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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 6 Months Ended
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Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Variable Interest Entities | MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus own electric generating assets and lease those assets to MGE. Both entities are variable interest entities under applicable authoritative accounting guidance. MGE is considered the primary beneficiary of these entities as a result of contractual agreements. As a result, MGE has consolidated MGE Power Elm Road and MGE Power West Campus.
Common Stock | MGE Energy sells shares of its common stock through its Stock Plan. Those shares may be newly issued shares or shares that MGE Energy has purchased in the open market for resale to participants in the Stock Plan. All sales under the Stock Plan are covered by a shelf registration statement that MGE Energy filed with the SEC.
Investments - ATC | MGE Transco has accounted for its investment in ATC under the equity method of accounting.
Share-based Compensation | Under MGE Energy's Performance Unit Plan and the Director Incentive Plan, eligible employees and non-employee directors may receive performance units that entitle the holder to receive a cash payment equal to the value of a designated number of shares of MGE Energy's common stock, plus dividend equivalent payments thereon, at the end of the set performance period. In Jan uary 2016, 3,773 units were granted under the Director Incentive Plan and are subject to a three-year graded vesting schedule. In February 2016, 19,055 units were gran ted under the Performance Unit Plan and are subject to a five-year graded vesting schedule. On the grant d ate, MGE Energy and MGE measure the cost of the employee services received in exchange for a performance unit award based on the current market value of MGE Energy common stock. The fair value of the awards is re-measured quarterly, including at June 30, 2016, as required by applicable accounting standards. Changes in fair value as well as the original grant are recognized as compensation cost. Sinc e this amount is re-measured throughout the vesting period, the compensation cost is subject to variability. For nonretirement eligible employees under the Performance Unit Plan, stock based compensation costs are accrued and recognized using the graded vesting method. Compensation cost for retirement eligible employees or employees that will become retirement eligible during the vesting schedule are recognized on an abridged horizon.
Derivative Hedging | As part of its regular operations, MGE enters into contracts, including options, swaps, futures, forwards, and other contractual commitments, to manage its exposure to commodity prices. To the extent that these contracts are derivatives, MGE assesses whether or not the normal purchases or normal sales exclusion applies. For contracts to which this exclusion cannot be applied, MGE Energy and MGE recognize such derivatives in the co nsolidated balance sheets at fair value. MGE's commodity derivative activities are conducted in accordance with its electric and gas risk management program, which is approved by the PSCW and limits t he volume MGE can hedge with specific risk management st rategies. The maximum length of time over which cash flows related to energy commodities can be hedged is four years. If the derivative qualifies for regulatory deferral, the derivatives are marked to fair value and are offset with a corresponding regulato ry asset or liability. The deferred gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the delivery month applicable to the instrument. Gains and losses related to hedges qualifying for regulatory treatment are recoverable in gas rates through the PGA or in electri c rates as a component of the fuel rules mechanism.
Derivative Netting | All derivative instruments in this table are presented on a gross basis and are calculated prior to the netting of instruments with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement as well as the netting of collatera l. For financia l statement purposes, MGE Energy and MGE have netted instruments with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement as well as the netting of collatera l.
Wisconsin Fuel Rules | Fuel rules require the PSCW and Wisconsin utilities to defer electric fuel-related costs that fall outside a symmetrical cost tolerance band around the amount approved for a utility in its annual fuel proceedings. Any over/under recovery of the actual costs is determined on an annual basis and is adjusted in future billings to electric retail customers. The fuel rules bandwidth is currently set at plus or minus 2%. Under fuel rules, MGE would defer costs, les s any excess revenues, if its actual electric fuel costs exceeded 102% of the electric fuel costs allowed in its latest rate order. Excess revenues are defined as revenues in the year in question that provide MGE with a greater ret urn on common equity than authorized by the PSCW in MGE's latest rate order. Conversely, MGE is required to defer the benefit of lower costs if actual electric fuel costs were less than 98% of the electric fuel costs allowed in th at order.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements | Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability including ass umptions about risk. The standard also establishes a three level fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of the assumptions used and requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels are: Level 1 - Pricing inputs are quoted p rices within active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Pricing inputs are quoted prices within active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and mod el-derived valuations that are correlated with or otherwise verifiable by observable market data. Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable and reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. At June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, and outstanding commercial paper approximates fair market value due to the short maturity of those investments and obligations. The estimated fair market value of MGE Energy's and MGE's long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for similar financial instruments at June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015. Since long-term debt is not traded in an active market, it is classified as Level 2. I nvestments include exchange-traded investment securities valued using quoted prices on active exchanges and are therefore classified as Level 1. Derivatives include exchange-traded derivative c ontracts, over-the-counter transactions, a purchased power agreement, and FTRs. Most exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are therefore class ified as Level 1. A small number of exchange-traded derivative contracts are valued using quoted market pricing in markets with insufficient volumes and are therefore considered unobservable and classified as Level 3. Transactions done with an over-the-cou nter party are on inactive markets and are therefore classified as Level 3. These transactions are valued based on quoted prices from markets with similar exchange traded transactions. FTRs are priced based upon monthly auction results for identical or sim ilar instruments in a closed market with limited data available and are therefore classified as Level 3. The purchased power agreement (see Footnote 8) was valued using an internally-developed pricing model and therefore is classified as Level 3. The mod el projects future market energy prices and compares those prices to the projected power costs to be incurred under the contract. Inputs to the model require significant management judgment and estimation. Future energy prices are based on a forward power pricing curve using exchange-traded contracts in the electric futures market, where such exchange-traded contracts exist, and upon calculations based on forward gas prices, where such exchange-traded contracts do not exist. A basis adjustment is applied to the market energy price to reflect the price differential between the market price delivery point and the counterparty delivery point. The historical relationship between the delivery points is reviewed and a discount (below 100%) or premium (above 100%) is derived. This comparison is done for both peak times when demand is high and off peak times when demand is low. If the basis adjustment is lowered, the fair value measurement will decrease, and if the basis adjustment is increased, the fai r value measurement will increase. The projected power costs anticipated to be incurred under the purchased power agreement are determined using many factors, including historical generating costs, future prices, and expected fuel mix of the counterparty. An increase in the projected fuel costs would result in a decrease in the fair value measurement of the purchased power agreement. A significant input that MGE estimates is the counterparty's fuel mix in determining the projected power cost. MGE also cons iders the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. This consideration includes assumptions about market risk such as liquidity, volatility, and contract duration. The fair value model uses a discount rate that incor porates discounting, credit, and model risks. The following table presents the significant unobservable inputs used in the pricing model.
