery of and/or the return on costs, including fuel costs, operating costs, transmission costs, capacity costs, deferred expenditures, deferred tax assets, tax expense, interest expense, capital expenditures, marginal costs to service new customers, and remaining costs related to EGUs that have been or may be permanently closed and certain other retired assets, environmental remediation costs, and decreases in sales volumes, as well as earning their authorized rates of return, payments to their parent of expected levels of dividends, and the impact of rate design on current and potential customers and demand for energy in their service territories;
•weather effects on utility sales volumes and operations;
•the impact of IPL’s retail electric base rate moratorium;
•IPL’s and WPL’s ability to obtain rate relief to allow for the return on costs of solar generation projects that exceed initial cost estimates;
•the direct or indirect effects resulting from cybersecurity incidents or attacks on Alliant Energy, IPL, WPL, or their suppliers, contractors and partners, or responses to such incidents;
•the impact of customer- and third party-owned generation, including alternative electric suppliers, in IPL’s and WPL’s service territories on system reliability, operating expenses and customers’ demand for electricity;
•economic conditions and the impact of business or facility closures in IPL’s and WPL’s service territories;
•the impact of energy efficiency, franchise retention and customer disconnects on sales volumes and operating income;
•the impact that price changes may have on IPL’s and WPL’s customers’ demand for electric, gas and steam services and their ability to pay their bills;
•changes in the price of delivered natural gas, transmission, purchased electric energy, purchased electric capacity and delivered coal, particularly during elevated market prices, and any resulting changes to counterparty credit risk, due to shifts in supply and demand caused by market conditions, regulations and MISO’s seasonal resource adequacy process;
•the ability to obtain regulatory approval for construction projects with acceptable conditions;
•the ability to complete construction of renewable generation and storage projects by planned in-service dates and within the cost targets set by regulators due to cost increases of and access to materials, equipment and commodities, which could result from tariffs, duties or other assessments, such as any additional tariffs resulting from U.S. Department of Commerce investigations into and any decisions made regarding the sourcing of solar project materials and equipment from certain countries, labor issues or supply shortages, the ability to successfully resolve warranty issues or contract disputes;
•the ability to achieve the expected level of tax benefits based on tax guidelines, timely in-service dates, project costs and the level of electricity output generated by qualifying generating facilities, and the ability to efficiently utilize the renewable generation and storage project tax benefits to achieve IPL’s authorized rate of return and for the benefit of IPL’s and WPL’s customers;
•the impacts of changes in the tax code, including tax rates, minimum tax rates, adjustments made to deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes impacting the availability of and ability to transfer renewable tax credits;
•the ability to utilize tax credits generated to date, and those that may be generated in the future, before they expire, as well as the ability to transfer tax credits that may be generated in the future at adequate pricing;
•the ability to provide sufficient generation and the ability of ITC Midwest LLC and ATC to provide sufficient transmission capacity for potential load growth;
•the ability of potential large load growth customers to timely construct new facilities;
•disruptions to ongoing operations and the supply of materials, services, equipment and commodities needed to construct capital projects, which may result from geopolitical issues, supplier manufacturing constraints, regulatory requirements, labor issues or transportation issues, and thus affect the ability to meet capacity requirements and result in increased capacity expense;
•the future development of technologies related to electrification, and the ability to reliably store and manage electricity;
•federal and state regulatory or governmental actions, including the impact of legislation, and regulatory agency orders and changes in public policy, including the potential repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022;
•employee workforce factors, including the ability to hire and retain employees with specialized skills, impacts from employee retirements, changes in key executives, ability to create desired corporate culture, collective bargaining agreements and negotiations, work stoppages or restructurings;
•disruptions in the supply and delivery of natural gas, purchased electricity and coal;
•changes to the creditworthiness of, or performance of obligations by, counterparties with which Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL have contractual arrangements, including participants in the energy markets and fuel suppliers and transporters;
•the impact of penalties or third-party claims related to, or in connection with, a failure to maintain the security of personally identifiable information, including associated costs to notify affected persons and to mitigate their information security concerns;
•impacts that terrorist attacks may have on Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s operations and recovery of costs associated with restoration activities, or on the operations of Alliant Energy’s investments;
•any material post-closing payments related to any past asset divestitures, including the transfer of renewable tax credits, which could result from, among other things, indemnification agreements, warranties, guarantees or litigation;
•continued access to the capital markets on competitive terms and rates, and the actions of credit rating agencies;
•changes to MISO’s resource adequacy process establishing capacity planning reserve margin and capacity accreditation requirements that may impact how and when new and existing generating facilities, including IPL’s and WPL’s additional solar generation, may be accredited with energy capacity, and may require IPL and WPL to adjust their current resource plans, to add resources to meet the requirements of MISO’s process, or procure capacity in the market whereby such costs might not be recovered in rates;
•issues associated with environmental remediation and environmental compliance, including compliance with all current environmental and emissions laws, regulations and permits and future changes in environmental laws and regulations, including the CCR Rule, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and federal, state or local regulations for greenhouse gases emissions reductions from new and existing fossil-fueled EGUs under the Clean Air Act, and litigation associated with environmental requirements;
•increased pressure from customers, investors and other stakeholders to more rapidly reduce greenhouse gases emissions;
•the ability to defend against environmental claims brought by state and federal agencies, such as the EPA and state natural resources agencies, or third parties, such as the Sierra Club, and the impact on operating expenses of defending and resolving such claims;
•the direct or indirect effects resulting from breakdown or failure of equipment in the operation of electric and gas distribution systems, such as mechanical problems, disruptions in telecommunications, technological problems, and explosions or fires, and compliance with electric and gas transmission and distribution safety regulations, including regulations promulgated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration;
•issues related to the availability and operations of EGUs, including start-up risks, breakdown or failure of equipment, availability of warranty coverage and successful resolution of warranty issues or contract disputes for equipment breakdowns or failures, performance below expected or contracted levels of output or efficiency, operator error, employee safety, transmission constraints, compliance with mandatory reliability standards and risks related to recovery of resulting incremental operating, fuel-related and capital costs through rates;
•impacts that excessive heat, excessive cold, storms, wildfires, or natural disasters may have on Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s operations and construction activities, and recovery of costs associated with restoration activities, or on the operations of Alliant Energy’s investments;
•Alliant Energy’s ability to sustain its dividend payout ratio goal;
•changes to costs of providing benefits and related funding requirements of pension and OPEB plans due to the market value of the assets that fund the plans, economic conditions, financial market performance, interest rates, timing and form of benefits payments, life expectancies and demographics;
•material changes in employee-related benefit and compensation costs, including settlement losses related to pension plans;
•risks associated with operation and ownership of non-utility holdings;
•changes in technology that alter the channels through which customers buy or utilize Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s or WPL’s products and services;
•impacts on equity income from unconsolidated investments from changes in valuations of the assets held, as well as potential changes to ATC’s authorized return on equity;
•impacts of IPL’s future tax benefits from Iowa rate-making practices, including deductions for repairs expenditures, allocation of mixed service costs and state depreciation, and recoverability of the associated regulatory assets from customers, when the differences reverse in future periods;
•current or future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries;
•reputational damage from negative publicity, protests, fines, penalties and other negative consequences resulting in regulatory and/or legal actions;
•the direct or indirect effects resulting from pandemics;
•the effect of accounting standards issued periodically by standard-setting bodies;
•the ability to successfully complete tax audits and changes in tax accounting methods with no material impact on earnings and cash flows; and
•other factors listed in MDA and Risk Factors in Item 1A in the 2023 Form 10-K.
Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL each assume no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to update the forward-looking statements in this report, except as required by law.
Available Information. Alliant Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investors section of its website, www.alliantenergy.com/investors, a channel of distribution for material information. Information contained on Alliant Energy’s website is not incorporated herein by reference.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(in millions)
Revenues:
Electric utility
$523
$551
$1,318
$1,370
Gas utility
27
31
175
224
Steam and other
11
12
34
36
Total revenues
561
594
1,527
1,630
Operating expenses:
Electric production fuel and purchased power
79
99
195
213
Electric transmission service
115
115
317
316
Cost of gas sold
8
12
85
127
Other operation and maintenance:
Asset valuation charge for IPL’s Lansing Generating Station
—
—
60
—
Other
96
84
281
264
Depreciation and amortization
100
97
294
288
Taxes other than income taxes
14
14
45
43
Total operating expenses
412
421
1,277
1,251
Operating income
149
173
250
379
Other (income) and deductions:
Interest expense
44
38
128
113
Allowance for funds used during construction
(13)
(6)
(34)
(13)
Other
(4)
2
(4)
3
Total other (income) and deductions
27
34
90
103
Income before income taxes
122
139
160
276
Income tax benefit
(68)
(31)
(112)
(55)
Net income
$190
$170
$272
$331
Earnings per share data is not disclosed given Alliant Energy Corporation is the sole shareowner of all shares of IPL’s common stock outstanding during the periods presented.
Refer to accompanying Combined Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
For the Three Months
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(in millions)
Revenues:
Electric utility
$476
$444
$1,261
$1,192
Gas utility
22
16
147
176
Other
1
1
2
2
Total revenues
499
461
1,410
1,370
Operating expenses:
Electric production fuel and purchased power
112
132
298
341
Electric transmission service
49
39
148
122
Cost of gas sold
5
—
67
99
Other operation and maintenance
72
64
200
197
Depreciation and amortization
91
71
269
208
Taxes other than income taxes
14
13
41
40
Total operating expenses
343
319
1,023
1,007
Operating income
156
142
387
363
Other (income) and deductions:
Interest expense
42
38
124
110
Allowance for funds used during construction
(7)
(22)
(24)
(58)
Other
3
(2)
4
(3)
Total other (income) and deductions
38
14
104
49
Income before income taxes
118
128
283
314
Income tax expense
4
21
13
47
Net income
$114
$107
$270
$267
Earnings per share data is not disclosed given Alliant Energy Corporation is the sole shareowner of all shares of WPL’s common stock outstanding during the periods presented.
