epe8k_070809.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



 
FORM 8-K
 



CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  July 8, 2009



ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 

 
Delaware
1-32610
13-4297064
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(Commission
 File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1100 Louisiana, 10th Floor, Houston, Texas 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
                                                                  77002
(Zip Code)
 
(713) 381-6500
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)
 


 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 
 

 

Item 8.01.  Other Events.

On January 1, 2009, Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. (“Enterprise GP Holdings”) and EPE Holdings, LLC (“EPE Holdings”) adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”).  EPE Holdings is the general partner of Enterprise GP Holdings.

Attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference are retrospectively adjusted versions of Items 6, 7, 7A, 8 and 15 – Exhibit 12.1 of Enterprise GP Holdings’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 2, 2009 (the “Form 10-K”), which reflect the adoption of SFAS 160 and the resulting change in the presentation and disclosure requirements relating to the financial statements for all periods presented in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 160.  All other Items of the Form 10-K remain unchanged.  The information in Exhibit 99.1 does not reflect events or developments that occurred after March 2, 2009. More current information is contained in the Enterprise GP Holdings’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009 and other filings with the SEC. The Form 10-Q and other filings contain important information regarding events or developments that have occurred since the filing of the 2008 Form 10-K.  This Current Report on Form 8-K should be read in conjunction with the portions of the Form 10-K that have not been updated herein.

Attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K is a retrospectively adjusted version of the consolidated balance sheet of EPE Holdings as of December 31, 2008, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2009, which reflects the adoption of SFAS 160 and the resulting change in the presentation and disclosure requirements relating to the consolidated balance sheet presented in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 160.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This current report contains various forward-looking statements and information that are based on our beliefs and those of our general partner, as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us.  When used in this document, words such as “anticipate,” “project,” “expect,” “plan,” “seek,” “goal,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “may,” “potential” and similar expressions and statements regarding our plans and objectives for future operations, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Although we and our general partner believe that such expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, neither we nor our general partner can give any assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct.  Such statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and assumptions as described in more detail in Part I, Item 1A of our 2008 Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2009.  If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected.  You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.















 
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Item 9.01.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)  Exhibits.

Exhibit No.
Description
   
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
99.1
Recast Items 6, 7, 7A, 8 and 15 – Exhibit 12.1 of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.’s Annual
 
    Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
99.2
Recast Consolidated Balance Sheet of EPE Holdings, LLC on Form 8-K at
 
    December 31, 2008



 

 
SIGNATURES
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
   
ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
     
   
By:   EPE Holdings, LLC, as General Partner
     
     
     
     
Date: July 8, 2009
 
By:
      s/ Michael J. Knesek
   
Name:
Michael J. Knesek
   
Title:
Senior Vice President, Controller
and Principal Accounting Officer
of EPE Holdings, LLC

 

 

 
2

 

exhibit23_1.htm
EXHIBIT 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
     
We consent to the incorporation by reference in (i) Registration Statement No. No. 333-129668 of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. on Form S-8, and (ii) Registration Statement No. 333-146236 of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 2, 2009 (July 6, 2009 as to the effects of the adoption of SFAS 160 and the related disclosures in Notes 1 and 3), relating to the consolidated financial statements of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. and subsidiaries (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning the retrospective adjustments related to the adoption of SFAS 160), appearing in this Current Report on Form 8-K of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
July 6, 2009

exhibit23_2.htm
 
EXHIBIT 23.2
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in (i) Registration Statement No. 333-129668 of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. on Form S-8 and (ii) Registration Statement No. 333-146236 of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 2, 2009 (July 6, 2009 as to the effects of the adoption of SFAS 160 and the related disclosures in Notes 1 and 3), relating to the consolidated balance sheet of EPE Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph concerning the retrospective adjustments related to the adoption of SFAS 160), appearing in this Current Report on Form 8-K of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.



/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
July 6, 2009






exhibit99_1.htm
 
EXHIBIT 99.1

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data for Enterprise GP Holdings, L.P., which has been adjusted for our adoption of SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment of ARB No. 51.  Information presented with respect to the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and at December 31, 2008 and 2007 should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.  The operating results and balance sheet information for periods prior to our initial public offering in April 2005 were derived from the consolidated financial information of our predecessor, Enterprise Products GP, LLC and its subsidiaries, which includes Enterprise Products Partners L.P.. Information regarding our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources can be found under Item 7 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.  As presented in the table, amounts are in thousands (except per unit data).

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Results of operations data: (1)
                             
Revenues
  $ 35,469,576     $ 26,713,769     $ 23,612,146     $ 20,858,240     $ 8,321,202  
Income before change in accounting
  principle (2)
  $ 1,145,513     $ 762,381     $ 772,484     $ 561,380     $ 259,169  
Net income
  $ 1,145,513     $ 762,381     $ 772,577     $ 561,153     $ 259,385  
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP
  Holdings L.P.
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,992     $ 82,209     $ 29,778  
Earnings per unit:
                                       
   Basic and Diluted (3)
  $ 1.33     $ 0.97     $ 1.30     $ 0.90     $ 0.40  
Other financial data:
                                       
Distributions per unit (4)
  $ 1.79     $ 1.55     $ 1.29     $ 0.372       n/a  
                                         
   
At December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Financial position data: (1)
                                       
Total assets
  $ 25,371,346     $ 23,724,102     $ 18,699,891     $ 17,074,071     $ 11,315,901  
Long-term and current maturities of debt (5) 
  $ 12,714,928     $ 9,861,205     $ 7,053,877     $ 6,493,301     $ 4,647,669  
Equity (6)
  $ 9,350,307     $ 9,120,825     $ 8,559,068     $ 7,653,828     $ 5,030,581  
Total units outstanding (7)
    123,192       112,325       103,057       91,802       74,667  
                                         
(1)   In general, our historical results of operations and financial position have been affected by business combinations, asset acquisitions and other capital spending, including the consolidation of TEPPCO Partners, L.P. (“TEPPCO”) effective January 1, 2005. In February 2005, private company affiliates of EPCO, Inc. under common control with Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. acquired ownership interests in TEPPCO and Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Company, LLC (“TEPPCO GP”). In May 2007, Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. acquired non-controlling interests in both Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. and LE GP, LLC.
(2)   Amounts presented are before the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles and noncontrolling interest.
(3)   For information regarding our earnings per unit for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, see Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
(4)   For information regarding Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.’s cash distributions, see Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
(5)   In general, our consolidated debt has increased over time as a result of financing all or a portion of acquisitions and other capital spending. In addition, the inclusion of TEPPCO effective January 1, 2005 increased our consolidated debt.
(6)   For information regarding our equity, see Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
(7)   Represents the weighted-average number of units outstanding during each year. For additional information regarding units outstanding, see Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
 








 
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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

The following information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and our accompanying notes included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.  Our discussion and analysis includes the following:

§  
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

§  
Significant Relationships Referenced in this Discussion and Analysis.

§  
Overview of Business.

§  
Basis of Presentation.

§  
General Outlook for 2009.

§  
Parent Company Recent Developments – Discusses significant matters pertaining to the Parent Company during the year ended December 31, 2008.

§  
Results of Operations – Discusses material year-to-year changes in operating income, interest expense, other income and noncontrolling interest as presented in our Statements of Consolidated Operations.

§  
Liquidity and Capital Resources – Addresses available sources of liquidity and capital resources and includes a discussion of our consolidated capital spending program.

§  
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.

§  
Other Items – Includes information related to contractual obligations, off-balance sheet arrangements, related party transactions, recent accounting pronouncements and other matters.

As generally used in the energy industry and in this discussion, the identified terms have the following meanings:

/d
 
= per day
BBtus
 
= billion British thermal units
Bcf
 
= billion cubic feet
MBPD
 
= thousand barrels per day
MMBbls
 
= million barrels
MMcf
 
= million cubic feet

Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This management’s discussion and analysis contains various forward-looking statements and information that are based on our beliefs and those of EPE Holdings, as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us.  When used in this document, words such as “anticipate,” “project,” “expect,” “plan,” “seek,” “goal,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “may,” “potential,” and similar expressions and statements regarding our plans and objectives for future operations, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Although we and EPE Holdings believe that such expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, neither we nor EPE Holdings can give any assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct.

 
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Such statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and assumptions as described in more detail in Item 1A of our 2008 Form 10-K.  If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected.  You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Significant Relationships Referenced in this Discussion and Analysis

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Partnership” are intended to mean the business and operations of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

References to the “Parent Company” mean Enterprise GP Holdings L.P., individually as the parent company, and not on a consolidated basis.  The Parent Company is owned 99.99% by its limited partners and 0.01% by its general partner, EPE Holdings, LLC (“EPE Holdings”).  EPE Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dan Duncan, LLC, the membership interests of which are owned by Dan L. Duncan.

References to “Enterprise Products Partners” mean Enterprise Products Partners L.P., the common units of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “EPD.”  Enterprise Products Partners has no business activities outside those conducted by its operating subsidiary, Enterprise Products Operating LLC (“EPO”).  References to “EPGP” refer to Enterprise Products GP, LLC, which is the general partner of Enterprise Products Partners.  EPGP is owned by the Parent Company.

References to “Duncan Energy Partners” mean Duncan Energy Partners L.P., which is a consolidated subsidiary of EPO.  Duncan Energy Partners is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “DEP.”  References to “DEP GP” mean DEP Holdings, LLC, which is the general partner of Duncan Energy Partners.

References to “TEPPCO” mean TEPPCO Partners, L.P., a publicly traded affiliate, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “TPP.”  References to “TEPPCO GP” refer to Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Company, LLC, which is the general partner of TEPPCO.  TEPPCO GP is owned by the Parent Company.

References to “Energy Transfer Equity” mean the business and operations of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which includes Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (“ETP”).  Energy Transfer Equity is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “ETE.” The general partner of Energy Transfer Equity is LE GP, LLC (“LE GP”).  The Parent Company owns non-controlling interests in both Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP that it accounts for using the equity method of accounting.

References to “Employee Partnerships” mean EPE Unit L.P. (“EPE Unit I”), EPE Unit II, L.P. (“EPE Unit II”), EPE Unit III, L.P. (“EPE Unit III”), Enterprise Unit L.P. (“Enterprise Unit”), EPCO Unit L.P. (“EPCO Unit”), TEPPCO Unit L.P. (“TEPPCO Unit I”), and TEPPCO Unit II L.P. (“TEPPCO Unit II”), collectively, all of which are private company affiliates of EPCO, Inc.

References to “EPCO” mean EPCO, Inc. and its private company affiliates, which are related party affiliates to all of the foregoing named entities.  Mr. Duncan is the Group Co-Chairman and controlling shareholder of EPCO.

References to “DFI” mean Duncan Family Interests, Inc. and “DFIGP” mean DFI GP Holdings, L.P. DFI and DFIGP are private company affiliates of EPCO.  The Parent Company acquired its ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP from DFI and DFIGP.

The Parent Company, Enterprise Products Partners, EPGP, TEPPCO, TEPPCO GP, the Employee Partnerships, EPCO, DFI and DFIGP are affiliates under common control of Mr. Duncan. We do not control Energy Transfer Equity or LE GP.
 
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Overview of Business

We are a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the limited partnership interests (the “Units”) of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “EPE.”  The business of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. is the ownership of general and limited partner interests of publicly traded partnerships engaged in the midstream energy industry and related businesses to increase cash distributions to its unitholders.

The Parent Company is owned 99.99% by its limited partners and 0.01% by its general partner, EPE Holdings.  EPE Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dan Duncan, LLC, the membership interests of which are owned by Dan L. Duncan.  The Parent Company has no operations apart from its investing activities and indirectly overseeing the management of the entities controlled by it.  At December 31, 2008 the Parent Company had investments in Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO, Energy Transfer Equity and their respective general partners.

See Note 24 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for financial information regarding the Parent Company.

Basis of Presentation

In accordance with rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and various other accounting standard-setting organizations, our general purpose financial statements reflect the consolidation of the financial statements of businesses that we control through the ownership of general partner interests (e.g. Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO).  Our general purpose consolidated financial statements present those investments in which we do not have a controlling interest as unconsolidated affiliates (e.g. Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP).  To the extent that Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO reflect investments in unconsolidated affiliates in their respective consolidated financial statements, such investments will also be reflected as such in our general purpose financial statements unless subsequently consolidated by us due to common control considerations (e.g. Jonah Gas Gathering Company and the Texas Offshore Port System).  Also, noncontrolling interest presented in our financial statements reflects third-party and related party ownership of our consolidated subsidiaries, which include the third-party and related party unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Duncan Energy Partners other than the Parent Company.  Unless noted otherwise, our discussions and analysis in this Current Report on Form 8-K are presented from the perspective of our consolidated businesses and operations.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment to ARB No. 51.  SFAS 160 established accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests, which were previously identified as minority interest in our consolidated financial statements.  The presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160 have been applied retrospectively to the consolidated financial statements, notes and disclosures included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

General Outlook for 2009

Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO

The current global recession and financial crisis have impacted energy companies generally.  The recession and related slowdown in economic activity has reduced demand for energy and related products, which in turn has generally led to significant decreases in the prices of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs.  The financial crisis has resulted in the effective insolvency, liquidation or government intervention for a number of financial institutions, investment companies, hedge funds and highly leveraged industrial companies.  This has had an adverse impact on the prices of debt and equity securities that has generally increased the cost and limited the availability of debt and equity capital.

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Commercial Outlook.  In 2008, there was significant volatility in the prices of refined products, crude oil, natural gas, LPGs and NGLs.  For example, the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil ranged from a high near $147 per barrel in mid-2008 to $35 per barrel in January 2009; while the price of natural gas at the Henry Hub ranged from a high of over $13.00 per MMBtu in mid-2008 to $5.00 per MMBtu in January 2009.  On a composite basis, the average price of NGLs declined from $1.68 per gallon for the third quarter of 2008 to $0.74 per gallon for the fourth quarter of 2008.  The decrease in energy commodity prices combined with higher costs of capital have led many crude oil and natural gas producers to reconsider their drilling budgets for 2009.  As midstream energy companies, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO provide services for producers and consumers of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and certain petrochemicals.  The products that they process, sell or transport are principally used as fuel for residential, agricultural and commercial heating; feedstocks in petrochemical manufacturing; and in the production of motor gasoline.

The decrease in energy commodity prices has caused many oil and natural gas producers, which include many customers of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and ETP, to reduce their drilling budgets in 2009.  This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of drilling rigs operating in the United States as surveyed by Baker Hughes Incorporated.  The U.S. operating rig count decreased from a peak of 2,031 rigs in September 2008 to approximately 1,300 in February 2009.  We expect oil and gas producers in our operating areas to reduce their drilling activity to varying degrees, which may lead to lower crude oil, natural gas and NGL production growth in the near term and, as a result, lower transportation, processing and marketing volumes for Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO than would have otherwise been the case.

In its natural gas processing business, Enterprise Products Partners hedged approximately 80% of its equity NGL production margins for 2008 to mitigate the commodity price risk associated with these volumes.   It has hedged approximately 67% of its expected equity NGL production margins for 2009.  Since the hedges were consummated at prices that are significantly higher than current levels, Enterprise Products Partners is expected to be partially insulated from lower natural gas processing margins in 2009.

The recession has reduced demand for midstream energy services and products by industrial customers.  In the fourth quarter of 2008, the petrochemical industry experienced a dramatic destocking of inventories, which reduced demand for purity NGL products such as ethane, propane and normal butane.  We expect that petrochemical demand will strengthen in early 2009 and have starting seeing signs of such demand through February 2009 as petrochemical customers have begun to restock their depleted inventories.  This trend is also evidenced by slightly higher operating rates of U.S. ethylene crackers, which averaged approximately 70% of capacity in February 2009 as compared to 56% in December 2008.  Four additional ethylene crackers were expected to recommence operations in February 2009.  The average utilization rate for ethylene crackers in 2008 was approximately 80%.  Based on currently available information, we expect that the operating rates of U.S. ethylene crackers will approximate 80% of capacity in 2009.  We expect that crude oil prices will rebound from recent lows in the second half of 2009. As a result, we believe the petrochemical industry will continue to prefer NGL feedstocks over crude-based alternatives such as naphtha.  In general, when the price of crude oil rises relative to that of natural gas, NGLs become more attractive as a source of feedstocks for the petrochemical industry.

The recession has also impacted the demand for refined products such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.  According to EIA statistics, gasoline demand decreased 3.5% for 2008 when compared to 2007.  Demand for diesel and jet fuel have also weakened in response to the slowing economy.  Many refiners have announced plans to perform major maintenance projects during the first quarter of 2009 in response to weakened demand for their products.  This situation will most likely contribute to a decrease in transportation volumes on refined products pipelines such as those owned by TEPPCO.  We expect that demand for refined products will remain at current levels until the domestic economy begins to recover from the current recession.

The reduction in near-term demand for crude oil and NGLs has created a contango market (i.e., a market in which the price of a commodity is higher in future months than the current spot price) for these
 
 
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products, which, in turn, we are benefiting from through an increase in revenues earned by our storage assets in Mont Belvieu, Texas and Cushing, Oklahoma.

Liquidity Outlook.  Debt and equity capital markets have also experienced significant recent volatility.  The major U.S. and international equity market indices experienced significant losses in 2008, including losses of approximately 38% and 34% for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average, respectively.  Likewise, the Alerian MLP Index, which is a recognized major index for publicly traded partnerships, lost approximately 42% of its value.  The contraction in credit available to and investor redemptions of holdings in certain investment companies and hedge funds exacerbated the selling pressure and volatility in both the debt and equity capital markets.  This has resulted in a higher cost of debt and equity capital for the public and private sector.  Near term demand for equity securities through follow on offerings, including common units of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO, may be reduced due to the recent problems encountered by investment companies and hedge funds, both of which significantly participated in equity offerings over the past few years.

While the cost of capital has increased, Enterprise Products Partners has demonstrated its ability to access the debt and equity capital markets during this distressed period.  In December 2008, Enterprise Products Partners issued $500.0 million of 9.75% senior notes.  The higher cost of capital is evident when you compare the interest rate of the December 2008 senior notes offering to the $400.0 million of 5.65% senior notes that Enterprise Products Partners issued in March 2008.  On a positive note, Enterprise Products Partners’ indicative cost of long-term borrowing has improved approximately 250 basis points in early 2009 in conjunction with the recent improvement in the debt capital markets.  Enterprise Products Partners believes that it will be able to either access the capital markets or utilize availability under its long-term multi-year revolving credit facility to refinance its $717.6 million of debt obligations that mature in 2009. In January 2009, Enterprise Products Partners issued approximately 10.6 million of its common units at an effective annual distribution yield of 9.5%.  Net proceeds from this offering were $225.6 million and used to reduce borrowings and for general partnership purposes.

TEPPCO’s actions to raise approximately $510.0 million of capital in the third quarter of 2008, including $264.0 million of net proceeds from a September 2008 equity offering and $250.0 million from increasing commitments under its credit facility, put TEPPCO in position to avoid the higher cost of debt and equity capital that prevailed in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The increase in the cost of capital has caused Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO to prioritize their respective internal growth projects to select those with higher rates of return.  However, consistent with their business strategies, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO continuously evaluate possible acquisitions of assets that would complement their current operations.   Given the current state of the credit markets, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO believe competition for such assets has decreased, which may result in opportunities for them to acquire assets at attractive prices that would be accretive to their partners and expand their portfolio of midstream energy assets.

Based on information currently available, Enterprise Products Partners estimates that its capital spending for property, plant and equipment in 2009 will approximate $1.0 billion, which includes $820.0 million for growth capital projects and $180.0 million for sustaining capital expenditures.   TEPPCO estimates that its spending for property, plant and equipment in 2009 will approximate $340.0 million, which includes $288.0 million for growth capital projects and $52.0 million primarily for sustaining capital expenditures.   The 2009 forecast amounts for growth capital projects include amounts that are expected to be spent by Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO on the Texas Offshore Port System.  See “Results of Operations – Investment in Enterprise Products Partners” for additional information regarding the Texas Offshore Port System joint venture.

Enterprise Products Partners expects four of its significant construction projects to be completed and the assets placed into service during the first half of 2009.  These projects include (i) the expansion of the Meeker natural gas processing plant, which began operations in February 2009, (ii) the Exxon Mobil central treating facility, (iii) the Sherman Extension natural gas pipeline, and (iv) the Shenzi crude oil pipeline in the Gulf of Mexico.  Substantially all of the financing to fund these projects has been
 
 
6

completed.  In 2009, Enterprise Products Partners expects these projects to contribute significant new sources of revenue, operating income and cash flow from operations.

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike damaged a number of energy-related assets onshore and offshore along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast in the summer of 2008, including certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ offshore pipelines and platforms.  Repairs are being completed on Enterprise Products Partners’ affected assets and they are expected to be ready to return to service once third party production fields return to operational status over the course of 2009.

A few of Enterprise Products Partners’ and TEPPCO’s customers have experienced severe financial problems leading to a significant impact on their creditworthiness.  These financial problems are rooted in various factors including the significant use of debt, current financial crises, economic recession and changes in commodity prices.  Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO are working to implement, to the extent allowable under applicable contracts, tariffs and regulations, prepayments and other security requirements, such as letters of credit, to enhance their respective credit position relating to amounts owed them by certain customers.  We cannot provide assurance that one or more of our customers will not default on their obligations to us or that such a default or defaults will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows; however, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO believe that they have provided adequate allowances for such customers.

We expect that Enterprise Products Partners’ and TEPPCO’s proactive approach to funding capital spending and other partnership needs, combined with sufficient trade credit to operate their businesses efficiently, and available borrowing capacity under their credit facilities, will provide them with a foundation to meet their anticipated liquidity and capital requirements in 2009.  We believe that Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO will be able to access the capital markets in 2009 to maintain financial flexibility.  Based on information currently available to us, we believe that Enterprise Product Partners and TEPPCO will maintain their investment grade credit ratings and meet their loan covenant obligations in 2009.

Energy Transfer Equity (as excerpted from Energy Transfer Equity L.P.’s Form 10-K
      for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008)

The following information was taken directly from the “Trends and Outlook” section under Item 7 of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Within the context of the following quotes, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “ETE” mean Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which include ETP.  References to “the Parent Company” mean Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. on a stand-alone basis. References to “FEP” mean Fayetteville Express Pipeline, LLC.  The following statements are the responsibility of the management of Energy Transfer Equity L.P. and we have not made any independent inquiry with respect to such matters.

“The current constraints in the capital markets may affect our ability to obtain funding through new borrowings or the issuance of Common Units.  In addition, we expect that, to the extent we are successful in arranging new debt financing, we will incur increased costs associated with these debt financings.  In light of the current market conditions, we have taken steps to preserve our liquidity position including, but not limited to, reducing discretionary capital expenditures, maintaining our cash distribution rate and continuing to appropriately manage operating and administrative costs to improve profitability.  ETP also successfully completed a $600.0 million senior note offering in December 2008 and a 6.9 million ETP Common Unit offering in January 2009.  As of December 31, 2008, in addition to approximately $91.9 million of cash on hand, we had available capacity under the Parent Company’s debt facilities and the ETP Credit Facility of $1.42 billion.  On a pro forma basis, as of December 31, 2008, taking into account net proceeds of approximately $225.9 million from ETP’s January 2009 equity offering, available capacity under the ETP Credit Facility was $1.27 billion.  We expect to utilize these resources, along with cash from operations, to fund our announced growth capital expenditures for 2009 and working capital needs during 2009.  In addition to these sources of liquidity, we may also access the debt and equity markets during 2009 in order to provide additional liquidity to fund growth capital expenditures for future years or for other partnership purposes.
 
 
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ETP will continue to evaluate a variety of financing sources in order to fund its future growth capital expenditures and working capital needs, including funds available under our existing revolving credit facility, funds raised from future equity and/or debt offerings and funds raised from other sources, which sources may include project financing or other alternative financing arrangements from third parties or affiliated parties.  In this regard, ETP has initiated discussions with us regarding the prospect of our purchasing additional ETP Common Units from ETP.  We have an aggregate of approximately $378.4 million of cash on hand and available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2008.

We believe that the size and scope of our operations, our stable asset base and cash flow profile and our investment grade status will be significant positive factors in our efforts to obtain new debt or equity funding; however, there is no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining financing under any of the alternatives discussed above if current capital market conditions continue for an extended period of time or if markets deteriorate further from current conditions.  Furthermore, the terms, size and cost of any one of these financing alternatives could be less favorable and could be impacted by the timing and magnitude of our funding requirements, market conditions, and other uncertainties.

Current economic conditions also indicate that many of our customers may encounter increased credit risk in the near term.  In particular, our natural gas transportation and midstream revenues are derived significantly from companies that engage in natural gas exploration and production activities. Prices for natural gas and NGLs have fallen dramatically since July 2008. Many of our customers have been negatively impacted by these recent declines in natural gas prices as well as current conditions in the capital markets, which factors have caused several of our customers to announce plans to decrease drilling levels and, in some cases, to consider shutting in natural gas production from some producing wells.

In our intrastate and interstate natural gas operations, a significant portion of our revenue is derived from long-term fee-based arrangements pursuant to which our customers pay us capacity reservation charges regardless of the volume of natural gas transported; however, a portion of our revenue is derived from charges based on actual volumes transported.  As a result, our operating cash flows from our natural gas pipeline operations are not tied directly to changes in natural gas and NGL prices; however, the volumes of natural gas we transport may be adversely affected by reduced drilling activity of our customers as a result of lower natural gas prices. As a portion of our pipeline transportation revenue is based on volumes transported, lower volumes of natural gas transported would result in lower revenue from our intrastate and interstate natural gas operations. Based on the significant level of revenue we receive from reservation capacity charges under long-term contracts and our review of the recent announcements of drilling plans by our customers, we do not expect the current level of natural gas prices to have a significant adverse effect on our operating results; however, there are no assurances that commodity prices will not decline further, which could result in a further reduction in drilling activities by our customers.

Since certain of our natural gas marketing operations and substantially all of our propane operations involve the purchase and resale of natural gas and NGLs, we expect our revenues and costs of products sold to be lower than prior periods if commodity prices remain at or fall below existing levels.  However, we do not expect our margins from these activities to be significantly impacted as we typically purchase the commodity at a lower price than the sales price.  Since the prices of natural gas and NGLs have been volatile, there are no assurances that we will ultimately sell the commodity for a profit.

As noted above, we may reduce our level of discretionary capital expenditures for growth projects in order to preserve our capital resources in the event that the capital market conditions do not allow us to obtain debt or equity financing on reasonable terms. In the event we do not pursue growth projects due to lack of capital, we would likely not achieve the growth in distributable cash flow as we have previously planned.

We actively monitor the credit status of our counterparties, performing both quantitative and qualitative assessments based on their credit ratings and credit default swaps where applicable, and to date have not had any significant credit defaults associated with our transactions.  However, given the current
 
 
8

volatility in the financial markets, we cannot be certain that we will not experience such losses in the future.”

Parent Company Recent Developments

The following information highlights the Parent Company’s significant developments since January 1, 2008 through March 2, 2009 (the date of filing of the 2008 10-K).

Conversion of Class C Units

On February 1, 2009, all of the Parent Company’s 16,000,000 Class C Units converted to Units on a one-to-one basis.  These Units are eligible to receive cash distributions beginning with the distribution expected to be paid in May 2009 with respect to the first quarter of 2009.  For additional information regarding the Class C Units, see Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Acquisition of additional interests in LE GP

On January 22, 2009, the Parent Company acquired an additional 5.7% membership interest in LE GP for $0.8 million, which increased our total ownership in LE GP to 40.6%.

Results of Operations

Our investing activities are organized into business segments that reflect how the Chief Executive Officer of our general partner (i.e., our chief operating decision maker) routinely manages and reviews the financial performance of the Parent Company’s investments.  On a consolidated basis, we have three reportable business segments:

§  
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners – Reflects the consolidated operations of Enterprise Products Partners and its general partner, EPGP.  This segment also includes the development stage assets of the Texas Offshore Port System joint venture (as defined below).

In August 2008, Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Oiltanking, announced the formation of a joint venture (the “Texas Offshore Port System”) to design, construct, operate and own a Texas offshore crude oil port and a related onshore pipeline and storage system that would facilitate delivery of waterborne crude oil cargoes to refining centers located along the upper Texas Gulf Coast.  Demand for such projects is being driven by planned and expected refinery expansions along the Gulf Coast, expected increases in shipping traffic and operating limitations of regional ship channels.

The joint venture’s primary project, referred to as “TOPS,” includes (i) an offshore port (which will be located approximately 36 miles from Freeport, Texas), (ii) an onshore storage facility with approximately 3.9 MMBbls of crude oil storage capacity, and (iii) an 85-mile crude oil pipeline system having a transportation capacity of up to 1.8 MMBbls/d, that will extend from the offshore port to a storage facility near Texas City, Texas.  The joint venture’s complementary project, referred to as the Port Arthur Crude Oil Express (or “PACE”) will transport crude oil from Texas City, including crude oil from TOPS, and will consist of a 75-mile pipeline and 1.2 MMBbls of crude oil storage capacity in the Port Arthur, Texas area. Development of the TOPS and PACE projects is supported by long-term contracts with affiliates of Motiva and Exxon Mobil, which have committed a combined 725,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the projects.  The timing of the construction and related capital costs of the TOPS and PACE projects will be affected by the expansion plans of Motiva and the acquisition of requisite permits.

Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Oiltanking each own, through their respective subsidiaries, a one-third interest in the joint venture.  A subsidiary of Enterprise Products Partners acts as construction manager and will act as operator for the joint venture.  The aggregate cost of
 
 
9

the TOPS and PACE projects is expected to be approximately $1.8 billion (excluding capitalized interest), with the majority of such capital expenditures currently expected to occur in 2010 and 2011.  Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO have each guaranteed up to approximately $700.0 million, which includes a contingency amount for potential cost overruns, of the capital contribution obligations of their respective subsidiary partners in the joint venture. 

Within their respective financial statements, TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners will account for their individual ownership interests in the Texas Offshore Port System using the equity method of accounting.  As a result of common control of TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners at the Parent Company level, the Texas Offshore Port System is a consolidated subsidiary of the Parent Company and Oiltanking’s interest in the joint venture is accounted for as noncontrolling interest.  For financial reporting purposes, our management determined that the joint venture should be included within the Investment in Enterprise Products Partners segment.

§  
Investment in TEPPCO – Reflects the consolidated operations of TEPPCO and its general partner, TEPPCO GP.  This segment also includes the assets and operations of Jonah Gas Gathering Company (“Jonah”).

TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners are joint venture partners in Jonah, which owns a natural gas gathering system (the “Jonah system”) located in southwest Wyoming.  Within their respective financial statements, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO account for their individual ownership interests in Jonah using the equity method of accounting.  As a result of common control of TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners at the Parent Company level, Jonah is a consolidated subsidiary of the Parent Company.  For financial reporting purposes, our management determined that Jonah should be included within the Investment in TEPPCO segment.

§  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity – Reflects the Parent Company’s investments in Energy Transfer Equity and its general partner, LE GP.  These investments were acquired in May 2007.  The Parent Company accounts for these non-controlling investments using the equity method of accounting.

Each of the respective general partners of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Energy Transfer Equity have separate operating management and boards of directors, with each board having at least three independent directors.  We control Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO through our ownership of their respective general partners.  We do not control Energy Transfer Equity or its general partner.

We evaluate segment performance based on operating income. For additional information regarding our business segments, see Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.














 
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The following table summarizes our historical financial information by business segment for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Revenues:
                 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 21,905,656     $ 16,950,125     $ 13,990,969  
Investment in TEPPCO
    13,765,905       9,862,676       9,691,320  
Eliminations (1)
    (201,985 )     (99,032 )     (70,143 )
      Total revenues
    35,469,576       26,713,769       23,612,146  
Costs and expenses:
                       
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
    20,551,874       16,097,178       13,154,755  
Investment in TEPPCO
    13,398,579       9,520,610       9,425,153  
Other, non-segment including Parent Company (2)
    (189,803 )     (84,241 )     (59,569 )
      Total costs and expenses
    33,760,650       25,533,547       22,520,339  
Equity earnings (loss):
                       
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
    37,734       20,301       21,327  
Investment in TEPPCO
    (2,871 )     (9,793 )     3,886  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity (3)
    31,298       3,095       --  
      Total equity earnings
    66,161       13,603       25,213  
Operating income:
                       
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
    1,391,516       873,248       857,541  
Investment in TEPPCO
    364,455       332,273       270,053  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity
    31,298       3,095       --  
Other, non-segment including Parent Company
    (12,182 )     (14,791 )     (10,574 )
      Total operating income
    1,775,087       1,193,825       1,117,020  
Interest expense
    (608,223 )     (487,419 )     (333,742 )
Provision for income taxes
    (31,019 )     (15,813 )     (21,974 )
Other income, net
    9,668       71,788       11,180  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (4)
    --       --       93  
Net income
    1,145,513       762,381       772,577  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest (5)
    (981,458 )     (653,360 )     (638,585 )
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,992  
                         
(1)   Represents the elimination of revenues between our business segments.
(2)   Represents the elimination of expenses between business segments. In addition, these amounts include nominal amounts of general and administrative costs of the Parent Company. Such costs were $7.3 million, $4.3 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
(3)   Represents equity earnings from the Parent Company’s investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP. See Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for information regarding these investments, including related excess cost amortization.
(4)   For information regarding the change in accounting principle, including a presentation of the pro forma effects these changes would have on our historical earnings, see Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
(5)   Noncontrolling interest represents the allocation of earnings of our consolidated subsidiaries to third party and related party owners of such entities other than the Parent Company. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for information regarding our noncontrolling interest amounts.
 

Review of Segment Operating Income Amounts

Comparison of 2008 with 2007

Investment in Enterprise Products Partners.  Segment revenues increased $4.96 billion year-to-year primarily due to higher energy commodity sales volumes and prices associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ marketing activities.  These factors contributed to a $5.01 billion year-to-year increase in segment revenues associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ marketing activities.  Equity NGLs produced at Enterprise Products Partners’ newly constructed Meeker and Pioneer natural gas plants and

 
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sold in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ NGL marketing activities contributed $731.3 million of the year-to-year increase in marketing activity revenues.

Segment costs and expenses, which include operating expenses and general and administrative costs, increased $4.45 billion year-to-year.  The cost of sales associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ marketing activities increased $3.57 billion year-to-year primarily due to higher energy commodity sales volumes and prices.  The remainder of the year-to-year increase in segment operating costs and expenses is attributable to (i) a $306.3 million year-to-year increase in operating expenses associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas processing plants as a result of higher energy commodity prices and (ii) a $414.3 million year-to-year increase in operating costs and expenses attributable to Enterprise Products Partners’ newly constructed assets.  Segment general and administrative costs increased $2.8 million year-to-year.

Changes in Enterprise Products Partners’ revenues and costs and expenses year-to-year are explained in part by changes in energy commodity prices.  The weighted-average indicative market price for NGLs was $1.40 per gallon during 2008 versus $1.19 per gallon during 2007.  Our determination of the weighted-average indicative market price for NGLs is based on U.S. Gulf Coast prices for such products at Mont Belvieu, Texas, which is the primary industry hub for domestic NGL production.  The market price of natural gas (as measured at Henry Hub) averaged $9.04 per MMBtu during 2008 versus $6.86 per MMBtu during 2007.

Total segment operating income increased $518.3 million year-to-year due to strength in the underlying performance of Enterprise Products Partners’ business lines.  Enterprise Products Partners operates in four primary business lines: NGL Pipelines & Services, Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines & Services, Offshore Pipelines & Services and Petrochemical Services.

Operating income attributable to NGL Pipelines & Services increased $438.9 million year-to-year primarily due to strong natural gas processing margins and demand for NGLs from the petrochemical and motor gasoline refining industries during 2008.  These factors lead to higher NGL sales margins during 2008 relative to 2007.  In addition, these factors also resulted in a year-to-year increase in equity NGL production and higher NGL throughput volumes at certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ pipelines and fractionation facilities.

