WEC Energy(US:WEC)2025-07-30 19:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings of $0.76 per share for Q2 2025, reflecting a $0.09 increase compared to 2024 [15] - The earnings guidance for 2025 remains between $5.17 to $5.27 per share, assuming normal weather conditions for the remainder of the year [3][20] - The company expects an 8% to 10% growth in O&M expenses for the full year compared to 2024 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Utility operations earnings increased by $0.16 compared to 2024, with weather positively impacting earnings by approximately $0.04 [15][16] - Retail electric deliveries grew by 1.1%, led by a 1.9% increase in the large commercial and industrial segment [18] - Earnings from the Energy Infrastructure segment decreased by $0.03 due to storm damage losses [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wisconsin's unemployment rate stands at 3.2%, below the national average, indicating strong economic development in the region [4] - The company forecasts a demand growth of 1.8 gigawatts to serve the I-94 corridor, with significant projects underway [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pursuing a robust capital plan totaling $28 billion over five years, focusing on low-risk and highly executable projects [7] - The company plans to extend the operating lives of coal units at the Oak Creek plant through 2026 to meet energy demand [10] - The Very Large Customer tariff is under review, designed to meet the needs of large load customers while protecting other customers [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about continued growth in the region and the company's future, citing strong economic development and job creation [22] - The company is actively working with large customers to meet their demand needs, particularly in light of the tight capacity in the system [29] Other Important Information - The company is working on safe harboring renewable projects to qualify for tax credits under current treasury guidance [8][63] - The company has no active rate cases currently, and the Very Large Customer tariff is expected to receive a commission decision by Q2 next year [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the 3.5 gigawatts of demand and how you're thinking about procuring generation for that? - The company is actively working with large customers to meet demand needs and is exploring various options for generation planning [25][29] Question: How are you thinking about the capital update and growth rate? - The company is assessing growth patterns and will present updates in the third quarter call [31][32] Question: What is the status of the large load tariff docket? - The company has reached a settlement with large customers on the tariff, which is currently under review by the commission [34] Question: Can you provide more details on the storm damage recognized in Q2? - The company is working with insurance providers to recover losses from storm damage impacting Texas solar facilities [58] Question: How much of your plan is already safe harbor? - Approximately 40% to 50% of the plan is already safe harbored, with ongoing efforts to comply with new treasury requirements [63] Question: What influenced the decision to extend the operating lives of the Oak Creek coal units? - The decision was based on higher than expected summer demand and MISO prices, with no political pressure involved [67][68]