Refer to accompanying Combined Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
COMBINED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NOTE 1(a) General - The interim unaudited Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the 2023 Form 10-K.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which unless otherwise noted are normal and recurring in nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows have been made. Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024.
A change in management’s estimates or assumptions could have a material impact on financial condition and results of operations during the period in which such change occurred.Certain prior period amounts in the Financial Statements and Notes have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation for comparative purposes.
NOTE 1(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents - At September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents included time deposits and money market fund investments of $803 million and $745 million for Alliant Energy and IPL, respectively, and money market fund investments of $58 million for WPL, with weighted average interest rates of 5%.
NOTE 2. REGULATORY MATTERS
Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities -
Regulatory assets were comprised of the following items (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Tax-related
$1,000
$934
$885
$831
$115
$103
AROs
418
194
223
160
195
34
Pension and OPEB costs
329
347
163
171
166
176
Assets retired early
181
273
169
259
12
14
Derivatives
80
102
24
34
56
68
Commodity cost recovery
76
120
8
12
68
108
WPL’s Western Wisconsin gas distribution expansion investments
42
44
—
—
42
44
IPL’s Duane Arnold Energy Center purchased power agreement amendment
24
42
24
42
—
—
Other
200
205
72
68
128
137
$2,350
$2,261
$1,568
$1,577
$782
$684
AROs - Refer to Note 11 for discussion of the recognition of additional ARO regulatory assets in the second quarter of 2024, substantially resulting from the enactment of the revised CCR Rule.
Assets retired early - In May 2023, IPL retired the Lansing Generating Station. IPL was previously allowed a full recovery of and a full return on this EGU from both its retail and wholesale customers. In September 2024, the IUC approved the June 2024 partial non-unanimous settlement agreement between IPL and certain stakeholders for IPL’s retail electric rate review for the October 2024 through September 2025 forward-looking Test Period. The agreement includes a return of the remaining net book value of Lansing, but does not include a return on the remaining net book value of Lansing, effective October 1, 2024. As a result, the return on the remaining net book value is no longer recoverable from IPL’s retail electric customers, and a pre-tax non-cash charge of $60 million was recorded to “Asset valuation charge for IPL’s Lansing Generating Station” in Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, with a corresponding decrease in Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s assets retired early regulatory assets.
Derivatives - Refer to Note 12 for discussion of changes in Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s derivative liabilities/assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which resulted in comparable changes to regulatory assets/liabilities on the balance sheets.
Regulatory liabilities were comprised of the following items (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Tax-related
$589
$566
$286
$299
$303
$267
Cost of removal obligations
359
366
215
242
144
124
Derivatives
47
65
26
34
21
31
Commodity cost recovery
45
48
8
13
37
35
Other
32
85
18
56
14
29
$1,072
$1,130
$553
$644
$519
$486
Tax-related - The increase in Alliant Energy’s and WPL’s tax-related regulatory liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily due to tax benefits resulting from WPL electing investment tax credit treatment for its Cassville solar facility in the second quarter of 2024. A majority of these benefits will be addressed in a future regulatory proceeding, with a portion of the benefits passed on to WPL’s electric customers in 2024 and 2025.
Rate Reviews -
IPL’s Retail Electric and Gas Rate Reviews (October 2024 through September 2025 Forward-looking Test Period) - In September 2024, the IUC issued an order authorizing annual base rate increases of $185 million for IPL’s retail electric customers, with customers receiving partially offsetting credits for the first 12 months through a tax benefit rider, and $10 million for IPL’s retail gas customers, for the October 2024 through September 2025 forward-looking Test Period. Rate changes were effective October 1, 2024, and are currently subject to procedural reviews by the IUC. The IUC’s order also reflects the following:
•Electric earnings sharing mechanism beginning in calendar year 2025, where IPL would apply excess earnings to the remaining net book value of IPL’s highest earning asset with advance ratemaking principles (currently the Emery Generation Station) based on its authorized return on common equity;
•Investment tax credits resulting from renewable generation and battery storage projects may be utilized to offset any revenue deficiency on an annual basis up to IPL’s return on common equity threshold; any remaining investment tax credits, net of the cost of transferability, that are not used to offset any revenue deficiency, will be deferred by IPL and carried forward to offset any revenue deficiency in future years; and
•Discontinuation of the renewable energy rider.
NOTE 3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
WPL currently expects construction costs associated with its approximately 1,100 MW of new solar generation will exceed the construction cost estimates previously approved by the PSCW by approximately $195 million. In February 2024, the PSCW issued an order approving deferral of the incremental solar generation construction costs. The PSCW’s order did not authorize a deferral for the return on such costs. In March 2024, WPL filed for judicial review of the PSCW’s retail electric rate review order (2024/2025 forward-looking Test Period) and solar generation construction cost deferral order related to the recovery and deferral of the return on the incremental solar generation construction costs in 2024 and 2025. In September 2024, the PSCW issued an order modifying its February 2024 order and approving the deferral of the return on the incremental solar generation construction costs, and in October 2024, WPL withdrew its filing for judicial review. Alliant Energy and WPL concluded that there was not a probable disallowance of anticipated higher rate base amounts as of September 30, 2024 given construction costs were reasonably and prudently incurred.
In September 2024, the IUC approved IPL’s settlement agreement with certain stakeholders for its retail electric rate review for the October 2024 through September 2025 forward-looking Test Period. The settlement agreement allows IPL to recover construction costs associated with its 400 MW of new solar generation, including allowance for funds used during construction and transmission upgrade costs among other costs, above the original cost target of $1,650/kilowatt up to $1,837.5/kilowatt. The costs up to the original cost target of $1,650/kilowatt will earn a return on common equity of 10.25%. The costs between $1,650/kilowatt and $1,837.5/kilowatt will earn a return on common equity that is the same as other assets without advance rate-making principles, without having to establish that such costs were reasonably and prudently incurred. Alliant Energy and IPL currently do not expect these construction costs will exceed $1,837.5/kilowatt.
In May 2024, WPL announced updated plans to convert the coal-fired Edgewater Unit 5 to natural gas in 2028, subject to regulatory approvals. WPL previously planned to retire the EGU by June 1, 2025. As a result, as of September 30, 2024, Alliant Energy and WPL concluded Edgewater Unit 5 (net book value of $493 million) no longer meets the criteria to be considered probable of abandonment, and $794 million was reclassified to utility electric generation plant in service from utility electric plant anticipated to be retired early.
WPL is currently leasing the Sheboygan Falls Energy Facility from AEF’s Non-utility Generation business. WPL is responsible for the operation of the EGU and has exclusive rights to its output. In May 2024, WPL renewed this financing lease through 2044. There are no lease renewal periods remaining.
In June 2024, WEC Energy Group, Inc. and Madison Gas and Electric Company acquired partial ownership interests in West Riverside. The related proceeds are included in “Proceeds from sales of partial ownership interests in West Riverside” in investing activities in Alliant Energy’s and WPL’s cash flows statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. As a result of these transactions, WPL’s undivided current ownership interest in West Riverside is 56.6%.
NOTE 4. RECEIVABLES
Sales of Accounts Receivable - IPL maintains a Receivables Purchase and Sale Agreement (Receivables Agreement) whereby it may sell its customer accounts receivables, unbilled revenues and certain other accounts receivables to a third party through wholly-owned and consolidated special purpose entities. In March 2024, IPL amended and extended through March 2026 the purchase commitment from the third party to which it sells its receivables. The transfers of receivables meet the criteria for sale accounting established by the transfer of financial assets accounting rules. Effective September 2024, the limit on cash proceeds under the Receivables Agreement was changed to $5 million. As of September 30, 2024, IPL had $4 million of available capacity under its sales of accounts receivable program. IPL’s maximum and average outstanding aggregate cash proceeds (based on daily outstanding balances) related to the sales of accounts receivable program for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
2024
2023
Maximum outstanding aggregate cash proceeds
$52
$94
$110
$110
Average outstanding aggregate cash proceeds
7
46
34
68
The attributes of IPL’s receivables sold under the Receivables Agreement were as follows (in millions):
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Customer accounts receivable
$141
$130
Unbilled utility revenues
81
98
Other receivables
1
1
Receivables sold to third party
223
229
Less: cash proceeds
1
1
Deferred proceeds
222
228
Less: allowance for expected credit losses
10
12
Fair value of deferred proceeds
$212
$216
As of September 30, 2024, outstanding receivables past due under the Receivables Agreement were $16 million. Additional attributes of IPL’s receivables sold under the Receivables Agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
2024
2023
Collections
$565
$616
$1,578
$1,720
Write-offs, net of recoveries
4
5
9
9
NOTE 5. INVESTMENTS
Unconsolidated Equity Investments -Alliant Energy’s equity (income) loss from unconsolidated investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting for the three and nine months ended September 30 was as follows (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
2024
2023
ATC Holdings
($13)
($12)
($38)
($37)
Other
(1)
(2)
(6)
(8)
($14)
($14)
($44)
($45)
NOTE 6. COMMON EQUITY
Common Share Activity - A summary of Alliant Energy’s common stock activity was as follows:
NOTE 7(a) Short-term Debt - In June 2024, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL reallocated credit facility capacity amounts to $450 million for Alliant Energy at the parent company level, $250 million for IPL and $300 million for WPL, within the $1 billion total commitment. Information regarding commercial paper classified as short-term debt was as follows (dollars in millions):
September 30, 2024
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Amount outstanding
$330
$—
$—
Weighted average interest rates
5.0%
—%
—%
Available credit facility capacity
$670
$250
$300
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Three Months Ended September 30
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)
$330
$474
$—
$7
$—
$125
Average amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)
$197
$440
$—
$—
$—
$86
Weighted average interest rates
5.4%
5.5%
—%
5.5%
—%
5.4%
Nine Months Ended September 30
Maximum amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)
$632
$793
$19
$70
$390
$349
Average amount outstanding (based on daily outstanding balances)
$320
$367
$1
$2
$87
$135
Weighted average interest rates
5.5%
5.1%
5.5%
5.3%
5.5%
4.9%
NOTE 7(b) Long-term Debt - In March 2024, AEF entered into a $300 million variable rate (6% as of September 30, 2024) term loan credit agreement (with Alliant Energy as guarantor), which expires in March 2025. This term loan credit agreement amends and restates the term loan credit agreement that expired in March 2024, and retired the $300 million variable rate term loan set forth therein. AEF’s restated term loan credit agreement includes an option to increase the amount outstanding with one or more additional term loans in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100 million.