Operating income attributable to Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines & Services increased $68.9 million year-to-year primarily due to higher revenues from Enterprise Products Partners’ San Juan Gathering System and increased transportation volumes and fees on its Texas Intrastate System.  This business line also benefited from higher natural gas volumes on certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ other pipelines and storage assets as well as higher natural gas sales margins on its Acadian Gas System.

Operating income attributable to Offshore Pipelines & Services increased $13.6 million year-to-year primarily due to increased volumes on Enterprise Products Partners’ Independence Hub platform and Trail pipeline and its Cameron Highway Oil Pipeline.  Contributions to operating income from these assets were largely offset by the effects of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which include (i) downtime resulting from damage sustained by Enterprise Products Partners’ offshore assets as well as downstream assets owned by third-parties, (ii) reduced volumes available to Enterprise Products Partners’ offshore assets as a result of upstream supply disruptions and (iii) property damage repair expenses.

Operating income attributable to Petrochemical Services decreased $3.2 million year-to-year.   A decrease in operating income from Enterprise Products Partners’ octane enhancement business attributable to the effects of operational issues and Hurricane Ike during 2008 was partially offset by an increase in operating income from Enterprise Products Partners’ propylene fractionation business.  Enterprise Products Partners’ propylene fractionation business benefited from a year-to-year increase in propylene sales margins.

 
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As a result of Enterprise Products Partners’ allocated share of EPCO’s insurance deductibles for windstorm coverage, segment operating income for 2008 includes $47.9 million of repair expenses for property damage sustained by Enterprise Products Partners’ assets as a result of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Investment in TEPPCO.  Segment revenues increased $3.90 billion year-to-year primarily due to higher crude oil prices and petroleum products sales volumes during 2008 relative to 2007. These factors contributed to a $3.66 billion increase in segment revenues associated with TEPPCO’s marketing activities, primarily crude oil sales. TEPPCO’s Marine Services business line, which TEPPCO acquired in February 2008, contributed $164.3 million of revenues during 2008.

Segment costs and expenses, which include operating expenses and general and administrative costs, increased $3.88 billion year-to-year.  The cost of sales associated with TEPPCO’s marketing activities increased $3.66 billion year-to-year as a result of higher crude oil prices and sales volumes. TEPPCO’s Marine Services business line accounted for $129.8 million of costs and expenses during 2008.  The remainder of the year-to-year increase in segment costs and expenses is primarily attributable to higher pipeline operating and maintenance expenses.  Segment general and administrative costs increased $7.0 million year-to-year largely due to expenses associated with the Marine Services business line.

Changes in TEPPCO’s revenues and costs and expenses year-to-year are explained in part by changes in energy commodity prices.  The market price of crude oil (as measured on the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”)) averaged $99.73 per barrel during 2008 compared to an average of $72.24 per barrel during 2007 – a 38% increase.

Segment operating income increased $32.2 million year-to-year primarily due to the underlying results of TEPPCO’s four primary business lines:  Downstream, Upstream, Midstream and Marine Services.  Segment operating income for 2008 included $34.5 million attributable to TEPPCO’s Marine Services business line.  

Operating income attributable to the Upstream business line increased $20.6 million year-to-year primarily due to higher pipeline throughput volumes.  Operating income attributable to the Midstream business line increased $22.9 million year-to-year primarily due to higher volumes on the Jonah system attributable to the completion of the Phase V expansion project.  Capacity on the Jonah system to gather natural gas from the Jonah and Pinedale fields increased to 2.35 Bcf/d from 1.5 Bcf/d as a result of the Phase V expansion project.  Operating income attributable to the Downstream business line decreased $46.3 million year-to-year primarily due to expenses associated with pipeline and storage tank maintenance, inventory adjustments during 2008 and a gain that TEPPCO recorded in connection with its sale of assets to a third-party in March 2007.

As a result of TEPPCO’s allocated share of EPCO’s insurance deductibles for windstorm coverage, segment operating income for 2008 includes $1.2 million of repair expenses for property damage sustained by TEPPCO’s assets as a result of Hurricane Ike.

Investment in Energy Transfer Equity.  Segment operating income was $31.3 million for 2008 versus $3.1 million for 2007.  This segment reflects the Parent Company’s non-controlling ownership interests in Energy Transfer Equity and its general partner, LE GP, both of which are accounted for using the equity method.  Total segment operating income increased $28.2 million year-to-year primarily as a result of our acquisition of interests in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP in May 2007.  In May 2007, the Parent Company paid $1.65 billion to acquire approximately 17.5% of the common units of Energy Transfer Equity, or 38,976,090 units, and approximately 34.9% of the membership interests of LE GP.

Equity earnings from these investments are derived from financial statements published in the SEC filings of Energy Transfer Equity.  Our equity earnings from these investments were reduced by $34.3 million and $26.7 million of excess cost amortization during 2008 and 2007, respectively.  For additional information regarding our investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP, see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 
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According to Energy Transfer Equity, it completed several significant intrastate pipeline projects in 2008 that contributed to its operating income, which was $1.10 billion for the year ended December 31, 2008 versus $809.3 million for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.  In addition, Energy Transfer Equity experienced increased volumes in its natural gas operations and better than expected processing margins throughout most of 2008.  The year-to-year increase in Energy Transfer Equity’s operating income was partially offset by losses on interest rate hedging derivatives and higher interest expense and noncontrolling interest amounts.  On a consolidated basis, Energy Transfer Equity incurred losses on non-hedged interest rate derivatives of $128.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to gains of $29.1 million during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

In November 2007, Energy Transfer Equity changed its fiscal year end to the calendar year end; thus, its current fiscal year began on January 1, 2008. Energy Transfer Equity did not recast its consolidated financial data for prior fiscal periods.  According to Energy Transfer Equity, comparability between periods is impacted primarily by weather, fluctuations in commodity prices, volumes of natural gas sold and transported, its hedging strategies and use of financial instruments, trading activities, basis differences between market hubs and interest rates. Energy Transfer Equity believes that the trends indicated by comparison of the results for the calendar year ended December 31, 2008 are substantially similar to what is reflected in the information for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

Comparison of 2007 with 2006

Investment in Enterprise Products Partners.  Segment revenues increased $2.96 billion year-to-year primarily due to higher energy commodity sales volumes and prices during 2007 relative to 2006.  Revenues for 2007 include $36.1 million of proceeds from business interruption insurance claims compared to $63.9 million of proceeds during 2006.

Segment costs and expenses, which include operating, general and administrative costs, increased $2.94 billion year-to-year.  Operating costs and expenses for this business segment increased $2.45 billion year-to-year as a result of higher cost of sales associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas, NGL and petrochemical marketing activities.  Segment operating costs and expenses increased $188.1 million year-to-year attributable to acquired businesses and constructed assets Enterprise Products Partners placed in service since January 1, 2006.  Operating costs and expenses associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas processing plants increased $185.7 million year-to-year as a result of higher energy commodity prices in 2007 relative to 2006.  Segment general and administrative costs increased $22.5 million year-to-year primarily due to the recognition of a severance obligation in 2007 and an increase in legal fees.

Changes in Enterprise Products Partners’ revenues and costs and expenses year-to-year are explained in part by changes in energy commodity prices.  The weighted-average indicative market price for NGLs was $1.19 per gallon during 2007 versus $1.00 per gallon during 2006.  The Henry Hub market price of natural gas averaged $6.86 per MMBtu during 2007 versus $7.24 per MMBtu during 2006.

Total segment operating income increased $15.7 million year-to-year due to strength in the underlying performance of Enterprise Products Partners’ business lines.

Segment operating income attributable to NGL Pipelines & Services increased $19.3 million year-to-year.  Strong demand for NGLs in 2007 compared to 2006 led to higher natural gas processing margins, increased volumes of natural gas processed under fee-based contracts and higher NGL throughput volumes at certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ pipelines and fractionation facilities.  This business line benefited from higher tariff rates on Enterprise Products Partners’ Mid-America Pipeline System and contributions to operating income during 2007 from its DEP South Texas NGL Pipeline.  In addition, operating income for 2007 includes $32.7 million of proceeds from business interruption insurance claims compared to $40.4 million of proceeds during 2006.

Segment operating income attributable to Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines & Services decreased $40.0 million year-to-year primarily due to higher operating costs and expenses from Enterprise Products

 
14

 

Partners’ Acadian System, Carlsbad Gathering System and Texas Intrastate System.  Segment operating income attributable to Offshore Pipelines & Services increased $43.5 million year-to-year.  Enterprise Products Partners’ Independence Hub platform and Independence Trail pipeline contributed $64.6 million to operating income during 2007.  In addition, operating income for 2007 includes $3.4 million of proceeds from business interruption insurance claims compared to $23.5 million during 2006.

Segment operating income attributable to Petrochemical Services decreased $8.9 million year-to-year.  Improved results from this business line attributable to higher butane isomerization processing volumes were more than offset by lower octane enhancement sales margins during 2007 relative to 2006.

Investment in TEPPCO.  Segment revenues increased $171.4 million year-to-year primarily due to a gain related to the sale of equity interests in March 2007, higher crude oil prices and petroleum products sales volumes and higher pipeline throughput volumes during 2007 relative to 2006.  TEPPCO recorded a gain of approximately $60.0 million related to the sale of equity interests in March 2007.  TEPPCO’s marketing activities, primarily crude oil sales, accounted for $93.4 million of the increase in segment revenue.  The remaining increase was primarily due to earnings growth from expansions on the Jonah system.

Segment costs and expenses increased $95.5 million year-to-year.  Operating costs and expenses for this business segment increased $73.4 million year-to-year as a result of an increase in the cost of sales associated with TEPPCO’s marketing activities.  The cost of sales of its petroleum products increased year-to-year due to higher sales volumes and energy commodity prices.  The remainder of the year-to-year increase in segment costs and expenses is primarily attributable to higher pipeline operating and maintenance fees.  Segment general and administrative costs increased $7.0 million year-to-year primarily due to expenses associated with office facilities and insurance costs.

Changes in TEPPCO’s revenues and costs and expenses year-to-year are explained in part by changes in energy commodity prices.  The NYMEX market price of crude oil averaged $72.24 per barrel during 2007 compared to an average of $66.23 per barrel during 2006 – a 9% increase.  The year-to-year increase in TEPPCO’s revenues and costs and expenses is partially offset by the effects of implementing new accounting guidance.  Beginning in April 2006, TEPPCO ceased to record gross revenues and costs and expenses for sales of crude oil inventory under buy/sell agreements with the same counterparty.  These transactions are currently presented on a net basis in our Statements of Consolidated Operations.

Segment operating income increased $62.2 million year-to-year primarily due to the underlying results of TEPPCO’s business lines.  Prior to its February 2008 acquisition of the Marine Services business line, TEPPCO operated in three primary business lines:  Downstream, Upstream and Midstream.  Segment operating income attributable to Downstream increased $39.4 million year-to-year primarily due to improved results from TEPPCO’s pipeline operations and a gain that TEPPCO recorded in connection with its sale of equity interests and assets to a third-party in March 2007.  Segment operating income attributable to Downstream benefited from a year-to-year increase in refined products transportation volumes.

Segment operating income attributable to Upstream increased $4.1 million year-to-year primarily due to higher crude oil sales volumes and prices during 2007 compared to 2006.  Segment operating income attributable to Midstream increased $20.1 million year-to-year primarily due to earnings growth from expansions on the Jonah system.  Natural gas gathering volumes on the Jonah system averaged 1.6 Bcf/d during 2007 compared to 1.3 Bcf/d during 2006.

Investment in Energy Transfer Equity.  Segment operating income was $3.1 million for 2007.  We recorded total equity earnings of $3.1 million from Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP for the period since our acquisition of such interests on May 7, 2007 through December 31, 2007.  Our equity earnings from Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP were reduced by $26.7 million of excess cost amortization.




 
15

 

Review of Consolidated Interest Expense Amounts

The following table presents the components of interest expense as presented in our Statements of Consolidated Operations for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
   
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
Interest expense attributable to:
               
   Consolidated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 400,686     $ 311,764     $ 238,023  
   Consolidated debt obligations of TEPPCO
    140,042       101,223       86,171  
   Parent Company debt obligations
    67,495       74,432       9,548  
             Total interest expense
  $ 608,223     $ 487,419     $ 333,742  
 
      Interest expense for Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO increased in the current year periods relative to the prior year periods primarily due to borrowings made in connection with their respective capital spending programs.  In addition, TEPPCO’s interest expense for year ended December 31, 2008 includes $8.7 million for losses it recognized on the early extinguishment of debt during the first quarter of 2008.  See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for information regarding our consolidated debt obligations, which include the consolidated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO. The Parent Company’s interest expense increased during the 2007 period as a result of borrowings it made during May 2007 to acquire interests in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP.

Review of Consolidated Other Income, Net Amounts

On March 1, 2007, TEPPCO sold its 49.5% ownership interest in Mont Belvieu Storage Partners, L.P. (“MB Storage”) and its 50% ownership interest in Mont Belvieu Venture, LLC (the general partner of MB Storage) to Louis Dreyfus Energy Services L.P. for approximately $156.0 million in cash.  TEPPCO recognized a gain of approximately $60.0 million related to its sale of these equity interests, which is included in our other income.

Review of Consolidated Noncontrolling Interest Expense Amounts

Noncontrolling interest expense amounts attributable to the limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners, Duncan Energy Partners and TEPPCO primarily represent allocations of earnings by these entities to their unitholders, excluding those earnings allocated to the Parent Company in connection with its ownership of common units of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO.  The following table presents the components of noncontrolling interest expense as presented on our Statements of Consolidated Operations for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners (1)
  $ 786,528     $ 404,779     $ 486,398  
Limited partners of Duncan Energy Partners (2)
    17,300       13,879       --  
Related party former owners of TEPPCO GP
    --       --       16,502  
Limited partners of TEPPCO (3)
    153,592       217,938       126,606  
Joint venture partners (4)
    24,038       16,764       9,079  
     Total
  $ 981,458     $ 653,360     $ 638,585  
                         
(1)   Noncontrolling interest expense attributable to this subsidiary increased in 2008 relative to 2007 primarily due to an increase in Enterprise Products Partners’ operating income, partially offset by an increase in interest expense. In addition, the number of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units outstanding increased in 2008 relative to 2007.
(2)   Duncan Energy Partners completed its initial public offering in February 2007. The increase in noncontrolling interest expense during 2008 is primarily due to an increase in Duncan Energy Partners’ net income.
(3)   Noncontrolling interest expense attributable to this subsidiary decreased in 2008 relative to 2007 primarily due to a decrease in TEPPCO’s net income in 2008. TEPPCO recognized an approximate $60.0 million gain on the sale of an equity investment in the first quarter of 2007.
(4)   Represents third-party ownership interests in joint ventures that we consolidate.
 
 
 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

On a consolidated basis, our primary cash requirements, in addition to normal operating expenses and debt service, are for capital expenditures, business combinations and distributions to partners and noncontrolling interest holders. Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO expect to fund their short-term needs for amounts such as operating expenses and sustaining capital expenditures with operating cash flows and short-term revolving credit arrangements.  Capital expenditures for long-term needs resulting from internal growth projects and business acquisitions are expected to be funded by a variety of sources (either separately or in combination), including cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under credit facilities, the issuance of additional equity and debt securities and proceeds from divestitures of ownership interests in assets to affiliates or third parties. We expect to fund cash distributions to partners primarily with operating cash flows. Our debt service requirements are expected to be funded by operating cash flows and/or refinancing arrangements.

The following table summarizes key components of our consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Net cash flows provided by operating activities:
                 
EPGP and Subsidiaries (1)
  $ 1,234,302     $ 1,588,959     $ 1,174,837  
TEPPCO GP and Subsidiaries (2)
    346,270       350,499       273,122  
Parent Company (3)
    234,772       184,673       166,123  
Eliminations and adjustments (4)
    (248,800 )     (187,297 )     (174,508 )
          Net cash flows provided by operating activities
  $ 1,566,544     $ 1,936,834     $ 1,439,574  
Cash used in investing activities:
                       
EPGP and Subsidiaries (1)
  $ (2,411,409 )   $ (2,553,607 )   $ (1,689,200 )
TEPPCO GP and Subsidiaries (2)
    (831,020 )     (317,400 )     (273,716 )
Parent Company (3)
    (7,735 )     (1,650,827 )     (18,920 )
Eliminations and adjustments
    3,264       (19,264 )     11,189  
          Cash used in investing activities
  $ (3,246,900 )   $ (4,541,098 )   $ (1,970,647 )
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities:
                       
EPGP and Subsidiaries (1)
  $ 1,172,907     $ 981,815     $ 495,074  
TEPPCO GP and Subsidiaries (2)
    484,722       (33,154 )     594  
Parent Company
    (226,177 )     1,467,027       (146,928 )
Eliminations and adjustments (4)
    264,327       206,792       163,086  
          Cash provided by financing activities
  $ 1,695,779     $ 2,622,480     $ 511,826  
                         
Cash on hand at end of period (unrestricted)
  $ 56,828     $ 41,920     $ 23,290  
                         
(1)   Represents consolidated cash flow information reported by EPGP and subsidiaries, which includes Enterprise Products Partners.
(2)   Represents consolidated cash flow information reported by TEPPCO GP and subsidiaries, which includes TEPPCO.
(3)   Equity earnings and distributions from the Parent Company’s Investment in Energy Transfer Equity are reflected as operating cash flows and its initial investment is reflected in investing activities.
(4)   Distributions received by the Parent Company from its Investments in Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO (as reflected in operating cash flows for the Parent Company) are eliminated against cash distributions paid to owners by EPGP, TEPPCO GP and their respective subsidiaries (as reflected in financing activities).
 

Net cash flows provided by operating activities are largely dependent on earnings from our consolidated businesses. As a result, these cash flows are exposed to certain risks. We operate predominantly in the midstream energy industry.  We provide services for producers and consumers of natural gas, NGLs, LPGs, crude oil and certain petrochemical products.  The products that we process, sell or transport are principally used as fuel for residential, agricultural and commercial heating; feedstocks in petrochemical manufacturing; and in the production of motor gasoline.  Reduced demand for our services or products by industrial customers, whether because of general economic conditions, reduced demand for the end products made with our products or increased competition from other service providers or

 
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producers due to pricing differences or other reasons could have a negative impact on our earnings and the availability of cash from operating activities.  For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors pertinent to our business, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our annual report.

We use the indirect method to compute net cash flows provided by operating activities.  See Note 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for information regarding this method of presentation.

Cash used in investing activities primarily represents expenditures for additions to property, plant and equipment, business combinations and investments in unconsolidated affiliates.  Cash provided by (or used in) financing activities generally consists of borrowings and repayments of debt, distributions to partners, proceeds from the issuance of equity securities, and distributions and contributions to noncontrolling interests.

Our consolidated debt obligations totaled $12.71 billion and $9.86 billion at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  For detailed information regarding our consolidated debt obligations, see Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

For information regarding our risks in connection with the global financial crisis, see “The global financial crisis may have impacts on our business and financial position that we currently cannot predict,” under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our annual report.

At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO each have a universal shelf registration statement on file with the SEC that allows them to issue an unlimited amount of debt and equity securities.  In March 2008, Duncan Energy Partners filed a universal shelf registration statement with the SEC that authorized its issuance of up to $1.00 billion in debt and equity securities.  As of February 2, 2008, Duncan Energy Partners has issued $0.5 million in equity securities under this registration statement.

In addition, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO each have registration statements on file with the SEC in connection with their respective distribution reinvestment programs (“DRIP”).  The DRIP programs provide unitholders of record and beneficial owners of common units of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO a voluntary means by which such unitholders and owners can increase the number of common units they own of each registrant by reinvesting the quarterly cash distributions they would otherwise receive into the purchase of additional common units of either Enterprise Products Partners or TEPPCO.  In November 2008, affiliates of EPCO reinvested $3.3 million of the distributions they received from TEPPCO into the acquisition of additional common units of TEPPCO through its DRIP.  In addition, in November 2008, the Parent Company and affiliates of EPCO reinvested $5.0 million and $62.0 million, respectively, of the distributions they each received from Enterprise Products Partners into the acquisition of additional common units of Enterprise Products Partners through its DRIP.

We forecast that Enterprise Products Partners’ capital spending for property, plant and equipment for 2009 will approximate $1.0 billion.  In addition, we forecast that TEPPCO’s capital spending for 2009 will be approximately $340.0 million.  These forecasts are based on Enterprise Products Partners’ and TEPPCO’s announced strategic operating and growth plans.  These plans are dependent upon each entity’s ability to obtain the required funds from its operating cash flows or other means, including borrowings under debt agreements, the issuance of debt and equity securities and/or the divestiture of assets.  Such forecasts may change due to factors beyond Enterprise Products Partners or TEPPCO’s control, such as weather-related issues, changes in supplier prices or adverse economic conditions.  Furthermore, such forecasts may change as a result of decisions made by management at a later date, which may include unexpected acquisitions, decisions to take on additional partners and changes in the timing of expenditures.  The success of Enterprise Products Partners or TEPPCO in raising capital, including the formation of joint ventures to share costs and risks, continues to be a principal factor that determines how much each entity can spend in connection with their respective capital programs.

 
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EPO’s publicly traded debt securities were rated investment-grade as of March 2, 2009. Moody’s Investor Service (“Moody’s”) assigned a rating of Baa3 and Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings each assigned a rating of BBB-.  The publicly traded debt securities of TEPPCO were also rated as investment-grade as of March 2, 2009.  These debt securities are rated BBB- by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings and Baa3 by Moody’s.

As of March 2, 2009, the Parent Company’s credit facilities are rated Ba2, BB and BB- by Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s, respectively.  Recently, there has been limited access to the institutional leveraged loan market for companies with similar ratings to those of the Parent Company.  At this time, we are unable to estimate when these market conditions will improve.

Cash Flow Analysis - EPGP and Subsidiaries

At December 31, 2008, total liquidity of EPGP and its consolidated subsidiaries (primarily Enterprise Products Partners) was $1.51 billion, which includes availability under Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated credit facilities and unrestricted cash on hand.  The principal amount of Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated debt obligations totaled $9.05 billion at December 31, 2008.  The following information highlights significant changes in the operating, investing and financing cash flows for EPGP and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Comparison of 2008 with 2007

Operating Activities. Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $1.23 billion for 2008 compared to $1.59 billion for 2007. Although Enterprise Products Partners’ businesses generated higher earnings year-to-year, the reduction in operating cash flows is generally due to the timing of related cash receipts and disbursements.  The overall $354.7 million year-to-year decrease in operating cash flows also reflects a $127.3 million decrease in cash proceeds Enterprise Products Partners received from insurance claims related to certain named storms. For information regarding proceeds from business interruption and property damage claims, see Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.  Enterprise Products Partners’ cash payments for interest increased $116.3 million year-to-year primarily due to increased borrowings to finance its capital spending program.

Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $2.41 billion for 2008 compared to $2.55 billion for 2007.  Capital spending for property, plant and equipment, net of contributions in aid of construction costs, decreased $174.6 million year-to-year.   Cash outlays for investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates decreased $208.9 million year-to-year. Enterprise Products Partners contributed $216.5 million to Cameron Highway during the second quarter of 2007.  Cameron Highway used these funds, along with an equal contribution from its other owner, to repay approximately $430.0 million of its outstanding debt.

Restricted cash related to Enterprise Products Partners’ hedging activities increased $85.4 million year-to-year (a cash outflow). See Item 7A of this Current Report on Form 8-K for information regarding Enterprise Products Partners’ interest rate and commodity risk hedging portfolios.

Cash used for business combinations increased $166.4 million year-to-year primarily due to  Enterprise Products Partners’ acquisition of a 100.0% membership interest in Great Divide Gathering, LLC for $125.2 million, the acquisition of remaining interests in Dixie for $57.1 million and the acquisition of additional interests in Tri-States NGL Pipeline, L.L.C. for $18.7 million.

Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $1.17 billion for 2008 compared to $981.8 million for 2007.  Net borrowings under Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated debt agreements increased $588.9 million year-to-year.  Borrowings under debt agreements for 2008 include (i) the issuance of $400.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior notes (“EPO Senior Notes M”) and $700.0 million in principal amount of 10-year senior notes (“EPO Senior Notes N”) in April 2008, (ii) the execution of a Japanese yen term loan agreement in the amount of 20.7 billion yen (approximately $217.6 million U.S. dollar equivalent) in November 2008 and (iii) the issuance of $500.0 million in principal

 
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amount of 5-year senior notes (“EPO Senior Notes O”) in December 2008.  Enterprise Products Partners used the proceeds from these borrowings primarily to repay amounts borrowed under the EPO Revolver and, to a lesser extent, for general partnership purposes.  For information regarding Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated debt obligations, see Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Cash distributions paid by Enterprise Products Partners to its limited partners increased $62.4 million year-to-year due to increases in common units outstanding and quarterly cash distribution rates.  Contributions from noncontrolling interests decreased $230.9 million year-to-year primarily due to the initial public offering of Duncan Energy Partners in February 2007.

The early termination and settlement by Enterprise Products Partners of interest rate hedging financial instruments during 2008 resulted in net cash payments of $14.4 million compared to net cash receipts of $48.9 million during 2007, which resulted in a $63.3 million decrease in financing cash flows between years.

Comparison of 2007 with 2006

Operating Activities. Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $1.59 billion for 2007 compared to $1.17 billion for 2006.  The $414.1 million year-to-year increase in net cash flows provided by operating activities was primarily due to increased earnings from Enterprise Products Partners’ businesses and the timing of related cash collections and disbursements between periods.  The year-to-year increase in operating cash flows includes a $42.1 million increase in cash proceeds Enterprise Products Partners received from insurance claims related to certain named storms.

Investing Activities.  Cash used in investing activities was $2.55 billion for 2007 compared to $1.69 billion for 2006.  The $864.4 million overall increase in net cash outflows is primarily due to an $847.7 million increase in capital spending for property, plant and equipment (net of contributions in aid of construction costs) and a $194.6 million increase in investments in unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by a $240.7 million decrease in cash outlays for business combinations.  Enterprise Products Partners contributed $216.5 million to Cameron Highway during the second quarter of 2007.  As noted previously, Cameron Highway used these funds, along with an equal contribution from its other owner, to repay approximately $430.0 million of its outstanding debt.  During 2006, Enterprise Products Partners paid $100.0 million for Piceance Creek Pipeline, LLC and $145.2 million in connection with its Encinal acquisition.  Enterprise Products Partners’ spending for business combinations during 2007 was limited and primarily attributable to the $35.0 million it paid to acquire the South Monco pipeline business.

Financing Activities.  Cash provided by financing activities was $981.8 million for 2007 versus $495.1 million for 2006.  Net borrowings under Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated debt agreements increased $1.10 billion year-to-year.  In May 2007, EPO sold $700.0 million in principal amount of junior subordinated notes (“Junior Notes B”).  In September 2007, EPO sold $800.0 million in principal amount of senior notes (“Senior Notes L”) and, in October 2007, EPO repaid $500.0 million in principal amount of senior notes (“Senior Notes E”).

Net proceeds from the issuance of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units decreased $788.0 million year-to-year.  Underwritten equity offerings in March and September of 2006 generated net proceeds of $750.8 million reflecting the sale of 31.1 million common units of Enterprise Products Partners.

Contributions from noncontrolling interests increased $275.4 million year-to-year primarily due to the initial public offering of Duncan Energy Partners in February 2007, which generated net proceeds of approximately $291.0 million from the sale of approximately 15.0 million of its common units.

Cash distributions to Enterprise Products Partners’ limited partners increased $90.6 million year-to-year due to an increase in common units outstanding and quarterly cash distribution rates. Enterprise

 
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Products Partners received $48.9 million from the settlement of treasury lock financial instruments during 2007 related to its interest rate risk hedging activities.

Cash Flow Analysis - TEPPCO GP and Subsidiaries

At December 31, 2008, total liquidity of TEPPCO GP and its consolidated subsidiaries (primarily TEPPCO) was $404.4 million, which includes availability under TEPPCO’s consolidated credit facilities. The principal amount of TEPPCO’s consolidated debt obligations totaled $2.53 billion at December 31, 2008.  The following information highlights significant changes in the operating, investing and financing cash flows for TEPPCO GP and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Comparison of 2008 with 2007

Operating Activities. Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $346.3 million for 2008 compared to $350.5 million for 2007.  The $4.2 million decrease in operating cash flows is primarily due to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements between periods, partially offset by a $23.2 million increase in distributions from unconsolidated affiliates (primarily Jonah).  TEPPCO’s cash payments for interest increased $23.9 million year-to-year primarily due to increased borrowings to finance its capital spending program.

Investing Activities.  Cash used in investing activities was $831.0 million for 2008 compared to $317.4 million for 2007. The $513.6 million year-to-year increase in cash used for investing activities is primarily due to a $351.3 million increase in cash outlays for business combinations and a $165.1 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of assets.  TEPPCO spent approximately $345.8 million in cash during 2008 to complete business combinations related to its new Marine Services business line.  During 2007, TEPPCO reported $155.8 million of proceeds from the sale of certain equity interests and related storage assets located in Mont Belvieu, Texas.

Financing Activities.  Cash provided by financing activities was $484.7 million for 2008 compared to cash used in financing activities of $33.2 million for 2007.  Net borrowings under TEPPCO’s consolidated debt agreements increased $334.9 million year-to-year.  In March 2008, TEPPCO sold $250.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior notes, $350.0 million of 10-year senior notes and $400.0 million of 30-year senior notes.  In January 2008, TEPPCO repaid $355.0 million in principal amount of the TE Products senior notes.   In May 2007, TEPPCO sold $300.0 million in principal amount of its junior subordinated notes.

Net proceeds from the issuance of TEPPCO’s common units increased $274.2 million year-to-year.  In September 2008, TEPPCO sold 9.2 million of its common units in an underwritten equity offering which generated net proceeds of $257.0 million. Cash distributions to TEPPCO’s limited partners increased $26.9 million year-to-year due to an increase in common units outstanding and quarterly cash distribution rates.

The early termination and settlement by TEPPCO of interest rate hedging financial instruments during 2008 resulted in net cash payments of $52.1 million compared to net cash receipts of $1.4 million during 2007, which resulted in a $53.5 million decrease in financing cash flows between years.

Comparison of 2007 with 2006

Operating Activities. Net cash flow provided by operating activities was $350.5 million for 2007 compared to $273.1 million for 2006.  The $77.4 million increase in operating cash flows is generally due to increased earnings of TEPPCO and the timing of related cash collections and disbursements between years.  Operating income for 2007 attributable to our Investment in TEPPCO segment increased $62.2 million over 2006’s results as discussed under “Results of Operations” within this Item 7.  TEPPCO’s cash payments for interest increased $16.1 million year-to-year primarily due to increased borrowings to finance its capital spending program.

 
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Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $317.4 million for 2007 compared to $273.7 million for 2006.  The $43.7 million year-to-year increase in cash used for investing activities is primarily due to a $83.6 million increase in capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment and a $70.3 million increase in investments in unconsolidated affiliates (primarily Jonah), partially offset by a $113.5 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of assets.

TEPPCO reported $165.1 million of proceeds from the sale of assets during 2007 compared to $51.6 million during 2006.  During the first quarter of 2007, TEPPCO sold its ownership interest in certain storage assets located in Mont Belvieu, Texas (along with other related assets) to a third party for $155.8 million.  During the first quarter of 2006, TEPPCO sold a natural gas processing facility to Enterprise Products Partners for $38.0 million.  The receipt of cash from Enterprise Products Partners is a component of TEPPCO GP and subsidiaries’ cash flows; however, this intercompany amount is eliminated in the preparation of our consolidated cash flow information.

Financing Activities. Cash used for financing activities was $33.2 million for 2007 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $0.6 million for 2006.  TEPPCO’s net borrowings equaled its net proceeds in 2007 compared to net borrowings of $84.1 million in 2006.  The 2007 period includes TEPPCO’s issuance of its junior subordinated notes in the principal amount of $300.0 million and the redemption of $35.0 million of its senior notes.  Distributions increased $15.9 million year-to-year due to an increase in distribution-bearing units outstanding coupled with higher distribution rates per unit.  Net cash proceeds from the issuance of TEPPCO’s common units were $1.7 million in 2007 compared to $195.1 million in 2006.  TEPPCO issued 0.1 million of its common units in 2007 compared with 5.8 million in 2006.

Cash Flow Analysis - Parent Company

The primary sources of cash flow for the Parent Company are its investments in limited and general partner interests of publicly-traded limited partnerships.  The cash distributions the Parent Company receives from its investments in Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO, Energy Transfer Equity and their respective general partners are exposed to certain risks inherent in the underlying business of each entity.  For information regarding such risks, see Part I, Item 1A of our annual report.

The Parent Company’s primary cash requirements are for general and administrative costs, debt service costs, investments and distributions to partners.  The Parent Company expects to fund its short-term cash requirements for such amounts as general and administrative costs using operating cash flows.  Debt service requirements are expected to be funded by operating cash flows and/or refinancing arrangements.  The Parent Company expects to fund its cash distributions to partners primarily with operating cash flows.

The following table summarizes key components of the Parent Company’s cash flow information for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Net cash provided by operating activities (1)
  $ 234,772     $ 184,673     $ 166,123  
Cash used in investing activities (2)
    7,735       1,650,827       18,920  
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (3)
    (226,177 )     1,467,027       (146,928 )
Cash and cash equivalents,  end of period
    2,516       1,656       783  
                         
(1)   Primarily represents distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates less cash payments for interest and general and administrative costs. See following table for detailed information regarding distributions from unconsolidated affiliates.
(2)   Primarily represents investments in unconsolidated affiliates.
(3)   Primarily represents net cash proceeds from borrowings and equity offerings offset by repayments of debt principal and distribution payments to unitholders and former owners of TEPPCO GP. The amount presented for 2007 includes $739.4 million in net proceeds from an equity offering in July 2007.
 


 
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The following table presents cash distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates and cash distributions paid by the Parent Company for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

       
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash distributions from investees: (1)
                 
   Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP:
                 
      From common units of Enterprise Products Partners (2)
  $ 27,514     $ 25,766     $ 24,150  
      From 2% general partner interest in Enterprise Products Partners
    18,219       16,944       15,096  
      From general partner IDRs in distributions of
                       
          Enterprise Products Partners
    123,855       104,652       84,802  
   TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP:
                       
      From 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO
    12,496       12,056       10,869  
      From 2% general partner interest in TEPPCO
    5,573       5,023       4,014  
      From general partner IDRs in distributions of  TEPPCO
    49,353       43,210       43,077  
  Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP: (3)
                       
      From 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity
    76,004       29,720       --  
      From 34.9% member interest in LE GP
    492       224       --  
          Total cash distributions received
  $ 313,506     $ 237,595     $ 182,008  
                         
Distributions by the Parent Company:
                       
    EPCO and affiliates
  $ 158,947     $ 125,875     $ 93,910  
    Public
    54,175       33,153       14,528  
    General partner interest
    21       14       11  
          Total distributions by the Parent Company (4)
  $ 213,143     $ 159,042     $ 108,449  
                         
Distributions paid to affiliates of EPCO that were the former
                       
   owners of the TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP interests contributed
                       
   to the Parent Company in May 2007 (5)
  $ --     $ 29,760     $ 57,960  
                         
(1)    Represents cash distributions received during each reporting period.
(2)   Prior to November 2008, the Parent Company owned 13,454,498 common units of Enterprise Products Partners. In November 2008, the Parent Company used $5.0 million in distributions received from Enterprise Products Partners with respect to the third quarter of 2008 to purchase an additional 216,427 common units. As of December 31, 2008, the Parent Company owned 13,670,925 common units of Enterprise Products Partners.
(3)   The Parent Company received its first cash distribution from Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP in July 2007.
(4)   The quarterly cash distributions paid by the Parent Company increased effective with the August 2007 distribution due to the issuance of 20,134,220 Units in July 2007.
(5)   Represents cash distributions paid to affiliates of EPCO that were former owners of these partnership and membership interests prior to the contribution of such interests to the Parent Company in May 2007.
 