|  |  | Model Input
| Significant Unobservable Inputs |  | June 30, 2016 |  | December 31, 2015
| Basis adjustment: |  |  |  |
| On peak |  | 94.9% |  | 96.9%
| Off peak |  | 94.7% |  | 95.1%
| Counterparty fuel mix: |  |  |  |
| Internal generation |  | 55% - 75% |  | 60% - 75%
| Purchased power |  | 45% - 25% |  | 40% - 25%
The deferred compensation plan allows participants to defer certain cash compensation into a notional investment account. These amounts are included within other deferred liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets of MGE Energy and MGE. The notional investments earn interest based upon the semiannual rate of U.S. Treasury Bills having a 26 w eek maturity increased by 1% compounded monthly with a minimum annual rate of 7%, compounded monthly. The notional investments are based upon observable market data, however, since the deferred compensation obligations themselves are not exchanged in an active mark et, they are classified as Level 2.
New Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure | New Accounting Pronouncements - MGE Energy and MGE. a. Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance within the Codification's Revenue Recognition topic that provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of revenue from contracts with customers. This authoritative guidance will become effective January 1, 2018. MGE Energy and MGE are currently assessing the impact this pronouncement will have on their financial statements. b. C onsolidation. In February 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance within the Codification's Consolidation topic that provides guidance on the evaluation of certain legal entities for consolidation purposes. This authoritative guidance became effectiv e January 1, 2016. This guidance had no impact on our financial statements. c. Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued authoritative guidance within the Codification's Interest topic that provides guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. This authoritative guidance became effective January 1, 2016, and changed the presentation of debt issuance costs on the balance sheet. Prior to the authoritative guidance, debt issuance costs were treated a s a deferred asset, and beginning January 1, 2016, these costs are included as a direct deduction to the related debt liability on the consolidat ed balance sheet. As of June 30, 2016, assets (other deferred assets and other) and liabilities (long-term de bt) decreased approximately $4.1 million as a cumulative result of the guidance. In addition, this guidance was applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented, resulting in a decrease t o assets and liabilities of $4.3 million for the year ended Dec ember 31, 2015. d. Financial Instruments. In January 201 6, the FASB issued authoritative guidance within the Codification's Financial Instruments topic that provides guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. This author itative guidance will become effective January 1, 201 8, and will require equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income rather than in other comprehensive income. The impact of this guidance on our financial st atements is not expected to be material. e. Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance within the Leases topic that provides guidance on the classification, recognition, measurement, and disclosure of leases. This authoritative guid ance will become effective January 1, 2019. MGE Energy and MGE are currently assessing the impact this pronouncement will have on their financial statements.

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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for consolidation to describe the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest held by the entity requires the variable interest entity to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the variable interest entity; the methodology used by the entity for determining whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity; and the significant factors considered and judgments made in determining that the power to direct the activities that significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity are shared (as defined). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=52262685&loc=SL6759159-111685 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=52262685&loc=d3e5728-111685 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2AA -Subparagraph a -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=52262685&loc=SL6759068-111685 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=52262685&loc=SL6225816-111685 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18780-107790 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for derivatives used in hedging relationships, which may include how gains or losses are recognized and presented in the financial statements, and amortization policies for deferred amounts. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 25 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5618551-113959 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994 + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for investments in financial assets, including marketable securities (debt and equity securities with readily determinable fair values), investments accounted for under the equity method and cost method, securities borrowed and loaned, and repurchase and resale agreements. For marketable securities, the disclosure may include the entity's accounting treatment for transfers between investment categories and how the fair values for such securities are determined. Also, for all investments, an entity may describe its policy for assessing, recognizing and measuring impairment of the investment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27724398&loc=d3e27290-111563 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.2,12) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 325 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872867&loc=d3e40691-111596 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49121117&loc=d3e13433-108611 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 5 -Section M + Details
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- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for stock option and stock incentive plans. This disclosure may include (1) the types of stock option or incentive plans sponsored by the entity (2) the groups that participate in (or are covered by) each plan (3) significant plan provisions and (4) how stock compensation is measured, and the methodologies and significant assumptions used to determine that measurement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51655414&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b),(f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
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