In June 2024, AEF issued $375 million of 5.4% senior notes due 2027 (with Alliant Energy as guarantor). The net proceeds from this issuance were used to reduce Alliant Energy’s outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.
In September 2024, IPL issued $350 million of 4.95% senior debentures due 2034 and $300 million of 5.45% senior debentures due 2054. A portion of the net proceeds from this issuance were placed in time deposits and money market fund investments pending the December 2024 retirement of IPL’s $500 million 3.25% senior debentures, and the remainder of the net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
In March 2024, WPL issued $300 million of 5.375% debentures due 2034. WPL’s debentures were issued as green bonds, and an amount equal to or in excess of the net proceeds was disbursed for the development and acquisition of its solar EGUs.
Convertible Senior Notes - As of September 30, 2024, the conditions allowing holders of Alliant Energy’s convertible senior notes due 2026 (the Notes) to convert their Notes were not met, and as a result, the Notes were classified as “Long-term debt, net” on Alliant Energy’s balance sheet. As of September 30, 2024, the net carrying amount of the Notes was $570 million, with unamortized debt issuance costs of $5 million, and the estimated fair value (Level 2) of the Notes was $602 million. As of September 30, 2024, there were no shares of Alliant Energy’s common stock related to the potential conversion of the Notes included in diluted EPS based on Alliant Energy’s average stock prices and the relevant terms of the Notes.
Income Tax Rates - Overall effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, which were computed by dividing income tax expense (benefit) by income before income taxes, were as follows. The effective income tax rates were different than the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, production tax credits, investment tax credits, amortization of excess deferred taxes and the effect of rate-making on property-related differences. Also impacting Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were the pre-tax non-cash charge of $60 million for IPL’s Lansing Generation Station discussed in Note 2 and the pre-tax non-cash charge of $20 million for the portion of recorded AROs allocated to IPL’s steam business discussed in Note 11.
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Three Months
Nine Months
Three Months
Nine Months
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
Overall income tax rate
(27%)
2%
(24%)
1%
(56%)
(22%)
(70%)
(20%)
3%
16%
5%
15%
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities -
Carryforwards - At September 30, 2024, the carryforwards and expiration dates were estimated as follows (in millions):
Range of Expiration Dates
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
State net operating losses
2025-2044
$367
$6
$1
Federal tax credits
2033-2044
622
435
175
Iowa Tax Reform - Pursuant to Iowa tax reform enacted in 2022, and based on the remeasurement of Alliant Energy parent company’s deferred tax assets in the third quarter of 2023 for the Iowa corporate income tax rate of 7.1% effective January 1, 2024, a charge of $8 million was recorded to income tax expense in Alliant Energy’s income statement in the third quarter of 2023.
NOTE 10. BENEFIT PLANS
NOTE 10(a) Pension and OPEB Plans -
Net Periodic Benefit Costs - The components of net periodic benefit costs for sponsored defined benefit pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30 are included below (in millions). For IPL and WPL, amounts are for their plan participants covered under plans they sponsor, as well as amounts directly assigned to them related to certain participants in the Alliant Energy and Corporate Services sponsored plans.
NOTE 10(b) Equity-based Compensation Plans - A summary of compensation expense, including amounts allocated to IPL and WPL, and the related income tax benefits recognized for share-based compensation awards for the three and nine months ended September 30 was as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Three Months
Nine Months
Three Months
Nine Months
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
Compensation expense
$3
$4
$10
$10
$2
$2
$5
$5
$1
$2
$4
$4
Income tax benefits
1
1
3
3
—
1
1
1
—
—
1
1
As of September 30, 2024, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards was $15 million, $7 million and $7 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of between 1 year and 2 years.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, performance shares and restricted stock units were granted to key employees under the equity-based compensation plans as follows. These shares and units will be paid out in shares of common stock, and are therefore accounted for as equity awards.
Performance shares (net income and diversity metrics) (formerly granted as performance restricted stock units)
145,449
48.49
Restricted stock units
128,620
48.57
As of September 30, 2024, 392,649 shares were included in the calculation of diluted EPS related to the nonvested equity awards.
NOTE 11. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
A reconciliation of the changes in AROs associated with long-lived assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 is as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Balance, January 1
$246
$148
$98
Revisions in estimated cash flows
(2)
—
(2)
Liabilities settled
(4)
(2)
(2)
Liabilities incurred (a)
356
103
253
Accretion expense
12
6
6
Balance, September 30
$608
$255
$353
(a)In the second quarter of 2024, substantially due to the enactment of the revised CCR Rule, which significantly expands the scope of regulation to include coal ash ponds at sites that no longer produce electricity and inactive landfills, including some IPL and WPL facilities, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL recorded additional AROs, additional ARO regulatory assets for EGUs no longer in operation, additional property, plant and equipment for EGUs still in operation, and a pre-tax non-cash charge of $20 million recorded to “Other operation and maintenance” in Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 for the portion allocated to IPL’s steam business for IPL’s Prairie Creek Generating Station and the retired Sixth Street Generating Station as established in prior rate reviews. The amounts recorded in the second quarter of 2024 are expected to be adjusted in the future as additional information is obtained for the specific site closure plans, including the determination of whether or not individual sites are considered legal obligations and the acceptance and approval of compliance approaches, which could change management assumptions and result in a material change to the recorded amounts.
NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Commodity Derivatives -
Notional Amounts - As of September 30, 2024, gross notional amounts and settlement/delivery years related to outstanding swap contracts, option contracts, physical forward contracts and FTRs that were accounted for as commodity derivative instruments were as follows (units in thousands):
Financial Statement Presentation - Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value each reporting date on the balance sheets as assets or liabilities as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Current derivative assets
$51
$44
$37
$30
$14
$14
Non-current derivative assets
31
44
18
24
13
20
Current derivative liabilities
31
51
14
22
17
29
Non-current derivative liabilities
45
47
6
8
39
39
Based on IPL’s and WPL’s cost recovery mechanisms, the majority of changes in the fair value of derivative liabilities/assets result in comparable changes to regulatory assets/liabilities on the balance sheets.
Credit Risk-related Contingent Features - Various agreements contain credit risk-related contingent features, including requirements to maintain certain credit ratings and/or limitations on liability positions under the agreements based on credit ratings. Certain of these agreements with credit risk-related contingency features are accounted for as derivative instruments. In the event of a material change in creditworthiness or if liability positions exceed certain contractual limits, credit support may need to be provided up to the amount of exposure under the contracts, or the contracts may need to be unwound and underlying liability positions paid. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features in a net liability position was not materially different than amounts that would be required to be posted as credit support to counterparties by Alliant Energy, IPL or WPL if the most restrictive credit risk-related contingent features for derivative agreements in a net liability position were triggered.
Balance Sheet Offsetting - The fair value amounts of derivative instruments subject to a master netting arrangement are not netted by counterparty on the balance sheets. However, if the fair value amounts of derivative instruments by counterparty were netted, derivative assets and derivative liabilities related to commodity contracts would have been presented on the balance sheets as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Gross
Gross
Gross
(as reported)
Net
(as reported)
Net
(as reported)
Net
September 30, 2024
Derivative assets
$82
$63
$55
$45
$27
$18
Derivative liabilities
76
57
20
10
56
47
December 31, 2023
Derivative assets
88
47
54
32
34
15
Derivative liabilities
98
57
30
8
68
49
Fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payable) are not offset against fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement.