For additional financial information pertaining to the Parent Company, see Note 24 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

The amount of cash distributions the Parent Company is able to pay its unitholders may fluctuate based on the level of distributions it receives from Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO, Energy Transfer Equity and their respective general partners.  For example, if EPO is not able to satisfy certain financial covenants in accordance with its credit agreements, Enterprise Products Partners would be restricted from making quarterly cash distributions to its partners.  Factors such as capital contributions, debt service requirements, general, administrative and other expenses, reserves for future distributions and other cash reserves established by the board of directors of EPE Holdings may affect the distributions the Parent Company makes to its unitholders.  The Parent Company’s credit agreements contain covenants requiring it to maintain certain financial ratios.  Also, the Parent Company is prohibited from making any distribution to its unitholders if such distribution would cause an event of default or otherwise violate a covenant under its credit agreements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In our financial reporting process, we employ methods, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of

 
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our financial statements.  These methods, estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Investors should be aware that actual results could differ from these estimates if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect.  The following describes the estimation risk underlying our most significant financial statement items.

Depreciation methods and estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment

In general, depreciation is the systematic and rational allocation of an asset’s cost, less its residual value (if any), to the periods it benefits.  The majority of our property, plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method, which results in depreciation expense being incurred evenly over the life of the assets.  Our estimate of depreciation incorporates assumptions regarding the useful economic lives and residual values of our assets.  At the time we place our assets in-service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable; however, circumstances may develop that would cause us to change these assumptions, which would change our depreciation amounts prospectively.  Examples of such circumstances include: (i) changes in laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset; (ii) changes in technology that render an asset obsolete; (iii) changes in expected salvage values; or (iv) changes in the forecast life of applicable resource basins, if any.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the net book value of our property, plant and equipment was $16.72 billion and $14.30 billion, respectively.  We recorded $595.5 million, $515.4 million, and $434.6 million in depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

For additional information regarding our property, plant and equipment, see Notes 2 and 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Measuring recoverability of long-lived assets with finite lives

Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with finite useful lives.  These assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable.  Examples of such circumstances include (i) an unexpected and material decline in natural gas and crude oil production resulting in a decrease in throughput and processing volumes for our assets and (ii) a long-term decrease in the demand for natural gas, crude oil or NGLs that results in an economic downturn in the midstream energy industry.

Long-lived assets with carrying values that are not expected to be recovered through future cash flows are written-down to their estimated fair values.  A long-lived asset’s carrying value is deemed not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the asset’s estimated undiscounted future cash flows, including those associated with the eventual disposition of the asset.  Our estimates of undiscounted future cash flows are based on a number of assumptions including: (i) the asset’s anticipated future operating margins and volumes; (ii) the asset’s estimated useful (or economic) life; and (iii) the asset’s estimated salvage value, if applicable.  If warranted, we record an impairment charge for the excess of a long-lived asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value, which reflects an asset’s market value, replacement cost estimates and future earnings potential.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded $0.1 million of non-cash asset impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment, which are reflected as components of operating costs and expenses.  No such asset impairment charges were recorded in 2008 or 2007.

For additional information regarding our property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, see Notes 11 and 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Measuring recoverability of goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid to complete a business combination over the respective fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction.

 
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We do not amortize goodwill; however, we test goodwill amounts for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. Goodwill amounts attributable to our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners segment are tested during the second quarter of each fiscal year.  Goodwill amounts attributable to our Investment in TEPPCO segment are tested during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.

Goodwill testing involves the determination of a reporting unit’s estimated fair value, which considers the reporting unit’s market value and future earnings potential.  Our estimate of a reporting unit’s fair value is based on a number of assumptions including: (i) the discount rate we select to present value underlying cash flow streams; (ii) the reporting unit’s future operating margins and volumes for a discrete forecast period; and (iii) the reporting units long-term growth rate beyond the discrete forecast period.  If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit (including its inherent goodwill) is less than its carrying value, a charge to earnings is required to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to its implied fair value.  The financial models we develop to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value are sensitive to changes in these assumptions. Consequently, a significant change in any of these underlying assumptions may result in our recording an impairment charge where none was warranted in prior periods.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the carrying value of our goodwill was $1.01 billion and $807.6 million, respectively.  We did not record any goodwill impairment charges during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

For additional information regarding our goodwill, see Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Measuring recoverability of intangible assets with indefinite lives

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Parent Company had an indefinite-life intangible asset valued at $606.9 million associated with IDRs in TEPPCO’s quarterly cash distributions.  This intangible asset is not subject to amortization, but is subject to periodic testing for recoverability in a manner similar to goodwill. In addition, we review this asset annually to determine whether events or circumstances continue to support an indefinite life.  The IDRs represent contractual rights to the incentive cash distributions paid by TEPPCO.  Such rights were granted to TEPPCO GP under the terms of TEPPCO’s partnership agreement.  In accordance with TEPPCO’s partnership agreement, TEPPCO GP may separate and sell the IDRs independent of its other residual general partner and limited partner interests in TEPPCO.

We consider the IDRs to be an indefinite-life intangible asset.  Our determination of an indefinite-life is based upon our expectation that TEPPCO will continue to pay incentive distributions under the terms of its partnership agreement to TEPPCO GP indefinitely.  TEPPCO’s partnership agreement contains renewal provisions that provide for TEPPCO to continue as a going concern beyond the initial term of its partnership agreement, which ends in December 2084.

We test the carrying value of the IDRs for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value.  This test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  If the estimated fair value of this intangible asset is less than its carrying value, a charge to earnings is required to reduce the asset’s carrying value to its implied fair value.

Our estimate of the fair value of this asset is based on a number of assumptions including:  (i) the discount rate we select to present value underlying cash flow streams; (ii) the expected increase in TEPPCO’s cash distribution rate over a discreet forecast period; and (iii) the long-term growth rate of TEPPCO’s cash distributions beyond the discreet forecast period.  The financial models we use to estimate the fair value of the IDRs are sensitive to changes in these assumptions.  Consequently, a significant change in any of these underlying assumptions may result in our recording an impairment charge where none was warranted in prior periods.

 
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We did not record any impairment charges in connection with our indefinite-lived intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.  For additional information regarding the TEPPCO IDRs, see Note 24 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Measuring recoverability of equity method investments

We evaluate equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an other than temporary decline in the value of the investment.  Examples of such circumstances include a history of operating losses by the entity and/or a long-term adverse change in the entity’s industry.

The carrying value of an equity method investment is deemed not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of estimated discounted future cash flows we expect to derive from the investment.  Our estimates of discounted future cash flows are based on a number of assumptions including: (i) the discount rate we select to present value underlying cash flow streams; (ii) the probabilities we assign to different future cash flow scenarios; (iii) the entity’s anticipated future operating margins and volumes; and (iv) the estimated economic life of the entity’s underlying assets.  The financial models we develop to test such investments for impairment are sensitive to changes in these assumptions.  Consequently, a significant change in any of these underlying assumptions may result in our recording an impairment charge where none was warranted in prior periods.

During 2007, we evaluated our equity method investment in Nemo Gathering Company, LLC for impairment.  As a result of this evaluation, we recorded a $7.0 million non-cash impairment charge that is a component of equity income from unconsolidated affiliates for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Similarly, during the year ended December 31, 2006, we evaluated our equity method investment in Neptune Pipeline Company, L.L.C. for impairment and recorded a $7.4 million non-cash impairment charge.  We had no such impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2008.

For additional information regarding impairment charges associated with our equity method investments, see Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Amortization methods and estimated useful lives of finite-lived intangible assets

We have recorded intangible assets in connection with certain contracts, customer relationships and similar finite-lived agreements acquired in connection with business combinations and asset purchases.

Contract-based intangible assets represent specific commercial rights we acquired in connection with business combinations or asset purchases.  Examples of such agreements include the Jonah and Val Verde natural gas gathering agreements, Shell processing agreement and Mississippi natural gas storage contracts.  Contract-based intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life using methods that closely resemble the pattern in which the economic benefits of the contract are expected to be realized by us.  For example, the Jonah and Val Verde natural gas gathering agreements are being amortized to earnings using a units-of-production method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefits of the underlying natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used, which correlates with amounts we expect to realize from gathering services rendered under these contracts.  Other contracts such as the Shell processing agreement and Mississippi natural gas storage contracts are being amortized to earnings over their respective contract terms using a straight-line method, which closely matches the benefits we expect to realize from services rendered under these contracts.  Our estimates of the useful life of contract-based intangible assets are predicated on a number of factors, including (i) contractual provisions that enable us to renew or extend such agreements, (ii) any legal or regulatory developments that would impact such contractual rights, (iii) volumetric estimates with respect to contracts amortized on a units-of-production basis, and (iv) the expected useful life of related fixed assets.

 
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Customer relationship intangible assets represent the estimated economic value assigned to certain relationships acquired in connection with business combinations and asset purchases whereby (i) we acquired information about or access to customers and now have regular contact with them and (ii) the customers now have the ability to make direct contact with us. Customer relationships may arise from contractual arrangements (such as supplier contracts and service contracts) and through means other than contracts, such as through regular contact by sales or service representatives.  The values assigned to our customer relationship intangible assets are being amortized to earnings using a method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefits of the underlying crude oil and natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used, which correlates with amounts we expect to realize from such relationships.  Our estimate of the useful life of each resource base is based on a number of factors, including reserve estimates, the economic viability of production and exploration activities and other industry factors.

If our underlying assumptions regarding the estimated useful life of an intangible asset changes, then the amortization period for such asset would be adjusted accordingly.  Additionally, if we determine that an intangible asset’s unamortized cost may not be recoverable due to impairment; we may be required to reduce the carrying value and the subsequent useful life of the asset.  Any such write-down of the value and unfavorable change in the useful life of an intangible asset would increase operating costs and expenses at that time.

For additional information regarding our intangible assets, see Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Our revenue recognition policies and use of estimates for revenues and expenses

In general, we recognize revenue from our customers when all of the following criteria are met:  (i) persuasive evidence of an exchange arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the buyer’s price is fixed or determinable and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured.  When revenue transactions are settled, we record any necessary allowance for doubtful accounts.

Our use of estimates in recording revenues and expenses has increased as a result of SEC regulations that require us to submit financial information on accelerated time frames.  Such estimates are necessary due to the time it takes to compile actual billing information and receive third-party data needed to record transactions for financial accounting and reporting purposes.  Two examples of estimates are the accrual of processing plant revenue and the cost of natural gas for a given month, prior to receiving actual customer and vendor-related plant operating information for the reporting period.  Such estimates reverse in the following month and are offset by the corresponding actual customer billing and vendor-invoiced amounts.

We include one month of certain estimated data in our results of operations.  Such estimates are generally based on actual volume and price data through the first part of the month and estimated for the remainder of the month, after adjusting for known or expected changes in volumes or rates through the end of the month.  If the basis of our estimates proves to be substantially incorrect, it could result in material adjustments in results of operations between periods.  Management reviews its estimates based on currently available information.  Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

For additional information regarding our revenue recognition policies, see Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Reserves for environmental matters

Each of our business segments is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations governing environmental quality and pollution control.  Such laws and regulations may, in certain instances, require us to remediate current or former sites where specified substances have been released or disposed of.  We accrue reserves for estimated environmental remediation costs when (i) our assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and (ii) a dollar amount can be reasonably estimated.  Our

 
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assessments are based on studies, as well as site surveys, to determine the extent of any environmental damage and required remediation activities.  We follow the provisions of American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (“AICPA”) Statement of Position 96-1, which provides key guidance on recognition, measurement and disclosure of remediation liabilities.  We have recorded our best estimate of the cost of remediation activities.  Future environmental developments, such as new environmental laws or additional claims for damages, could result in costs beyond our current level of reserves.  In accruing for environmental remediation liabilities, costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value, unless the amount and timing of the expenditures are fixed or reliably determinable.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, none of our estimated environmental remediation liabilities are discounted to present value since the ultimate amount and timing of cash payments for such liabilities are not readily determinable.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, our reserves for environmental remediation costs were $22.3 million and $30.5 million, respectively.  For additional information regarding our environmental costs, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Natural gas imbalances

In the pipeline transportation business, imbalances frequently result from differences in gas volumes received from and delivered to our customers. Such differences occur when a customer delivers more or less gas into our pipelines than is physically redelivered back to them during a particular time period.  The vast majority of our settlements are through in-kind arrangements whereby incremental volumes are delivered to a customer (in the case of an imbalance payable) or received from a customer (in the case of an imbalance receivable). Such in-kind deliveries are on-going and take place over several months. In some cases, settlements of imbalances built up over a period of time are ultimately cashed out and are generally negotiated at values which approximate average market prices over a period of time.  As a result, for gas imbalances that are ultimately settled over future periods, we estimate the value of such current assets and liabilities using average market prices, which is representative of the estimated value of the imbalances upon final settlement. Changes in natural gas prices may impact our estimates.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, our natural gas imbalance receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, were $63.4 million and $73.9 million, respectively, and are reflected as a component of “Accounts and notes receivable – trade” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets included under Item 8 of  this Current Report on Form 8-K.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, our imbalance payables were $50.8 million and $48.7 million, respectively, and are reflected as a component of “Accrued product payables” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

For additional information regarding our natural gas imbalances, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
















 
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Other Items

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008 (dollars in thousands).

         
Payment or Settlement due by Period
 
         
Less than
   
1-3
   
4-5
   
More than
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
1 year
   
years
   
Years
   
5 years
 
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt: (1)
                                 
   Parent Company
  $ 1,077,000     $ --     $ 17,000     $ 261,000     $ 799,000  
   Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 9,046,046     $ --     $ 1,488,250     $ 2,267,596     $ 5,290,200  
   TEPPCO
  $ 2,516,653     $ --     $ --     $ 1,466,653     $ 1,050,000  
Estimated cash payments for interest: (2)
                                       
   Parent Company
  $ 327,858     $ 64,121     $ 121,594     $ 100,542     $ 41,601  
   Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 9,351,928     $ 544,658     $ 993,886     $ 821,123     $ 6,992,261  
   TEPPCO
  $ 2,624,101     $ 146,838     $ 293,676     $ 215,449     $ 1,968,138  
Operating lease obligations (3)
  $ 388,291     $ 44,901     $ 75,829     $ 66,861     $ 200,700  
Purchase obligations: (4)
                                       
Product purchase commitments:
                                       
Estimated payment obligations:
                                       
Crude oil
  $ 161,194     $ 161,194     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Refined products
  $ 1,642     $ 1,642     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Natural gas
  $ 5,225,141     $ 323,309     $ 1,150,102     $ 1,148,610     $ 2,603,120  
NGLs
  $ 1,923,792     $ 969,870     $ 272,672     $ 272,500     $ 408,750  
Petrochemicals
  $ 1,746,138     $ 685,643     $ 624,393     $ 268,418     $ 167,684  
Other
  $ 66,657     $ 24,221     $ 14,159     $ 12,865     $ 15,412  
Underlying major volume commitments:
                                       
Crude oil (in MBbls)
    3,404       3,404       --       --       --  
Refined products (in MBbls)
    28       28       --       --       --  
Natural gas (in BBtus)
    981,955       56,650       209,075       214,730       501,500  
NGLs (in MBbls)
    56,622       23,576       9,446       9,440       14,160  
Petrochemicals (in MBbls)
    67,696       24,949       23,848       11,665       7,234  
Service payment commitments (5)
  $ 534,426     $ 57,289     $ 100,752     $ 93,167     $ 283,218  
Capital expenditure commitments (6)
  $ 786,675     $ 786,675     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Other long-term liabilities, as reflected
                                       
 in our Consolidated Balance Sheet (7)
  $ 123,811     $ 2,230     $ 37,116     $ 15,286     $ 69,179  
 Total
  $ 35,901,353     $ 3,812,591     $ 5,189,429     $ 7,010,070     $ 19,889,263  
   
(1)   Represents our scheduled future maturities of consolidated debt obligations. For additional information on our consolidated debt obligations, see Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.
(2)   Our estimated cash payments for interest are based on the principal amount of consolidated debt obligations outstanding at December 31, 2008. With respect to variable-rate debt, we applied the weighted-average interest rates paid during 2008. See Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-Kfor information regarding variable interest rates charged in 2008 under our credit agreements. In addition, our estimate of cash payments for interest gives effect to interest rate swap agreements in place at December 31, 2008. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for information regarding our interest rate swap agreements. Our estimated cash payments for interest are significantly influenced by the long-term maturities of EPO’s $550.0 million Junior Notes A (due August 2066) and $682.7 million Junior Notes B (due January 2068) and TEPPCO’s $300.0 million Junior Subordinated Notes (due June 2067). Our estimated cash payments for interest assume that the EPO and TEPPCO junior note obligations are not called prior to maturity.
(3)   Primarily represents operating leases for (i) underground caverns for the storage of natural gas and NGLs, (ii) leased office space with an affiliate of EPCO, (iii) a railcar unloading terminal in Mont Belvieu, Texas and (iv) land held pursuant to right-of-way agreements.
(4)   Represents enforceable and legally binding agreements to purchase goods or services based on the contractual price under terms of each agreement at December 31, 2008.
(5)   Represents future payment commitments for services provided by third-parties.
(6)   Represents short-term unconditional payment obligations relating to our capital projects and those of our unconsolidated affiliates to vendors for services rendered or products purchased.
(7)   Other long-term liabilities as reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008 primarily represent (i) asset retirement obligations expected to settled in periods beyond 2012, (ii) reserves for environmental remediation costs that are expected to settle beginning in 2009 and afterwards and (iii) guarantee agreements relating to Centennial.
 
 
 
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For additional information regarding our significant contractual obligations involving operating leases and purchase obligations, see Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Except for the following information regarding debt obligations of certain unconsolidated affiliates of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements, as described in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K, that have or are reasonably expected to have a material current or future effect on our financial position, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.  The following information summarizes the significant terms of such unconsolidated debt obligations.

Poseidon.  At December 31, 2008, Poseidon’s debt obligations consisted of $109.0 million outstanding under its $150.0 million revolving credit facility.  Amounts borrowed under this facility mature in May 2011 and are secured by substantially all of Poseidon’s assets.

Evangeline.  At December 31, 2008, Evangeline’s debt obligations consisted of (i) $8.2 million in principal amount of 9.90% fixed rate Series B senior secured notes due December 2010 and (ii) a $7.5 million subordinated note payable.  Duncan Energy Partners had $1.0 million of letters of credit outstanding on December 31, 2008 that were furnished on behalf of Evangeline’s debt.

Centennial.  At December 31, 2008, Centennial’s debt obligations consisted of $129.9 million borrowed under a master shelf loan agreement.  Borrowings under the master shelf agreement mature in May 2024 and are collateralized by substantially all of Centennial’s assets and severally guaranteed by Centennial’s owners. Specifically, TEPPCO and its joint venture partner in Centennial have each guaranteed one-half of Centennial’s debt obligations.  If Centennial defaults on its debt obligations, the estimated payment obligation for TEPPCO is $65.0 million at December 31, 2008.

Summary of Related Party Transactions

We have an extensive and ongoing relationship with EPCO and its private company affiliates.  Our revenues from these entities primarily consist of sales of NGL products.  Our expenses attributable to these affiliates primarily consist of reimbursements under an administrative services agreement.

We acquired equity method investments in Energy Transfer Equity in May 2007.  As a result, Energy Transfer Equity became a related party to us.  The majority of our revenues from Energy Transfer Equity are primarily from NGL marketing activities.

Many of our unconsolidated affiliates perform supporting or complementary roles to our consolidated business operations.  Our revenues from unconsolidated affiliates primarily relate to natural gas sales to Evangeline and NGL sales to Energy Transfer Equity.  The majority of our expenses with unconsolidated affiliates pertain to payments Enterprise Products Partners makes to K/D/S Promix, L.L.C. for NGL transportation, storage and fractionation services.

For additional information regarding our related party transactions, see Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Recent Accounting Developments

The accounting standard setting bodies have recently issued the following accounting guidance that will affect our future financial statements:

§  
SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations;

§  
FASB Staff Position SFAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets;

 
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§  
SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements;

§  
SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51;

§  
SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of SFAS 133; and

§  
Emerging Issue Task Force (“EITF”) 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations.

For additional information regarding recent accounting developments, see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Significant Risks and Uncertainties

Weather-Related Risks.   We participate as named insureds in EPCO’s insurance program, which provides us with property damage, business interruption and other coverages, the scope and amounts of which are customary and sufficient for the nature and extent of our operations.  While we believe EPCO maintains adequate insurance coverage on our behalf, insurance will not cover every type of damage or interruption that might occur.  If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured, it could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  In addition, the proceeds of any such insurance may not be paid in a timely manner and may be insufficient to reimburse us for our repair costs or lost income.  Any event that interrupts the revenues generated by our consolidated operations, or which causes us to make significant expenditures not covered by insurance, could reduce our ability to pay distributions to our partners and, accordingly, adversely affect the market price of our common units.

For windstorm events such as hurricanes and tropical storms, EPCO’s deductible for onshore physical damage is $10.0 million per storm.  For offshore assets, the windstorm deductible is $10.0 million per storm plus a one-time $15.0 million aggregate deductible per policy period.  To qualify for business interruption coverage in connection with a windstorm event, covered assets must be out-of-service in excess of 60 days for onshore assets and 75 days for offshore assets.  For non-windstorm events, EPCO’s deductible for onshore and offshore physical damage is $5.0 million per occurrence.  To qualify for business interruption coverage in connection with a non-windstorm event, covered onshore and offshore assets must be out-of-service in excess of 60 days.  In meeting the deductible amounts, property damage costs are aggregated for EPCO and its affiliates, including us.  Accordingly, our exposure with respect to the deductibles may be equal to or less than the stated amounts depending on whether other EPCO or affiliate assets are also affected by an event.

           In the third quarter of 2008, Enterprise Products Partners’ onshore and offshore facilities located along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana were adversely impacted by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  To a lesser extent, these storms affected the operations of TEPPCO as well.  The disruptions in natural gas, NGL and crude oil production caused by these storms resulted in decreased volumes for some of Enterprise Products Partners’ pipeline systems, natural gas processing plants, NGL fractionators and offshore platforms, which, in turn, caused a decrease in operating income from these operations.  As a result of our allocated share of EPCO’s insurance deductibles for windstorm coverage, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO expensed $47.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of repair costs for property damage in connection with these two storms.  Enterprise Products Partners’ expects to file property damage insurance claims to the extent repair costs exceed deductible amounts.  Due to the recent nature of these storms, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO are still evaluating the total cost of repairs and the potential for business interruption claims on certain assets.

See Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for information regarding insurance matters in connection with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

 
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FERC and CFTC Investigation – Energy Transfer Equity.  In July 2007, ETP announced that it was under investigation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) with respect to whether ETP engaged in manipulation or improper trading activities in the Houston Ship Channel market around the time of the hurricanes in the fall of 2005 and other prior periods in order to benefit financially from commodity financial instrument positions and from certain index-priced physical gas purchases in the Houston Ship Channel market.  In March 2008, ETP entered into a consent order with the CFTC.  Pursuant to this consent order, ETP agreed to pay the CFTC $10.0 million and the CFTC agreed to release ETP and its affiliates, directors and employees from all claims or causes of action asserted by the CFTC in this proceeding.  ETP neither admitted nor denied the allegations made by the CFTC in this proceeding. The settlement was paid in March 2008.

In July 2007, ETP announced that it was also under investigation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the “FERC”) for the same matters noted in the CFTC proceeding described above.  The FERC is also investigating certain of ETP’s intrastate transportation activities.  The FERC’s actions against ETP also included allegations related to its Oasis pipeline, which is an intrastate pipeline that transports natural gas between the Waha and Katy hubs in Texas.  The Oasis pipeline transports interstate natural gas pursuant to NGPA Section 311 authority, and is subject to FERC-approved rates, terms and conditions of service.  The allegations related to the Oasis pipeline included claims that the pipeline violated NGPA regulations from January 2004 through June 2006 by granting undue preference to ETP’s affiliates for interstate NGPA Section 311 pipeline service to the detriment of similarly situated non-affiliated shippers and by charging in excess of the FERC-approved maximum lawful rate for interstate NGPA Section 311 transportation.

In July 2007, the FERC announced that it was taking preliminary action against ETP and proposed civil penalties of $97.5 million and disgorgement of profits, plus interest, of $70.1 million.  In October 2007, ETP filed a response with the FERC refuting the FERC’s claims as being fundamentally flawed and requested a dismissal of the FERC’s proceedings.  In February 2008, the FERC staff recommended an increase in the proposed civil penalties of $25.0 million and disgorgement of profits of $7.3 million. The total amount of civil penalties and disgorgement of profits sought by the FERC is approximately $200.0 million.  In March 2008, ETP responded to the FERC staff regarding the recommended increase in the proposed civil penalties.  In April 2008, the FERC staff filed an answer to ETP’s March 2008 pleading.  The FERC has not taken any actions related to the recommendations of its staff with respect to the proposed increase in civil penalties.  In May 2008, the FERC ordered hearings to be conducted by FERC administrative law judges with respect to the FERC’s intrastate transportation claims and market manipulation claims.  The hearing related to the intrastate transportation claims involving the Oasis pipeline was scheduled to commence in December 2008 with the administrative law judge’s initial decision due in May 2009; however, as discussed below, ETP entered into a settlement agreement with FERC Enforcement Staff and that agreement was approved by the FERC in its entirety and without modification on February 27, 2009.  The hearing related to the market manipulation claims is scheduled to commence in June 2009 with the administrative law judge’s initial decision due in December 2009.  The FERC denied ETP’s request for dismissal of the proceeding and has ordered that, following completion of the hearings, the administrative law judge make recommendations with respect to whether ETP engaged in market manipulation in violation of the Natural Gas Act and FERC regulations, and, whether ETP violated the Natural Gas Policy Act (“NGPA”) and FERC regulations related to ETP’s intrastate transportation activities.  The FERC reserved for itself the issues of possible civil penalties, revocation of ETP’s blanket market certificate, method by which ETP would disgorge any unjust profits and whether any conditions should be placed on ETP’s NGPA Section 311 authorization.  Following the issuance of each of the administrative law judges’ initial decisions, the FERC would then issue an order with respect to each of these matters.  ETP management has stated that it expects that the FERC will require a payment in order to conclude these investigations on a negotiated settlement basis.

In November 2008, the administrative law judge presiding over the Oasis claims granted ETP’s motion for summary disposition of the claim that Oasis unduly discriminated in favor of affiliates regarding the provision of Section 311(a)(2) interstate transportation service.  Oasis subsequently entered into an agreement with the Enforcement Staff to settle all claims related to Oasis.  In January 2009, this agreement was submitted under seal to the FERC by the presiding administrative law judge for the FERC’s approval

 
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as an uncontested settlement of all Oasis claims.  On February 27, 2009, the settlement agreement was approved by the FERC in its entirety and without modification and the terms of the settlement were made public.  If no person seeks rehearing of the order approving the settlement within thirty days of such order, the FERC’s order will become final and non-appealable.  ETP has stated that it does not believe the Oasis settlement, as approved by the FERC, will have a material adverse effect on it business, financial position or results of operations.

In addition to the CFTC and FERC, third parties have asserted claims, and may assert additional claims, against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP for damages related to the aforementioned matters.  Several natural gas producers and a natural gas marketing company have initiated legal proceedings against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP in Texas state courts for claims related to the FERC claims.  These suits contain contract and tort claims relating to the alleged manipulation of natural gas prices at the Houston Ship Channel and the Waha Hub in West Texas, as well as the natural gas price indices related to these markets and the Permian Basin natural gas price index during the period from December 2003 through December 2006, and seek unspecified direct, indirect, consequential and exemplary damages.  Energy Transfer Equity and ETP are seeking to compel arbitration in several of these suits on the grounds that the claims are subject to arbitration agreements, and one suit is pending before the Texas Supreme Court on issues of arbitrability.  One of the suits against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP contains an additional allegation that the defendants transported natural gas in a manner that favored their affiliates and discriminated against the plaintiff, and otherwise artificially affected the market price of natural gas to other parties in the market. ETP has moved to compel arbitration and/or contested subject-matter jurisdiction in some of these cases.  One such case currently is on appeal before the Texas Supreme Court on, among other things, the issue of whether the dispute is arbitrable.

ETP has also been served with a complaint from an owner of royalty interests in natural gas producing properties, individually and on behalf of a putative class of similarly situated royalty owners, working interest owners and producers/operators, seeking arbitration to recover damages based on alleged manipulation of natural gas prices at the Houston Ship Channel.  ETP filed an original action in Harris County, Texas seeking a stay of the arbitration on the grounds that the action is not arbitrable, and the state court granted ETP their motion for summary judgment on that issue.  The claimants have filed a motion of appeal.
 
A consolidated class action complaint has been filed against ETP and certain affiliates in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This action alleges that ETP engaged in intentional and unlawful manipulation of the price of natural gas futures and options contracts on the NYMEX in violation of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). It is further alleged that during the class period December 2003 to December 2005, ETP had the market power to manipulate index prices, and that ETP used this market power to artificially depress the index prices at major natural gas trading hubs, including the Houston Ship Channel, in order to benefit its natural gas physical and financial trading positions and intentionally submitted price and volume trade information to trade publications. This complaint also alleges that ETP also violated the CEA because ETP knowingly aided and abetted violations of the CEA. This action alleges that the unlawful depression of index prices by ETP manipulated the NYMEX prices for natural gas futures and options contracts to artificial levels during the period stipulated in the complaint, causing unspecified damages to the plaintiff and all other members of the putative class who purchased and/or sold natural gas futures and options contracts on the NYMEX during the period. This class action complaint consolidated two class actions which were pending against ETP.  Following the consolidation order, the plaintiffs who had filed these two earlier class actions filed a consolidated complaint.  They have requested certification of their suit as a class action, unspecified damages, court costs and other appropriate relief.  In January 2008, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this suit on the grounds of failure to allege facts sufficient to state a claim.  In March 2008, the plaintiffs filed a second consolidated class action complaint.  In response to this new pleading, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this second consolidated complaint in May 2008.  In June 2008, the plaintiffs filed a response opposing ETP’s motion to dismiss.  ETP filed a reply in support of its motion in July 2008.

In March 2008, another class action complaint was filed against ETP in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.  This action alleges that ETP engaged in unlawful restraint of

 
33

 

trade and intentional monopolization and attempted monopolization of the market for fixed-price natural gas baseload transactions at the Houston Ship Channel from December 2003 through December 2005 in violation of federal antitrust law.  The complaint further alleges that during this period ETP exerted monopolistic power to suppress the price of these transactions to non-competitive levels in order to benefit from its own physical natural gas positions.  The plaintiff has, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated sellers of physical natural gas, requested certification of its suit as a class action and seeks unspecified treble damages, court costs and other appropriate relief.  In May 2008, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this complaint.  In July 2008, the plaintiffs filed a response opposing ETP’s motion to dismiss.  ETP filed a reply in support of its motion in August 2008.
 
At this time, ETE is unable to predict the outcome of these matters; however, it is possible that the amount it becomes obliged to pay as a result of the final resolution of these matters, whether on a negotiated settlement basis or otherwise, will exceed the amount of its existing accrual related to these matters.

ETP disclosed in its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 that its accrued amounts for contingencies and current litigation matters (excluding environmental matters) aggregated $20.8 million at December 31, 2008.  Since ETP’s accrual amounts are non-cash, any cash payment of an amount in resolution of these matters would likely be made from its operating cash flows or from borrowings. If these payments are substantial, ETP and, ultimately, our investee, Energy Transfer Equity, may experience a material adverse impact on their results of operations, cash available for distribution and liquidity.

See Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for additional information regarding our litigation-related matters.































 
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Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.  We may use financial instruments (e.g., futures, forwards, swaps, options and other financial instruments with similar characteristics) to mitigate the risks of certain identifiable and anticipated transactions.  In general, the types of risks we attempt to hedge are those related to (i) the variability of future earnings, (ii) fair values of certain debt obligations and (iii) cash flows resulting from changes in applicable interest rates, commodity prices or exchange rates.

We routinely review our outstanding financial instruments in light of current market conditions.  If market conditions warrant, some financial instruments may be closed out in advance of their contractual settlement dates thus realizing income or loss depending on the specific hedging criteria.  When this occurs, we may enter into a new financial instrument to reestablish the hedge to which the closed instrument relates.

The following table presents gains (losses) recorded in net income attributable to our interest rate risk and commodity risk hedging transactions for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands).  These amounts do not present the corresponding gains (losses) attributable to the underlying hedged items.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest Rate Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                 
   Parent Company:
                 
      Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
  $ 866     $ (2,127 )   $ --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (6,610 )     742       --  
   Enterprise Products Partners (excluding Duncan Energy Partners):
                       
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    4,409       5,429       4,234  
      Other gains (losses) from derivative transactions
    5,340       (8,934 )     (5,195 )
   Duncan Energy Partners:
                       
      Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
    (5 )     (155 )     --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (2,008 )     350       --  
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
    (43 )     --       --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (4,924 )     64       --  
      Loss from treasury lock cash flow hedge
    (3,586 )     --       --  
      Other gains (losses) from derivative transactions
    4,056       5,202       8,568  
           Total hedging gains (losses), net, in consolidated interest expense
  $ (2,505 )   $ 571     $ 7,607  
                         
Commodity Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                       
   Enterprise Products Partners:
                       
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from
          AOCI, net - natural gas marketing activities
  $ (30,175 )   $ (3,299 )   $ (1,327 )
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from
         AOCI, net - NGL and petrochemical operations
    (28,232 )     (4,564 )     13,891  
      Other gains (losses) from derivative transactions
    29,772       (20,712 )     (2,307 )
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (37,898 )     (1,654 )     261  
      Other gains (losses) from derivative transactions
    (343 )     189       (96 )
           Total hedging gains (losses), net, in consolidated operating costs and expenses
  $ (68,876 )   $ (30,040 )   $ 10,422  

 






 
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The following table provides additional information regarding derivative assets and derivative liabilities included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
At December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current assets:
           
   Derivative assets:
           
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 7,780     $ 637  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    201,473       10,796  
      Foreign currency risk hedging portfolio
    9,284       1,308  
         Total derivative assets – current
  $ 218,537     $ 12,741  
Other assets:
               
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 38,939     $ 14,744  
         Total derivative assets – long-term
  $ 38,939     $ 14,744  
                 
Current liabilities:
               
   Derivative liabilities:
               
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 19,205     $ 49,689  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    296,850       48,930  
      Foreign currency risk hedging portfolio
    109       27  
         Total derivative liabilities – current
  $ 316,164     $ 98,646  
Other liabilities:
               
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 17,131     $ 13,047  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    233       --  
         Total derivative liabilities– long-term
  $ 17,364     $ 13,047  

































 
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The following table presents gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for cash flow hedges associated with our interest rate risk, commodity risk and foreign currency risk hedging portfolios for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands).  These amounts do not present the corresponding gains (losses) attributable to the underlying hedged items.

