XML 22 R11.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.23.1
ACQUISITIONS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
ACQUISITIONS ACQUISITIONS
In accordance with Topic 805: Clarifying the Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01), transactions are evaluated and are accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses, and transaction costs are capitalized in asset acquisitions. It was determined that all of the below acquisitions met the criteria of an asset acquisition. The purchase price of certain acquisitions below includes intangibles recorded as long-term liabilities related to PPAs. See Note 16, Goodwill and Intangibles, for more information.

Acquisitions of Electric Generation Facilities in Wisconsin

In April 2023, WPS, along with an unaffiliated utility, completed the acquisition of Red Barn, a commercially operational utility-scale wind-powered electric generating facility. The project is located in Grant County, Wisconsin and WPS owns 82 MWs of this project. WPS's share of the cost of this project was approximately $160 million. Red Barn qualifies for PTCs.

In February 2023, WPS, along with an unaffiliated entity, received approval from the PSCW to acquire 100 MWs of West Riverside's nameplate capacity, in the first of two potential option exercises. WPS also received approval to transfer its ownership interest to WE. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2023, and WE's investment is expected to be approximately $102 million. West Riverside is a commercially operational dual fueled combined cycle generation facility in Beloit, Wisconsin.

In January 2023, WE and WPS completed the acquisition of Whitewater, a commercially operational 236.5 MW dual fueled (natural gas and low sulfur fuel oil) combined cycle electric generation facility in Whitewater, Wisconsin, for $76.0 million.
Acquisition of a Solar Generation Facility in Texas

In February 2023, WECI completed the acquisition of an 80% ownership interest in Samson I, a commercially operational 250 MW solar generating facility in Lamar County, Texas, for approximately $249.4 million, which includes transaction costs and is net of cash acquired. The allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was primarily to property, plant, and equipment and an intangible liability related to the PPA. The project has an offtake agreement for all of the energy to be produced by the facility for a period of 15 years. Samson I qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment.

Acquisitions of Electric Generation Facilities in Illinois

In February 2023, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Sapphire Sky, a commercially operational 250 MW wind generating facility in McLean County, Illinois, for a total investment of approximately $442.6 million, which includes transaction costs and is net of cash acquired. The allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was primarily to property, plant, and equipment and an intangible liability related to the PPA. The project has an offtake agreement for all of the energy to be produced by the facility for a period of 12 years. Sapphire Sky qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment.

In October 2022, WECI signed an agreement to acquire an 80% ownership interest in Maple Flats, a 250 MW solar generating facility under construction in Clay County, Illinois, for approximately $360 million. The project has an offtake agreement for all of the energy to be produced by the facility for a period of 15 years. The transaction is subject to FERC approval and commercial operation is expected to begin in early 2024, at which time the transaction is expected to close. Maple Flats is expected to qualify for PTCs and will be included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment.

Acquisition of Wind Generation Facility in Nebraska

In September 2022, WECI completed the acquisition of a 90% ownership interest in Thunderhead, a commercially operational 300 MW wind generating facility in Antelope and Wheeler counties in Nebraska. The purchase price was $382.0 million, which includes transaction costs and is net of cash acquired. The project has an offtake agreement for all of the energy to be produced by the facility for a period of 12 years. Thunderhead qualifies for PTCs and is included in the non-utility energy infrastructure segment.