Interest Rate Derivative - The interest rate derivative associated with AEF’s interest rate swap maturing in January 2026 was valued based on quoted prices that utilize current market interest rate forecasts. As of September 30, 2024, $1 million of non-current interest rate derivative liabilities was recorded in “Other liabilities” on Alliant Energy’s balance sheet. This interest rate derivative was designated as a cash flow hedge, with changes in fair value recorded as other comprehensive income/loss. As of September 30, 2024, accumulated other comprehensive loss included $1 million of losses related to the interest rate swap. Reductions to interest expense of $1 million and $3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $1 million and $2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, were recorded in Alliant Energy’s income statement related to the interest rate swap.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The carrying amounts of current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments. Carrying amounts and related estimated fair values of other financial instruments were as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Fair Value
Fair Value
Carrying
Level
Level
Level
Carrying
Level
Level
Level
Amount
1
2
3
Total
Amount
1
2
3
Total
Assets:
Time deposits and money market fund investments
$803
$803
$—
$—
$803
$45
$45
$—
$—
$45
Commodity derivatives
82
—
42
40
82
88
—
59
29
88
Interest rate derivatives
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
1
—
1
Deferred proceeds
212
—
—
212
212
216
—
—
216
216
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives
76
—
73
3
76
98
—
93
5
98
Interest rate derivatives
1
—
1
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
Long-term debt (incl. current maturities)
10,349
—
10,444
—
10,444
9,034
—
8,677
—
8,677
IPL
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Fair Value
Fair Value
Carrying
Level
Level
Level
Carrying
Level
Level
Level
Amount
1
2
3
Total
Amount
1
2
3
Total
Assets:
Time deposits and money market fund investments
$745
$745
$—
$—
$745
$45
$45
$—
$—
$45
Commodity derivatives
55
—
23
32
55
54
—
30
24
54
Deferred proceeds
212
—
—
212
212
216
—
—
216
216
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives
20
—
17
3
20
30
—
25
5
30
Long-term debt (incl. current maturities)
4,589
—
4,407
—
4,407
3,945
—
3,664
—
3,664
WPL
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Fair Value
Fair Value
Carrying
Level
Level
Level
Carrying
Level
Level
Level
Amount
1
2
3
Total
Amount
1
2
3
Total
Assets:
Money market fund investments
$58
$58
$—
$—
$58
$—
$—
$—
$—
$—
Commodity derivatives
27
—
19
8
27
34
—
29
5
34
Liabilities:
Commodity derivatives
56
—
56
—
56
68
—
68
—
68
Long-term debt
3,369
—
3,322
—
3,322
3,070
—
2,933
—
2,933
Information for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs) was as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
Commodity Contract Derivative
Assets and (Liabilities), net
Deferred Proceeds
Three Months Ended September 30
2024
2023
2024
2023
Beginning balance, July 1
$51
$54
$171
$175
Total net gains included in changes in net assets (realized/unrealized)
2
17
—
—
Sales
—
(1)
—
—
Settlements (a)
(16)
(27)
41
61
Ending balance, September 30
$37
$43
$212
$236
The amount of total net gains for the period included in changes in net assets attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to assets and liabilities held at September 30
Total net gains (losses) included in changes in net assets (realized/unrealized)
(7)
6
—
—
Purchases
59
62
—
—
Sales
(1)
(2)
—
—
Settlements (a)
(38)
(42)
(4)
51
Ending balance, September 30
$37
$43
$212
$236
The amount of total net gains (losses) for the period included in changes in net assets attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities held at September 30
($7)
$6
$—
$—
IPL
Commodity Contract Derivative
Assets and (Liabilities), net
Deferred Proceeds
Three Months Ended September 30
2024
2023
2024
2023
Beginning balance, July 1
$40
$41
$171
$175
Total net gains included in changes in net assets (realized/unrealized)
—
12
—
—
Sales
—
(1)
—
—
Settlements (a)
(11)
(17)
41
61
Ending balance, September 30
$29
$35
$212
$236
The amount of total net gains for the period included in changes in net assets attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to assets and liabilities held at September 30
$—
$12
$—
$—
IPL
Commodity Contract Derivative
Assets and (Liabilities), net
Deferred Proceeds
Nine Months Ended September 30
2024
2023
2024
2023
Beginning balance, January 1
$19
$16
$216
$185
Total net losses included in changes in net assets (realized/unrealized)
(7)
—
—
—
Purchases
45
51
—
—
Sales
(1)
(2)
—
—
Settlements (a)
(27)
(30)
(4)
51
Ending balance, September 30
$29
$35
$212
$236
The amount of total net losses for the period included in changes in net assets attributable to the change in unrealized losses relating to assets and liabilities held at September 30
($7)
$—
$—
$—
WPL
Commodity Contract Derivative
Assets and (Liabilities), net
Three Months Ended September 30
2024
2023
Beginning balance, July 1
$11
$13
Total net gains included in changes in net assets (realized/unrealized)
2
5
Settlements
(5)
(10)
Ending balance, September 30
$8
$8
The amount of total net gains for the period included in changes in net assets attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to assets and liabilities held at September 30
$2
$5
WPL
Commodity Contract Derivative
Assets and (Liabilities), net
Nine Months Ended September 30
2024
2023
Beginning balance, January 1
$5
$3
Total net gains included in changes in net assets (realized/unrealized)
—
6
Purchases
14
11
Settlements
(11)
(12)
Ending balance, September 30
$8
$8
The amount of total net gains for the period included in changes in net assets attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to assets and liabilities held at September 30
(a)Settlements related to deferred proceeds are due to the change in the carrying amount of receivables sold less the allowance for expected credit losses associated with the receivables sold and cash amounts received from the receivables sold.
Commodity Contracts - The fair value of FTR and natural gas commodity contracts categorized as Level 3 was recognized as net derivative assets as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Excluding FTRs
FTRs
Excluding FTRs
FTRs
Excluding FTRs
FTRs
September 30, 2024
$—
$37
$—
$29
$—
$8
December 31, 2023
3
21
3
16
—
5
NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
NOTE 14(a) Capital Purchase Commitments - Various contractual obligations contain minimum future commitments related to capital expenditures for certain construction projects, including WPL’s expansion of battery storage, IPL’s repowering of the existing Franklin County wind farm, and IPL’s expansion of solar generation. At September 30, 2024, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s minimum future commitments for these projects were $99 million, $24 million and $72 million, respectively.
NOTE 14(b) Other Purchase Commitments - Various commodity supply, transportation and storage contracts help meet obligations to provide electricity and natural gas to utility customers. In addition, there are various purchase commitments associated with other goods and services. At September 30, 2024, the related minimum future commitments, excluding amounts for purchased power commitments that do not have minimum thresholds but will require payment when electricity is generated by the provider, were as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Natural gas
$746
$322
$424
Coal
139
80
59
Other (a)
110
46
22
$995
$448
$505
(a)Includes individual commitments incurred during the normal course of business that exceeded $1 million at September 30, 2024.
NOTE 14(c) Guarantees and Indemnifications -
Whiting Petroleum Corporation (Whiting Petroleum) - In 2004, Alliant Energy sold its remaining interest in Whiting Petroleum, an independent oil and gas company. Alliant Energy Resources, LLC, as the successor to a predecessor entity that owned Whiting Petroleum, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEF, has guaranteed the partnership obligations of an affiliate of Whiting Petroleum under multiple general partnership agreements in the oil and gas industry. The guarantees do not include a maximum limit. Based on information made available to Alliant Energy by Whiting Petroleum, the Whiting Petroleum affiliate holds an approximate 6% share in the partnerships, and currently known obligations include costs associated with the future abandonment of certain facilities owned by the partnerships. The general partnerships were formed under California law, and Alliant Energy Resources, LLC may need to perform under the guarantees if the affiliate of Whiting Petroleum is unable to meet its partnership obligations.
Whiting Petroleum previously completed bankruptcy proceedings and business combinations, which substantially reduce the likelihood that Alliant Energy will be obligated to make any payments under these guarantees. As of September 30, 2024, the currently known partnership obligations for the abandonment obligations are estimated at $49 million, which represents Alliant Energy’s currently estimated maximum exposure under the guarantees. Alliant Energy is not currently aware of, nor does it currently expect to incur in the future, any material liabilities related to these guarantees and therefore has not recognized any material liabilities related to these guarantees as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Non-utility Wind Farm in Oklahoma - In 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEF acquired a cash equity ownership interest in a non-utility wind farm located in Oklahoma. The wind farm provides electricity to a third party under a long-term purchased power agreement (PPA). Alliant Energy provided a parent guarantee of its subsidiary’s indemnification obligations under the related operating agreement and PPA. Alliant Energy’s obligations under the operating agreement were $43 million as of September 30, 2024 and will reduce annually until expiring in July 2047. Alliant Energy’s obligations under the PPA are subject to a maximum limit of $17 million and expire in December 2031, subject to potential extension. Alliant Energy is not aware of any material liabilities related to this guarantee that it is probable that it will be obligated to pay and therefore has not recognized any material liabilities related to this guarantee as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Transfers of Renewable Tax Credits - In 2023 and 2024, IPL and WPL entered into agreements to transfer renewable tax credits from certain wind, solar and battery storage facilities to other corporate taxpayers in exchange for cash. As of September 30, 2024, IPL and WPL provided indemnifications associated with $165 million and $105 million, respectively, of proceeds for renewable tax credits transferred to other corporate taxpayers in the event of an adverse interpretation of tax law, including whether the related tax credits meet the qualification requirements. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL believe the likelihood of having to make any material cash payments under these indemnifications is remote.
NOTE 14(d) Environmental Matters -
Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Sites - IPL and WPL have current or previous ownership interests in various sites that are previously associated with the production of gas for which IPL and WPL have, or may have in the future, liability for investigation, remediation and monitoring costs. IPL and WPL are working pursuant to the requirements of various federal and state agencies to investigate, mitigate, prevent and remediate, where necessary, the environmental impacts to property, including natural resources, at and around these former MGP sites in order to protect public health and the environment. At September 30, 2024, estimated future costs expected to be incurred for the investigation, remediation and monitoring of the MGP sites, as well as environmental liabilities recorded on the balance sheets for these sites, which are not discounted, were as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Range of estimated future costs
$7
-
$28
$5
-
$17
$2
-
$11
Current and non-current environmental liabilities
$13
$8
$5
IPL Consent Decree - In 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa approved a Consent Decree that IPL entered into with the EPA, the Sierra Club, the State of Iowa and Linn County in Iowa, thereby resolving potential Clean Air Act issues associated with emissions from IPL’s coal-fired generating facilities in Iowa. IPL has completed various requirements under the Consent Decree. IPL’s remaining requirements include fuel switching or retiring Prairie Creek Units 1 and 3 by December 31, 2025. Alliant Energy and IPL currently expect to recover material costs incurred by IPL related to compliance with the terms of the Consent Decree from IPL’s electric customers.
Other Environmental Contingencies - In addition to the environmental liabilities discussed above, various environmental rules are monitored that may have a significant impact on future operations. Several of these environmental rules are subject to legal challenges, reconsideration and/or other uncertainties. Given uncertainties regarding the outcome, timing and compliance plans for these environmental matters, the complete financial impact of each of these rules is not able to be determined; however, future capital investments and/or modifications to EGUs and electric and gas distribution systems to comply with certain of these rules could be significant. Specific current, proposed or potential environmental matters include, among others: Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, Effluent Limitation Guidelines, CCR Rule, and various legislation and EPA regulations to monitor and regulate the emission of greenhouse gases, including the Clean Air Act.