   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest Rate Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                 
   Parent Company:
                 
      Losses on cash flow hedges
  $ (21,178 )   $ (9,284 )   $ --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    6,610       (742 )     --  
   Enterprise Products Partners (excluding Duncan Energy Partners):
                       
      Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (20,772 )     17,996       11,196  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    (4,409 )     (5,429 )     (4,234 )
   Duncan Energy Partners:
                       
      Losses on cash flow hedges
    (7,989 )     (3,271 )     --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    2,008       (350 )     --  
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Losses on cash flow hedges
    (26,802 )     (23,604 )     (248 )
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    4,924       (64 )     --  
           Total interest rate risk hedging gains (losses), net
    (67,608 )     (24,748 )     6,714  
Commodity Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                       
   Enterprise Products Partners:
                       
       Natural gas marketing activities:
                       
          Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (30,642 )     (3,125 )     (1,034 )
          Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    30,175       3,299       1,327  
       NGL and petrochemical operations:
                       
          Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (120,223 )     (22,735 )     9,975  
          Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    28,232       4,564       (13,891 )
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (19,257 )     (21,036 )     991  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    37,898       1,654       (261 )
           Total commodity risk hedging losses, net
    (73,817 )     (37,379 )     (2,893 )
Foreign Currency Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                       
      Gains on cash flow hedges
    9,287       1,308       --  
           Total foreign currency risk hedging gains, net
    9,287       1,308       --  
           Total cash flow hedge amounts in other comprehensive income (loss) (1)
  $ (132,138 )   $ (60,819 )   $ 3,821  
                         
(1)   Total cash flow hedge amounts in other comprehensive income (loss) include amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest. Such amounts were $111.3 million (loss), $41.6 million (loss) and $3.5 million (income) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 
The following information summarizes the principal elements of our interest rate risk, commodity risk and foreign currency risk hedging programs. For amounts recorded in net income and other comprehensive income (loss) and on our balance sheet related to our consolidated hedging activities, please refer to the preceding tables.

Interest Rate Risk Hedging Portfolio

The following information summarizes significant components of our interest rate risk hedging portfolio:

Parent Company.  The Parent Company’s interest rate exposure results from its variable interest rate borrowings under its credit facility.  A portion of the Parent Company’s interest rate exposure is managed by utilizing interest rate swaps and similar arrangements, which effectively convert a portion of its variable rate debt into fixed rate debt.

 
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As presented in the following table, the Parent Company had four interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 2008 that were accounted for as cash flow hedges.

 
Number
Period Covered
Termination
Variable to
Notional
 
Hedged Variable Rate Debt
of Swaps
by Swap
Date of Swap
Fixed Rate (1)
Value
 
Parent Company variable-rate borrowings
2
Aug. 2007 to Aug. 2009
Aug. 2009
4.32%  to 5.01%
$250.0 million
 
Parent Company variable-rate borrowings
2
Sep. 2007 to Aug. 2011
Aug. 2011
4.32%  to 4.82%
$250.0 million
 
             
 
(1) Amounts receivable from or payable to the swap counterparties are settled every three months (the “settlement period”).

As cash flow hedges, any increase or decrease in fair value (to the extent effective) would be recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into net income based on the settlement period hedged.  Any ineffectiveness of the cash flow hedge is recorded directly into net income as a component of interest expense.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate fair value of the Parent Company’s interest rate swaps was a liability of $26.5 million and $11.8 million, respectively.

The Parent Company expects to reclassify $14.6 million of cumulative net losses from its cash flow hedges into net income (as an increase to interest expense) during 2009.

The following table shows the effect of hypothetical price movements on the estimated fair value (“FV”) of the Parent Company’s interest rate swap portfolio (dollars in millions). Income is not affected by changes in the fair value of these swaps; however, these swaps effectively convert the hedged portion of fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt.  As a result, interest expense (and related cash outlays for debt service) will increase or decrease with the change in the periodic “reset” rate associated with the respective swap.

     
Swap Fair Value at
 
Scenario
Resulting Classification
 
December 31,
 2007
   
December 31,
 2008
   
February 3,
2009
 
FV assuming no change in underlying interest rates
Liability
  $ 11.8     $ 26.5     $ 24.1  
FV assuming 10% increase in underlying interest rates
Liability
    7.0       25.4       22.9  
FV assuming 10% decrease in underlying interest rates
Liability
    16.5       27.7       25.3  

Enterprise Products Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners’ interest rate exposure results from variable and fixed rate borrowings under various debt agreements.

Enterprise Products Partners manages a portion of its interest rate exposure by utilizing interest rate swaps and similar arrangements, which allows it to convert a portion of fixed rate debt into variable rate debt or a portion of variable rate debt into fixed rate debt. At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had four interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $400.0 million that were accounted for as fair value hedges.  The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2008, was $46.7 million (an asset), with an offsetting increase in the fair value of the underlying debt.  There were eleven interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2007 having an aggregate fair value of $12.9 million (an asset).

The following table shows the effect of hypothetical price movements on the estimated fair value of Enterprise Products Partners’ interest rate swap portfolio and the related change in fair value of the underlying debt at the dates indicated (dollars in millions).
 
     
Swap Fair Value at
 
Scenario
Resulting Classification
 
December 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2008
   
February 3,
2009
 
FV assuming no change in underlying interest rates
Asset
  $ 12.9     $ 46.7     $ 36.3  
FV assuming 10% increase in underlying interest rates
Asset (Liability)
    (7.4 )     42.4       31.1  
FV assuming 10% decrease in underlying interest rates
Asset
    33.1       51.1       41.5  
 
The fair value of the interest rate swaps excludes related hedged amounts Enterprise Products Partners have recorded in earnings.  The change in fair value between December 31, 2008 and February 3, 2009 is primarily due to an increase in market interest rates relative to the interest rates used to determine

 
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the fair value of our financial instruments at December 31, 2008.  The underlying floating LIBOR forward interest rate curve used to determine the February 3, 2009 fair values ranged from approximately 1.3% to 3.8% using 6-month reset periods ranging from February 2008 to March 2014.

Enterprise Products Partners may enter into treasury rate lock transactions (“treasury locks”) to hedge U.S. treasury rates related to its anticipated issuances of debt. Each of Enterprise Products Partners’ treasury lock transactions was designated as a cash flow hedge. Gains or losses on the termination of such instruments are reclassified into net income (as a component of interest expense) using the effective interest method over the estimated term of the underlying fixed-rate debt.   At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had no treasury lock financial instruments outstanding.  At December 31, 2007, the aggregate notional value of Enterprise Products Partners’ treasury lock financial instruments was $600.0 million, which had a total fair value (a liability) of $19.6 million.   Enterprise Products Partners terminated a number of treasury lock financial instruments during 2008 and 2007.  These terminations resulted in realized losses of $40.4 million in 2008 and gains of $48.8 million in 2007.

Enterprise Products Partners expects to reclassify $1.6 million of cumulative net gains from its interest rate risk cash flow hedges into net income (as a decrease to interest expense) during 2009.

Duncan Energy Partners. At December 31, 2008, Duncan Energy Partners had interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $175.0 million.  These swaps were accounted for as cash flow hedges.  The purpose of these financial instruments is to reduce the sensitivity of Duncan Energy Partners’ earnings to the variable interest rates charged under its revolving credit facility.  The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was a liability of $9.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively.  Duncan Energy Partners expects to reclassify $6.0 million of cumulative net losses from its interest rate risk cash flow hedges into net income (as an increase to interest expense) during 2009.

The following table shows the effect of hypothetical price movements on the estimated fair value of Duncan Energy Partners’ interest rate swap portfolio (dollars in millions).

     
Swap Fair Value at
 
Scenario
Resulting Classification
 
December 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2008
   
February 3,
2009
 
FV assuming no change in underlying interest rates
Liability
  $ (3.8 )   $ (9.8 )   $ (9.4 )
FV assuming 10% increase in underlying interest rates
Liability
    (2.2 )     (9.4 )     (9.0 )
FV assuming 10% decrease in underlying interest rates
Liability
    (5.3 )     (10.2 )     (9.8 )
 
TEPPCO.  TEPPCO’s interest rate exposure results from variable and fixed rate borrowings under various debt agreements.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO had interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $200.0 million and a fair value (an asset) of $0.3 million.   These swap agreements settled in January 2008, and there are currently no swap agreements outstanding.  These swaps were accounted for as cash flow hedges.

TEPPCO also utilizes treasury locks to hedge underlying U.S. treasury rates related to its anticipated issuances of debt.   At December 31, 2007, the aggregate notional value of TEPPCO’s treasury lock financial instruments was $600.0 million, which had a total fair value (a liability) of $25.3 million.  TEPPCO terminated these treasury lock financial instruments during 2008, which resulted in $52.1 million of realized losses.  TEPPCO recognized approximately $3.6 million of this loss in interest expense as a result of interest payments hedged under the treasury locks not occurring as forecasted.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had no treasury lock financial instruments outstanding.

TEPPCO expects to reclassify $5.8 million of cumulative net losses from its interest rate risk cash flow hedges into net income (as an increase to interest expense) during 2009.




 
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Commodity Risk Hedging Portfolio

Our commodity risk hedging portfolio was impacted by a significant decline in natural gas and crude oil prices during the second half of 2008.   As a result of the global recession, commodity prices have continued to be volatile during the first quarter of 2009.  We may experience additional losses related to our commodity risk hedging portfolio in 2009.

Enterprise Products Partners.  The prices of natural gas, NGLs and certain petrochemical products are subject to fluctuations in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond the control of Enterprise Products Partners.  In order to manage the price risks associated with such products, Enterprise Products Partners may enter into commodity financial instruments.

The primary purpose of Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity risk management activities is to reduce its exposure to price risks associated with (i) natural gas purchases, (ii) the value of NGL production and inventories, (iii) related firm commitments, (iv) fluctuations in transportation revenues where the underlying fees are based on natural gas index prices and (v) certain anticipated transactions involving either natural gas, NGLs or certain petrochemical products.  From time to time, Enterprise Products Partners injects natural gas into storage and may utilize hedging instruments to lock in the value of its inventory positions.  The commodity financial instruments utilized by Enterprise Products Partners are settled in cash.

We have segregated Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity financial instruments portfolio between those financial instruments utilized in connection with its natural gas marketing activities and those used in connection with its NGL and petrochemical operations.

A significant number of the financial instruments in this portfolio hedge the purchase of physical natural gas.  If natural gas prices fall below the price stipulated in such financial instruments, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes a liability for the difference; however, if prices partially or fully recover, this liability would be reduced or eliminated, as appropriate.  Enterprise Products Partners’ restricted cash balance at December 31, 2008 was $203.8 million in order to meet commodity exchange deposit requirements and the negative change in the fair value of its natural gas hedge positions.

Natural gas marketing activities

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate fair value of those financial instruments utilized in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas marketing activities was an asset of $6.5 million and a liability of $0.3 million, respectively.   Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas marketing business and its related use of financial instruments has increased significantly during 2008.  Almost all of the financial instruments within this portion of the commodity financial instruments portfolio are accounted for using mark-to-market accounting, with a small number accounted for as cash flow hedges.  Enterprise Products Partners did not have any cash flow hedges outstanding related to its natural gas marketing activities at December 31, 2008.

The following table shows the effect of hypothetical price movements on the estimated fair value of this component of the overall portfolio at the dates presented (dollars in millions):
 
     
Portfolio Fair Value at
 
 
Scenario
Resulting
Classification
 
December 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2008
   
February 3,
2009
 
FV assuming no change in underlying commodity prices
Asset (Liability)
  $ (0.3 )   $ 6.5     $ 13.9  
FV assuming 10% increase in underlying commodity prices
Asset (Liability)
    (1.4 )     2.7       9.4  
FV assuming 10% decrease in underlying commodity prices
Asset
    0.7       9.9       18.3  
 
The change in fair value of the instruments between December 31, 2008 and February 3, 2009 is primarily due to a decrease in natural gas prices.

 
40

 

NGL and petrochemical operations

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate fair value of those financial instruments utilized in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ NGL and petrochemical operations were liabilities of $102.1 million and $19.0 million, respectively.  Almost all of the financial instruments within this portion of the commodity financial instruments portfolio are accounted for as cash flow hedges, with a small number accounted for using mark-to-market accounting.

Enterprise Products Partners has employed a program to economically hedge a portion of its earnings from natural gas processing in the Rocky Mountain region.  This program consists of (i) the forward sale of a portion of Enterprise Products Partners’ expected equity NGL production volumes at fixed prices through 2009 and (ii) the purchase, using commodity financial instruments, of the amount of natural gas expected to be consumed as plant thermal reduction (“PTR”) in the production of such equity NGL volumes. The objective of this strategy is to hedge a level of gross margins (i.e., NGL sales revenues less actual costs for PTR and the gain or loss on the PTR hedge) associated with the forward sales contracts by fixing the cost of natural gas used for PTR, through the use of commodity financial instruments.  At December 31, 2008, this hedging program had hedged future expected gross margins (before plant operating expenses) of $483.9 million on 22.5 million barrels of forecasted NGL forward sales transactions extending through 2009.

Our NGL forward sales contracts are not accounted for as financial instruments under SFAS 133 since they meet normal purchase and sale exception criteria; therefore, changes in the aggregate economic value of these sales contracts are not reflected in net income and other comprehensive income until the volumes are delivered to customers.  On the other hand, the commodity financial instruments used to purchase the related quantities of PTR (i.e., “PTR hedges”) are accounted for as cash flow hedges; therefore, changes in the aggregate fair value of the PTR hedges are presented in other comprehensive income.  Once the forecasted NGL forward sales transactions occur, any realized gains and losses on the cash flow hedges would be reclassified into net income in that period.

Prior to actual settlement, if the market price of natural gas is less than the price stipulated in a commodity financial instrument, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income (loss) for the excess of the natural gas price stated in the hedge over the market price.  To the extent that Enterprise Products Partners realizes such financial losses upon settlement of the instrument, the losses are added to the actual cost it has to pay for PTR, which would then be based on the lower market price.  Conversely, if the market price of natural gas is greater than the price stipulated in such hedges, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes an unrealized gain in other comprehensive income (loss) for the excess of the market price over the natural gas price stated in the PTR hedge.   If realized, the gains on the financial instrument would serve to reduce the actual cost paid for PTR, which would then be based on the higher market price.  The net effect of these hedging relationships is that Enterprise Products Partners’ total cost of natural gas used for PTR approximates the amount it originally hedged under this program.

Enterprise Products Partners expects to reclassify $114.0 million of cumulative net losses from the cash flow hedges within its NGL and petrochemical operations portfolio into net income (as an increase to operating costs and expenses) during 2009.

The following table shows the effect of hypothetical price movements on the estimated fair value of this component of the overall portfolio at the dates presented (dollars in millions):
 
     
Portfolio Fair Value at
 
 
Scenario
Resulting
Classification
 
December 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2008
   
February 3,
2009
 
FV assuming no change in underlying commodity prices
Liability
  $ (19.0 )   $ (102.1 )   $ (111.6 )
FV assuming 10% increase in underlying commodity prices
Asset (Liability)
    11.3       (94.0 )     (109.2 )
FV assuming 10% decrease in underlying commodity prices
Liability
    (49.2 )     (110.1 )     (114.1 )
 

 
 
41

 

The change in fair value of the NGL and petrochemical portfolio between December 31, 2008 and February 3, 2009 is primarily due to a decrease in natural gas prices.

TEPPCO. As part of its crude oil marketing business, TEPPCO enters into financial instruments such as crude oil swaps.  The purpose of such hedging activity is to either balance TEPPCO’s inventory position or to lock in a profit margin. The fair value of the open positions at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was an asset of $3 thousand and a liability of $18.9 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had no commodity financial instruments that were accounted for as cash flow hedges.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO had a limited number of commodity financial instruments that were accounted for as cash flow hedges. TEPPCO has some commodity financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting.  These financial instruments had a minimal impact on TEPPCO’s earnings.
 
The following table shows the effect of hypothetical price movements on the estimated fair value of this portfolio at the dates indicated (dollars in millions):
 
     
Portfolio Fair Value at
 
Scenario
Resulting Classification
 
December 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2008 (1)
   
February 3,
2009
 
  FV assuming no change in underlying commodity prices
Asset (Liability)
  $ (18.9 )   $ --     $ 0.2  
  FV assuming 10% increase in underlying commodity prices
Asset (Liability)
    (33.6 )     --       0.2  
  FV assuming 10% decrease in underlying commodity prices
Asset (Liability)
    (4.2 )     --       0.2  
                           
(1)  Amounts were minimal at December 31, 2008.
 
 
Foreign Currency Hedging Program – Enterprise Products Partners

Enterprise Products Partners is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk through a Canadian NGL marketing subsidiary.  As a result, Enterprise Products Partners could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar.  Enterprise Products Partners attempts to hedge this risk using foreign exchange purchase contracts to fix the exchange rate.  Mark-to-market accounting is utilized for these contracts, which typically have a duration of one month.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners recorded minimal gains from these financial instruments.

In addition, Enterprise Products Partners is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk through its Japanese Yen Term Loan Agreement (“Yen Term Loan”) that EPO entered into in November 2008.  As a result, Enterprise Products Partners could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen.  Enterprise Products Partners hedged this risk by entering into a foreign exchange purchase contract to fix the exchange rate.  This purchase contract was designated as a cash flow hedge.  At December 31, 2008, the fair value of this contract was $9.3 million (an asset).  This contract will be settled in March 2009 upon repayment of the Yen Term Loan.

Product Purchase Commitments

We have long and short-term purchase commitments for NGLs, petrochemicals and natural gas with several suppliers.  The purchase prices that we are obligated to pay under these contracts are based on market prices at the time we take delivery of the volumes.  For additional information regarding these commitments, see “Contractual Obligations” included under Item 7 of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Fair Value Information

On January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 that apply to financial assets and liabilities.  SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a specified measurement date. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report

 
42

 

on Form 8-K for information regarding fair value disclosures pertaining to our financial assets and liabilities.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) primarily includes the effective portion of the gain or loss on financial instruments designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, foreign currency adjustments and Dixie’s minimum pension liability adjustments.  Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) from cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same period(s) in which the hedged forecasted transactions (such as a forecasted forward sale of NGLs) affect earnings.  If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, the net gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) must be immediately reclassified.

The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at the balance sheet dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

   
At December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Commodity financial instruments – cash flow hedges (1)
  $ (114,087 )   $ (40,271 )
Interest rate financial instruments – cash flow hedges (1)
    (66,560 )     1,048  
Foreign currency cash flow hedges (1)
    10,594       1,308  
Foreign currency translation adjustment (2)
    (1,301 )     1,200  
Pension and postretirement benefit plans (3)
    (751 )     588  
Proportionate share of other comprehensive loss of
               
unconsolidated affiliates, primarily Energy Transfer Equity
    (13,723 )     (3,848 )
    Subtotal
    (185,828 )     (39,975 )
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (4)
    132,630       17,652  
    Total accumulated other comprehensive loss in partners’ equity
  $ (53,198 )   $ (22,323 )
                 
(1)   See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for additional information regarding these components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(2)   Relates to transactions of Enterprise Products Partners’ Canadian NGL marketing subsidiary.
(3)   See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 8 of this Current Report on Form 8-K for additional information regarding Dixie’s pension and postretirement benefit plans.
(4)   Represents the amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss allocated to noncontrolling interest based on the provisions of SFAS 160.
 

The following table summarizes the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated, prior to attributing amounts to noncontrolling interest (dollars in thousands):

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                 
       Cash flow hedges
  $ (132,138 )   $ (60,819 )   $ 3,821  
       Change in funded status of pension and postretirement plans, net of tax
    (1,339 )     (52 )     --  
       Proportionate share of other comprehensive loss of unconsolidated affiliates
    (9,875 )     (3,848 )     --  
       Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (2,501 )     2,007       (807 )
            Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (145,853 )   $ (62,712 )   $ 3,014  









 
43

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   
Page No.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
45
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
46
     
Statements of Consolidated Operations
 
 
    for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
47
     
Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income
 
 
    for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
48
   
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows
 
 
    for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
49
     
Statements of Consolidated Equity
 
 
    for the Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
50
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Note 1 – Partnership Organization and Basis of Presentation
51
 
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
53
 
Note 3 – Recent Accounting Developments
62
 
Note 4 – Business Segments
63
 
Note 5 – Revenue Recognition
67
 
Note 6 – Accounting for Equity Awards
71
 
Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans
83
 
Note 8 – Financial Instruments
85
 
Note 9 – Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
94
 
Note 10 – Inventories
95
 
Note 11 – Property, Plant and Equipment
96
 
Note 12 – Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates
98
 
Note 13 – Business Combinations
106
 
Note 14 – Intangible Assets and Goodwill
110
 
Note 15 – Debt Obligations
114
 
Note 16 – Equity and Distributions
127
 
Note 17 – Related Party Transactions
132
 
Note 18 – Provision for Income Taxes
138
 
Note 19 – Earnings Per Unit
140
 
Note 20 – Commitments and Contingencies
141
 
Note 21 – Significant Risks and Uncertainties
149
 
Note 22 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information
151
 
Note 23 – Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
154
 
Note 24 – Supplemental Parent Company Financial Information
154









 
44

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of EPE Holdings, LLC and
Unitholders of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
Houston, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related statements of consolidated operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We did not audit the financial statements of Energy Transfer Equity L.P., an investment of the Company, which is accounted for by the use of the equity method.  The Company’s equity in Energy Transfer Equity L.P.’s net income of $65.6 million (prior to the Company’s excess cost amortization – see Note 12) for the year ended December 31, 2008 is included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  Energy Transfer Equity L.P.’s financial statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Energy Transfer Equity L.P., is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits and the report of the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditors, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of FASB Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51”   (“SFAS 160”).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2009 (not presented herein) expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Houston, Texas
March 2, 2009
(July 6, 2009 as to the effects of the adoption of SFAS 160 and the related disclosures in Notes 1 and 3)





 
45

 

ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(See Note 24 for Supplemental Parent Company Financial Information)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
December 31,
 
ASSETS
 
2008
   
2007
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 56,828     $ 41,920  
Restricted cash
    203,789       53,144  
Accounts and notes receivable – trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
               
of $17,682 at December 31, 2008 and $21,784 at December 31, 2007
    2,028,458       3,363,295  
Accounts receivable – related parties
    182       1,995  
  Inventories
    405,005       425,686  
Derivative assets
    218,537       12,741  
Prepaid and other current assets
    151,521       116,707  
     Total current assets
    3,064,320       4,015,488  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    16,723,400       14,299,396  
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
    2,510,702       2,539,003  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $674,861 at
               
December 31, 2008 and $545,645 at December 31, 2007
    1,789,047       1,820,199  
Goodwill
    1,013,917       807,580  
Deferred tax asset
    355       3,545  
Other assets, including restricted cash of $17,871 at December 31, 2007
    269,605       238,891  
  Total assets
  $ 25,371,346     $ 23,724,102  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable – trade
  $ 381,617     $ 387,784  
Accounts payable – related parties
    17,543       14,192  
Accrued product payables
    1,845,568       3,571,095  
Accrued expenses
    65,683       61,981  
Accrued interest
    197,431       183,501  
Derivative liabilities
    316,164       98,646  
Other current liabilities
    292,224       292,304  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    --       353,976  
      Total current liabilities
    3,116,230       4,963,479  
Long-term debt (see Note 15)
    12,714,928       9,507,229  
Deferred tax liabilities
    66,069       21,358  
Other long-term liabilities
    123,812       111,211  
Commitments and contingencies
               
Equity:
               
    Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. partners’ equity:
               
        Limited partners:
               
     Units  (123,191,640 registered Units outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007)
    1,650,461       1,698,321  
     Class C Units (16,000,000 Class C Units outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007)
    380,665       380,665  
   General partner
    5       11  
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (53,198 )     (22,323 )
                   Total Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. partners’ equity
    1,977,933       2,056,674  
    Noncontrolling interest
    7,372,374       7,064,151  
     Total equity
    9,350,307       9,120,825  
  Total liabilities and equity
  $ 25,371,346     $ 23,724,102  







 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
46

 

ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
(See Note 24 for Supplemental Parent Company Financial Information)
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Revenues:
                 
     Third parties
  $ 34,454,326     $ 26,128,718     $ 23,251,483  
     Related parties
    1,015,250       585,051       360,663  
         Total revenue (see Note 4)
    35,469,576       26,713,769       23,612,146  
Cost and expenses:
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
     Third parties
    32,868,672       24,937,723       21,976,271  
     Related parties
    747,237       463,837       443,709  
         Total operating costs and expenses
    33,615,909       25,401,560       22,419,980  
General and administrative costs:
                       
     Third parties
    50,018       49,520       36,894  
     Related parties
    94,723       82,467       63,465  
         Total general and administrative costs
    144,741       131,987       100,359  
         Total costs and expenses
    33,760,650       25,533,547       22,520,339  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
    66,161       13,603       25,213  
Operating income
    1,775,087       1,193,825       1,117,020  
Other income (expense):
                       
    Interest expense
    (608,223 )     (487,419 )     (333,742 )
    Interest income
    7,485       11,382       9,820  
    Other, net (see Note 12 regarding gains in 2007)
    2,183       60,406       1,360  
          Total other expense, net
    (598,555 )     (415,631 )     (322,562 )
Income before provision for income taxes
    1,176,532       778,194       794,458  
    Provision for income taxes
    (31,019 )     (15,813 )     (21,974 )
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    1,145,513       762,381       772,484  
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (see Note 9)
    --       --       93  
Net income
    1,145,513       762,381       772,577  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (981,458 )     (653,360 )     (638,585 )
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,992  
                         
Net income allocation: (see Notes 16 and 19)
                       
    Limited partners’ interest in net income
  $ 164,039     $ 109,010     $ 133,979  
    General partner’s interest in net income
  $ 16     $ 11     $ 13  
                         
Earnings per unit: (see Note 19)
                       
    Basic and diluted income per Unit before change in accounting principle
  $ 1.33     $ 0.97     $ 1.30  
    Basic and diluted income per Unit
  $ 1.33     $ 0.97     $ 1.30  












See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
47

 
 
ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Net income
  $ 1,145,513     $ 762,381     $ 772,577  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Cash flow hedges:
                       
Commodity financial instrument gains (losses) during period
    (170,122 )     (46,896 )     9,933  
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income
related to commodity financial instruments
    96,305       9,517       (12,825 )
Interest rate financial instrument gains (losses) during period
    (76,741 )     (18,163 )     10,947  
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
related to interest rate financial instruments
    9,133       (6,585 )     (4,234 )
Foreign currency hedge gains
    9,287       1,308       --  
Total cash flow hedges
    (132,138 )     (60,819 )     3,821  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (2,501 )     2,007       (807 )
Change in funded status of pension and postretirement plans, net of tax
    (1,339 )     (52 )     --  
Proportionate share of other comprehensive income of unconsolidated affiliate
    (9,875 )     (3,848 )     --  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    (145,853 )     (62,712 )     3,014  
Comprehensive income
    999,660       699,669       775,591  
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (866,480 )     (614,649 )     (640,848 )
Comprehensive income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
  $ 133,180     $ 85,020     $ 134,743  
































See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
48

 

ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(See Note 24 for Supplemental Parent Company Financial Information)
 (Dollars in thousands)

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Operating activities:
                 
  Net income
  $ 1,145,513     $ 762,381     $ 772,577  
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                       
      flows provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation, amortization and accretion in operating costs and expenses
    725,048       647,652       556,553  
Depreciation and amortization in general and administrative costs
    14,476       13,664       7,329  
Amortization in interest expense
    223       1,094       (627 )
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
    (66,161 )     (13,603 )     (25,213 )
Distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates
    157,211       116,930       76,515  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    --       --       (93 )
Operating lease expense paid by EPCO, Inc.
    2,038       2,105       2,109  
Gain from asset sales, ownership interests and related transactions
    (3,971 )     (67,414 )     (9,112 )
Deferred income tax expense
    6,235       7,626       15,078  
Net effect of changes in operating accounts (see Note 22)
    (414,624 )     457,598       44,276  
Other (see Note 22)
    556       8,801       182  
            Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    1,566,544       1,936,834       1,439,574  
Investing activities:
                       
   Capital expenditures
    (2,539,426 )     (2,749,166 )     (1,724,827 )
   Contributions in aid of construction costs
    27,259       57,672       60,492  
   Proceeds from asset sales and related transactions
    22,367       169,138       5,588  
   Increase in restricted cash
    (132,775 )     (47,348 )     (8,715 )
   Cash used for business combinations (see Note 13)
    (553,486 )     (35,793 )     (292,202 )
   Acquisition of intangible assets
    (5,820 )     (14,516 )     --  
   Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
    (62,208 )     (1,879,834 )     (25,881 )
   Advances from (to) unconsolidated affiliates
    (2,811 )     (41,251 )     14,898  
          Cash used in investing activities
    (3,246,900 )     (4,541,098 )     (1,970,647 )
Financing activities:
                       
   Borrowings under debt agreements
    13,255,504       11,416,785       4,343,410  
   Repayments of debt
    (10,514,905 )     (8,652,028 )     (3,767,527 )
   Debt issuance costs
    (27,504 )     (39,192 )     (9,974 )
   Net proceeds from the issuance of our Units, net
    --       739,458       --  
   Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (see Note 16)
    (1,182,154 )     (1,073,938 )     (946,735 )
   Distributions paid to partners
    (213,119 )     (159,042 )     (108,449 )
   Repurchase of option awards by subsidiary
    --       (1,568 )     --  
   Acquisition of treasury units by subsidiary
    (1,921 )     --       --  
   Contributions from noncontrolling interests
    446,420       372,662       1,059,061  
   Cash distributions paid to former owners of TEPPCO interests
    --       (29,760 )     (57,960 )
   Settlement of cash flow hedging financial instruments
    (66,542 )     49,103       --  
          Cash provided by financing activities
    1,695,779       2,622,480       511,826  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows
    (515 )     414       (232 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    15,423       18,216       (19,247 )
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1
    41,920       23,290       42,769  
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31
  $ 56,828     $ 41,920     $ 23,290  









See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
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ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED EQUITY
(See Note 16 for Unit History and Detail of Changes in Limited Partners’ Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss))
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
             
               
Accumulated
             
               
Other
             
   
Limited
   
General
   
Comprehensive
   
Noncontrolling
       
   
Partners
   
Partner
   
Income (Loss)
   
Interest
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2005
  $ 1,450,511     $ 12     $ 287     $ 6,203,018     $ 7,653,828  
Net income
    133,979       13       --       638,585       772,577  
Cash distributions to partners
    (108,438 )     (11 )     --       --       (108,449 )
 Cash distributions to former owners of TEPPCO GP interests
    (57,960 )     --       --       --       (57,960 )
Operating leases paid by EPCO, Inc.
    109       --       --       2,000       2,109  
Adoption of SFAS 158
    --       --       (23 )     (508 )     (531 )
Amortization of equity awards
    80       --       --       8,233       8,313  
Change in accounting method for equity awards
    (48 )     --       --       211       163  
Acquisition related disbursement of cash (see Note 16)
    (319 )     --       --       (6,005 )     (6,324 )
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (see Note 16)
    --       --       --       (946,735 )     (946,735 )
Contributions from noncontrolling interests (see Note 16)
    --       --       --       1,059,061       1,059,061  
Acquisition of additional noncontrolling interests in affiliates
    --       --       --       (1,865 )     (1,865 )
Issuance of units by subsidiary in connection with  an acquisition (see Note 13)
    --       --       --       181,112       181,112  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    --       --       (41 )     (766 )     (807 )
Cash flow hedges
    --       --       284       3,537       3,821  
Other
    755       --       --       --       755  
Balance, December 31, 2006
    1,418,669       14       507       7,139,878       8,559,068  
Net income
    109,010       11       --       653,360       762,381  
Cash distributions to partners
    (159,028 )     (14 )     --       --       (159,042 )
Cash distributions to former owners of TEPPCO GP interests
    (29,760 )     --       --       --       (29,760 )
Operating leases paid by EPCO, Inc.
    107       --       --       1,998       2,105  
Net proceeds from the issuance of Units
    739,458       --       --       --       739,458  
Adoption of SFAS 158
    --       --       123       1,048       1,171  
Amortization of equity awards
    530       --       --       10,470       11,000  
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (see Note 16)
    --       --       --       (1,073,938 )     (1,073,938 )
Contributions from noncontrolling interests (see Note 16)
    --       --       --       372,662       372,662  
Repurchase of option awards by subsidiary
    --       --       --       (1,568 )     (1,568 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    --       --       101       1,906       2,007  
Cash flow hedges
    --       --       (19,204 )     (41,615 )     (60,819 )
Change in funded status of pension and
                                       
   postretirement plans, net of tax
    --       --       (2 )     (50 )     (52 )
Proportionate share of other comprehensive income of
                                       
   unconsolidated affiliates
    --       --       (3,848 )     --       (3,848 )
Balance, December 31, 2007
    2,078,986       11       (22,323 )     7,064,151       9,120,825  
Net income
    164,039       16       --       981,458       1,145,513  
Cash distributions to partners
    (213,097 )     (22 )     --       --       (213,119 )
Operating leases paid by EPCO, Inc.
    103       --       --       1,935       2,038  
Amortization of equity awards
    1,133       --       --       13,190       14,323  
Acquisition of treasury units by subsidiary
    (38 )     --       --       (1,883 )     (1,921 )
Issuance of units by subsidiary in connection with an acquisition (see Note 13)
    --       --       --       186,557       186,557  
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests (see Note 16)
    --       --       --       (1,182,154 )     (1,182,154 )
Contributions from noncontrolling interests (see Note 16)
    --       --       --       446,420       446,420  
Acquisition of additional noncontrolling interests in affiliates
    --       --       --       (22,322 )     (22,322 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    --       --       (126 )     (2,375 )     (2,501 )
Cash flow hedges
    --       --       (20,796 )     (111,342 )     (132,138 )
Change in funded status of pension and
                                       
   postretirement plans, net of tax
    --       --       (78 )     (1,261 )     (1,339 )
Proportionate share of other comprehensive income of
                                       
   unconsolidated affiliates
    --       --       (9,875 )     --       (9,875 )
Balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 2,031,126     $ 5     $ (53,198 )   $ 7,372,374     $ 9,350,307  
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
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ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Except per unit amounts, or as noted within the context of each footnote disclosure, the dollar amounts presented in the tabular data within these footnote disclosures are stated in thousands of dollars.

Note 1.  Partnership Organization and Basis of Presentation

Partnership Organization

Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the limited partnership interests (the “Units”) of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “EPE.”  The business of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. is the ownership of general and limited partner interests of publicly traded partnerships engaged in the midstream energy industry and related businesses to increase cash distributions to its unitholders.  Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Partnership” are intended to mean the business of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

References to the “Parent Company” mean Enterprise GP Holdings L.P., individually as the parent company, and not on a consolidated basis.  The Parent Company is owned 99.99% by its limited partners and 0.01% by its general partner, EPE Holdings, LLC (“EPE Holdings”).  EPE Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dan Duncan, LLC, the membership interests of which are owned by Dan L. Duncan.   See Note 24 for information regarding the Parent Company on a standalone basis.

References to “Enterprise Products Partners” mean Enterprise Products Partners L.P., the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “EPD.”  Enterprise Products Partners has no business activities outside those conducted by its operating subsidiary, Enterprise Products Operating LLC (“EPO”).  References to “EPGP” refer to Enterprise Products GP, LLC, which is the general partner of Enterprise Products Partners.  EPGP is owned by the Parent Company.

References to “Duncan Energy Partners” mean Duncan Energy Partners L.P., which is a consolidated subsidiary of EPO.  Duncan Energy Partners is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “DEP.”  References to “DEP GP” mean DEP Holdings, LLC, which is the general partner of Duncan Energy Partners.

References to “TEPPCO” mean TEPPCO Partners, L.P., a publicly traded affiliate, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “TPP.”  References to “TEPPCO GP” refer to Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Company, LLC, which is the general partner of TEPPCO.  TEPPCO GP is owned by the Parent Company.

References to “Energy Transfer Equity” mean the business and operations of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which includes Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (“ETP”).  Energy Transfer Equity is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “ETE.” The general partner of Energy Transfer Equity is LE GP, LLC (“LE GP”).  The Parent Company owns non-controlling interests in both Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP that it accounts for using the equity method of accounting.

References to “Employee Partnerships” mean EPE Unit L.P. (“EPE Unit I”), EPE Unit II, L.P. (“EPE Unit II”), EPE Unit III, L.P. (“EPE Unit III”), Enterprise Unit L.P. (“Enterprise Unit”), EPCO Unit L.P. (“EPCO Unit”), TEPPCO Unit L.P. (“TEPPCO Unit I”), and TEPPCO Unit II L.P. (“TEPPCO Unit II”), collectively, all of which are private company affiliates of EPCO, Inc.

References to “EPCO” mean EPCO, Inc. and its private company affiliates, which are related party affiliates to all of the foregoing named entities.  Mr. Duncan is the Group Co-Chairman and controlling shareholder of EPCO.

 
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                References to “DFI” mean Duncan Family Interests, Inc. and “DFIGP” mean DFI GP Holdings, L.P.  DFI and DFIGP are private company affiliates of EPCO.  The Parent Company acquired its ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP from DFI and DFIGP.

The Parent Company, Enterprise Products Partners, EPGP, TEPPCO, TEPPCO GP, the Employee Partnerships, EPCO, DFI and DFIGP are affiliates under common control of Mr. Duncan. We do not control Energy Transfer Equity or LE GP.

Basis of Presentation

General Purpose Consolidated and Parent Company-Only Information

In accordance with rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and various other accounting standard-setting organizations, our general purpose financial statements reflect the consolidation of the financial statements of businesses that we control through the ownership of general partner interests (e.g. Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO).  Our general purpose consolidated financial statements present those investments in which we do not have a controlling interest as unconsolidated affiliates (e.g. Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP).  To the extent that Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO reflect investments in unconsolidated affiliates in their respective consolidated financial statements, such investments will also be reflected as such in our general purpose financial statements unless subsequently consolidated by us due to common control considerations (e.g. Jonah Gas Gathering Company and Texas Offshore Port System).  Also, noncontrolling interest presented in our financial statements reflects third-party and related party ownership of our consolidated subsidiaries, which include the third-party and related party unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Duncan Energy Partners other than the Parent Company.  Unless noted otherwise, the information presented in these financial statements reflects our consolidated businesses and operations.

In order for the unitholders of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. and others to more fully understand the Parent Company’s business and financial statements on a standalone basis, Note 24 of these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements includes information devoted exclusively to the Parent Company apart from that of our consolidated Partnership.  A key difference between the non-consolidated Parent Company financial information and those of our consolidated Partnership is that the Parent Company views each of its investments (e.g. Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Energy Transfer Equity) as unconsolidated affiliates and records its share of the net income of each as equity earnings in the Parent Company income information.  In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we eliminate such equity earnings in the preparation of our consolidated Partnership financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment to ARB No. 51.  SFAS 160 established accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests, which were previously identified as minority interest in our consolidated financial statements.  The presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160 have been applied retrospectively to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Presentation of Investments

At December 31, 2008, the Parent Company owned 13,670,925 common units of Enterprise Products Partners and 100% of the membership interests of EPGP, which is entitled to 2.0% of the cash distributions paid by Enterprise Products Partners as well as the associated incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) of Enterprise Products Partners.

Private company affiliates of EPCO (DFI and DFIGP) contributed equity interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP to the Parent Company in May 2007. As a result of such contributions, the Parent Company owns 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO and 100.0% of the membership interests of TEPPCO GP, which is entitled to 2.0% of the cash distributions of TEPPCO as well as the IDRs of TEPPCO.  The contributions of ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP were accounted for at historical costs as

 
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a reorganization of entities under common control in a manner similar to a pooling of interests.  The inclusion of TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP in our financial statements was effective January 1, 2005 because an affiliate of EPCO under common control with the Parent Company originally acquired the ownership interests of TEPPCO GP in February 2005.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements and Parent Company financial information reflect investments in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP as follows:

§  
Ownership of 100.0% of the membership interests in TEPPCO GP and associated TEPPCO IDRs for all periods presented.  See Note 24 for additional information regarding TEPPCO IDRs.

§  
Ownership of 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO since the date of issuance to affiliates of EPCO in December 2006.

All earnings derived from TEPPCO IDRs and TEPPCO common units in excess of those allocated to the Parent Company are presented as a component of noncontrolling interest in our Consolidated Financial Statements.  In addition, the former owners of the TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP interests and rights were allocated all cash receipts from these investments during the periods they owned such interests prior to May 2007.  This method of presentation is intended to show how the contributed interests would have affected our business.

In May 2007, the Parent Company acquired 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity and approximately 34.9% of the membership interests of its general partner, LE GP, for $1.65 billion in cash.  Energy Transfer Equity owns limited partner interests and the general partner interest of ETP.  We account for our investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP using the equity method of accounting.  See Note 12 for additional information regarding these unconsolidated affiliates.


Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on specific identification and estimates of future uncollectible accounts.  Our procedure for determining the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on (i) historical experience with customers, (ii) the perceived financial stability of customers based on our research, and (iii) the levels of credit we grant to customers.  In addition, we may increase the allowance account in response to the specific identification of customers involved in bankruptcy proceedings and similar financial difficulties.  On a routine basis, we review estimates associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts to ensure that we have recorded sufficient reserves to cover potential losses.  Our allowance also includes estimates for uncollectible natural gas imbalances based on specific identification of accounts.

The following table presents the activity of our allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods indicated:
 
   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 21,784     $ 23,506     $ 37,579  
Charges to expense
    3,532       2,639       537  
Deductions
    (7,634 )     (4,361 )     (14,610 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 17,682     $ 21,784     $ 23,506  
 
See “Credit Risk Due to Industry Concentrations” in Note 21 for more information.




 
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Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents represent unrestricted cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months from the date of purchase.

Our Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows are prepared using the indirect method.  The indirect method derives net cash flows provided by operating activities by adjusting net income to remove (i) the effects of all deferrals of past operating cash receipts and payments, such as changes during the period in inventory, deferred income and similar transactions, (ii) the effects of all accruals of expected future operating cash receipts and cash payments, such as changes during the period in receivables and payables, (iii) other non-cash amounts such as depreciation, amortization, changes in the fair market value of financial instruments and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates and (iv) the effects of all items classified as investing or financing cash flows, such as proceeds from asset sales and related transactions or extinguishment of debt.

The former owners of the TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP interests and rights were allocated all cash receipts from these investments during the periods they owned such interests prior to May 2007.

Consolidation Policy

Our financial statements include our accounts and those of our majority-owned subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial or equity interest, after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.  We evaluate our financial interests in companies to determine if they represent variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary.  If such criteria are met, we consolidate the financial statements of such businesses with those of our own.

If an investee is organized as a limited partnership or limited liability company and maintains separate ownership accounts, we account for our investment using the equity method if our ownership interest is between 3.0% and 50.0% and we exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies.  For all other types of investments, we apply the equity method of accounting if our ownership interest is between 20.0% and 50.0% and we exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies.  In consolidation, we eliminate our proportionate share of profits and losses from transactions with equity method unconsolidated affiliates to the extent such amounts are material and remain on our balance sheet (or those of our equity method investees) in inventory or similar accounts.

If our ownership interest in an investee does not provide us with either control or significant influence over the investee, we account for the investment using the cost method.  We currently have no investments accounted for using the cost method.

See “Basis of Presentation” under Note 1 for information regarding our consolidation of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and their respective general partners.

Contingencies

Certain conditions may exist as of the date our financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to us but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur.  Our management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessments inherently involve an exercise in judgment.  In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against us or unasserted claims that may result in proceedings, our management and legal counsel evaluate the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in our financial statements.  If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable

 
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but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss (if determinable and material), is disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.

Current Assets and Current Liabilities

We present, as individual captions in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, all components of current assets and current liabilities that exceed 5.0% of total current assets and liabilities, respectively.

Deferred Revenues

Amounts billed in advance of the period in which the service is rendered or product delivered are recorded as deferred revenue.   At December 31, 2008 and 2007, deferred revenues totaled $118.5 million and $87.4 million, respectively, and were recorded as a component of other current and long-term liabilities, as appropriate, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  See Note 5 for information regarding our revenue recognition policies.

Earnings Per Unit

Earnings per Unit is based on the amount of income allocated to limited partners and the weighted-average number of Units outstanding during the period.  See Note 19 for additional information regarding our earnings per Unit.

Employee Benefit Plans

SFAS 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of SFAS 87, 88, 106, and 132(R), requires businesses to record the over-funded or under-funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability at a measurement date and to recognize annual changes in the funded status of each plan through other comprehensive income (loss).  

Our consolidated results reflect immaterial amounts related to active and terminated employee benefit plans.  See Note 7 for additional information regarding our current employee benefit plans.

Environmental Costs

Environmental costs for remediation are accrued based on estimates of known remediation requirements.  Such accruals are based on management’s best estimate of the ultimate cost to remediate a site and are adjusted as further information and circumstances develop.  Those estimates may change substantially depending on information about the nature and extent of contamination, appropriate remediation technologies and regulatory approvals.  Expenditures to mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized.  Ongoing environmental compliance costs are charged to expense as incurred.  In accruing for environmental remediation liabilities, costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value, unless the amount and timing of the expenditures are fixed or reliably determinable.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, none of our estimated environmental remediation liabilities are discounted to present value since the ultimate amount and timing of cash payments for such liabilities are not readily determinable.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, our accrued liabilities for environmental remediation projects totaled $22.3 million and $30.5 million, respectively.  These amounts were derived from a range of reasonable estimates based upon studies and site surveys.  Unanticipated changes in circumstances and/or legal requirements could result in expenses being incurred in future periods in addition to an increase in actual cash required to remediate contamination for which we are responsible.  The majority of these

 
55

 

amounts relate to reserves established by Enterprise Products Partners for remediation activities involving mercury gas meters.

In February 2007, Enterprise Products Partners reserved $6.5 million in cash it received from a third party to fund anticipated environmental remediation costs.  These expected costs are associated with assets acquired in connection with the GulfTerra Merger.  Previously, the third party had been obligated to indemnify Enterprise Products Partners for such costs.  As a result of the settlement, this indemnification arrangement was terminated.

The following table presents the activity of our environmental reserves for the periods indicated:
 
   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 30,461     $ 25,980     $ 24,537  
Charges to expense
    5,886       3,777       2,992  
Acquisition-related additions and other
    --       6,499       8,811  
Deductions and other
    (14,049 )     (5,795 )     (10,360 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 22,298     $ 30,461     $ 25,980  
 
Equity Awards

See Note 6 for additional information regarding our equity awards.

Estimates

Preparing our financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts presented in the financial statements (i.e. assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses) and disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities.  Our actual results could differ from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

Enterprise Products Partners revised the remaining useful lives of certain assets, most notably the assets that constitute its Texas Intrastate System, effective January 1, 2008.  This revision adjusted the remaining useful life of such assets to incorporate recent data showing that proved natural gas reserves supporting throughput and processing volumes for these assets have changed since our original determination made in September 2004.  These revisions will prospectively reduce our depreciation expense on assets having carrying values totaling $2.72 billion at January 1, 2008.  For additional information regarding this change in estimate, see Note 11.

Exchange Contracts

Exchanges are contractual agreements for the movements of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and certain petrochemical products between parties to satisfy timing and logistical needs of the parties.  Net exchange volumes borrowed from us under such agreements are valued at market-based prices and included in accounts receivable, and net exchange volumes loaned to us under such agreements are valued at market-based prices and accrued as a liability in accrued product payables.

Receivables and payables arising from exchange transactions are settled with movements of products rather than with cash.  When payment or receipt of monetary consideration is required for product differentials and service costs, such items are recognized in our consolidated financial statements on a net basis.

Exit and Disposal Costs

Exit and disposal costs are charges associated with an exit activity not associated with a business combination or with a disposal activity covered by SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal

 
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of Long-Lived Assets.  Examples of these costs include (i) termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated under the terms of a benefit arrangement that, in substance, is not an ongoing benefit arrangement or an individual deferred compensation contract, (ii) costs to terminate a contract that is not a capital lease, and (iii) costs to consolidate facilities or relocate employees.  In accordance with SFAS 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities, we recognize such costs when they are incurred rather than at the date of our commitment to an exit or disposal plan.

Financial Instruments

We use financial instruments such as swaps, forwards and other contracts to manage price risks associated with inventories, firm commitments, interest rates, foreign currency and certain anticipated transactions.  We recognize these transactions as assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the instrument’s fair value.  Fair value is generally defined as the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, not in a forced or liquidation sale.

Changes in fair value of financial instrument contracts are recognized in earnings in the current period (i.e., using mark-to-market accounting) unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  If the financial instrument meets the criteria of a fair value hedge, gains and losses incurred on the instrument will be recorded in earnings to offset corresponding losses and gains on the hedged item.  If the financial instrument meets the criteria of a cash flow hedge, gains and losses incurred on the instrument are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is generally referred to as “AOCI.”  Gains and losses on cash flow hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings when the forecasted transaction occurs or, as appropriate, over the economic life of the hedged item.  A contract designated as a hedge of an anticipated transaction that is no longer likely to occur is immediately recognized in earnings.

To qualify for hedge accounting, the item to be hedged must expose us to risk and the related hedging instrument must reduce the exposure and meet the hedging requirements of SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (as amended and interpreted).  We formally designate the financial instrument as a hedge and document and assess the effectiveness of the hedge at its inception and thereafter on a quarterly basis.  Any hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recognized in earnings.  See Note 8 for additional information regarding our financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Translation

Enterprise Products Partners owns an NGL marketing business located in Canada.  The financial statements of this foreign subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars from the Canadian dollar, which is the subsidiary’s functional currency, using the current rate method.  Its assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange during the reporting period.  Exchange gains and losses arising from foreign currency translation adjustments are reflected as separate components of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Our net cash flows from this Canadian subsidiary may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  See Note 8 for information regarding our hedging of currency risk.

Impairment Testing for Goodwill

Our goodwill amounts are assessed for impairment (i) on a routine annual basis or (ii) when impairment indicators are present.  If such indicators occur (e.g., the loss of a significant customer, economic obsolescence of plant assets, etc.), the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned is determined and compared to its book value.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value including associated goodwill amounts, the goodwill is considered to be unimpaired and no impairment charge is required.  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its book value including associated goodwill amounts, a charge to earnings is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the

 
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goodwill to its implied fair value.  We have not recognized any impairment losses related to goodwill for any of the periods presented.  See Note 14 for additional information regarding our goodwill.

Impairment Testing for Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are subject to periodic testing for recoverability in a manner similar to goodwill.  We test the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value.  This test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  If the estimated fair value of this intangible asset is less than its carrying value, a charge to earnings is required to reduce the asset’s carrying value to its implied fair value.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Parent Company had an indefinite-life intangible asset valued at $606.9 million associated with IDRs in TEPPCO’s quarterly cash distributions.  Our estimate of the fair value of this asset is based on a number of assumptions including:  (i) the discount rate we select to present value underlying cash flow streams; (ii) the expected increase in TEPPCO’s cash distribution rate over a discreet forecast period; and (iii) the long-term growth rate of TEPPCO’s cash distributions beyond the discreet forecast period.  The financial models we use to estimate the fair value of the IDRs are sensitive to changes in these assumptions.  Consequently, a significant change in any of these underlying assumptions may result in our recording an impairment charge where none was warranted in prior periods.

We did not record any intangible asset impairment charges for any of the periods presented.

Impairment Testing for Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite useful lives and property, plant and equipment) are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

Long-lived assets with carrying values that are not expected to be recovered through future cash flows are written-down to their estimated fair values in accordance with SFAS 144.  The carrying value of a long-lived asset is deemed not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If the asset carrying value exceeds the sum of its undiscounted cash flows, a non-cash asset impairment charge equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value is recorded.  Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset or liability could be bought or settled in an arm’s-length transaction.  We measure fair value using market price indicators or, in the absence of such data, appropriate valuation techniques.

We recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $0.1 million in 2006, which is reflected as a component of operating costs and expenses in our 2006 Statement of Consolidated Operations.  No such asset impairment charges were recorded in 2008 or 2007.

Impairment Testing for Unconsolidated Affiliates

We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that there is a loss in value of the investment attributable to an other than temporary decline.  Examples of such events or changes in circumstances include continuing operating losses of the investee or long-term negative changes in the investee’s industry.  In the event we determine that the loss in value of an investment is other than a temporary decline, we record a charge to earnings to adjust the carrying value of the investment to its estimated fair value.

During 2007, we evaluated our equity method investment in Nemo Gathering Company, LLC (“Nemo”) for impairment.  As a result of this evaluation, we recorded a $7.0 million non-cash impairment charge that is a component of “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” on our Statements of Consolidated Operations for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Similarly, during 2006, we evaluated our investment in Neptune Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (“Neptune”) for impairment.  As a result of this

 
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evaluation, we recorded a $7.4 million non-cash impairment charge that is a component of “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” on our Statements of Consolidated Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.  We had no such impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2008.  See Note 12 for additional information regarding our equity method investments.

Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes is primarily applicable to our state tax obligations under the Revised Texas Franchise Tax and certain federal and state tax obligations of Seminole Pipeline Company (“Seminole”) and Dixie Pipeline Company (“Dixie”), both of which are consolidated subsidiaries of ours.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the assets and liabilities of our tax paying entities for financial reporting and tax purposes.

In general, legal entities that conduct business in Texas are subject to the Revised Texas Franchise Tax.  In May 2006, the State of Texas expanded its pre-existing franchise tax, which applied to corporations and limited liability companies, to include limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships.  As a result of the change in tax law, our tax status in the State of Texas changed from non-taxable to taxable.

Since we are structured as a pass-through entity, we are not subject to federal income taxes.  As a result, our partners are individually responsible for paying federal income taxes on their share of our taxable income.  Since we do not have access to information regarding each partner’s tax basis, we cannot readily determine the total difference in the basis of our net assets for financial and tax reporting purposes.

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, we must recognize the tax effects of any uncertain tax positions we may adopt, if the position taken by us is more likely than not sustainable.  If a tax position meets such criteria, the tax effect to be recognized by us would be the largest amount of benefit with more than a 50.0% chance of being realized upon settlement.  This guidance was effective January 1, 2007, and our adoption of this guidance had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  See Note 18 for additional information regarding our income taxes.

Inventories

Inventories primarily consist of NGLs, petroleum products, certain petrochemical products and natural gas volumes that are valued at the lower of average cost or market.  We capitalize, as a cost of inventory, shipping and handling charges directly related to volumes we purchase from third parties or take title to in connection with processing or other agreements.  As these volumes are sold and delivered out of inventory, the average cost of these products (including freight-in charges that have been capitalized) are charged to operating costs and expenses.  Shipping and handling fees associated with products we sell and deliver to customers are charged to operating costs and expenses as incurred.  See Note 10 for additional information regarding our inventories.

Natural Gas Imbalances

In the natural gas pipeline transportation business, imbalances frequently result from differences in natural gas volumes received from and delivered to our customers.  Such differences occur when a customer delivers more or less gas into our pipelines than is physically redelivered back to them during a particular time period.  We have various fee-based agreements with customers to transport their natural gas through our pipelines.  Our customers retain ownership of their natural gas shipped through our pipelines.  As such, our pipeline transportation activities are not intended to create physical volume differences that would result in significant accounting or economic events for either our customers or us during the course of the arrangement.

We settle pipeline gas imbalances through either (i) physical delivery of in-kind gas or (ii) in cash. These settlements follow contractual guidelines or common industry practices.  As imbalances occur, they

 
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may be settled (i) on a monthly basis, (ii) at the end of the agreement or (iii) in accordance with industry practice, including negotiated settlements.  Certain of our natural gas pipelines have a regulated tariff rate mechanism requiring customer imbalance settlements each month at current market prices.

However, the vast majority of our settlements are through in-kind arrangements whereby incremental volumes are delivered to a customer (in the case of an imbalance payable) or received from a customer (in the case of an imbalance receivable).  Such in-kind deliveries are on-going and take place over several periods. In some cases, settlements of imbalances built up over a period of time are ultimately cashed out and are generally negotiated at values which approximate average market prices over a period of time.  For those gas imbalances that are ultimately settled over future periods, we estimate the value of such current assets and liabilities using average market prices, which is representative of the estimated value of the imbalances upon final settlement.  Changes in natural gas prices may impact our estimates.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, our natural gas imbalance receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, were $63.4 million and $73.9 million, respectively, and are reflected as a component of “Accounts and notes receivable – trade” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, our imbalance payables were $50.8 million and $48.7 million, respectively, and are reflected as a component of “Accrued product payables” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Noncontrolling Interest

As presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, noncontrolling interest represents third-party and affiliate ownership interests in the net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries.  For financial reporting purposes, the assets and liabilities of our controlled subsidiaries are consolidated with those of the Parent Company, with any third-party or affiliate ownership in such amounts presented as noncontrolling interest.  See Note 16 for information regarding noncontrolling interest.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost.  Expenditures for additions, improvements and other enhancements to property, plant and equipment are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs that do not extend asset life or add value are charged to expense as incurred.  When property, plant and equipment assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations for the respective period.

In general, depreciation is the systematic and rational allocation of an asset’s cost, less its residual value (if any), to the periods it benefits.  The majority of our property, plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method, which results in depreciation expense being incurred evenly over the life of the assets.  Our estimate of depreciation incorporates assumptions regarding the useful economic lives and residual values of our assets.  At the time we place our assets in service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable. Under our depreciation policy for midstream energy assets, the remaining economic lives of such assets are limited to the estimated life of the natural resource basins (based on proved reserves at the time of the analysis) from which such assets derive their throughput or processing volumes.  Our forecast of the remaining life for the applicable resource basins is based on several factors, including information published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  Where appropriate, we use other depreciation methods (generally accelerated) for tax purposes.
          
Leasehold improvements are recorded as a component of property, plant and equipment.  The cost of leasehold improvements is charged to earnings using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.  We consider renewal terms that are deemed reasonably assured when estimating remaining lease terms.
          
Our assumptions regarding the useful economic lives and residual values of our assets may change in response to new facts and circumstances, which would change our depreciation amounts prospectively.  Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) changes in laws and

 
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regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset; (ii) changes in technology that render an asset obsolete; (iii) changes in expected salvage values; or (iv) significant changes in the forecast life of proved reserves of applicable resource basins, if any.  See Note 11 for additional information regarding our property, plant and equipment, including a change in depreciation expense beginning January 1, 2008 resulting from a change in the estimated useful life of certain assets.

Certain of our plant operations entail periodic planned outages for major maintenance activities.  These planned shutdowns typically result in significant expenditures, which are principally comprised of amounts paid to third parties for materials, contract services and related items.  We use the expense-as-incurred method for our planned major maintenance activities; however, the cost of annual planned major maintenance projects are deferred and recognized ratably over the remaining portion of the calendar year in which such projects occur.

Asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from their acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation.  When an ARO is incurred, we record a liability for the ARO and capitalize an equal amount as an increase in the carrying value of the related long-lived asset.  Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value (accretion expense) and the capitalized amount is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related long-lived asset.  We will incur a gain or loss to the extent that our ARO liabilities are not settled at their recorded amounts. See Note 11 for additional information regarding our AROs.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents amounts held in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity financial instruments portfolio and New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) physical natural gas purchases.  Additional cash may be restricted to maintain our positions as commodity prices fluctuate or deposit requirements change.  At December 31, 2007, restricted cash also included amounts held by a third party trustee responsible for disbursing proceeds from Enterprise Products Partners’ Petal GO Zone bond offering.  During 2008, virtually all proceeds from the Petal GO Zone bonds were released by the trustee to fund construction costs associated with the expansion of Enterprise Products Partners’ Petal, Mississippi storage facility.  The following table presents the components of our restricted cash balances at the periods indicated:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Amounts held in brokerage accounts related to
           
  commodity hedging activities and physical natural gas purchases
  $ 203,789     $ 53,144  
Proceeds from Petal GO Zone bonds reserved for construction costs
    1       17,871  
Total restricted cash
  $ 203,790     $ 71,015  
 
Revenue Recognition

See Note 5 for information regarding our revenue recognition policies.

Start-Up and Organization Costs

Start-up costs and organization costs are expensed as incurred.  Start-up costs are defined as one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new product or service, conducting activities in a new territory, pursuing a new class of customer, initiating a new process in an existing facility or some new operation.  Routine ongoing efforts to improve existing facilities, products or services are not considered start-up costs.  Organization costs include legal fees, promotional costs and similar charges incurred in connection with the formation of a business.





 
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Note 3.  Recent Accounting Developments

The accounting standard setting bodies have recently issued the following accounting guidance that will affect our future financial statements:  SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations;  FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) SFAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets;  SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements;  SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An amendment of ARB 51; SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of SFAS 133; and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations.

SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations. SFAS 141(R) replaces SFAS 141, Business Combinations and was effective January 1, 2009.  SFAS 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS 141 in that the acquisition method of accounting (previously termed the “purchase method”) be used for all business combinations and for the “acquirer” to be identified in each business combination.  SFAS 141(R) defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in a business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control.  This new guidance also retains guidance in SFAS 141 for identifying and recognizing intangible assets separately from goodwill.   SFAS 141(R) will have an impact on the way in which we evaluate acquisitions.

The objective of SFAS 141(R) is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about business combinations and their effects.  To accomplish this, SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer:

§  
Recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree.

§  
Recognizes and measures any goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain resulting from a bargain purchase.  SFAS 141(R) defines a bargain purchase as a business combination in which the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration transferred plus any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and requires the acquirer to recognize that excess in net income as a gain attributable to the acquirer.

§  
Determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.

SFAS 141(R) also requires that direct costs of an acquisition (e.g. finder’s fees, outside consultants, etc.) be expensed as incurred and not capitalized as part of the purchase price.

FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible AssetsFSP 142-3 revised the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  These revisions are intended to improve consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of such assets under SFAS 141(R) and other accounting guidance. The measurement and disclosure requirements of this new guidance will be applied to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009.   Our adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  Although certain provisions of SFAS 157 were effective January 1, 2008, the remaining guidance of this new standard applicable to nonfinancial assets and liabilities was effective January 1, 2009.  See Note 8 for information regarding fair value-related disclosures required for 2008 in connection with SFAS 157.

SFAS 157 applies to fair-value measurements that are already required (or permitted) by other accounting standards and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements.  SFAS 157

 
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emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.  Companies are required to disclose the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the inputs used to develop such measurements, and the effect of certain of the measurements on earnings (or changes in net assets) during a period.  Our adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  SFAS 157 will impact the valuation of assets and liabilities (and related disclosures) in connection with future business combinations and impairment testing.

SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB 51.  SFAS 160 established accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests, which have been referred to as minority interests in prior accounting literature.  SFAS 160 was effective January 1, 2009.  A noncontrolling interest is that portion of equity in a consolidated subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a reporting entity.  This new standard requires, among other things, that (i) ownership interests of noncontrolling interests be presented as a component of equity on the balance sheet (i.e., elimination of the “mezzanine” presentation); (ii) elimination of minority interest expense as a line item on the statement of income and, as a result, that net income be allocated between the reporting entity and noncontrolling interests on the face of the statement of income; and (iii) enhanced disclosures regarding noncontrolling interests.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 160.  The presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160 have been applied retrospectively to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - An Amendment of SFAS 133.  SFAS 161 revised the disclosure requirements for financial instruments and related hedging activities to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of (i) why and how an entity uses financial instruments, (ii) how an entity accounts for financial instruments and related hedged items under SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (including related interpretations), and (iii) how financial instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.

SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using financial instruments, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on financial instruments, and disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in financial instrument agreements.  SFAS 161 was effective January 1, 2009 and we will apply its requirements beginning with the first quarter of 2009.

EITF 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations.  EITF 08-6 clarifies the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments under SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160.  EITF 08-6 generally requires that (i) transaction costs should be included in the initial carrying value of an equity method investment; (ii) an equity method investor shall not test separately an investee’s underlying assets for impairment, rather such testing should be performed in accordance with Opinion 18 (i.e., on the equity method investment itself); (iii) an equity method investor shall account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment (any gain or loss to the investor resulting from the investee’s share issuance shall be recognized in earnings); and (iv) a gain or loss should not be recognized when changing the method of accounting for an investment from the equity method to the cost method.  EITF 08-6 was effective January 1, 2009.


Note 4.  Business Segments

Our investing activities are organized into business segments that reflect how the Chief Executive Officer of our general partner (i.e., our chief operating decision maker) routinely manages and reviews the financial performance of the Parent Company’s investments.  We evaluate segment performance based on operating income. 

 
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On a consolidated basis, we have three reportable business segments:

§  
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners – Reflects the consolidated operations of Enterprise Products Partners and its general partner, EPGP.  This segment also includes the development stage assets of the Texas Offshore Port System (as defined below).

In August 2008, Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Oiltanking Holding Americas, Inc. (“Oiltanking”), announced the formation of a joint venture (the “Texas Offshore Port System”) to design, construct, operate and own a Texas offshore crude oil port and a related onshore pipeline and storage system that would facilitate delivery of waterborne crude oil cargoes to refining centers located along the upper Texas Gulf Coast.  Demand for such projects is being driven by planned and expected refinery expansions along the Gulf Coast, expected increases in shipping traffic and operating limitations of regional ship channels.

The joint venture’s primary project, referred to as “TOPS,” includes (i) an offshore port (which will be located approximately 36 miles from Freeport, Texas), (ii) an onshore storage facility with approximately 3.9 million barrels of crude oil storage capacity, and (iii) an 85-mile crude oil pipeline system having a transportation capacity of up to 1.8 million barrels per day, that will extend from the offshore port to a storage facility near Texas City, Texas.  The joint venture’s complementary project, referred to as the Port Arthur Crude Oil Express (or “PACE”) will transport crude oil from Texas City, including crude oil from TOPS, and will consist of a 75-mile pipeline and 1.2 million barrels of crude oil storage capacity in the Port Arthur, Texas area.  Development of the TOPS and PACE projects is supported by long-term contracts with affiliates of Motiva Enterprises LLC (“Motiva”) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (“Exxon Mobil”), which have committed a combined 725,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the projects.  The timing of construction and related capital costs of the TOPS and PACE projects will be affected by the expansion plans of Motiva and the acquisition of requisite permits.

Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Oiltanking each own, through their respective subsidiaries, a one-third interest in the joint venture.  A subsidiary of Enterprise Products Partners acts as construction manager and will act as operator for the joint venture.  The aggregate cost of the TOPS and PACE projects is expected to be approximately $1.8 billion (excluding capitalized interest), with the majority of such capital expenditures currently expected to occur in 2010 and 2011.  Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO have each guaranteed up to approximately $700.0 million, which includes a contingency amount for potential cost overruns, of the capital contribution obligations of their respective subsidiary partners in the joint venture. 

Within their respective financial statements, TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners account for their individual ownership interests in the Texas Offshore Port System using the equity method of accounting.  As a result of common control of TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners at the Parent Company level, the Texas Offshore Port System is a consolidated subsidiary of the Parent Company and Oiltanking’s interest in the joint venture is accounted for as noncontrolling interest.  For financial reporting purposes, our management determined that the joint venture should be included within the Investment in Enterprise Products Partners’ segment.

§  
Investment in TEPPCO – Reflects the consolidated operations of TEPPCO and its general partner, TEPPCO GP.  This segment also includes the assets and operations of Jonah Gas Gathering Company (“Jonah”).

TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners are joint venture partners in Jonah, which owns a natural gas gathering system (the “Jonah system”) located in southwest Wyoming.  Within their respective financial statements, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO account for their individual ownership interests in Jonah using the equity method of accounting.  As a result of common control of TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners at the Parent Company level, Jonah is a consolidated subsidiary of the Parent Company.  For financial reporting purposes, our

 
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management determined that Jonah should be included within the Investment in TEPPCO segment.

§  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity – Reflects the Parent Company’s investments in Energy Transfer Equity and its general partner, LE GP.  These investments were acquired in May 2007.  The Parent Company accounts for these non-controlling investments using the equity method of accounting.

Each of the respective general partners of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Energy Transfer Equity have separate operating management and boards of directors, with at least three independent directors.  We control Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO through our ownership of their respective general partners.  We do not control Energy Transfer Equity or its general partner.

Segment revenues and expenses include intersegment transactions, which are generally based on transactions made at market-related rates.  Our consolidated totals reflect the elimination of intersegment transactions.

We classify equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates as a component of operating income.  Our equity method investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP are an integral component of our primary business strategy to increase cash distributions to unitholders.  Also, the equity method investments of our consolidated subsidiaries (i.e., Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO) represent an integral component of their respective business strategies.  Such investments are a means by which Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO align their commercial interests with those of customers and/or suppliers who are joint owners in such entities.  This method of operation enables Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO to achieve favorable economies of scale relative to the level of investment and business risk assumed versus what they could accomplish on a stand-alone basis.  Given the interrelated nature of such entities to the operations of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO, we believe the presentation of equity earnings from such unconsolidated affiliates as a component of operating income is meaningful and appropriate.

Financial information presented for our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners and Investment in TEPPCO business segments was derived from the underlying consolidated financial statements of EPGP and TEPPCO GP, respectively.  Financial information presented for our Investment in Energy Transfer Equity segment represents amounts we record in connection with these equity method investments based on publicly available information of Energy Transfer Equity.





















 
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The following table presents selected business segment information for the periods indicated:
   
Investment
         
Investment
             
   
in
         
in
             
   
Enterprise
   
Investment
   
Energy
   
Adjustments
       
   
Products
   
in
   
Transfer
   
and
   
Consolidated
 
   
Partners
   
TEPPCO
   
Equity
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
Revenues from external customers:
                             
Year ended December 31, 2008
  $ 20,769,206     $ 13,685,120     $ --     $ --     $ 34,454,326  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    16,297,409       9,831,309       --       --       26,128,718  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    13,587,739       9,663,744       --       --       23,251,483  
Revenues from related parties: (1)
                                       
Year ended December 31, 2008
    1,136,450       80,785       --       (201,985 )     1,015,250  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    652,716       31,367       --       (99,032 )     585,051  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    403,230       27,576       --       (70,143 )     360,663  
Total revenues: (1)
                                       
Year ended December 31, 2008
    21,905,656       13,765,905       --       (201,985 )     35,469,576  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    16,950,125       9,862,676       --       (99,032 )     26,713,769  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    13,990,969       9,691,320       --       (70,143 )     23,612,146  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates:
                                       
Year ended December 31, 2008
    37,734       (2,871 )     31,298       --       66,161  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    20,301       (9,793 )     3,095       --       13,603  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    21,327       3,886       --       --       25,213  
Operating income: (2)
                                       
Year ended December 31, 2008
    1,391,516       364,455       31,298       (12,182 )     1,775,087  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    873,248       332,273       3,095       (14,791 )     1,193,825  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    857,541       270,053       --       (10,574 )     1,117,020  
Segment assets: (3)
                                       
At December 31, 2008
    17,775,434       6,083,352       1,598,876       (86,316 )     25,371,346  
At December 31, 2007
    16,372,652       5,801,710       1,653,463       (103,723 )     23,724,102  
Investments in and advances
                                       
to unconsolidated affiliates (see Note 12):
                                       
At December 31, 2008
    655,573       256,478       1,598,876       (225 )     2,510,702  
At December 31, 2007
    622,502       263,038       1,653,463       --       2,539,003  
Intangible Assets (see Note 14): (4)
                                       
At December 31, 2008
    855,416       950,931       --       (17,300 )     1,789,047  
At December 31, 2007
    917,000       920,780       --       (17,581 )     1,820,199  
Goodwill (see Note 14):
                                       
At December 31, 2008
    706,884       307,033       --       --       1,013,917  
At December 31, 2007
    591,651       215,929       --       --       807,580  
(1)   Amounts presented in the “Adjustments and Eliminations” column represent the elimination of intercompany revenues.
(2)   Amounts presented in the “Adjustments and Eliminations” column represent the elimination of intercompany revenues and expenses.
(3)   Amounts presented in the “Adjustments and Eliminations” column represent the elimination of intercompany receivables and investment balances, as well as the elimination of contracts Enterprise Products Partners purchased in cash from TEPPCO in 2006.
(4)   Amounts presented in the “Adjustments and Eliminations” column represent the elimination of contracts Enterprise Products Partners purchased from TEPPCO in 2006.
 