NOTE 14(e) MISO Transmission Owner Return on Equity Complaints - A group of stakeholders, including MISO cooperative and municipal utilities, previously filed complaints with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting a reduction to the base return on equity authorized for MISO transmission owners, including ITC Midwest LLC and ATC. In 2019, FERC issued an order on the previously filed complaints and reduced the base return on equity authorized for the MISO transmission owners to 9.88% for November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015, and subsequent to September 28, 2016. In 2020, FERC issued orders in response to various rehearing requests and increased the base return on equity authorized for the MISO transmission owners from 9.88% to 10.02% for November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015, and subsequent to September 28, 2016. In 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated FERC’s prior orders that established the base return on equity authorized for the MISO transmission owners and remanded the cases to FERC for further proceedings. In October 2024, FERC issued an order reducing the base return on equity authorized for MISO transmission owners to 9.98%, effective September 28, 2016. As a result, the MISO transmission owners will provide refunds based on the 9.98% base return on equity, with interest, for November 12, 2013 through February 11, 2015, and subsequent to September 28, 2016, which is not expected to result in any material impacts on Alliant Energy’s results of operations or financial condition. Any further changes in FERC’s decisions may have an impact on Alliant Energy’s share of ATC’s future earnings and customer costs; however, Alliant Energy is currently unable to predict with certainty the future outcome or impact of any further changes.
NOTE 14(f) Collective Bargaining Agreements - In August 2024, IPL’s collective bargaining agreement with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 204 (Cedar Rapids) expired. A new agreement was reached in September 2024, which expires August 31, 2028.
NOTE 15. SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS
Certain financial information relating to Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s business segments is as follows. Intersegment revenues were not material to their respective operations. Refer to Note 2 for discussion of asset valuation charges recorded in the second quarter of 2024 related to IPL’s Lansing Generating Station, which decreased the assets for “Utility - Electric,” and Note 11 for discussion of additional AROs recorded in the second quarter of 2024 substantially due to the enactment of the revised CCR Rule, which primarily increased the assets for “Utility - Electric.”
Service Agreements - Pursuant to service agreements, IPL and WPL receive various administrative and general services from an affiliate, Corporate Services. These services are billed to IPL and WPL at cost based on expenses incurred by Corporate Services for the benefit of IPL and WPL, respectively. These costs consisted primarily of employee compensation and benefits, fees associated with various professional services, depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment, and a return on net assets. Corporate Services also acts as agent on behalf of IPL and WPL pursuant to the service agreements. As agent, Corporate Services enters into energy, capacity, ancillary services, and transmission sale and purchase transactions within MISO. Corporate Services assigns such sales and purchases among IPL and WPL based on statements received from MISO. The amounts billed for services provided, sales credited and purchases for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows (in millions):
IPL
WPL
Three Months
Nine Months
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
Corporate Services billings
$42
$46
$134
$134
$38
$40
$124
$120
Sales credited
—
3
—
11
29
23
66
45
Purchases billed
130
133
332
320
18
5
41
21
Net intercompany payables to Corporate Services were as follows (in millions):
IPL
WPL
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Net payables to Corporate Services
$131
$129
$72
$72
ATC - Pursuant to various agreements, WPL receives a range of transmission services from ATC. WPL provides operation, maintenance, and construction services to ATC. WPL and ATC also bill each other for use of shared facilities owned by each party. The related amounts billed between the parties for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
2024
2023
ATC billings to WPL
$39
$41
$115
$119
WPL billings to ATC
5
5
12
16
WPL owed ATC net amounts of $11 million as of September 30, 2024 and $10 million as of December 31, 2023.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This MDA includes information relating to Alliant Energy, and IPL and WPL (collectively, the Utilities), as well as ATC Holdings, AEF and Corporate Services. Where appropriate, information relating to a specific entity has been segregated and labeled as such. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the Notes included in this report, as well as the financial statements, notes and MDA included in the 2023 Form 10-K. Unless otherwise noted, all “per share” references in MDA refer to earnings per diluted share.
Key highlights since the filing of the 2023 Form 10-K include the following:
Customer Investments:
•In March 2024, IPL completed construction of the first phase of the Duane Arnold solar facility (50 MW in Linn County, Iowa).
•In April 2024, the PSCW issued orders authorizing WPL to construct improvements at the natural gas-fired Neenah Energy Facility and Sheboygan Falls Energy Facility, which would increase the capacity and efficiency of the EGUs.
•In April 2024 and June 2024, IPL and WPL entered into agreements to transfer a portion of the renewable tax credits generated in 2024 and 2025 from certain wind, solar and battery storage facilities to other corporate taxpayers in exchange for cash.
•In May 2024, WPL completed construction of the Grant County solar facility (200 MW in Grant County, Wisconsin).
•In May 2024, WPL announced updated plans to convert the coal-fired Edgewater Unit 5 to natural gas in 2028, subject to regulatory approvals. WPL previously planned to retire the EGU by June 1, 2025.
•In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations awarded WPL’s Columbia Energy Storage Project, a 20 MW carbon dioxide-based long-duration energy storage system at the Columbia Energy Center site, up to approximately $30 million in grant funding during construction of the project. In August 2024, WPL filed a certificate of authority application with the PSCW for construction approval of the energy storage system. A decision from the PSCW is currently expected in 2025.
•In July 2024, WPL filed a certificate of authority application with the PSCW for approval to refurbish the Bent Tree wind farm, which would be eligible for production tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. A decision from the PSCW is currently expected in 2025.
•In October 2024, IPL completed construction of the Creston solar facility (50 MW in Union County, Iowa).
•In October 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Grid Deployment selected WPL’s Smart Power Automation for Rural Communities program application to move into the final stage of award negotiations for up to $50 million in grant funding under the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program. WPL currently expects to submit project plans to the PSCW in 2025 when award negotiations are nearing completion. Any grant proceeds would reduce the cost of the project for WPL’s customers.
Rate Matters:
•In October 2023, IPL filed a retail electric and gas rate review with the IUC for the October 2024 through September 2025 forward-looking Test Period. In June 2024, IPL reached a partial, non-unanimous settlement agreement with certain stakeholders, which was approved by the IUC in September 2024. Rate changes were effective October 1, 2024, and are currently subject to procedural reviews by the IUC. The IUC’s order reflects the following:
•Annual retail electric base rate increase of $185 million, with customers receiving partially offsetting credits for the first 12 months through a tax benefit rider, a subsequent retail electric base rate moratorium through September 2029, and an average retail electric rate base of $7,279 million;
•During the moratorium, IPL may request updated rates if its actual return on common equity is 100 or more basis points below the authorized return on common equity for a single calendar year or 50 or more basis points below the authorized return on common equity for two consecutive years, and/or if a material change in laws or regulations causes the moratorium to become unsustainable;
•Annual retail gas base rate increase of $10 million, and an average retail gas rate base of $630 million;
•Return on common equity of 9.65% (for all assets that to do not have advance ratemaking principles) and a 51% common equity component of its regulatory capital structure;
•Key drivers include revenue requirement impacts of increasing electric and gas rate base, including investments in solar generation, as well as updated depreciation rates and certain incremental costs and benefits incurred resulting from the 2020 derecho windstorm;
•Electric earnings sharing mechanism beginning in calendar year 2025, where IPL would apply excess earnings to the remaining net book value of IPL’s highest earning asset with advance ratemaking principles (currently the Emery Generation Station) based on its authorized return on common equity as follows;
Threshold Above Authorized
Return on Common Equity
Sharing
First 50 basis points
75% customers, 25% IPL
>50 to 100 basis points
50% customers, 50% IPL
>100 to 150 basis points
25% customers, 75% IPL
>150 basis points
100% customers
•Investment tax credits resulting from renewable generation and battery storage projects may be utilized to offset any revenue deficiency on an annual basis up to IPL’s return on common equity threshold. Any remaining investment tax credits, net of the cost of transferability, that are not used to offset any revenue deficiency, will be deferred by IPL and carried forward to offset any revenue deficiency in future years.
•Creation of an individual customer rate tariff, which would allow IPL to attract new load growth to its service territory;
•Electric distribution system investment cap not to exceed $900 million in aggregate or $325 million in any given year from 2026 through 2029, with certain exceptions;
•IPL to retain renewable tax benefits from new generation resources and the repowering of existing wind farms, including the Franklin County wind farm, as well as retain energy margins for new generation resources and battery storage;
•Discontinuation of the renewable energy rider; and
•A return of the remaining net book value of the Lansing Generating Station; however, the agreement does not include a return on the remaining net book value of Lansing, resulting in Alliant Energy and IPL recording a pre-tax non-cash charge of $60 million to “Asset valuation charge for IPL’s Lansing Generating Station” in their income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
•In August 2024, the PSCW issued an order authorizing WPL to refund $34 million, plus interest, to its retail electric customers in the fourth quarter of 2024 for fuel-related costs incurred by WPL in 2023 that were lower than fuel-related costs used to determine rates for such period.
•Refer to Note 3 for discussion of the PSCW’s September 2024 order related to the recovery and deferral of the return on incremental solar generation construction costs in 2024 and 2025.
•WPL currently expects to file a retail electric and gas rate review with the PSCW in the second quarter of 2025 for the 2026/2027 forward-looking Test Period. The key drivers for the anticipated filing include revenue requirement impacts of increasing electric and gas rate base. Any rate changes granted from this pending request are expected to be effective on January 1, 2026, with a decision from the PSCW expected by the end of 2025.