 
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The following tables present total segment revenues by business line for each of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO for the periods indicated.  Enterprise Products Partners operates in four primary business lines: (i) NGL Pipelines & Services; (ii) Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines & Services; (iii) Offshore Pipelines & Services; and (iv) Petrochemical Services.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO operated in three business lines: (i) Downstream, (ii) Upstream and (iii) Midstream. Effective February 1, 2008, TEPPCO added a fourth business line, Marine Services, with the acquisition of its marine services business (see Note 13).

Enterprise Products Partners

   
Business Line
             
         
Onshore
                         
   
NGL
   
Natural Gas
   
Offshore
                   
   
Pipelines
   
Pipelines
   
Pipelines
   
Petrochemical
         
Segment
 
   
& Services
   
& Services
   
& Services
   
Services
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
Year ended December 31, 2008
  $ 23,329,840     $ 4,406,029     $ 269,828     $ 3,322,339     $ (9,422,380 )   $ 21,905,656  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    17,817,940       2,261,836       225,770       2,699,702       (6,055,123 )     16,950,125  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    14,321,719       1,812,027       147,542       2,340,022       (4,630,341 )     13,990,969  

       Sales of tangible products, primarily NGLs, natural gas and petrochemicals, by Enterprise Products Partners aggregated $20.38 billion, $15.37 billion and $12.43 billion for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
TEPPCO

   
Business Line
             
                     
Marine
         
Segment
 
   
Downstream
   
Upstream
   
Midstream
   
Services
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
Year ended December 31, 2008
  $ 372,964     $ 12,873,426     $ 355,242     $ 164,274     $ (192 )   $ 13,765,714  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    362,691       9,173,683       326,381       --       (549 )     9,862,206  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    304,301       9,109,629       361,399       --       (7,714 )     9,767,615  
 
Sales of petroleum products, primarily crude oil, by TEPPCO were $12.84 billion, $9.15 billion and $9.08 billion for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


Note 5.  Revenue Recognition

In general, we recognize revenue from our customers when all of the following criteria are met:  (i) persuasive evidence of an exchange arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, (iii) the buyer’s price is fixed or determinable and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured.  The following information provides a general description of the underlying revenue recognition policies of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO.

Enterprise Products Partners

Enterprise Products Partners operates in four primary business lines: (i) NGL Pipelines & Services; (ii) Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines & Services; (iii) Offshore Pipelines & Services; and (iv) Petrochemical Services.

NGL Pipelines & Services.  This aspect of Enterprise Products Partners’ business generates revenues primarily from the provision of natural gas processing, NGL pipeline transportation, product storage and NGL fractionation services and the sale of NGLs.  In Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas processing activities, it enters into margin-band contracts, percent-of-liquids contracts, percent-of-proceeds contracts, fee-based contracts, hybrid-contracts (i.e. mixed percent-of-liquids and fee-based) and keepwhole contracts.  Under margin-band and keepwhole contracts, Enterprise Products Partners takes ownership of mixed NGLs extracted from the producer’s natural gas stream and recognize revenue when

 
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the extracted NGLs are delivered and sold to customers under NGL marketing sales contracts.  In the same way, revenue is recognized under Enterprise Products Partners’ percent-of-liquids contracts except that the volume of NGLs it extracts and sells is less than the total amount of NGLs extracted from the producers’ natural gas.  Under a percent-of-liquids contract, the producer retains title to the remaining percentage of mixed NGLs Enterprise Products Partners extracts.  Under a percent-of-proceeds contract, Enterprise Products Partners shares in the proceeds generated from the sale of the mixed NGLs it extracts on the producer’s behalf.  If a cash fee for natural gas processing services is stipulated by the contract, Enterprise Products Partners records revenue when the natural gas has been processed and delivered to the producer.

Enterprise Products Partners’ NGL marketing activities generate revenues from the sale of NGLs obtained from either its natural gas processing activities or purchased from third parties on the open market.  Revenues from these sales contracts are recognized when the NGLs are delivered to customers.  In general, the sales prices referenced in these contracts are market-related and can include pricing differentials for such factors as delivery location.

Under Enterprise Products Partners’ NGL pipeline transportation contracts and tariffs, revenue is recognized when volumes have been delivered to customers.  Revenue from these contracts and tariffs is generally based upon a fixed fee per gallon of liquids transported multiplied by the volume delivered.  Transportation fees charged under these arrangements are either contractual or regulated by governmental agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”).

Enterprise Products Partners collects storage revenues under its NGL and related product storage contracts based on the number of days a customer has volumes in storage multiplied by a storage rate (as defined in each contract).  Under these contracts, revenue is recognized ratably over the length of the storage period.  With respect to capacity reservation agreements, Enterprise Products Partners collects a fee for reserving storage capacity for customers in its underground storage wells.  Under these agreements, revenue is recognized ratably over the specified reservation period.  Excess storage fees are collected when customers exceed their reservation amounts and are recognized in the period of occurrence.

Revenues from product terminalling activities (applicable to Enterprise Products Partners’ import and export operations) are recorded in the period such services are provided.  Customers are typically billed a fee per unit of volume loaded or unloaded.  With respect to export operations, revenues may also include demand payments charged to customers who reserve the use of Enterprise Products Partners’ export facilities and later fail to use them.  Demand fee revenues are recognized when the customer fails to utilize the specified export facility as required by contract.

Enterprise Products Partners enters into fee-based arrangements and percent-of-liquids contracts for the NGL fractionation services it provides to customers.  Under such fee-based arrangements, revenue is recognized in the period services are provided.  Such fee-based arrangements typically include a base-processing fee (typically in cents per gallon) that is subject to adjustment for changes in certain fractionation expenses (e.g. natural gas fuel costs).  Certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ NGL fractionation facilities generate revenues using percent-of-liquids contracts.  Such contracts allow Enterprise Products Partners to retain a contractually determined percentage of the customer’s fractionated NGL products as payment for services rendered.  Revenue is recognized from such arrangements when Enterprise Products Partners sells and delivers the retained NGLs to customers.

Onshore Natural Gas Pipelines & Services.  This aspect of Enterprise Products Partners’ business generates revenues primarily from the provision of natural gas pipeline transportation and gathering services; natural gas storage services; and from the sale of natural gas.  Certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ onshore natural gas pipelines generate revenues from transportation and gathering agreements as customers are billed a fee per unit of volume multiplied by the volume delivered or gathered.  Fees charged under these arrangements are either contractual or regulated by governmental agencies such as the FERC.  Revenues associated with these fee-based contracts are recognized when volumes have been delivered.  

Revenues from natural gas storage contracts typically have two components: (i) a monthly demand payment, which is associated with storage capacity reservations, and (ii) a storage fee per unit of volume
 
 
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held at each location.  Revenues from demand payments are recognized during the period the customer reserves capacity.  Revenues from storage fees are recognized in the period the services are provided.

Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas marketing activities generate revenues from the sale of natural gas purchased from third parties on the open market.  Revenues from these sales contracts are recognized when the natural gas is delivered to customers.  In general, the sales prices referenced in these contracts are market-related and can include pricing differentials for such factors as delivery location.

Offshore Pipelines & Services.  This aspect of Enterprise Products Partners’ business generates revenues from the provision of offshore natural gas and crude oil pipeline transportation services and related offshore platform operations.  Enterprise Products Partners’ offshore natural gas pipelines generate revenues through fee-based contracts or tariffs where revenues are equal to the product of a fee per unit of volume (typically in million British thermal units) multiplied by the volume of natural gas transported.  Revenues associated with these fee-based contracts and tariffs are recognized when natural gas volumes have been delivered.

The majority of Enterprise Products Partners’ revenues from its offshore crude oil pipelines are generated based upon a transportation fee per unit of volume (typically in barrels) multiplied by the volume delivered to the customer.  A substantial portion of these revenues are attributable to long-term transportation agreements with producers.  The revenues Enterprise Products Partners earns for its services are dependent on the volume of crude oil to be delivered and the level of fees charged to customers.

Revenues from offshore platform services generally consist of demand payments and commodity charges.  Revenues from platform services are recognized in the period the services are provided.  Demand fees represent charges to customers served by Enterprise Products Partners’ offshore platforms regardless of the volume the customer delivers to the platform.  Revenues from commodity charges are based on a fixed-fee per unit of volume delivered to the platform (typically per million cubic feet of natural gas or per barrel of crude oil) multiplied by the total volume of each product delivered.  Contracts for platform services often include both demand payments and commodity charges, but demand payments generally expire after a contractually fixed period of time and in some instances may be subject to cancellation by customers.  Enterprise Products Partners’ Independence Hub and Marco Polo offshore platforms earn a significant amount of demand revenues.  The Independence Hub platform will earn $54.6 million of demand revenues annually through March 2012.  The Marco Polo platform will earn $2.1 million of demand revenues monthly through March 2009.

Petrochemical Services.  This aspect of Enterprise Products Partners’ business generates revenues from the provision of isomerization and propylene fractionation services and the sale of certain petrochemical products. Enterprise Products Partners’ isomerization and propylene fractionation operations generate revenues through fee-based arrangements, which typically include a base-processing fee per gallon (or other unit of measurement) subject to adjustment for changes in natural gas, electricity and labor costs, which are the primary costs of propylene fractionation and isomerization operations.  Revenues resulting from such agreements are recognized in the period the services are provided.

Enterprise Products Partners’ petrochemical marketing activities generate revenues from the sale of propylene and other petrochemicals obtained from either its processing activities or purchased from third parties on the open market.  Revenues from these sales contracts are recognized when the petrochemicals are delivered to customers.  In general, the sales prices referenced in these contracts are market-related and can include pricing differentials for such factors as delivery location.

TEPPCO

At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO operated in four business lines: (i) Downstream, (ii) Upstream, (iii) Midstream and (iv) Marine Services.

Downstream. This aspect of TEPPCO’s business generates revenues primarily from the provision of pipeline transportation (LPGs and refined products), product storage, terminalling and marketing
 
 
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services. Under TEPPCO’s LPG and refined products pipeline transportation tariffs, revenue is recognized when volumes have been delivered to customers.  Revenue from these tariffs is generally based upon a fixed fee per barrel of liquids transported multiplied by the volume delivered.  Transportation fees charged under these arrangements are either contractual or regulated by governmental agencies such as the FERC.

TEPPCO collects storage revenues under its refined products and LPG storage contracts based on the number of days a customer has volumes in storage multiplied by a storage rate (as defined in each contract).  Under these contracts, revenue is recognized ratably over the length of the storage period.  Revenues from product terminalling activities are recorded in the period such services are provided.  Customers are typically billed a fee per unit of volume loaded.

TEPPCO’s refined products marketing activities generate revenues from the sale of refined products acquired from third parties.  Revenues from these sales contracts are recognized when the refined products are delivered to customers.  In general, the sales prices referenced in these contracts are market-related.

Upstream.  This aspect of TEPPCO’s business generates revenues primarily from the provision of crude oil gathering, transportation, marketing and storage services and the distribution of lubrication oils and specialty chemical products.  TEPPCO generates crude oil gathering, transportation and storage revenues from contractual agreements and tariffs.  Revenue from crude oil gathering and transportation tariffs is generally based upon a fixed fee per barrel transported multiplied by the volume delivered.  Crude oil storage revenues are recognized ratably over the length of the storage period based on the storage fees specified in each contract.  Certain of TEPPCO’s crude oil pipeline transportation rates are regulated by the FERC.

TEPPCO’s crude oil marketing activities generate revenues from the sale of crude oil acquired from third parties.  Revenue from these sales contracts is recognized when the crude is delivered to customers.  In general, the sales prices referenced in these contracts are market-related.

           Midstream.  This aspect of TEPPCO’s business generates revenues primarily from the provision of natural gas gathering and NGL transportation and fractionation services.  TEPPCO’s natural gas gathering systems generate revenues from gathering agreements where shippers are billed a fee per unit of volume gathered (typically in MMBtus or Mcf) multiplied by the volume gathered.  The gathering fees charged under these arrangements are contractual.  Revenues associated with these fee-based contracts are recognized when volumes are received by the customer.

Under TEPPCO’s NGL pipeline transportation contracts and tariffs, revenue is recognized when volumes have been delivered to customers.  Revenue from these contracts and tariffs is generally based upon a fixed fee per barrel of liquids transported multiplied by the volume delivered.  Transportation fees charged under these arrangements are either contractual or regulated by governmental agencies such as the FERC.

TEPPCO provides NGL fractionation services under a fee-based arrangement.  Under the fee-based arrangement, revenue is recognized based upon the volume of NGLs fractionated at a fixed rate per gallon.

Marine Services. This aspect of TEPPCO’s business generates revenues primarily from the provision of inland and offshore transportation of refined products, crude oil, condensate, asphalt, heavy fuel oil and other heated oil products via boats and tank barges.  Under TEPPCO’s marine services transportation contracts, revenue is recognized over the transit time of individual tows as determined on an individual contract basis, which is generally less than ten days in duration.  Revenue from these contracts is generally based on set day rates or a set fee per cargo movement.


 
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Note 6.  Accounting for Equity Awards

We account for equity awards in accordance with SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment.  SFAS 123(R) requires us to recognize compensation expense related to equity awards based on the fair value of the award at grant date.  The fair value of restricted unit awards is based on the market price of the underlying common units on the date of grant. The fair value of other equity awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The fair value of an equity-classified award (such as a restricted unit award) is amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over the requisite service or vesting period. Compensation expense for liability-classified awards (such as unit appreciation rights (“UARs”)) is recognized over the requisite service or vesting period of an award based on the fair value of the award remeasured at each reporting period.  Liability-classified awards are settled in cash upon vesting.

As used in the context of the EPCO plans, the term “restricted unit” represents a time-vested unit under SFAS 123(R).  Such awards are non-vested until the required service period expires.

Upon our adoption of SFAS 123(R), we recognized, as a benefit, a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $1.5 million, of which $1.4 million was allocated to noncontrolling interest in the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements, based on the SFAS 123(R) requirement to recognize compensation expense based upon the grant date fair value of an equity award and the application of an estimated forfeiture rate to unvested awards.  In addition, previously recognized deferred compensation expense of $14.6 million related to our restricted common units was reversed on January 1, 2006.

Prior to our adoption of SFAS 123(R), we did not recognize any compensation expense related to unit options; however, compensation expense was recognized in connection with awards granted by EPE Unit I and the issuance of restricted units.  The effects of applying SFAS 123(R) during the year ended December 31, 2006 did not have a material effect on our net income or basic and diluted earnings per unit. Since we adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective method, we have not restated the financial statements of prior periods to reflect this new standard.


























 
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The following tables summarize our equity compensation amounts by plan during each of the periods indicated:
 
   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Parent Company:
                 
EPGP UARs
  $ (10 )   $ 97     $ 23  
EPCO Employee Partnerships
    335       104       26  
EPCO 1998 Long-term Incentive Plan (“1998 Plan”)
    437       165       149  
Total Parent Company
    762       366       198  
Enterprise Products Partners:
                       
EPCO Employee Partnerships
    5,535       3,911       2,146  
Enterprise Products Partners 2008 Long-Term
    Incentive Plan (“2008 EPD LTIP”)
    87       --       --  
EPCO 1998 Plan (1)
    9,255       12,168       5,720  
DEP GP UARs
    1       69       --  
Total Enterprise Products Partners
    14,878       16,148       7,866  
TEPPCO:
                       
EPCO Employee Partnerships (2)
    793       426       --  
EPCO 1998 Plan (2)
    1,038       636       201  
TEPPCO 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan
    --       --       4  
TEPPCO 1999 Phantom Unit Retention Plan (“1999 Plan”)
    (128 )     865       885  
TEPPCO 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan  (“2000 LTIP”)
    (265 )     397       352  
TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan (“2005 Phantom Unit Plan”)
    (144 )     976       1,152  
EPCO 2006 TPP Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2006 LTIP”)
    1,187       482       --  
Total TEPPCO
    2,481       3,782       2,594  
Total compensation expense
  $ 18,121     $ 20,296     $ 10,658  
                         
(1)   Amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2007 include $4.6 million associated with the resignation of a former chief executive officer of Enterprise Products Partners’ general partner.
(2)   Represents amounts allocated to TEPPCO in connection with the use of shared services under an Administrative Services Agreement (“ASA”) with EPCO.
 
 
        EPGP UARs

The non-employee directors of EPGP have been granted UARs in the form of letter agreements.  These liability awards are not part of any established long-term incentive plan of EPCO, the Parent Company or Enterprise Products Partners.  These UARs entitle each non-employee director to receive a cash payment on the vesting date equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Parent Company’s Units (determined as of a future vesting date) over the grant date fair value.  These UARs are accounted for similar to liability awards under SFAS 123(R) since they will be settled with cash.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had a total of 90,000 outstanding UARs granted to non-employee directors of EPGP that cliff vest in 2011.  If a director resigns prior to vesting, his UAR awards are forfeited.  The grant date fair value with respect to 10,000 of the UARs is based on a Unit price of $35.71.  The grant date fair value with respect to the remaining 80,000 UARS is based on a Unit price of $34.10.

EPCO Employee Partnerships

As long-term incentive arrangements, EPCO has granted its key employees who perform services on behalf of us, EPCO and other affiliated companies, “profits interests” in seven limited partnerships (the “Employee Partnerships”), which are private company affiliates of EPCO.  The employees were issued Class B limited partner interests and admitted as Class B limited partners in the Employee Partnerships without capital contributions.  As discussed and defined above, the Employee Partnerships are:  EPE Unit I; EPE Unit II; EPE Unit III; Enterprise Unit; EPCO Unit; TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II.    Enterprise Unit, EPCO Unit, TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II were formed in 2008.

 
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The Class B limited partner interests entitle each holder to participate in the appreciation in value of the publicly traded limited partner units owned by the underlying Employee Partnership.  With the exception of TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II, the Employee Partnerships own either Enterprise GP Holdings units (“EPE units”) or Enterprise Products Partners’ common units (“EPD units”) or both.  TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II own common units of TEPPCO (“TPP units”).  The Class B limited partner interests are subject to forfeiture if the participating employee’s employment with EPCO is terminated prior to vesting, with customary exceptions for death, disability and certain retirements and upon certain change of control events.

We account for the profits interest awards under SFAS 123(R).  As a result, the compensation expense attributable to these awards is based on the estimated grant date fair value of each award.  An allocated portion of the fair value of these equity-based awards is charged to us under the ASA (see Note 17).  We are not responsible for reimbursing EPCO for any expenses of the Employee Partnerships, including the value of any contributions of cash or limited partner units made by private company affiliates of EPCO at the formation of each Employee Partnership.  However, pursuant to the ASA, beginning in February 2009 we will reimburse EPCO for our allocated share of distributions of cash or securities made to the Class B limited partners of EPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II.

Each Employee Partnership has a single Class A limited partner, which is a privately-held indirect subsidiary of EPCO, and a varying number of Class B limited partners.  At formation, the Class A limited partner either contributes cash or limited partner units it owns to the Employee Partnership.   If cash is contributed, the Employee Partnership uses these funds to acquire limited partner units on the open market.  In general, the Class A limited partner earns a preferred return (either fixed or variable depending on the partnership agreement) on its investment (“Capital Base”) in the Employee Partnership and any residual quarterly cash amounts, if any, are distributed to the Class B limited partners.  Upon liquidation, Employee Partnership assets having a fair market value equal to the Class A limited partner’s Capital Base, plus any preferred return for the period in which liquidation occurs, will be distributed to the Class A limited partner.   Any remaining assets will be distributed to the Class B limited partner(s) as a residual profits interest.



























 
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The following table summarizes key elements of each Employee Partnership as of December 31, 2008:

   
Initial
Class A
     
   
Class A
Partner
Award
Grant Date
Unrecognized
Employee
Description
Capital
Preferred
Vesting
Fair Value
Compensation
Partnership
of Assets
Base
Return
Date (1)
of Awards (2)
Cost (3)
             
EPE Unit I
1,821,428 EPE units
$51.0 million
4.50%  to 5.725% (4)
November
2012
$17.0 million
$9.3 million
             
EPE Unit II
40,725 EPE units
$1.5 million
4.50%  to 5.725% (4)
February
2014
$0.3 million
$0.2 million
             
EPE Unit III
4,421,326 EPE units
$170.0 million
3.80%
May
2014
$32.7 million
$25.1 million
             
Enterprise Unit
881,836 EPE units
844,552 EPD units
$51.5 million
5.00%
February
2014
$4.2 million
$3.7 million
             
EPCO Unit
779,102 EPD units
$17.0 million
4.87%
November
2013
$7.2 million
$7.0 million
             
TEPPCO Unit
241,380 TPP units
$7.0 million
4.50% to
5.725%
September
2013
$2.1 million
$1.7 million
             
TEPPCO Unit II
123,185 TPP units
$3.1 million
6.31%
November
2013
$1.4 million
$1.4 million
             
(1)   The vesting date may be accelerated for change of control and other events as described in the underlying partnership agreements.
(2)   Our estimated grant date fair values were determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and reflect adjustments for forfeitures, regrants and other modifications.  See following table for information regarding our fair value assumptions.
(3)   Unrecognized compensation cost represents the total future expense to be recognized by the EPCO group of companies as of December 31, 2008.   We will recognize our allocated share of such costs in the future.   The period over which the unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized is as follows for each Employee Partnership:  3.9 years, EPE Unit I; 5.1 years, EPE Unit II; 5.4 years, EPE Unit III; 5.1 years, Enterprise Unit; 4.9 years, EPCO Unit; 4.7 years, TEPPCO Unit; and 4.9 years, TEPPCO Unit II.
(4)   In July 2008, the Class A preferred return was reduced from 6.25% to the floating amounts presented.

The following table summarizes the assumptions we used in deriving the estimated grant date fair value for each of the Employee Partnerships using a Black-Scholes option pricing model:

 
Expected
Risk-Free
 
Expected
 
Expected
Employee
Life
Interest
 
Distribution Yield
 
Unit Price Volatility
Partnership
of Award
Rate
 
EPE/EPD units
TPP units
 
EPE/EPD units
TPP units
                 
EPE Unit I
3 to 5 years
2.7% to 5.0%
 
3.0% to 4.8%
n/a
 
16.6% to 30.0%
n/a
EPE Unit II
5 to 6 years
3.3% to 4.4%
 
3.8% to 4.8%
n/a
 
18.7% to 19.4%
n/a
EPE Unit III
4 to 6 years
3.2% to 4.9%
 
4.0% to 4.8%
n/a
 
16.6% to 19.4%
n/a
Enterprise Unit
6 years
2.7% to 3.9%
 
4.5% to 8.0%
n/a
 
15.3% to 22.1%
n/a
EPCO Unit
5 years
2.4%
 
11.1%
n/a
 
50.0%
n/a
TEPPCO Unit
5 years
2.9%
 
n/a
7.3%
 
n/a
16.4%
TEPPCO Unit II
5 years
2.4%
 
n/a
13.9%
 
n/a
66.4%

EPCO 1998 Plan

The EPCO 1998 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 7,000,000 common units of Enterprise Products Partners.   After giving effect to outstanding option awards at December 31, 2008 and the issuance and forfeiture of restricted unit awards through December 31, 2008, a total of 814,764 additional common units of Enterprise Products Partners could be issued under the EPCO 1998 Plan.



 
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Enterprise Products Partners’ unit option awards.  Under the EPCO 1998 Plan, non-qualified incentive options to purchase a fixed number of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units may be granted to key employees of EPCO who perform management, administrative or operational functions for Enterprise Products Partners.  When issued, the exercise price of each option grant is equivalent to the market price of the underlying equity on the date of grant.  During 2008, in response to changes in the federal tax code applicable to certain types of equity awards, Enterprise Products Partners amended the terms of certain of its outstanding unit options.  In general, the expiration dates of these awards were modified from May and August 2017 to December 2012.

In order to fund its obligations under the EPCO 1998 Plan, EPCO may purchase common units at fair value either in the open market or directly from Enterprise Products Partners.  When EPCO employees exercise their options, Enterprise Products Partners reimburses EPCO for the cash difference between the strike price paid by the employee and the actual purchase price paid by EPCO for the common units issued to the employee.

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates various assumptions including expected life of the options, risk-free interest rates, expected distribution yield on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units, and expected unit price volatility of Enterprise Products  Partners’ common units.  In general, the expected life of an option represents the period of time that the option is expected to be outstanding based on an analysis of historical option activity.  Enterprise Products Partners’ selection of a risk-free interest rate is based on published yields for U.S. government securities with comparable terms.  The expected distribution yield and unit price volatility assumptions are based on several factors, which include an analysis of Enterprise Products Partners’ historical unit price volatility and distribution yield over a period equal to the expected life of the option.































 
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The following table presents option activity under the EPCO 1998 Plan for the periods indicated:
 
               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
average
       
         
average
   
remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
Number of
   
strike price
   
contractual
   
intrinsic
 
   
units
   
(dollars/unit)
   
term (in years)
   
value (1)
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
    2,082,000     $ 22.16              
Granted (2)
    590,000       24.85              
Exercised
    (211,000 )     15.95              
Forfeited
    (45,000 )     24.28              
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    2,416,000       23.32              
Granted (3)
    895,000       30.63              
Exercised
    (256,000 )     19.26              
Settled or forfeited (4)
    (740,000 )     24.62              
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 (5)
    2,315,000       26.18              
Exercised
    (61,500 )     20.38              
Forfeited
    (85,000 )     26.72              
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    2,168,500       26.32       5.19     $ --  
Options exercisable at:
                               
December 31, 2006
    591,000     $ 20.85       5.11     $ 4,808  
December 31, 2007
    335,000     $ 22.06       3.96     $ 3,291  
December 31, 2008 (6)
    548,500     $ 21.47       4.08     $ --  
                                 
(1)   Aggregate intrinsic value reflects fully vested unit options at the date indicated.
(2)   The total grant date fair value of these awards was $1.2 million based on the following assumptions: (i) expected life of options of seven years; (ii) risk-free interest rate of 5.0%; (iii) expected distribution yield on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 8.9%; and (iv) expected unit price volatility on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 23.5%.
(3)   The total grant date fair value of these awards was $2.4 million based on the following assumptions: (i) expected life of options of seven years; (ii) weighted-average risk-free interest rate of 4.8%; (iii) weighted-average expected distribution yield on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 8.4%; and (iv) weighted-average expected unit price volatility on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 23.2%.
(4)   Includes the settlement of 710,000 options in connection with the resignation of the former chief executive officer of Enterprise Products Partners’ general partner.
(5)   During 2008, Enterprise Products Partners amended the terms of certain of its outstanding unit options. In general, the expiration dates of these awards were modified from May and August 2017 to December 2012.
(6)   Enterprise Products Partners was committed to issue 2,168,500 and 2,315,000 of its common units at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, if all outstanding options awarded under the EPCO 1998 Plan (as of these dates) were exercised. An additional 365,000, 480,000, and 775,000 of these options are exercisable in 2009, 2010 and 2012, respectively.
 
 
The total intrinsic value of option awards exercised during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $0.6 million, $3.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recognized $0.4 million, $4.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of compensation expense in connection with unit option awards under the EPCO 1998 Plan.

At December 31, 2008, there was an estimated $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested unit options granted under the EPCO 1998 Plan.  We expect to recognize our share of this cost over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years in accordance with the ASA.  At December 31, 2007, there was an estimated $2.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options granted under the EPCO 1998 Plan.

During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, Enterprise Products Partners received cash of $0.7 million, $7.5 million and $5.6 million, respectively, from the exercise of unit options.  Conversely, its option-related reimbursements to EPCO were $0.6 million, $3.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

Enterprise Products Partners’ restricted unit awards.  Under the EPCO 1998 Plan, Enterprise Products Partners may also issue restricted common units to key employees of EPCO and directors of EPGP.  In general, the restricted unit awards allow recipients to acquire the underlying common units at no

 
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cost to the recipient once a defined cliff vesting period expires, subject to certain forfeiture provisions.  The restrictions on such units generally lapse four years from the date of grant.  Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  Fair value of such restricted units is based on the market price of the underlying common units on the date of grant and an allowance for estimated forfeitures.

Each recipient is also entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of restricted units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution per unit paid by Enterprise Products Partners to its unitholders.   Since restricted units are issued securities of Enterprise Products Partners, such distributions are reflected as a component of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests as shown on our Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.  Enterprise Products Partners paid $3.9 million, $2.6 million and $1.6 million in cash distributions with respect to restricted units during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The following table summarizes information regarding Enterprise Products Partners’ restricted unit awards for the periods indicated:
 
         
Weighted-
 
         
average grant
 
   
Number of
   
date fair value
 
   
units
   
per unit (1)
 
Restricted units at December 31, 2005
    751,604        
Granted (2)
    466,400     $ 25.21  
Vested
    (42,136 )   $ 24.02  
Forfeited
    (70,631 )   $ 22.86  
Restricted units at December 31, 2006
    1,105,237          
Granted (3)
    738,040     $ 25.61  
Vested
    (4,884 )   $ 25.28  
Forfeited
    (36,800 )   $ 23.51  
Settled (4)
    (113,053 )   $ 23.24  
Restricted units at December 31, 2007
    1,688,540          
Granted (5)
    766,200     $ 24.93  
Vested
    (285,363 )   $ 23.11  
Forfeited
    (88,777 )   $ 26.98  
Restricted units at December 31, 2008
    2,080,600          
                 
(1)   Determined by dividing the aggregate grant date fair value of awards by the number of awards issued. The weighted-average grant date fair value per unit for forfeited and vested awards is determined before an allowance for forfeitures.
(2)   Aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards issued during 2006 was $10.8 million based on grant date market prices of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units ranging from $24.85 to $27.45 per unit and estimated forfeiture rates ranging from 7.8% to 9.8%.
(3)   Aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards issued during 2007 was $18.9 million based on grant date market prices of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units ranging from $28.00 to $31.83 per unit and estimated forfeiture rates ranging from 4.6% to 17.0%.
(4)   Reflects the settlement of restricted units in connection with the resignation of the former chief executive officer Enterprise Products Partners’ general partner.
(5)   Aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards issued during 2008 was $19.1 million based on grant date market prices of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units ranging from $25.00 to $32.31 per unit and estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0%.
 
 
The total fair value of restricted unit awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $6.6 million, $0.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recognized $8.8 million, $7.7 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of compensation expense in connection with restricted unit awards under the EPCO 1998 Plan.

At December 31, 2008, there was an estimated $31.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted common units of Enterprise Products Partners granted under the EPCO 1998 Plan.  We expect to recognize our share of this cost over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years in accordance

 
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with the ASA.  At December 31, 2007, there was an estimated $25.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted unit awards granted under the EPCO 1998 Plan.

Enterprise Products Partners’ phantom unit awards.  The EPCO 1998 Plan also provides for the issuance of phantom unit awards.  These liability awards are automatically redeemed for cash based on the vested portion of the fair market value of the phantom units at redemption dates in each award.  The fair market value of each phantom unit award is equal to the market closing price of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units on the redemption date.  Each participant is required to redeem their phantom units as they vest, which typically is four years from the date the award is granted.  No phantom unit awards have been issued to date under the EPCO 1998 Plan.

The EPCO 1998 Plan also provides for the award of distribution equivalent rights (“DERs”) in tandem with its phantom unit awards.  A DER entitles the participant to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution rate paid by Enterprise Product Partners to its unitholders.

EPD 2008 LTIP

On January 29, 2008, the unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners approved the EPD 2008 LTIP, which provides for awards of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units and other rights to its non-employee directors and to consultants and employees of EPCO and its affiliates providing services to Enterprise Products Partners.  Awards under the EPD 2008 LTIP may be granted in the form of unit options, restricted units, phantom units, UARs and DERs.  The EPD 2008 LTIP is administered by EPGP’s Audit, Conflicts and Governance (“ACG”) Committee.  The EPD 2008 LTIP provides for the issuance of up to 10,000,000 of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units.  After giving effect to option awards outstanding at December 31, 2008, a total of 9,205,000 additional common units of Enterprise Products Partners could be issued under the EPD 2008 LTIP.

The EPD 2008 LTIP may be amended or terminated at any time by the Board of Directors of EPCO or EPGP’s ACG Committee; however, the rules of the NYSE require that any material amendment, such as a significant increase in the number of common units available under the plan or a change in the types of awards available under the plan, would require the approval of Enterprise Products Partners’ unitholders.  The ACG Committee is also authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, awards under the plan in specified circumstances.  The EPD 2008 LTIP is effective until the earlier of January 29, 2018 or the time which all available units under the incentive plan have been delivered to participants or the time of termination of the plan by EPCO or EPGP’s ACG Committee.


















 
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Enterprise Products Partners’ unit option awards.  The exercise price of Enterprise Products Partners’ unit options awarded to participants is determined by EPGP’s  ACG Committee (at its discretion) at the date of grant and may be no less than the fair market value of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units at the date of grant.  The following table presents unit option activity under the EPD 2008 LTIP for the periods indicated:
 
               
Weighted-
 
         
Weighted-
   
Average
 
         
Average
   
Remaining
 
   
Number of
   
Strike Price
   
Contractual
 
   
Units
   
(dollars/unit)
   
Term (in years)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    --              
Granted (1)
    795,000     $ 30.93        
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 (2)
    795,000     $ 30.93       5.00  
                         
(1)   Aggregate grant date fair value of these unit options issued during 2008 was $1.6 million based on the following assumptions: (i) a grant date market price of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of $30.93 per unit; (ii) expected life of options of 4.7 years; (iii) risk-free interest rate of 3.3%; (iv) expected distribution yield on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 7.0%; (v) expected unit price volatility on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 19.8%; and (vi) an estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0%.
(2)   The 795,000 units outstanding at December 31, 2008 will become exercisable in 2013.
 
 
At December 31, 2008, there was an estimated $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested unit options granted under the EPD 2008 LTIP.  Enterprise Products Partners expects to recognize its share of this cost over a remaining period of 3.4 years in accordance with the ASA.

Enterprise Products Partners’ phantom unit awards.  The EPD 2008 LTIP also provides for the issuance of phantom unit awards of Enterprise Products Partners.  These liability awards are automatically redeemed for cash based on the vested portion of the fair market value of the phantom units at redemption dates in each award.  The fair market value of each phantom unit award is equal to the market closing price of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units on the redemption date.  Each participant is required to redeem their phantom units as they vest, which typically is three years from the date the award is granted.  There were a total of 4,400 phantom units granted under the 2008 LTIP during the fourth quarter of 2008 and outstanding at December 31, 2008.  These awards cliff vest in 2011.  At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had an accrued liability of $5 thousand for compensation related to these phantom unit awards.

DEP GP UARs

The non-employee directors of DEP GP, the general partner of Duncan Energy Partners, have been granted UARs in the form of letter agreements.  These liability awards are not part of any established long-term incentive plan of EPCO, the Parent Company, Duncan Energy Partners or Enterprise Products Partners.  The compensation expense associated with these awards is recognized by DEP GP, which is our consolidated subsidiary.  These UARs entitle each non-employee director to receive a cash payment on the vesting date equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Parent Company’s Units (determined as of a future vesting date) over the grant date fair value.  These UARs are accounted for similar to liability awards under SFAS 123(R) since they will be settled with cash.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, a total of 90,000 UARs had been granted to non-employee directors of DEP GP that cliff vest in 2012.  If a director resigns prior to vesting, his UAR awards are forfeited.  The grant date fair value with respect to these UARs is based on a Unit price of $36.68 per unit.

TEPPCO 1999 Plan

The TEPPCO 1999 Plan provides for the issuance of phantom unit awards as incentives to key employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO.  These liability awards are settled for cash based on the fair market value of the vested portion of the phantom units at redemption dates in each award.  The fair market value of each phantom unit award is equal to the closing price of TEPPCO’s common units on the
 
 
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NYSE on the redemption date.  Each participant is required to redeem their phantom units as they vest.  In addition, each participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom unit awards granted under the TEPPCO 1999 Plan and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO on its common units.  Grants under the 1999 Plan are subject to forfeiture if the participant’s employment with EPCO is terminated.
 
A total of 18,600 and 31,600 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 1999 Plan at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In April 2008, 13,000 phantom units vested and $0.4 million was paid out to a participant in the second quarter of 2008.  The awards outstanding at December 31, 2008 cliff vest as follows:  13,000 in April 2009 and 5,600 in January 2010.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, TEPPCO had accrued liability balances of $0.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to the TEPPCO 1999 Plan.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 1999 Plan received $62 thousand and $95 thousand in cash distributions, respectively.  Since phantom units do not represent issued securities of TEPPCO, the cash payments with respect to these phantom units are expensed by TEPPCO as paid.

TEPPCO 2000 LTIP

The TEPPCO 2000 LTIP provides key employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO incentives to achieve improvements in TEPPCO’s financial performance.  Generally, upon the close of a three-year performance period, each recipient will receive a cash payment equal to (i) the applicable “performance percentage” (as defined in the award agreement) multiplied by (ii) the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP multiplied by (iii) the average of the closing prices of TEPPCO common units over the ten consecutive days immediately preceding the last day of the specified performance period.  In addition, during the performance period, each participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO on its common units.  Grants under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP are accounted for as liability awards and subject to forfeiture if the recipient’s employment with EPCO is terminated, with customary exceptions for death, disability or retirement.

A participant’s “performance percentage” is based upon an improvement in Economic Value Added for TEPPCO during a given three-year performance period over the Economic Value Added for the three-year period immediately preceding the performance period.  The term “Economic Value Added” means TEPPCO’s average annual EBITDA for the performance period minus the product of TEPPCO’s average asset base and its cost of capital for the performance period.  In this context, EBITDA means TEPPCO’s earnings before net interest expense, other income, depreciation and amortization and TEPPCO’s proportional interest in the EBITDA of its joint ventures, except that its chief executive officer of TEPPCO may exclude gains or losses from extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items. Average asset base means the quarterly average, during the performance period, of TEPPCO’s gross carrying value of property, plant and equipment, plus long-term inventory, and the gross carrying value of intangible assets and equity investments.  TEPPCO’s cost of capital is determined at the date each award is granted.
 
At December 31, 2008, a total of 11,300 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP that cliff vested on December 31, 2008 and will be paid out to participants in the first quarter of 2009.  On December 31, 2007, 19,700 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP.  On December 31, 2007, 8,400 phantom units vested and $0.5 million was paid out to participants in the first quarter of 2008.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, TEPPCO had accrued liability balances of $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, related to the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP.  After payout in the first quarter of 2009 on awards which vested on December 31, 2008, there will be no remaining phantom units outstanding under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP received $38 thousand and $54 thousand in cash distributions, respectively.
 
TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan

The TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan provides key employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO incentives to achieve improvements in TEPPCO’s financial performance.  Generally, upon the
 
 
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close of a three-year performance period, the recipient will receive a cash payment equal to (i) the recipient’s vested percentage (as defined in the award agreement) multiplied by (ii) the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan multiplied by (iii) the average of the closing prices of TEPPCO common units over the ten consecutive days immediately preceding the last day of the specified performance period.  In addition, during the performance period, each recipient is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO on its common units.  Grants under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan are accounted for as liability awards and subject to forfeiture if the recipient’s employment with EPCO is terminated, with customary exceptions for death, disability or retirement.
 
Generally, a participant’s vested percentage is based upon an improvement in TEPPCO’s EBITDA during a given three-year performance period over EBITDA for the three-year period preceding the performance period.   In this context, EBITDA means TEPPCO’s earnings before noncontrolling interest, net interest expense, other income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and TEPPCO’s proportional interest in the EBITDA of its joint ventures, except that its chief executive officer of TEPPCO may exclude gains or losses from extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items.
 
At December 31, 2008 a total of 36,600 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan that cliff vested on December 31, 2008 and will be paid out to participants in the first quarter of 2009.  On December 31, 2007, 74,400 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan.  On December 31, 2007, 36,200 phantom units vested and $1.6 million was paid out to participants in the first quarter of 2008. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, TEPPCO had accrued liability balances of $0.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively, related to the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan.  After the payout in the first quarter of 2009 on awards which vested on December 31, 2008, there will be no remaining phantom units outstanding under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan received $0.1 million and $0.2 million in cash distributions, respectively.
 
TEPPCO 2006 LTIP

The TEPPCO 2006 LTIP provides for awards of TEPPCO common units and other rights to its non-employee directors and to certain employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO.  Awards granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP may be in the form of restricted units, phantom units, unit options, UARs and DERs.  The TEPPCO 2006 LTIP provides for the issuance of up to 5,000,000 common units of TEPPCO in connection with these awards.  After giving effect to outstanding unit options and restricted units at December 31, 2008, and the forfeiture of restricted units through December 31, 2008, a total of 4,487,084 additional units of TEPPCO could be issued under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP in the future.


















 
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TEPPCO unit options.  The information in the following table presents unit option activity under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP for the periods indicated.  No options were exercisable at December 31, 2008.
 
               
Weighted-
 
         
Weighted-
   
average
 
         
average
   
remaining
 
   
Number
   
strike price
   
contractual
 
   
of units
   
(dollars/unit)
   
term (in years)
 
Option award activity during 2007
                 
Granted (1) (2)
    155,000     $ 45.35        
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    155,000     $ 45.35        
Granted (3)
    200,000     $ 35.86        
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    355,000     $ 40.00       4.57  
                         
(1)   The total grant date fair value of these awards was $0.4 million based on the following assumptions: (i) expected life of the option of 7 years; (ii) risk-free interest rate of 4.78%; (iii) expected distribution yield on TEPPCO common units of 7.92%; and (iv) expected unit price volatility on TEPPCO’s common units of 18.03%.
(2)   During 2008, these unit option grants were amended. The expiration dates of these awards granted on May 22, 2007 were modified from May 22, 2017 to December 31, 2012.
(3)   The total grant date fair value of these awards granted on May 19, 2008 was $0.3 million based on the following assumptions: (i) expected life of the option of 4.7 years; (ii) risk-free interest rate of 3.3%; (iii) expected distribution yield on TEPPCO common units of 7.9%; (iv) estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0% and (v) expected unit price volatility on TEPPCO’s common units of 18.7%.
 
 
At December 31, 2008, total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested option awards granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP was an estimated $0.6 million.  TEPPCO expects to recognize this cost over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.  At December 31, 2007, there was an estimated $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested option awards granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP.

TEPPCO restricted units. The following table summarizes information regarding TEPPCO’s restricted unit awards for the periods indicated:
 
         
Weighted-
 
         
average grant
 
   
Number of
   
date fair value
 
   
units
   
per unit (1)
 
Restricted unit activity during 2007
           
    Granted (2)
    62,900     $ 37.64  
    Forfeited
    (500 )   $ 37.64  
Restricted units at December 31, 2007
    62,400          
    Granted (3)
    96,900     $ 29.54  
    Vested
    (1,000 )   $ 40.61  
    Forfeited
    (1,000 )   $ 35.86  
Restricted units at December 31, 2008
    157,300          
                 
(1)   Determined by dividing the aggregate grant date fair value of awards (including an allowance for forfeitures) by the number of awards issued.
(2)   Aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards issued during 2007 was $2.4 million based on a grant date market price of TEPPCO’s common units of $45.35 per unit and an estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0%.
(3)   Aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards issued during 2008 was $2.8 million based on grant date market prices of TEPPCO’s common units ranging from $34.63 to $35.86 per unit and an estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0%.
 
 
The total fair value of TEPPCO’s restricted unit awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2008 was $24 thousand.  At December 31, 2008, there was an estimated $3.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted unit awards granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP.  TEPPCO expects to recognize these costs over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.  At December 31, 2007, there was an estimated $2.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted unit awards granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP.

 
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Each recipient of a TEPPCO restricted unit award is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of restricted units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO to its unitholders. Since restricted units are issued securities of TEPPCO, such distributions are reflected as a component of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests as shown on our statements of consolidated cash flows.  TEPPCO paid $0.3 million and $0.1 million in cash distributions with respect to its restricted units granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

TEPPCO UARs and phantom units.  At December 31, 2008, there were a total of 95,654 UARs outstanding that had been granted to non-employee directors of TEPPCO GP and 335,723 UARs outstanding that were granted to certain employees of EPCO who work on behalf of TEPPCO.  There were a total of 401,948 UARs outstanding at December 31, 2007.  These UAR awards are subject to five year cliff vesting.  If the non-employee director or employee resigns prior to vesting, their UAR awards are forfeited.  These UAR awards are accounted for similar to liability awards under SFAS 123(R) since they will be settled with cash.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, there were a total of 1,647 phantom unit awards outstanding that had been granted to non-employee directors of TEPPCO GP.  Each phantom unit will be redeemed in cash the earlier of (i) April 2011 or (ii) when the director is no longer serving on the board of TEPPCO GP.  In addition, during the vesting period, each participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO on its common units.  Phantom units awarded to non-employee directors are accounted for similar to liability awards.

The TEPPCO 2006 LTIP provides for the award of DERs in tandem with its phantom unit and UAR awards.  With respect to DERs granted in connection with phantom units, the participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution rate paid by TEPPCO to its unitholders. With respect to DERs granted in connection with UARs, the participant is entitled to the product of the number of UARs outstanding for the participant and the difference between the current declared cash distribution rate paid by TEPPCO and the declared cash distribution rate paid by TEPPCO at the time the UAR was granted.  Since phantom units and UARs do not represent issued securities, the cash payments with respect to DERs are expensed by TEPPCO as paid.  For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP received $4 thousand and $2 thousand in cash distributions, respectively.


Note 7.  Employee Benefit Plans

 Dixie

Dixie employs the personnel that operate its pipeline system and certain of these employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan and pension and postretirement benefit plans.  Due to the immaterial nature of Dixie’s employee benefit plans to our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows, our discussion is limited to the following:

Defined Contribution Plan.  Dixie contributed $0.3 million to its company-sponsored defined contribution plan for each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans.  Dixie’s pension plan is a noncontributory defined benefit plan that provides for the payment of benefits to retirees based on their age at retirement, years of service and average compensation.  Dixie’s postretirement benefit plan also provides medical and life insurance to retired employees.  The medical plan is contributory and the life insurance plan is noncontributory.  Dixie employees hired after July 1, 2004 are not eligible for pension and other benefit plans after retirement.

 
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The following table presents Dixie’s benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status at December 31, 2008:

   
Pension
   
Postretirement
 
   
Plan
   
Plan
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 7,733     $ 4,976  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    5,711       --  
Fair value of plan assets
    4,035       --  
Funded status
    (3,698 )     (4,976 )

Projected benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs are based on actuarial estimates and assumptions.  The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2008 were as follows:  discount rate of 6.4%; rate of compensation increase of 4.0% for both the pension and postretirement plans; and a medical trend rate of 8.5% for 2009 grading to an ultimate trend of 5.0% for 2015 and later years. Dixie’s net pension and postretirement benefit costs for 2008 were $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  Dixie’s net pension and postretirement benefit costs for 2007 were $1.1 million (including settlement loss of $0.6 million) and $0.4 million, respectively.

Future benefits expected to be paid from Dixie’s pension and postretirement plans are as follows for the periods indicated:

   
Pension
   
Postretirement
 
   
Plan
   
Plan
 
2009
  $ 289     $ 357  
2010
    334       399  
2011
    535       427  
2012
    408       440  
2013
    775       439  
2014 through 2017
    4,211       2,067  
   Total
  $ 6,552     $ 4,129  

Included in equity (primarily noncontrolling interest) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are the following amounts that have not been recognized in net periodic pension costs (in millions):

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Unrecognized transition obligation
  $ 0.9     $ 1.0  
   Net of tax
    0.5       0.6  
                 
Unrecognized prior service cost credit
    (1.0 )     (1.2 )
   Net of tax
    (0.6 )     (0.8 )
                 
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
    1.3       2.8  
   Net of tax
    0.8       1.7  
 
Terminated Plans - TEPPCO

Prior to April 2006, TEPPCO maintained a Retirement Cash Balance Plan (the “RCBP”), which was a non-contributory, trustee-administered pension plan.  In April 2006, TEPPCO received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service providing its approval to terminate the plan.

In 2007 and 2006, TEPPCO recorded settlement charges of approximately $0.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, in connection with the plan’s termination and distribution of assets to plan participants.  At December 31, 2008, all benefit obligations to plan participants have been settled.  Net pension benefit costs for the RCBP were $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 
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Note 8.  Financial Instruments

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.  We may use financial instruments (e.g., futures, forwards, swaps, options and other financial instruments with similar characteristics) to mitigate the risks of certain identifiable and anticipated transactions.  In general, the types of risks we attempt to hedge are those related to (i) the variability of future earnings, (ii) fair values of certain debt obligations and (iii) cash flows resulting from changes in applicable interest rates, commodity prices or exchange rates. See Note 15 for information regarding our consolidated debt obligations.

We routinely review our outstanding financial instruments in light of current market conditions.  If market conditions warrant, some financial instruments may be closed out in advance of their contractual settlement dates thus realizing income or loss depending on the specific hedging criteria.  When this occurs, we may enter into a new financial instrument to reestablish the hedge to which the closed instrument relates.

The following table presents gains (losses) recorded in net income attributable to our interest rate risk and commodity risk hedging transactions for the periods indicated.  These amounts do not present the corresponding gains (losses) attributable to the underlying hedged items.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest Rate Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                 
   Parent Company:
                 
      Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
  $ 866     $ (2,127 )   $ --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (6,610 )     742       --  
   Enterprise Products Partners (excluding Duncan Energy Partners):
                       
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    4,409       5,429       4,234  
      Other gains (losses) from derivative transactions
    5,340       (8,934 )     (5,195 )
   Duncan Energy Partners:
                       
      Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
    (5 )     (155 )     --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (2,008 )     350       --  
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
    (43 )     --       --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (4,924 )     64       --  
      Loss from treasury lock cash flow hedge
    (3,586 )     --       --  
      Other gains from derivative transactions
    4,056       5,202       8,568  
           Total hedging gains (losses), net, in consolidated interest expense
  $ (2,505 )   $ 571     $ 7,607  
                         
Commodity Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                       
   Enterprise Products Partners:
                       
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from
          AOCI, net - natural gas marketing activities
  $ (30,175 )   $ (3,299 )   $ (1,327 )
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from
         AOCI, net - NGL and petrochemical operations
    (28,232 )     (4,564 )     13,891  
      Other gains (losses) from derivative transactions
    29,772       (20,712 )     (2,307 )
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts from AOCI, net
    (37,898 )     (1,654 )     261  
      Other gains (losses) from derivative transactions
    (343 )     189       (96 )
           Total hedging gains (losses), net, in consolidated operating costs and expenses
  $ (68,876 )   $ (30,040 )   $ 10,422  



 

 


 
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The following table provides additional information regarding derivative assets and derivative liabilities included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at the dates indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Current assets:
           
   Derivative assets:
           
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 7,780     $ 637  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    201,473       10,796  
      Foreign currency risk hedging portfolio
    9,284       1,308  
         Total derivative assets – current
  $ 218,537     $ 12,741  
Other assets:
               
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 38,939     $ 14,744  
         Total derivative assets – long-term
  $ 38,939     $ 14,744  
                 
Current liabilities:
               
   Derivative liabilities:
               
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 19,205     $ 49,689  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    296,850       48,930  
      Foreign currency risk hedging portfolio
    109       27  
         Total derivative liabilities – current
  $ 316,164     $ 98,646  
Other liabilities:
               
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 17,131     $ 13,047  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    233       --  
         Total derivative liabilities– long-term
  $ 17,364     $ 13,047  
































 
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The following table presents gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for cash flow hedges associated with our interest rate risk, commodity risk and foreign currency risk hedging portfolios.  These amounts do not present the corresponding gains (losses) attributable to the underlying hedged items.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest Rate Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                 
   Parent Company:
                 
      Losses on cash flow hedges
  $ (21,178 )   $ (9,284 )   $ --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    6,610       (742 )     --  
   Enterprise Products Partners (excluding Duncan Energy Partners):
                       
      Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (20,772 )     17,996       11,196  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    (4,409 )     (5,429 )     (4,234 )
   Duncan Energy Partners:
                       
      Losses on cash flow hedges
    (7,989 )     (3,271 )     --  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    2,008       (350 )     --  
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Losses on cash flow hedges
    (26,802 )     (23,604 )     (248 )
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    4,924       (64 )     --  
           Total interest rate risk hedging gains (losses), net
    (67,608 )     (24,748 )     6,714  
Commodity Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                       
   Enterprise Products Partners:
                       
       Natural gas marketing activities:
                       
          Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (30,642 )     (3,125 )     (1,034 )
          Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    30,175       3,299       1,327  
       NGL and petrochemical operations:
                       
          Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (120,223 )     (22,735 )     9,975  
          Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    28,232       4,564       (13,891 )
   TEPPCO:
                       
      Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
    (19,257 )     (21,036 )     991  
      Reclassification of cash flow hedge amounts to net income, net
    37,898       1,654       (261 )
           Total commodity risk hedging losses, net
    (73,817 )     (37,379 )     (2,893 )
Foreign Currency Risk Hedging Portfolio:
                       
      Gains on cash flow hedges
    9,287       1,308       --  
           Total foreign currency risk hedging gains, net
    9,287       1,308       --  
           Total cash flow hedge amounts in other comprehensive income (loss) (1)
  $ (132,138 )   $ (60,819 )   $ 3,821  
                         
(1)   Total cash flow hedge amounts in other comprehensive income (loss) include amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest. Such amounts were $111.3 million (loss), $41.6 million (loss) and $3.5 million (income) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 
The following information summarizes the principal elements of our interest rate risk, commodity risk and foreign currency risk hedging programs. For amounts recorded in net income and other comprehensive income (loss) and on our balance sheet related to our consolidated hedging activities, please refer to the preceding tables.

Interest Rate Risk Hedging Portfolio

The following information summarizes significant components of our interest rate risk hedging portfolio:

Parent Company.  The Parent Company’s interest rate exposure results from its variable interest rate borrowings under its credit facility.  A portion of the Parent Company’s interest rate exposure is managed by utilizing interest rate swaps and similar arrangements, which effectively convert a portion of its variable rate debt into fixed rate debt.

 
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As presented in the following table, the Parent Company had four interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 2008 that were accounted for as cash flow hedges.
 
 
Number
Period Covered
Termination
Variable to
Notional
 
Hedged Variable Rate Debt
of Swaps
by Swap
Date of Swap
Fixed Rate (1)
Value
 
Parent Company variable-rate borrowings
2
Aug. 2007 to Aug. 2009
Aug. 2009
4.32%  to 5.01%
$250.0 million
 
Parent Company variable-rate borrowings
2
Sep. 2007 to Aug. 2011
Aug. 2011
4.32%  to 4.82%
$250.0 million
 
             
 
(1)   Amounts receivable from or payable to the swap counterparties are settled every three months (the “settlement period”).
 
As cash flow hedges, any increase or decrease in fair value (to the extent effective) would be recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified into net income based on the settlement period hedged.  Any ineffectiveness of the cash flow hedge is recorded directly into net income as a component of interest expense.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate fair value of the Parent Company’s interest rate swaps was a liability of $26.5 million and $11.8 million, respectively.

The Parent Company expects to reclassify $14.6 million of cumulative net losses from its cash flow hedges into net income (as an increase to interest expense) during 2009.

Enterprise Products Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners’ interest rate exposure results from variable and fixed rate borrowings under various debt agreements.

Enterprise Products Partners manages a portion of its interest rate exposure by utilizing interest rate swaps and similar arrangements, which allows it to convert a portion of fixed rate debt into variable rate debt or a portion of variable rate debt into fixed rate debt. At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had four interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $400.0 million that were accounted for as fair value hedges.  The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2008, was $46.7 million (an asset), with an offsetting increase in the fair value of the underlying debt.  There were eleven interest rate swaps outstanding at December 31, 2007 having an aggregate fair value of $12.9 million (an asset).

Enterprise Products Partners may enter into treasury rate lock transactions (“treasury locks”) to hedge U.S. treasury rates related to its anticipated issuances of debt. Each of Enterprise Products Partners’ treasury lock transactions was designated as a cash flow hedge. Gains or losses on the termination of such instruments are reclassified into net income (as a component of interest expense) using the effective interest method over the estimated term of the underlying fixed-rate debt.   At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had no treasury lock financial instruments outstanding.  At December 31, 2007, the aggregate notional value of Enterprise Products Partners’ treasury lock financial instruments was $600.0 million, which had a total fair value (a liability) of $19.6 million.   Enterprise Products Partners terminated a number of treasury lock financial instruments during 2008 and 2007.  These terminations resulted in realized losses of $40.4 million in 2008 and gains of $48.8 million in 2007.

Enterprise Products Partners expects to reclassify $1.6 million of cumulative net gains from its interest rate risk cash flow hedges into net income (as a decrease to interest expense) during 2009.

Duncan Energy Partners. At December 31, 2008, Duncan Energy Partners had interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $175.0 million.  These swaps were accounted for as cash flow hedges.  The purpose of these financial instruments is to reduce the sensitivity of Duncan Energy Partners’ earnings to the variable interest rates charged under its revolving credit facility.  The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was a liability of $9.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively.  Duncan Energy Partners expects to reclassify $6.0 million of cumulative net losses from its interest rate risk cash flow hedges into net income (as an increase to interest expense) during 2009.

TEPPCO.  TEPPCO’s interest rate exposure results from variable and fixed rate borrowings under various debt agreements.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO had interest rate swap agreements outstanding

 
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having an aggregate notional value of $200.0 million and a fair value (an asset) of $0.3 million.   These swap agreements settled in January 2008, and there are currently no swap agreements outstanding.  These swaps were accounted for as cash flow hedges.

TEPPCO also utilizes treasury locks to hedge underlying U.S. treasury rates related to its anticipated issuances of debt.   At December 31, 2007, the aggregate notional value of TEPPCO’s treasury lock financial instruments was $600.0 million, which had a total fair value (a liability) of $25.3 million.  TEPPCO terminated these treasury lock financial instruments during 2008, which resulted in $52.1 million of realized losses.  TEPPCO recognized approximately $3.6 million of this loss in interest expense as a result of interest payments hedged under the treasury locks not occurring as forecasted.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had no treasury lock financial instruments outstanding.

TEPPCO expects to reclassify $5.8 million of cumulative net losses from its interest rate risk cash flow hedges into net income (as an increase to interest expense) during 2009.

Commodity Risk Hedging Portfolio

Our commodity risk hedging portfolio was impacted by a significant decline in natural gas and crude oil prices during the second half of 2008.   As a result of the global recession, commodity prices have continued to be volatile during the first quarter of 2009.  We may experience additional losses related to our commodity risk hedging portfolio in 2009.

Enterprise Products Partners.  The prices of natural gas, NGLs and certain petrochemical products are subject to fluctuations in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond the control of Enterprise Products Partners.  In order to manage the price risks associated with such products, Enterprise Products Partners may enter into commodity financial instruments.

The primary purpose of Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity risk management activities is to reduce its exposure to price risks associated with (i) natural gas purchases, (ii) the value of NGL production and inventories, (iii) related firm commitments, (iv) fluctuations in transportation revenues where the underlying fees are based on natural gas index prices and (v) certain anticipated transactions involving either natural gas, NGLs or certain petrochemical products.  From time to time, Enterprise Products Partners injects natural gas into storage and may utilize hedging instruments to lock in the value of its inventory positions.  The commodity financial instruments utilized by Enterprise Products Partners are settled in cash.

We have segregated Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity financial instruments portfolio between those financial instruments utilized in connection with its natural gas marketing activities and those used in connection with its NGL and petrochemical operations.

A significant number of the financial instruments in this portfolio hedge the purchase of physical natural gas.  If natural gas prices fall below the price stipulated in such financial instruments, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes a liability for the difference; however, if prices partially or fully recover, this liability would be reduced or eliminated, as appropriate.  Enterprise Products Partners’ restricted cash balance at December 31, 2008 was $203.8 million in order to meet commodity exchange deposit requirements and the negative change in the fair value of its natural gas hedge positions.

Natural gas marketing activities

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate fair value of those financial instruments utilized in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas marketing activities was an asset of $6.5 million and a liability of $0.3 million, respectively.   Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas marketing business and its related use of financial instruments has increased significantly during 2008.  Almost all of the financial instruments within this portion of the commodity financial instruments portfolio are accounted for using mark-to-market accounting, with a small number accounted for as cash flow hedges. Enterprise

 
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Products Partners did not have any cash flow hedges outstanding related to its natural gas marketing activities at December 31, 2008.

NGL and petrochemical operations

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate fair value of those financial instruments utilized in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ NGL and petrochemical operations were liabilities of $102.1 million and $19.0 million, respectively.  Almost all of the financial instruments within this portion of the commodity financial instruments portfolio are accounted for as cash flow hedges, with a small number accounted for using mark-to-market accounting.

Enterprise Products Partners has employed a program to economically hedge a portion of its earnings from natural gas processing in the Rocky Mountain region.  This program consists of (i) the forward sale of a portion of Enterprise Products Partners’ expected equity NGL production volumes at fixed prices through 2009 and (ii) the purchase, using commodity financial instruments, of the amount of natural gas expected to be consumed as plant thermal reduction (“PTR”) in the production of such equity NGL volumes. The objective of this strategy is to hedge a level of gross margins (i.e., NGL sales revenues less actual costs for PTR and the gain or loss on the PTR hedge) associated with the forward sales contracts by fixing the cost of natural gas used for PTR, through the use of commodity financial instruments.  At December 31, 2008, this hedging program had hedged future expected gross margins (before plant operating expenses) of $483.9 million on 22.5 million barrels of forecasted NGL forward sales transactions extending through 2009.

Our NGL forward sales contracts are not accounted for as financial instruments under SFAS 133 since they meet normal purchase and sale exception criteria; therefore, changes in the aggregate economic value of these sales contracts are not reflected in net income and other comprehensive income until the volumes are delivered to customers.  On the other hand, the commodity financial instruments used to purchase the related quantities of PTR (i.e., “PTR hedges”) are accounted for as cash flow hedges; therefore, changes in the aggregate fair value of the PTR hedges are presented in other comprehensive income.  Once the forecasted NGL forward sales transactions occur, any realized gains and losses on the cash flow hedges would be reclassified into net income in that period.

Prior to actual settlement, if the market price of natural gas is less than the price stipulated in a commodity financial instrument, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income (loss) for the excess of the natural gas price stated in the hedge over the market price.  To the extent that Enterprise Products Partners realizes such financial losses upon settlement of the instrument, the losses are added to the actual cost it has to pay for PTR, which would then be based on the lower market price.  Conversely, if the market price of natural gas is greater than the price stipulated in such hedges, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes an unrealized gain in other comprehensive income (loss) for the excess of the market price over the natural gas price stated in the PTR hedge.   If realized, the gains on the financial instrument would serve to reduce the actual cost paid for PTR, which would then be based on the higher market price.  The net effect of these hedging relationships is that Enterprise Products Partners’ total cost of natural gas used for PTR approximates the amount it originally hedged under this program.

Enterprise Products Partners expects to reclassify $114.0 million of cumulative net losses from the cash flow hedges within its NGL and petrochemical operations portfolio into net income (as an increase to operating costs and expenses) during 2009.

TEPPCO. As part of its crude oil marketing business, TEPPCO enters into financial instruments such as crude oil swaps.  The purpose of such hedging activity is to either balance TEPPCO’s inventory position or to lock in a profit margin. The fair value of the open positions at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was an asset of $3 thousand and a liability of $18.9 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had no commodity financial instruments that were accounted for as cash flow hedges.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO had a limited number of commodity financial instruments that were accounted for as cash
 

 
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flow hedges.  TEPPCO has some commodity financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting.  These financial instruments had a minimal impact on TEPPCO’s earnings.
 
Foreign Currency Hedging Program – Enterprise Products Partners

Enterprise Products Partners is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk through a Canadian NGL marketing subsidiary.  As a result, Enterprise Products Partners could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar.  Enterprise Products Partners attempts to hedge this risk using foreign exchange purchase contracts to fix the exchange rate.  Mark-to-market accounting is utilized for these contracts, which typically have a duration of one month.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners recorded minimal gains from these financial instruments.

In addition, Enterprise Products Partners is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk through its Japanese Yen Term Loan Agreement (“Yen Term Loan”) that EPO entered into in November 2008.  As a result, Enterprise Products Partners could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen.  Enterprise Products Partners hedged this risk by entering into a foreign exchange purchase contract to fix the exchange rate.  This purchase contract was designated as a cash flow hedge.  At December 31, 2008, the fair value of this contract was $9.3 million (an asset).  This contract will be settled in March 2009 upon repayment of the Yen Term Loan.

Fair Value Information

Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash), accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are carried at amounts which reasonably approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.  The estimated fair values of our fixed rate debt are based on quoted market prices for such debt or debt of similar terms and maturities.  The carrying amounts of our variable rate debt obligations reasonably approximate their fair values due to their variable interest rates.  The fair values associated with our commodity, foreign currency and interest rate hedging portfolios were developed using available market information and appropriate valuation techniques.


























 
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The following table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments at the dates indicated:
 
   
At December 31, 2008
   
At December 31, 2007
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
Financial Instruments
 
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash
  $ 260,617     $ 260,617     $ 95,064     $ 95,064  
Accounts receivable
    2,028,640       2,028,640       3,365,290       3,365,290  
Commodity financial instruments (1)
    201,473       201,473       10,796       10,796  
Foreign currency hedging financial instruments (2)
    9,284       9,284       1,308       1,308  
Interest rate hedging financial instruments (3)
    46,719       46,719       15,093       15,093  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    2,507,842       2,507,842       4,218,553       4,218,553  
Fixed-rate debt (principal amount) (4)
    9,704,296       8,192,172       7,259,000       7,238,729  
Variable-rate debt
    2,935,403       2,935,403       2,572,500       2,572,500  
Commodity financial instruments (1)
    297,083       297,083       48,998       48,998  
Foreign currency hedging financial instruments (2)
    109       109       27       27  
Interest rate hedging financial instruments (3)
    36,336       36,336       60,870       60,870  
                                 
(1)   Represent commodity financial instrument transactions that either have not settled or have settled and not been invoiced. Settled and invoiced transactions are reflected in either accounts receivable or accounts payable depending on the outcome of the transaction.
(2)   Relates to the hedging of Enterprise Products Partners’ exposure to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar.
(3)   Represent interest rate hedging financial instrument transactions that have not settled. Settled transactions are reflected in either accounts receivable or accounts payable depending on the outcome of the transaction.
(4)   Due to the distress in the capital markets following the collapse of several major financial entities and uncertainty in the credit markets during 2008, corporate debt securities were trading at significant discounts.
 
 
Adoption of SFAS 157 - Fair Value Measurements.  On January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 that apply to financial assets and liabilities. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 that apply to nonfinancial assets and liabilities on January 1, 2009.  SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a specified measurement date.

Our fair value estimates are based on either (i) actual market data or (ii) assumptions that other market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.   These assumptions include estimates of risk. Recognized valuation techniques employ inputs such as product prices, operating costs, discount factors and business growth rates.   These inputs may be either readily observable, corroborated by market data or generally unobservable.  In developing our estimates of fair value, we endeavor to utilize the best information available and apply market-based data to the extent possible.  Accordingly, we utilize valuation techniques (such as the market approach) that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

SFAS 157 established a three-tier hierarchy that classifies fair value amounts recognized or disclosed in the financial statements based on the observability of inputs used to estimate such fair values.  The hierarchy considers fair value amounts based on observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) to be more reliable and predictable than those based primarily on unobservable inputs (Level 3). At each balance sheet reporting date, we categorize our financial assets and liabilities using this hierarchy.  The characteristics of fair value amounts classified within each level of the SFAS 157 hierarchy are described as follows:

§  
Level 1 fair values are based on quoted prices, which are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date.  Active markets are defined as those in which transactions for identical assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency so as to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis (e.g., the NYSE or NYMEX).  Level 1 primarily consists of financial assets and liabilities such as exchange-traded financial instruments, publicly-traded equity securities and U.S. government treasury securities.


 
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§  
Level 2 fair values are based on pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets (as reflected in Level 1 fair values) and are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date.  Level 2 fair values include instruments that are valued using financial models or other appropriate valuation methodologies.  Such financial models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value of money, volatility factors for stocks and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.  Substantially all of these assumptions are (i) observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, (ii) can be derived from observable data or (iii) are validated by inputs other than quoted prices (e.g., interest rate and yield curves at commonly quoted intervals).  Level 2 includes non-exchange-traded instruments such as over-the-counter forward contracts, options and repurchase agreements.

§  
Level 3 fair values are based on unobservable inputs.  Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own ideas about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).  Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include the reporting entity’s internally-developed data.  The reporting entity must not ignore information about market participant assumptions that is reasonably available without undue cost and effort.  Level 3 inputs are typically used in connection with internally developed valuation methodologies where management makes its best estimate of an instrument’s fair value.  Level 3 generally includes specialized or unique financial instruments that are tailored to meet a customer’s specific needs.  At December 31, 2008, our Level 3 financial assets consisted largely of ethane based contracts with a range of two to twelve months in term.  This classification is primarily due to our reliance on broker quotes for this product due to the forward ethane markets being less than highly active.

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2008.  These financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial assets:
                       
Commodity financial instruments
  $ 4,030     $ 164,668     $ 32,775     $ 201,473  
Foreign currency financial instruments
    --       9,284       --       9,284  
Interest rate financial instruments
    --       46,719       --       46,719  
Total
  $ 4,030     $ 220,671     $ 32,775     $ 257,476  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Commodity financial instruments
  $ 7,137     $ 289,576     $ 370     $ 297,083  
Foreign currency financial instruments
    --       109       --       109  
Interest rate financial instruments
    --       36,336       --       36,336  
Total
  $ 7,137     $ 326,021     $ 370     $ 333,528  
Net financial assets, Level 3
                  $ 32,405          
 
Fair values associated with our interest rate, commodity and foreign currency financial instrument portfolios were developed using available market information and appropriate valuation techniques in accordance with SFAS 157.




 
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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2008:
 
Balance, January 1, 2008
  $ (5,054 )
Total gains (losses) included in:
       
Net income (1)
    (34,560 )
Other comprehensive loss
    37,212  
Purchases, issuances, settlements
    34,807  
Balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 32,405  
         
(1)   There were unrealized gains of $0.2 million included in net income for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 

 
Note 9.  Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle

Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), we recognized, as a benefit, the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $1.5 million, of which $1.4 million was allocated to noncontrolling interest in our consolidated financial statements.

SFAS 123(R) requires us to recognize compensation expense related to equity awards based on the fair value of the award at grant date.  The fair value of restricted unit awards is based in the market price of the underlying common units on the date of grant.  The fair value of other equity awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Under SFAS 123(R), the fair value of an equity award is amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over the requisite service or vesting period for equity awards.  Compensation for liability-classified awards is recognized over the requisite service or vesting period of an award based on the fair value of the award remeasured at each reporting period.  Liability awards will be cash settled upon vesting.

On a pro forma consolidated basis, our net income and earnings for Unit amount would not have differed materially from those we actually reported in 2006 due to the immaterial nature of this cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.

See Note 6 for additional information regarding our accounting for equity awards.






