Growing Customer Demand:
•Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are pursuing opportunities for customer growth, including new customers at Alliant Energy’s development-ready sites in Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy has entered into electric service agreements with two new customers, who currently expect to build data centers at the Big Cedar Industrial Center Mega-site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The electric service agreements are subject to IUC approval under the individual customer rate tariff, which was included in the IUC’s September 2024 order for IPL’s retail electric rate review. The timing and amount of increases in load are subject to various factors, including interconnections, and any executed or future agreements with customers are not expected to result in immediate increases in load.
Environmental Matters:
•In May 2024, the EPA enacted the revised CCR Rule, which significantly expands the scope of regulation to include coal ash ponds at sites that no longer produce electricity and inactive landfills, including some IPL and WPL facilities. As a result, as discussed in Note 11, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL recorded additional AROs in the second quarter of 2024. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL continue to evaluate the revised CCR Rule and are unable to predict with certainty the future outcome or impact of these updates, including resolution of ongoing litigation.
•In May 2024, the EPA enacted the final Section 111(d) rule for certain fossil-fueled EGUs and repealed the Affordable Clean Energy rule. The final Section 111(d) rule requires states to implement plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through various Best System of Emission Reduction measures at affected sources, including retirement, enforceable limits on operational capacity, co-firing with low-greenhouse gases fuels, or carbon capture and storage technology. State plans are subject to EPA approval, and must be submitted by May 2026. The final rule’s compliance requirements will be phased in beginning in 2030 and covers fossil-fueled EGUs that utilize steam boilers to generate electricity, including IPL’s coal-fired Ottumwa Generating Station, George Neal Generating Station, Prairie Creek Generating Station Unit 3 and Louisa Generating Station, WPL’s coal-fired Edgewater Generating Station Unit 5 (WPL currently plans to convert Edgewater Unit 5 to natural gas in 2028, subject to regulatory approvals), and IPL’s natural gas-fired Burlington Generating Station and Prairie Creek Generating Station Unit 4. The final rule does not apply to EGUs that are retired by January 2032 and is not currently expected to impact WPL’s coal-fired Columbia Energy Center given current plans to retire this EGU prior to the deadline. In addition, the final rule does not impact existing natural gas-fired combustion turbines, including IPL’s Marshalltown Generating Station and Emery Generating Station, and WPL’s Riverside Energy Center and West Riverside Energy Center; however, these EGUs could be subject to future Section 111(d) rules to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing combustion turbines. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are currently unable to predict with certainty the future outcome or impact of these matters, including resolution of ongoing litigation.
•In May 2024, the EPA enacted final revised standards under Section 111(b), which establishes carbon dioxide emissions limits from certain new and reconstructed fossil-fueled EGU combustion turbines that commenced operation after May 23, 2023 with a capacity greater than 25 MW. The final revised standards do not apply to IPL’s Marshalltown Generating Station or WPL’s West Riverside Energy Center, which commenced operation prior to the applicability date of the final revised standards. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are currently unable to predict with certainty the future outcome or impact of these revised standards, including resolution of ongoing litigation.
•In May 2024, the EPA enacted a final rule that revises discharge limits for specific categories of wastewater from existing coal-fired EGUs. The new limitations will be implemented in each facility’s wastewater discharge permits issued by state agencies and become effective as soon as possible but no later than December 31, 2029. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL are currently evaluating the final rule and are unable to predict with certainty future compliance impacts, including resolution of ongoing litigation; however, costs to comply with this rule could have a material impact on their financial condition and results of operations.
•Alliant Energy’s current voluntary environmental-related goals include the following:
•By 2030, reduce greenhouse gases emissions from its utility operations by 50% from 2005 levels, reduce its electric utility water supply by 75% from 2005 levels and electrify 100% of its owned light-duty fleet vehicles.
•By 2040, eliminate all coal-fired EGUs from its generating fleet.
•By 2050, aspire to achieve net-zero greenhouse gases emissions from its utility operations.
Legislative Matters:
•In May 2024, the Major Economic Growth Attraction program was enacted in Iowa, which offers various tax incentives for up to two qualified businesses for certain large-scale projects with capital investments greater than $1 billion constructed on certified sites greater than 250 acres in Iowa. The most significant provision of this program for Alliant Energy encourages economic development in IPL’s service territory. Alliant Energy has various development-ready sites throughout Iowa, including the Big Cedar Industrial Center Mega-site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the Prairie View Industrial Center Super Park in Ames, Iowa.
•In May 2024, legislation was enacted in Iowa related to the advance rate-making principles for certain investments in Iowa. The most significant provisions of this legislation for Alliant Energy would allow IPL to include electric storage and nuclear-fired generation projects in the advance rate-making principles request process prior to making these investments in Iowa, and require IPL to obtain a certificate of public convenience, use and necessity (GCU Certificate) from the IUC in order to construct electric storage projects.
Financings and Common Stock Dividends:
•Refer to “Results of Operations” for discussion of expected future issuances of common stock and common stock dividends, and expected future issuances and retirements of long-term debt in 2025.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Financial Results Overview - The table below includes EPS for Utilities and Corporate Services, ATC Holdings, and Non-utility and Parent, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Alliant Energy believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they facilitate an understanding of segment performance and trends, and provide additional information about Alliant Energy’s operations on a basis consistent with the measures that management uses to manage its operations and evaluate its performance. Alliant Energy’s net income and EPS attributable to Alliant Energy common shareowners for the three months ended September 30 were as follows (dollars in millions, except per share amounts):
2024
2023
Income (Loss)
EPS
Income (Loss)
EPS
Utilities and Corporate Services
$308
$1.20
$281
$1.11
ATC Holdings
9
0.04
9
0.03
Non-utility and Parent
(22)
(0.09)
(31)
(0.12)
Alliant Energy Consolidated
$295
$1.15
$259
$1.02
Alliant Energy’s Utilities and Corporate Services net income increased by $27 million for the three-month period, primarily due to higher revenue requirements from WPL’s capital investments and the timing of income taxes. These items were partially offset by higher financing and depreciation expenses, and estimated temperature impacts on retail electric and gas sales.
Alliant Energy’s Non-utility and Parent net income increased $9 million for the three-month period, primarily due to charges related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets due to Iowa corporate income tax rate changes recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
Net Income Variances - The following items contributed to increased (decreased) net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Revenues:
Changes in electric utility (Refer to details below)
Changes in electric production fuel and purchased power (Refer to details below)
39
20
20
60
18
43
Changes in electric transmission service (Refer to details below)
(11)
—
(10)
(26)
(1)
(26)
Changes in cost of gas sold (Refer to details below)
(1)
4
(5)
74
42
32
Asset valuation charge for IPL’s Lansing Generating Station in the second quarter of 2024 (Refer to Note 2 for details)
—
—
—
(60)
(60)
—
Changes in other operation and maintenance (Refer to details below)
(14)
(12)
(8)
(11)
(17)
(3)
Changes in depreciation and amortization (Higher primarily due to WPL’s solar generation placed in service in 2024 and 2023, as well as WPL’s amortization of liquidated damages related to West Riverside procurement contracts, which resulted in reductions to depreciation and amortization expenses in 2023)
(25)
(3)
(20)
(68)
(6)
(61)
Changes in taxes other than income taxes
(1)
—
(1)
(3)
(2)
(1)
Changes in total operating expenses
(13)
9
(24)
(34)
(26)
(16)
Changes in operating income
(9)
(24)
14
(95)
(129)
24
Other income and deductions:
Changes in interest expense (Higher primarily due to financings completed in 2024 and 2023)
(15)
(6)
(4)
(40)
(15)
(14)
Changes in equity income from unconsolidated investments, net (Refer to Note 5 for details)
—
—
—
(1)
—
—
Changes in allowance for funds used during construction (Primarily due to changes in levels of construction work in progress balances related to solar generation and battery storage)
(8)
7
(15)
(13)
21
(34)
Changes in Other
1
6
(5)
—
7
(7)
Changes in total other income and deductions
(22)
7
(24)
(54)
13
(55)
Changes in income before income taxes
(31)
(17)
(10)
(149)
(116)
(31)
Changes in income taxes (Refer to Note 9 for details)
Electric and Gas Revenues and Sales Summary - Electric and gas revenues (in millions), and MWh and Dth sales (in thousands), for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows:
Sales Trends and Temperatures - Alliant Energy’s retail electric sales volumes decreased 2% for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to changes in sales volumes at IPL’s industrial customers due to standby service customers that can use other generation and changes in temperatures. Alliant Energy’s retail gas sales volumes were unchanged and decreased 9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to changes in temperatures.
Estimated increases (decreases) to operating income from the impacts of temperatures for the three and nine months ended September 30 were as follows (in millions):
Electric
Gas
Three Months
Nine Months
Three Months
Nine Months
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
2024
2023
Change
IPL
$1
$7
($6)
($7)
$3
($10)
($1)
($1)
$—
($8)
($4)
($4)
WPL
—
3
(3)
(11)
(2)
(9)
(1)
—
(1)
(7)
(4)
(3)
Total Alliant Energy
$1
$10
($9)
($18)
$1
($19)
($2)
($1)
($1)
($15)
($8)
($7)
Electric Sales for Resale - Bulk Power and Other - Bulk power and other volume changes were due to changes in sales in the wholesale energy markets operated by MISO. These changes are impacted by several factors, including the availability and dispatch of Alliant Energy’s EGUs and electricity demand within these wholesale energy markets. Changes in bulk power and other revenues were largely offset by changes in fuel-related costs, and therefore did not have a significant impact on operating income.
Gas Transportation/Other - Gas transportation/other sales volume changes were largely due to changes in the gas volumes supplied to Alliant Energy’s natural gas-fired EGUs caused by the availability and dispatch of such EGUs.
Electric Utility Revenue Variances - The following items contributed to increased (decreased) electric utility revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Higher revenue requirements at WPL (a)
$44
$—
$44
$118
$—
$118
Higher (lower) sales for resale bulk power and other revenues
Estimated changes in sales volumes caused by temperatures
(9)
(6)
(3)
(19)
(10)
(9)
Lower revenues at IPL related to changes in recovery amounts for energy efficiency costs through the energy efficiency rider (mostly offset by changes in energy efficiency expense)
(1)
(1)
—
(10)
(10)
—
Changes in WPL electric fuel-related costs, net of recoveries (b)
(2)
—
(2)
(9)
—
(9)
Other
13
—
13
14
(9)
23
$4
($28)
$32
$17
($52)
$69
(a)In December 2023, the PSCW issued an order authorizing an annual base rate increase of $49 million for WPL’s retail electric customers, covering the 2024 forward-looking Test Period, which reflects revenue requirement impacts of increasing electric rate base and lower forecasted fuel-related expenses.
(b)WPL’s cost recovery mechanism for retail fuel-related expenses supports deferrals of amounts that fall outside an approved fuel monitoring range of forecasted fuel-related expenses determined by the PSCW each year. The difference between revenue collected and actual fuel-related expenses incurred within the fuel monitoring range increases or decreases Alliant Energy’s and WPL’s electric utility revenues. WPL estimates the increase (decrease) to electric utility revenues from amounts within the fuel monitoring range were approximately $0 and ($4) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $2 million and $5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
Gas Utility Revenue Variances - The following items contributed to increased (decreased) gas utility revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 (in millions):
Estimated changes in sales volumes caused by temperatures
(1)
—
(1)
(7)
(4)
(3)
Higher revenue requirements at WPL (a)
1
—
1
7
—
7
Other
—
(1)
1
(4)
(3)
(1)
$2
($4)
$6
($78)
($49)
($29)
(a)In December 2023, the PSCW issued an order authorizing an annual base rate increase of $13 million for WPL’s retail gas customers, covering the 2024 forward-looking Test Period, which reflects revenue requirement impacts of increasing gas rate base.
Electric Production Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses Variances - The following items contributed to (increased) decreased electric production fuel and purchased power expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Lower electric production fuel costs (a)
$39
$17
$22
$114
$74
$40
Changes in regulatory recovery of retail electric fuel-related costs
4
3
1
7
(19)
26
(Higher) lower purchased power expense (b)
4
1
3
(51)
(37)
(14)
Other
(8)
(1)
(6)
(10)
—
(9)
$39
$20
$20
$60
$18
$43
(a)Electric production fuel costs decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same periods in 2023, primarily due to lower natural gas prices at IPL and WPL, and lower coal volumes at IPL due to lower dispatch of IPL’s coal-fired EGUs in 2024. Also contributing to the three-month decrease were lower coal volumes at WPL due to lower dispatch of WPL’s coal-fired EGUs in the third quarter of 2024. Also contributing to the nine-month decrease were lower natural gas volumes at IPL due to lower dispatch of IPL’s natural gas-fired EGUs in 2024.
(b)Purchased power expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher prices for electricity purchased by IPL and WPL and increased volumes of electricity purchased at IPL, partially offset by decreased volumes of electricity purchased at WPL.
Electric Transmission Service Expense Variances - The following items contributed to (increased) decreased electric transmission service expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Changes in regulatory recovery for the difference between actual electric transmission service costs and those costs used to determine rates
($13)
($6)
($7)
($23)
($7)
($16)
Other (primarily due to changes in transmission service costs provided by third parties)
2
6
(3)
(3)
6
(10)
($11)
$—
($10)
($26)
($1)
($26)
Cost of Gas Sold Expense Variances - The following items contributed to (increased) decreased cost of gas sold expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
(Higher) lower natural gas prices and lower retail gas volumes
Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses Variances - The following items contributed to (increased) decreased other operation and maintenance expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023 (in millions):
Three Months
Nine Months
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Lower energy efficiency expense at IPL (mostly offset by lower revenues)
$2
$2
$—
$14
$14
$—
ARO charge for steam assets at IPL in the second quarter of 2024
—
—
—
(20)
(20)
—
Other
(16)
(14)
(8)
(5)
(11)
(3)
($14)
($12)
($8)
($11)
($17)
($3)
Other Future Considerations- In addition to items discussed in this report, the following key items could impact Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s future financial condition or results of operations:
•Financing Plans - Alliant Energy currently expects to issue up to $25 million of common stock in 2025 through its Shareowner Direct Plan. In 2025, IPL currently expects to issue up to $600 million of long-term debt, and AEF and/or Alliant Energy at the parent company level expect to issue up to $600 million of long-term debt in aggregate. IPL and AEF each have $300 million of long-term debt maturing in 2025.
•Common Stock Dividends - Alliant Energy announced a 6% increase in its targeted 2025 annual common stock dividend to $2.03 per share, which is equivalent to a quarterly rate of $0.5075 per share, beginning with the February 2025 dividend payment. The timing and amount of future dividends is subject to approval of quarterly dividend declarations from Alliant Energy’s Board of Directors, and is dependent upon earnings expectations, capital requirements, and general financial business conditions, among other factors.
•Restructuring and Voluntary Employee Separation Charges - In the fourth quarter of 2024, Alliant Energy announced restructuring activities, including offering certain employees a voluntary separation package to help align resources with evolving business and customer needs, and reduce customer costs. Approximately 5% of Alliant Energy employees accepted the package, and as a result of the announced restructuring activities, Alliant Energy currently expects to record pre-tax charges of $25 million to $30 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.
•Cash Flows From Operating Activities - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL currently expect an increase in future cash flows from operating activities resulting from the transfer of future renewable tax credits to other corporate taxpayers pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In addition, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL currently expect an increase in future cash flows from operating activities resulting from higher earnings on increasing rate base at IPL and WPL.
•Higher Earnings on Increasing Rate Base - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL currently expect increases in electric utility and gas utility revenues in 2025 compared to 2024 due to impacts from increasing revenue requirements related to investments in the utility business. In addition, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL currently expect a decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2025 compared to 2024 due to additional renewable tax credits from renewable generation and battery storage projects placed in service in 2024 and expected to be placed in service in 2025. A majority of the differences between actual renewable tax credits and renewable tax credits used to determine rates are recorded in regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities on the balance sheets until they are reflected in future billings to customers. Investment tax credits resulting from IPL battery storage projects expected to be placed in service in 2025 may be utilized to offset any revenue deficiency on an annual basis up to the earnings sharing mechanism threshold included in IPL’s retail electric rate review settlement agreement discussed in “2024 Highlights.”
•Sales Trends and Temperatures - In July 2025, IPL’s wholesale power agreement with Southern Minnesota Energy Cooperative (SMEC) will expire (sales to SMEC represented approximately 5% of IPL’s total electric sales in 2023), which is not expected to have a material impact on Alliant Energy’s or IPL’s future financial condition and results of operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, warmer than normal temperatures in the winter and cooler than normal temperatures in the summer in Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s service territories resulted in lower retail electric and gas sales volumes and operating income.
•Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL currently expect a decrease in other operation and maintenance expenses in 2025 compared to 2024 largely due to the asset valuation charge for IPL’s Lansing Generating Station and ARO charge for steam assets at IPL recorded in 2024, and the charges expected to be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024 and expected future costs savings related to Alliant Energy’s restructuring activities. These items are expected to be partially offset by higher generation maintenance and energy delivery expenses.
•Depreciation and Amortization Expense - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL currently expect an increase in depreciation and amortization expense in 2025 compared to 2024 due to capital projects placed in service in 2024 and 2025.
•Interest Expense - Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL currently expect an increase in interest expense in 2025 compared to 2024 due to financings completed in 2024 and planned in 2025 as discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The liquidity and capital resources summary included in the 2023 Form 10-K has not changed materially, except as described below.
Liquidity Position - At September 30, 2024, Alliant Energy had $827 million of cash and cash equivalents, $670 million ($120 million at the parent company, $250 million at IPL and $300 million at WPL) of available capacity under the single revolving credit facility and $4 million of available capacity at IPL under its sales of accounts receivable program.
Capital Structure - Capital structures at September 30, 2024 were as follows (Long-term Debt (including current maturities) (LD); Short-term Debt (SD); Common Equity (CE)):
Cash Flows - Selected information from the cash flows statements was as follows (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, January 1
$63
$24
$53
$15
$7
$5
Cash flows from (used for):
Operating activities
913
622
231
191
651
437
Investing activities
(940)
(952)
(332)
(177)
(464)
(680)
Financing activities
794
515
804
159
(125)
254
Net increase
767
185
703
173
62
11
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, September 30
$830
$209
$756
$188
$69
$16
Operating Activities - The following items contributed to increased (decreased) operating activity cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Changes in income taxes paid/received (a)
$164
$78
$99
Higher collections from WPL’s retail electric and gas base rate increases
125
—
125
Timing of WPL’s fuel-related cost recoveries from retail electric customers
15
—
15
Timing of intercompany payments and receipts
—
(36)
(21)
Changes in interest payments
(46)
(15)
(17)
Changes in the sales of accounts receivable at IPL
(38)
(38)
—
Changes in gas stored underground
(27)
(11)
(16)
Decreased collections from IPL’s and WPL’s retail customers caused by temperature impacts on electric and gas sales
(26)
(14)
(12)
Other (primarily due to other changes in working capital)
124
76
41
$291
$40
$214
(a)Refer to the cash flows statements for details of renewable tax credits transferred to other corporate taxpayers during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Investing Activities - The following items contributed to increased (decreased) investing activity cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Changes in the amount of cash receipts on sold receivables
$93
$93
$—
(Higher) lower utility construction and acquisition expenditures (a)
(79)
(275)
196
Higher non-utility construction and acquisition expenditures
(62)
—
—
Other
60
27
20
$12
($155)
$216
(a)Largely due to higher expenditures for WPL’s battery storage and IPL’s solar generation, partially offset by lower expenditures for WPL’s solar generation.
Construction and Acquisition Expenditures - Construction and acquisition expenditures and financing plans are reviewed, approved and updated as part of the strategic planning process. Changes may result from a number of reasons, including regulatory requirements, changing legislation, not obtaining favorable and acceptable regulatory approval on certain projects, changing costs of projects due to market conditions, changes in expected load growth, improvements in technology, and improvements to ensure resiliency and reliability of the electric and gas distribution systems. Refer to “2024 Highlights” for discussion of an electric distribution system investment cap included in IPL’s rate review settlement agreement, which was approved by the IUC in September 2024. Construction and acquisition expenditures for 2024 through 2028 are currently anticipated as follows (in millions), which are focused on transitioning to cleaner sources of energy, adding generation to meet growing customer demand for electricity, and strengthening the resiliency and reliability of the electric grid, and include renewable generation and battery storage projects, dispatchable gas generation projects, converting certain coal-fired EGUs to natural gas, and wind repowering projects. Cost estimates represent Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s portion of construction expenditures and exclude allowance for funds used during construction and capitalized interest, if applicable.
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Generation:
Renewables and battery storage projects
$915
$800
$1,115
$1,325
$1,340
$660
$455
$540
$595
$565
$255
$345
$575
$730
$775
Gas projects
90
390
570
780
655
40
145
175
365
355
15
195
365
415
300
Other
120
130
120
55
55
60
65
55
25
15
60
65
65
30
40
Distribution:
Electric systems
615
585
570
560
580
345
310
275
280
280
270
275
295
280
300
Gas systems
80
80
85
85
85
35
35
40
40
40
45
45
45
45
45
Other
205
220
220
215
245
50
45
50
60
45
45
30
25
30
30
$2,025
$2,205
$2,680
$3,020
$2,960
$1,190
$1,055
$1,135
$1,365
$1,300
$690
$955
$1,370
$1,530
$1,490
Financing Activities - The following items contributed to increased (decreased) financing activity cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 (in millions):
Alliant Energy
IPL
WPL
Higher net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
$455
$347
$—
Lower payments to retire long-term debt
99
—
—
Higher (lower) capital contributions from IPL’s and WPL’s parent company, Alliant Energy
—
265
(190)
Lower net proceeds from common stock issuances
(183)
—
—
(Higher) lower common stock dividends
(28)
59
(9)
Net changes in the amount of commercial paper and other short-term borrowings outstanding
(4)
—
(148)
Other
(60)
(26)
(32)
$279
$645
($379)
Common Stock Issuances and Common Stock Dividends - Refer to Note6 for discussion of common stock issuances by Alliant Energy in 2024. Refer to “Results of Operations” for discussion of expected future issuances of common stock and common stock dividends in 2025.
Long-term Debt - Refer to Note7(b) for discussion of various issuances and/or retirements of long-term debt by AEF, IPL and WPL in 2024. Refer to “Results of Operations” for discussion of expected future issuances and retirements of long-term debt in 2025.
Impact of Credit Ratings on Liquidity and Collateral Obligations -
Ratings Triggers - In March 2024, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services changed Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s outlooks from stable to negative. These outlook changes are not expected to have a material impact on Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s liquidity or collateral obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Certain Financial Commitments - A summary of Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s off-balance sheet arrangements and Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s contractual obligations is included in the 2023 Form 10-K and has not changed materially from the items reported in the 2023 Form 10-K, except for the items described in Notes 4, 7 and 14.
Critical Accounting Estimates - The summary of critical accounting estimates included in the 2023 Form 10-K has not changed materially, except as described below.
Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities - In May 2023, IPL retired the Lansing Generating Station. IPL was previously allowed a full recovery of and a full return on this EGU from both its retail and wholesale customers. In September 2024, the IUC approved IPL’s June 2024 settlement agreement with certain stakeholders for IPL’s retail electric rate review for the October 2024 through September 2025 forward-looking Test Period. The agreement includes a return of the remaining net book value of Lansing; however, the agreement does not include a return on the remaining net book value of Lansing, therefore the return on the remaining net book value is no longer recoverable from IPL’s retail electric customers. As a result, a pre-tax non-cash charge of $60 million was recorded to “Asset valuation charge for IPL’s Lansing Generating Station” in Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, with a corresponding decrease in Alliant Energy’s and IPL’s assets retired early regulatory assets.
Long-Lived Assets -
Regulated Operations -
Generating Units Subject to Early Retirement - In May 2024, WPL announced updated plans to convert the coal-fired Edgewater Unit 5 to natural gas in 2028, subject to regulatory approvals. WPL previously planned to retire the EGU by June 1, 2025. As a result, Alliant Energy and WPL concluded Edgewater Unit 5 no longer meets the criteria to be considered probable of abandonment as of September 30, 2024. Refer to Note 3 for further discussion of Edgewater Unit 5.
Solar Generation Projects Recently Completed or Under Construction - Alliant Energy and WPL currently expect construction costs associated with WPL’s approximately 1,100 MW of new solar generation will exceed the construction cost estimates previously approved by the PSCW by approximately $195 million. In February 2024, the PSCW issued an order approving deferral of the incremental solar generation construction costs. The PSCW’s order did not authorize a deferral for the return on such costs. In March 2024, WPL filed for judicial review of the PSCW’s retail electric rate review order (2024/2025 forward-looking Test Period) and solar generation construction cost deferral order related to the recovery and deferral of the return on the incremental solar generation construction costs in 2024 and 2025. In September 2024, the PSCW issued an order modifying its February 2024 order and approving the deferral of the return on the incremental solar generation construction costs, and in October 2024, WPL withdrew its filing for judicial review. Alliant Energy and WPL concluded that there was not a probable disallowance of anticipated higher rate base amounts as of September 30, 2024 given construction costs were reasonably and prudently incurred.
In September 2024, the IUC approved IPL’s settlement agreement with certain stakeholders for its retail electric rate review for the October 2024 through September 2025 forward-looking Test Period. The settlement agreement allows IPL to recover construction costs associated with its 400 MW of new solar generation, including allowance for funds used during construction and transmission upgrade costs among other costs, above the original cost target of $1,650/kilowatt up to $1,837.5/kilowatt. The costs up to the original cost target of $1,650/kilowatt will earn a return on common equity of 10.25%. The costs between $1,650/kilowatt and $1,837.5/kilowatt will earn a return on common equity that is the same as other assets without advance rate-making principles, without having to establish that such costs were reasonably and prudently incurred. Alliant Energy and IPL currently do not expect these construction costs will exceed $1,837.5/kilowatt.
AROs - The fair value of a legal obligation associated with the retirement of an asset is recorded as a liability when an asset is placed in service, when a legal obligation is subsequently identified or when sufficient information becomes available to determine a reasonable estimate of the fair value of future retirement costs. Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL estimate the fair value of their AROs using present value techniques, in which they make various assumptions, including estimates of the amounts and timing of future cash flows associated with retirement activities, inflation and discount rates. Estimates of the timing and amounts of future cash outlays are based on projections of when and how assets will be retired and the cost of future removal activities. The estimates are subject to change and future updates could have a material impact on Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s financial condition and results of operations. In the second quarter of 2024, substantially due to the enactment of the revised CCR Rule, which significantly expands the scope of regulation to include coal ash ponds at sites that no longer produce electricity and inactive landfills, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL recorded additional AROs of $355 million, $102 million and $253 million, respectively. These amounts are expected to be adjusted in the future as additional information is obtained for the specific site closure plans, including the determination of whether or not individual sites are considered legal obligations and the acceptance and approval of compliance approaches, which could change management assumptions and result in a material change to the recorded ARO amounts. Refer to Note 11 for further discussion of AROs.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk are reported in the 2023 Form 10-K and have not changed materially.
Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s management evaluated, with the participation of each of Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Disclosure Committee, the effectiveness of the design and operation of Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2024 pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
There was no change in Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s and WPL’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Alliant Energy’s, IPL’s or WPL’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations require Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL to disclose information about certain proceedings arising under federal, state or local environmental provisions when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and such proceedings involve potential monetary sanctions that Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL reasonably believe will exceed a specified threshold. Pursuant to the SEC regulations, Alliant Energy, IPL and WPL use a threshold of $1 million for purposes of determining whether disclosure of any such proceedings is required. Applying this threshold, there are no environmental matters to disclose for this period.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The risk factors described in Item 1A in the 2023 Form 10-K have not changed materially.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A summary of Alliant Energy common stock repurchases for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was as follows:
Total Number
Average Price
Total Number of Shares
Maximum Number (or Approximate
of Shares
Paid Per
Purchased as Part of
Dollar Value) of Shares That May
Period
Purchased (a)
Share
Publicly Announced Plan
Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan (a)
July 1 through July 31
7,186
$53.87
—
N/A
August 1 through August 31
3,082
56.95
—
N/A
September 1 through September 30
32
60.19
—
N/A
10,300
54.81
—
(a)All shares were purchased on the open market and held in a rabbi trust under the Alliant Energy Deferred Compensation Plan. There is no limit on the number of shares of Alliant Energy common stock that may be held under the Deferred Compensation Plan, which currently does not have an expiration date.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
(c)During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, no director or officer of Alliant Energy, IPL or WPL adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Alliant Energy Corporation, Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company have each duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on the 1st day of November 2024.
ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION
Registrant
By: /s/ Benjamin M. Bilitz
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
Benjamin M. Bilitz
(Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory)
INTERSTATE POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
Registrant
By: /s/ Benjamin M. Bilitz
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
Benjamin M. Bilitz
(Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory)
WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
Registrant
By: /s/ Benjamin M. Bilitz
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
Benjamin M. Bilitz
(Principal Accounting Officer and Authorized Signatory)