 
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Note 10.  Inventories

Our inventory amounts by business segment were as follows at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
           
   Working inventory (1)
  $ 200,439     $ 342,589  
   Forward sales inventory (2)
    162,376       11,693  
      Subtotal
    362,815       354,282  
Investment in TEPPCO:
               
   Working inventory (3)
    13,617       56,574  
   Forward sales inventory (4)
    30,709       16,547  
      Subtotal
    44,326       73,121  
      Eliminations
    (2,136 )     (1,717 )
      Total inventory
  $ 405,005     $ 425,686  
                 
(1)   Working inventory is comprised of inventories of natural gas, NGLs and certain petrochemical products that are either available-for-sale or used in the provision for services.
(2)   Forward sales inventory consists of identified NGL and natural gas volumes dedicated to the fulfillment of forward sales contracts.
(3)   Working inventory is comprised of inventories of crude oil, refined products, LPGs, lubrication oils, and specialty chemicals that are either available-for-sale or used in the provision for services.
(4)   Forward sales inventory primarily consists of identified crude oil volumes dedicated to the fulfillment of forward sales contracts.
 

Our inventory values reflect payments for product purchases, freight charges associated with such purchase volumes, terminal and storage fees, vessel inspection costs, demurrage charges and other related costs.  Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market.
 
In addition to cash purchases, Enterprise Products Partners takes ownership of volumes through percent-of-liquids contracts and similar arrangements.  These volumes are recorded as inventory at market-related values in the month of acquisition.   Enterprise Products Partners capitalizes as a component of inventory those ancillary costs (e.g. freight-in, handling and processing charges) incurred in connection with such volumes.
 
Our cost of sales amounts are a component of “Operating costs and expenses” as presented in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.   Due to fluctuating commodity prices, we recognize lower of cost or market (“LCM”) adjustments when the carrying value of inventories exceeds their net realizable value.  These non-cash charges are a component of cost of sales.  To the extent our commodity hedging strategies address inventory-related risks and are successful, these inventory valuation adjustments are mitigated or offset.   See Note 8 for a description of our commodity hedging activities.  The following table presents cost of sales amounts by segment for the periods noted:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners (1)
  $ 18,662,263     $ 14,509,220     $ 11,778,928  
Investment in TEPPCO (2)
    12,733,695       9,074,297       8,999,670  
Eliminations
    (191,149 )     (89,538 )     (65,412 )
   Total cost of sales
  $ 31,204,809     $ 23,493,979     $ 20,713,186  
   
(1)   Includes LCM adjustments of $50.7 million, $13.3 million and $18.6 million recognized during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
(2)   Includes LCM adjustments of $12.3 million, $0.8 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
 
 
 
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Note 11.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Our property, plant and equipment amounts by business segment were as follows at the dates indicated:

   
Estimated
       
   
Useful Life
   
December 31,
 
   
In Years
   
2008
   
2007
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
   Plants, pipelines, buildings and related assets (1)
 
3-40 (5)
    $ 12,284,921     $ 10,873,422  
   Storage facilities (2)
 
5-35 (6)
      900,664       720,795  
   Offshore platforms and related facilities (3)
 
20-31
      634,761       637,812  
   Transportation equipment (4)
 
3-10
      38,771       32,627  
   Land
          54,627       48,172  
   Construction in progress
          1,695,298       1,173,988  
      Total historical cost
          15,609,042       13,486,816  
      Less accumulated depreciation
          2,374,987       1,910,848  
      Total carrying value, net
          13,234,055       11,575,968  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                     
   Plants, pipelines, buildings and related assets (1)
 
5-40 (5)
      2,972,503       2,511,714  
   Storage facilities (2)
 
5-40 (6)
      303,174       260,860  
   Transportation equipment (4)
 
5-10
      12,140       8,370  
   Marine vessels (7)
 
20-30
      453,041       --  
   Land
          199,944       172,348  
   Construction in progress
          319,368       414,265  
      Total historical cost
          4,260,170       3,367,557  
      Less accumulated depreciation
          770,825       644,129  
      Total carrying value, net
          3,489,345       2,723,428  
      Total property, plant and equipment, net
        $ 16,723,400     $ 14,299,396  
                       
(1)   Includes processing plants; NGL, crude oil, natural gas and other pipelines; terminal loading and unloading facilities; buildings; office furniture and equipment; laboratory and shop equipment; and related assets.
(2)   Includes underground product storage caverns, above ground storage tanks, water wells and related assets.
(3)   Includes offshore platforms and related facilities and assets.
(4)   Includes vehicles and similar assets used in our operations.
(5)   In general, the estimated useful lives of major components of this category approximate the following: processing plants, 20-35 years; pipelines and related equipment, 5-40 years; terminal facilities, 10-35 years; delivery facilities, 20-40 years; buildings, 20-40 years; office furniture and equipment, 3-20 years; and laboratory and shop equipment, 5-35 years.
(6)   In general, the estimated useful lives of major components of this category approximate the following: underground storage facilities, 5-35 years; storage tanks 10-40 years; and water wells, 5-35 years.
(7)   See Note 13 for additional information regarding the acquisition of marine services businesses by TEPPCO in February 2008.
 

The following table summarizes our depreciation expense and capitalized interest amounts by segment for the periods noted:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
   Depreciation expense (1)
  $ 465,851     $ 414,742     $ 352,227  
   Capitalized interest (2)
    71,584       75,476       55,660  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                       
   Depreciation expense (1)
    129,675       100,650       82,404  
   Capitalized interest (2)
    19,117       11,030       10,681  
(1)   Depreciation expense is a component of operating costs and expenses as presented in our Statements of Consolidated Operations.
(2)   Capitalized interest increases the carrying value of the associated asset and reduces interest expense during the period it is recorded.
 

 
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Enterprise Products Partners reviewed assumptions underlying the estimated remaining useful lives of certain of its assets during the first quarter of 2008. As a result of this review, effective January 1, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners revised the remaining useful lives of these assets, most notably the assets that constitute its Texas Intrastate System.  This revision increased the remaining useful life of such assets to incorporate recent data showing that proved natural gas reserves supporting throughput and processing volumes for these assets have changed since Enterprise Products Partners’ original determination made in September 2004.  These revisions will prospectively reduce Enterprise Products Partners’ depreciation expense on assets having carrying values totaling $2.72 billion as of January 1, 2008.  On average, we extended the life of these assets by 3.1 years.  As a result of this change in estimate, depreciation expense included in operating income for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased by approximately $20.0 million.  Of this amount, $19.0 million was attributed to noncontrolling interest.  The impact of this change in estimate on our earnings per unit was immaterial.

Asset retirement obligations

We have recorded AROs related to legal requirements to perform retirement activities as specified in contractual arrangements and/or governmental regulations. On a consolidated basis, our property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2008 and 2007 includes $11.7 million and $11.3 million, respectively, of asset retirement costs capitalized as an increase in the associated long-lived asset.  We estimate that accretion expense will approximate $2.3 million for 2009, $2.4 million for 2010, $2.6 million for 2011, $2.9 million for 2012 and $3.1 million for 2013.

The following table summarizes amounts recognized in connection with AROs by segment since December 31, 2006:
 
   
Investment in
             
   
Enterprise
             
   
Products
   
Investment in
       
   
Partners
   
TEPPCO
   
Total
 
ARO liability balance, December 31, 2006
  $ 24,403     $ 1,419     $ 25,822  
Liabilities incurred
    1,673       48       1,721  
Liabilities settled
    (5,069 )     --       (5,069 )
Revisions in estimated cash flows
    15,645       --       15,645  
Accretion expense
    3,962       143       4,105  
ARO liability balance, December 31, 2007
    40,614       1,610       42,224  
Liabilities incurred
    1,064       --       1,064  
Liabilities settled
    (7,229 )     (1,012 )     (8,241 )
Revisions in estimated cash flows
    1,163       3,589       4,752  
Accretion expense
    2,114       326       2,440  
ARO liability balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 37,726     $ 4,513     $ 42,239  
 
Enterprise Products Partners.  The liabilities associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ AROs primarily relate to (i) right-of-way agreements associated with its pipeline operations, (ii) leases of plant sites and (iii) regulatory requirements triggered by the abandonment or retirement of certain underground storage assets and offshore facilities.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners’ AROs may result from the renovation or demolition of certain assets containing hazardous substances such as asbestos.

TEPPCO.  In general, the liabilities associated with TEPPCO’s AROs primarily relate to (i) right-of-way agreements for its pipeline operations and (ii) leases of plant sites and office space.







 
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Note 12.  Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates

We own interests in a number of related businesses that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.  Our investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates are grouped according to the business segment to which they relate.  See Note 4 for a general discussion of our business segments.  The following table shows our investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates by segment at the dates indicated:
 
   
Ownership
       
   
Percentage at
       
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2008
   
2007
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
Venice Energy Service Company, L.L.C. (“VESCO”)
 
13.1%
    $ 37,673     $ 40,129  
K/D/S Promix, L.L.C. (“Promix”)
 
50.0%
      46,383       51,537  
Baton Rouge Fractionators LLC (“BRF”)
 
32.2%
      24,160       25,423  
White River Hub, LLC (“White River Hub”) (1)
 
50.0%
      21,387       --  
Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (“Skelly-Belvieu”) (2)
 
49.0%
      35,969       --  
Evangeline (3)
 
49.5%
      4,528       3,490  
Poseidon Oil Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (“Poseidon”)
 
36.0%
      60,233       58,423  
Cameron Highway Oil Pipeline Company (“Cameron Highway”)
 
50.0%
      250,833       256,588  
Deepwater Gateway, L.L.C. (“Deepwater Gateway”)
 
50.0%
      104,785       111,221  
Neptune
 
25.7%
      52,671       55,468  
Nemo
 
33.9%
      432       2,888  
Baton Rouge Propylene Concentrator LLC (“BRPC”)
 
30.0%
      12,633       13,282  
Other
 
50.0%
      3,887       4,053  
Total Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
          655,574       622,502  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                     
Seaway Crude Pipeline Company (“Seaway”)
 
50.0%
      186,224       184,757  
Centennial Pipeline LLC (“Centennial”)
 
50.0%
      69,696       77,919  
Other
 
25.0%
      332       362  
Total Investment in TEPPCO
          256,252       263,038  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity:
                     
Energy Transfer Equity
 
17.5%
      1,587,115       1,641,363  
LE GP
 
34.9%
      11,761       12,100  
Total Investment in Energy Transfer Equity
          1,598,876       1,653,463  
             Total consolidated
        $ 2,510,702     $ 2,539,003  
                       
(1)   In February 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired a 50.0% ownership interest in White River Hub.
(2)   In December 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired a 49.0% ownership interest in Skelly-Belvieu.
(3)   Refers to ownership interests in Evangeline Gas Pipeline Company, L.P. and Evangeline Gas Corp., collectively.
 
 
On occasion, the price we pay to acquire a non-controlling ownership interest in a company exceeds the underlying book value of the net assets we acquire.  Such excess cost amounts are included within the carrying values of our investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates.  That portion of excess cost attributable to fixed assets or amortizable intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset(s) as a reduction in equity earnings from the entity.  That portion of excess cost attributable to goodwill or indefinite life intangible assets is not subject to amortization.  Equity method investments, including their associated excess cost amounts, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that there is a loss in value of the investment which is other than temporary.









 
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The following table summarizes our excess cost information at the dates indicated by business segment:

   
Investment in
         
Investment in
       
   
Enterprise
         
Energy
       
   
Products
   
Investment in
   
Transfer
       
   
Partners
   
TEPPCO
   
Equity
   
Total
 
Initial excess cost amounts attributable to:
                       
Fixed Assets
  $ 51,476     $ 30,277     $ 576,626     $ 658,379  
Goodwill
    --       --       335,758       335,758  
Intangibles – finite life
    --       30,021       244,695       274,716  
Intangibles – indefinite life
    --       --       513,508       513,508  
Total
  $ 51,476     $ 60,298     $ 1,670,587     $ 1,782,361  
                                 
Excess cost amounts, net of amortization at:
                               
December 31, 2008
  $ 34,272     $ 28,350     $ 1,609,575     $ 1 672 197  
December 31, 2007
  $ 36,156     $ 33,302     $ 1,643,890     $ 1,713,348  

As shown in the preceding table, the Parent Company’s initial investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP exceeded its share of the historical cost of the underlying net assets of such investees by $1.67 billion.  At December 31, 2008, this basis differential decreased to $1.61 billion (after taking into account related amortization amounts) and consisted of the following:

§  
$537.6 million attributed to fixed assets;

§  
$513.5 million attributed to the IDRs (an indefinite-life intangible asset) held by Energy Transfer Equity in the cash flows of ETP;

§  
$222.7 million attributed to amortizable intangible assets;

§  
and $335.8 million attributed to equity method goodwill.

The basis differential amounts attributed to fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets represent the Parent Company’s pro rata share of the excess of the fair values determined for such assets over the investee’s historical carrying values for such assets at the date the Parent Company acquired its investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP. These excess cost amounts are being amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying assets.  We estimate such non-cash amortization expense to be $36.6 million for each of the years 2009 through 2011, $36.3 million in 2012 and $36.1 million for 2013.

The $513.5 million of excess cost attributed to ETP’s IDRs represents the Parent Company’s pro rata share of the fair value of the incentive distribution rights held by Energy Transfer Equity in ETP’s cash distributions.  The $335.8 million of equity method goodwill is attributed to our view of the future financial performance of Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP based upon their underlying assets and industry relationships.  Excess cost amounts attributed to the ETP IDRs and the equity method goodwill are not amortized; however, such amounts are subject to impairment testing.

Amortization of excess cost amounts are recorded as a reduction in equity earnings.  The following table summarizes our excess cost amortization by segment for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 1,884     $ 2,499     $ 2,052  
Investment in TEPPCO
    4,952       5,967       4,318  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity
    34,315       26,697       --  
   Total excess cost amortization (1)
  $ 41,151     $ 35,163     $ 6,370  
                         
(1)  As of December 31, 2008, we expect that our total annual excess cost amortization will be as follows: $43.8 million in 2009; $39.3 million in each of 2010 and 2011; $39.0 million in 2012; and $38.8 million in 2013.
 
 
 
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Equity earnings from our Investment in Energy Transfer Equity segment for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $65.6 million, before $34.3 million of amortization of excess cost amounts. Equity earnings from our Investment in Energy Transfer Equity segment for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $29.8 million, before $26.7 million of amortization of excess cost amounts.

The following table presents our equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates for the periods indicated:
 
   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
   VESCO
  $ (1,519 )   $ 3,507     $ 1,719  
   Promix
    1,977       514       1,353  
   BRF
    1,003       2,010       2,643  
   Skelly-Belvieu
    (31 )     --       --  
   Evangeline
    896       183       958  
   White River Hub
    655       --       --  
   Poseidon
    6,883       10,020       11,310  
   Cameron Highway
    16,358       (11,200 )     (11,000 )
   Deepwater Gateway
    17,062       20,606       18,392  
   Neptune (1)
    (5,683 )     (821 )     (8,294 )
   Nemo (2)
    (973 )     (5,977 )     1,501  
   BRPC
    1,877       2,266       1,864  
   Other
    (771 )     (807 )     881  
      Subtotal equity in earnings
    37,734       20,301       21,327  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                       
   Seaway
    11,732       2,602       11,905  
   Centennial (3)
    (14,673 )     (13,528 )     (17,101 )
   MB Storage (4)
    --       1,090       9,082  
   Other
    70       43       --  
      Subtotal equity in earnings
    (2,871 )     (9,793 )     3,886  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity:
                       
    Energy Transfer Equity
    31,146       3,109       --  
    LE GP
    152       (14 )     --  
      Subtotal equity in earnings
    31,298       3,095       --  
      Total equity in earnings
  $ 66,161     $ 13,603     $ 25,213  
                         
(1)   Equity in earnings from Neptune for 2006 include a $7.4 million non-cash impairment charge.
(2)   Equity in earnings from Nemo for 2007 include a $7.0 million non-cash impairment charge.
(3)   Equity in earnings from Centennial reflect significant intercompany eliminations due to transactions between TEPPCO and Centennial. See “Investment in TEPPCO – Centennial” within this Note 12 for additional information regarding these amounts.
(4)   Refers to ownership interests in Mont Belvieu Storage Partners, L.P. and Mont Belvieu Venture, LLC, collectively. TEPPCO disposed of this investment on March 1, 2007.
 
 
We monitor the underlying business fundamentals of our investments in unconsolidated affiliates and test such investments for impairment when impairment indicators are present. As a result of our reviews for the year ended December 31, 2008, no impairment charges were required. We have the intent and ability to hold our equity method investments, which are integral to our operations.








 
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Investment in Enterprise Products Partners

The combined balance sheet information and results of operations data of this segment’s current unconsolidated affiliates are summarized below.

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Balance Sheet Data:
           
   Current assets
  $ 196,634     $ 187,790  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
    1,565,913       1,404,708  
   Other assets
    23,102       37,209  
      Total assets
  $ 1,785,649     $ 1,629,707  
   Current liabilities
  $ 139,189     $ 116,682  
   Other liabilities
    162,439       130,626  
   Combined equity
    1,484,021       1,382,399  
      Total liabilities and combined equity
  $ 1,785,649     $ 1,629,707  

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Income Statement Data:
                 
   Revenues
  $ 828,697     $ 669,936     $ 655,405  
   Operating income
    102,138       138,995       61,296  
   Net income
    94,353       86,496       27,236  

At December 31, 2008, our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners segment included the following unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method:

VESCO. Enterprise Products Partners owns a 13.1% interest in VESCO, which owns a natural gas processing facility and related assets located in south Louisiana.

Promix.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in Promix, which owns an NGL fractionation facility and related storage and pipeline assets located in south Louisiana.

BRF.  Enterprise Products Partners owns an approximate 32.3% interest in BRF, which owns an NGL fractionation facility located in south Louisiana.

Evangeline. Duncan Energy Partners owns an approximate 49.5% aggregate interest in Evangeline, which owns a natural gas pipeline located in south Louisiana.  See Note 15 for information regarding the debt obligations of this unconsolidated affiliate.

White River Hub.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in White River Hub, which owns a natural gas hub located in northwest Colorado.  The hub was completed in December 2008.

Skelly-Belvieu.  In December 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired a 49.0% interest in Skelly-Belvieu for $36.0 million.  Skelly-Belvieu owns a 570-mile pipeline that transports mixed NGLs to markets in southeast Texas.

Poseidon.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 36.0% interest in Poseidon, which owns a crude oil pipeline that gathers production from the outer continental shelf and deepwater areas of the Gulf of Mexico for delivery to onshore locations in south Louisiana.  See Note 15 for information regarding the debt obligations of this unconsolidated affiliate.

Cameron Highway. Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in Cameron Highway, which owns a crude oil pipeline that gathers production from deepwater areas of the Gulf of Mexico, primarily the South Green Canyon area, for delivery to refineries and terminals in southeast Texas.

 
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Cameron Highway repaid its $365.0 million Series A notes and $50.0 million Series B notes in 2007 using cash contributions from its partners.  Enterprise Products Partners funded its 50% share of the capital contributions using borrowings under EPO’s Revolver.  Cameron Highway incurred a $14.1 million make-whole premium in connection with the repayment of its Series A notes.

Deepwater Gateway.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in Deepwater Gateway, which owns the Marco Polo platform located in the Gulf of Mexico.  The Marco Polo platform processes crude oil and natural gas production from the Marco Polo, K2, K2 North and Ghengis Khan fields located in the South Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico.

Neptune.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 25.7% interest in Neptune, which owns the Manta Ray Offshore Gathering and Nautilus Systems, which are natural gas pipelines located in the Gulf of Mexico. Neptune owns the Manta Ray Offshore Gathering System (“Manta Ray”) and Nautilus Pipeline System (“Nautilus”).  Manta Ray gathers natural gas originating from producing fields located in the Green Canyon, Southern Green Canyon, Ship Shoal, South Timbalier and Ewing Bank areas of the Gulf of Mexico to numerous downstream pipelines, including the Nautilus pipeline.  Nautilus connects our Manta Ray pipeline to our Neptune natural gas processing plant located in south Louisiana.

Due to a decrease in throughput volumes on the Manta Ray and Nautilus pipelines, Enterprise Products Partners evaluated its 25.7% investment in Neptune for impairment in 2006.  The decrease in throughput volumes was attributable to underperformance of certain fields, natural depletion and hurricane-related delays in starting new production.  These factors contributed to significant delays in throughput volumes Neptune expects to receive.  As a result, Neptune experienced operating losses. Enterprise Products Partners’ review of Neptune’s estimated cash flows indicated that the carrying value of its investment exceeded its fair value, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $7.4 million.  This loss is recorded as a component of “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in our Statement of Consolidated Operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Nemo.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 33.9% interest in Nemo, which owns the Nemo Gathering System, which is a natural gas pipeline located in the Gulf of Mexico.  The Nemo Gathering System gathers natural gas from certain developments in the Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico to a pipeline interconnect with the Manta Ray Gathering System.  Due to a decrease in throughput volumes on the Nemo Gathering System, Enterprise Products Partners evaluated its investment in Nemo for impairment in 2007.  The decrease in throughput volumes was primarily due to underperformance of certain fields and natural depletion.  Enterprise Products Partners’ review of Nemo’s estimated future cash flows in 2007 indicated that the carrying value of its investment exceeded its fair value, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $7.0 million.  This loss is recorded as a component of “Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates” in our Statements of Consolidated Operations for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Enterprise Products Partners’ investments in Neptune and Nemo were written down to their respective fair values, which management estimated using recognized business valuation techniques.  If the assumptions underlying such fair values change and expected cash flows are reduced, additional impairment charges for these investments may result in the future.

BRPC.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 30.0% interest in BRPC, which owns a propylene fractionation facility located in south Louisiana.









 
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Investment in TEPPCO

The combined balance sheet information and results of operations data of this segment’s current unconsolidated affiliates (i.e. Seaway and Centennial) are summarized below.

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Balance Sheet Data:
           
   Current assets
  $ 44,161     $ 37,293  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
    487,426       500,530  
   Other assets
    (4 )     1  
      Total assets
  $ 531,583     $ 537,824  
   Current liabilities
  $ 26,798     $ 30,271  
   Other liabilities
    120,380       130,303  
   Combined equity
    384,405       377,250  
      Total liabilities and combined equity
  $ 531,583     $ 537,824  

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Income Statement Data:
                 
   Revenues
  $ 132,987     $ 124,153     $ 160,408  
   Operating income
    52,266       34,422       44,580  
   Net income
    41,655       23,954       34,070  
 
At December 31, 2008, our Investment in TEPPCO segment included the following unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method:

Seaway.  TEPPCO owns a 50% interest in Seaway, which owns a pipeline that transports crude oil from a marine terminal located at Freeport, Texas, to Cushing, Oklahoma, and from a marine terminal located at Texas City, Texas, to refineries in the Texas City and Houston, Texas areas.

Centennial.  TEPPCO owns a 50% interest in Centennial, which owns an interstate refined petroleum products pipeline extending from the upper Texas Gulf Coast to central Illinois.  Prior to April 2002, TEPPCO’s mainline pipeline was bottlenecked between Beaumont, Texas and El Dorado, Arkansas, which limited TEPPCO’s ability to transport refined products and LPGs during peak periods.  When the Centennial pipeline commenced operations in 2002, it effectively looped TEPPCO’s mainline, thus providing TEPPCO incremental transportation capacity into Mid-continent markets.   Centennial is a key investment of TEPPCO.

Since TEPPCO utilizes the Centennial pipeline in its mainline operations, TEPPCO’s equity earnings from Centennial reflect the elimination of profits and losses attributable to intercompany transactions.  Such eliminations reduced equity earnings as follows for the periods noted: $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008; $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007; and $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Additionally, TEPPCO amortizes its excess cost in Centennial, which reduced equity in earnings by $4.3 million, $5.4 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

MB Storage.  On March 1, 2007, TEPPCO sold its 49.5% ownership interest in Mont Belvieu Storage Partners, L.P. (“MB Storage”) and its 50% ownership interest in Mont Belvieu Venture, LLC (the general partner of MB Storage) to Louis Dreyfus Energy Services L.P. for approximately $156.0 million in cash. TEPPCO recognized a gain of approximately $60.0 million related to its sale of these equity interests, which is included in other income for the year ended December 31, 2007. The sale of MB Storage was required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) in connection with ending its investigation into the acquisition of TEPPCO GP by private company affiliates of EPCO in February 2005.


 
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Investment in Energy Transfer Equity

This segment reflects the Parent Company’s non-controlling ownership interests in Energy Transfer Equity and its general partner, LE GP, both of which are accounted for using the equity method.  In May 2007, the Parent Company paid $1.65 billion to acquire 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity and approximately 34.9% of the membership interests of LE GP.  The following table summarizes the values recorded by the Parent Company in connection with its purchase of these equity interests.

Energy Transfer Equity  (38,976,090 common units)
  $ 1,636,996  
LE GP (approximately 34.9% membership interest)
    12,338  
Total invested by the Parent Company
  $ 1,649,334  
 
On January 22, 2009, the Parent Company acquired an additional 5.7% membership interest in LE GP for $0.8 million, which increased our total ownership in LE GP to 40.6%.

LE GP.  The business purpose of LE GP is to manage the affairs and operations of Energy Transfer Equity.  LE GP has no separate business activities outside of those conducted by Energy Transfer Equity.  LE GP owns a 0.31% general partner interest in Energy Transfer Equity and has no IDR’s in the quarterly cash distributions of Energy Transfer Equity.

Energy Transfer Equity. Energy Transfer Equity currently has no separate operating activities apart from those of ETP.  Energy Transfer Equity’s principal sources of distributable cash flow are its investments in the limited and general partner interests of ETP as follows:

§  
Direct ownership of 62,500,797 ETP limited partner units representing approximately 46.0% of the total outstanding ETP units.

§  
Indirect ownership of the 2% general partner interest of ETP and all associated IDRs held by ETP’s general partner, of which Energy Transfer Equity owns 100% of the membership interests.  Currently, the quarterly general partner and associated IDR thresholds of ETP’s general partner are as follows:

§  
2% of quarterly cash distributions up to $0.275 per unit paid by ETP;

§  
15% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.275 per unit up to $0.3175 per unit paid by ETP;

§  
25% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.3175 per unit up to $0.4125 per unit paid by ETP; and

§  
50% of quarterly cash distributions that exceed $0.4125 per unit paid by ETP.

ETP’s partnership agreement requires that it distribute all of its Available Cash (as defined in such agreement) within 45 days following the end of each fiscal quarter.

ETP is a publicly traded partnership owning and operating a diversified portfolio of energy assets. ETP has pipeline operations in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Utah, and owns the largest intrastate pipeline system in Texas. ETP’s natural gas operations include intrastate natural gas gathering and transportation pipelines, natural gas treating and processing assets and three natural gas storage facilities located in Texas. ETP is also one of the three largest retail marketers of propane in the United States, serving more than one million customers across the country.




 
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The balance sheet information and results of operations data for Energy Transfer Equity are summarized below.

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Balance Sheet Data:
           
   Current assets
  $ 1,180,995     $ 1,403,796  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
    8,702,534       6,852,458  
   Other assets
    1,186,373       1,205,840  
      Total assets
  $ 11,069,902     $ 9,462,094  
   Current liabilities
  $ 1,208,921     $ 1,241,433  
   Other liabilities, including minority interest
    9,944,413       8,236,324  
   Partners’ equity
    (83,432 )     (15,663 )
      Total liabilities and partners’ equity
  $ 11,069,902     $ 9,462,094  

In November 2007, Energy Transfer Equity changed its fiscal year end to the calendar year end; thus, its current fiscal year began on January 1, 2008.  Energy Transfer Equity completed a four-month transition period that began September 1, 2007 and ended December 31, 2007 and filed a transition report on Form 10-Q for that period in February 2008.  Energy Transfer Equity subsequently filed audited financial statements for the four-month transition period on Form 8-K in March 2008.

Energy Transfer Equity did not recast its consolidated financial data for prior fiscal periods.  According to Energy Transfer Equity, comparability between periods is impacted primarily by weather, fluctuations in commodity prices, volumes of natural gas sold and transported, its hedging strategies and use of financial instruments, trading activities, basis differences between market hubs and interest rates. Energy Transfer Equity believes that the trends indicated by comparison of the results for the calendar year ended December 31, 2008 are substantially similar to what is reflected in the information for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

   
For the Year
   
For the Four
   
For the Year
 
   
Ended
   
Months Ended
   
Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
August 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2007
 
Income Statement Data:
                 
   Revenues
  $ 9,293,367     $ 2,349,342     $ 6,792,037  
   Operating income
    1,098,903       316,651       809,336  
   Net income
    375,044       92,677       319,360  

For the year ended December 31, 2008, Energy Transfer Equity received $546.2 million in cash distributions from ETP, which consisted of $236.3 million from limited partner interests, $17.9 million from its general partner interest and $305.1 million in distributions from the ETP IDRs. Energy Transfer Equity, in turn, paid $435.9 million in distributions to its partners with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008.

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, Energy Transfer Equity received $370.7 million in cash distributions from ETP, which consisted of $175.0 million from limited partner interests, $12.7 million from its general partner interest and $183.0 million in distributions from the ETP IDRs.  Energy Transfer Equity, in turn, paid $277.0 million in distributions to its partners with respect to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

At December 31, 2008, the market value of the 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity was approximately $631.8 million.   We evaluated the near and long-term prospects of our investment in Energy Transfer Equity common units and concluded that this investment was not impaired at December 31, 2008.   Our management believes that Energy Transfer Equity has significant growth prospects in the future that will enable the Parent Company to more than fully recover its investment.   The Parent Company has the intent and ability to hold this investment for the long-term.

 
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Note 13.  Business Combinations

The following table presents our cash used for business combinations by segment for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
   Great Divide acquisition
  $ 125,175     $ --     $ --  
   South Monco acquisition
    1       35,000       --  
   Encinal acquisition
    --       114       145,197  
   Piceance Creek acquisition
    --       368       100,000  
   Additional ownership interests in Dixie
    57,089       --       12,913  
   Additional ownership interests in Tri-States and Belle Rose
    19,895                  
   Other business combinations
    --       311       18,390  
             Subtotal
    202,160       35,793       276,500  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                       
   Marine Services Businesses purchased from Cenac
    258,183       --       --  
   Marine Services Businesses purchased from Horizon
    87,582       --       --  
   Terminal assets purchased from New York LP Gas
                       
       Storage, Inc.
    --       --       9,931  
   Refined products terminal purchased from Mississippi
                       
       Terminal and Marketing Inc.
    --       --       5,771  
   Other business combinations
    5,561                  
             Subtotal
    351,326       --       15,702  
             Total
  $ 553,486     $ 35,793     $ 292,202  
 
The following information highlights aspects of certain transactions noted in the preceding table:

Transactions Completed during the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Our expenditures for business combinations during the year ended December 31, 2008 were $553.5 million and primarily reflect the acquisitions described below.

On a pro forma consolidated basis, our revenues, costs and expenses, operating income, net income and earnings per Unit amounts would not have differed materially from those we actually reported for 2008, 2007 and 2006 due to the immaterial nature of our 2008 business combination transactions.

Great Divide Gathering System Acquisition.  In December 2008, Enterprise Products Partners purchased a 100.0% membership interest in Great Divide Gathering, LLC (“Great Divide”) for cash consideration of $125.2 million.  Great Divide was wholly owned by EnCana Oil & Gas (“EnCana”).

The assets of Great Divide consist of a 31-mile natural gas gathering system, the Great Divide Gathering System, located in the Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado.  The Great Divide Gathering System extends from the southern portion of the Piceance Basin, including production from EnCana’s Mamm Creek field, to a pipeline interconnection with Enterprise Products Partners’ Piceance Basin Gathering System.  Volumes of natural gas originating on the Great Divide Gathering System are transported through Enterprise Products Partners’ Piceance Creek Gathering System to its 1.5 Bcf/d Meeker natural gas treating and processing complex.  A significant portion of these volumes are produced by EnCana, one of the largest natural gas producers in the region, and are dedicated the Great Divide and Piceance Creek Gathering Systems for the life of the associated lease holdings.

Tri-States and Belle Rose Acquisitions. In October 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired additional 16.7% membership interests in both Tri-States NGL Pipeline, L.L.C. (“Tri-States”) and Belle Rose NGL Pipeline, L.L.C. (“Belle Rose”) for total cash consideration of $19.9 million.  As a result of this

 
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transaction, Enterprise Products Partners’ ownership interest in Tri-States increased to 83.3%.  Enterprise Products Partners now owns 100.0% of the membership interests in Belle Rose. 

Tri-States owns a 194-mile NGL pipeline located along the Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana Gulf Coast.  Belle Rose owns a 48-mile NGL pipeline located in Louisiana.  These systems, in conjunction with the Wilprise pipeline, transport mixed NGLs to the BRF, Norco and Promix NGL fractionators located in south Louisiana.

Acquisition of Remaining Interest in Dixie. In August 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired the remaining 25.8% ownership interest in Dixie for $57.1 million.  As a result of this transaction, Enterprise Products Partners owns 100% of Dixie, which owns a 1,371-mile pipeline system that delivers NGLs (primarily propane, and other chemical feedstock) to customers along the U.S. Gulf Coast and southeastern United States.

TEPPCO Marine Services Businesses. On February 1, 2008, TEPPCO entered the marine transportation business for refined products, crude oil and condensate through the purchase of assets from Cenac Towing Co., Inc., Cenac Offshore, L.L.C., and Mr. Arlen B. Cenac, Jr. (collectively “Cenac”). The aggregate value of total consideration TEPPCO paid or issued to complete this business combination was $444.7 million, which consisted of $258.2 million in cash and approximately 4.9 million of TEPPCO’s newly issued common units.  Additionally, TEPPCO assumed approximately $63.2 million of Cenac’s debt in the transaction.  TEPPCO acquired 42 tow boats, 89 tank barges and the economic benefit of certain related commercial agreements.  TEPPCO’s new business line serves refineries and storage terminals along the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway between Texas and Florida.  These assets also gather crude oil from production facilities and platforms along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. TEPPCO used its short-term credit facility to finance the cash portion of the acquisition.  TEPPCO repaid the $63.2 million of debt assumed in this transaction using borrowings under its short-term credit facility.

On February 29, 2008, TEPPCO purchased related marine assets from Horizon Maritime, L.L.C. (“Horizon”), a privately-held Houston-based company and an affiliate of Mr. Cenac, for $80.8 million in cash. TEPPCO acquired 7 tow boats, 17 tank barges, rights to two tow boats under construction and the economic benefit of certain related commercial agreements.  In April 2008, TEPPCO paid an additional $3.0 million to Horizon pursuant to the purchase agreement upon delivery of one of the tow boats under construction, and in June 2008, TEPPCO paid an additional $3.8 million upon delivery of the second tow boat.  These vessels transport asphalt, heavy fuel oil and other heated oil products to storage facilities and refineries along the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio Rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway.  TEPPCO’s short-term credit facility was used to finance this acquisition.

The results of operations related to these assets are included in our Condensed Statements of Consolidated Operations beginning at the date of acquisition.















 
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Purchase Price Allocations.  We accounted for our business combinations completed during 2008 using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, such costs have been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated preliminary fair values.  Such preliminary values have been developed using recognized business valuation techniques and are subject to change pending a final valuation analysis.

   
Cenac
   
Horizon
   
Great
                   
   
Acquisition
   
Acquisition
   
Divide
   
Dixie
   
Other (1)
   
Total
 
Assets acquired in business combination:
                                   
Current assets
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ 4,021     $ 2,510     $ 6,531  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    362,872       72,196       70,643       33,727       10,122       549,560  
Intangible assets
    63,500       6,500       9,760       --       12,747       92,507  
Other assets
    --       --       --       382       46       428  
Total assets acquired
    426,372       78,696       80,403       38,130       25,425       649,026  
Liabilities assumed in business combination:
                                               
Current liabilities
    --       --       --       (2,581 )     (649 )     (3,230 )
Long-term debt
    --       --       --       (2,582 )     --       (2,582 )
Other long-term liabilities
    (63,157 )     --       (81 )     (46,265 )     (4 )     (109,507 )
Total liabilities assumed
    (63,157 )     --       (81 )     (51,428 )     (653 )     (115,319 )
Total assets acquired plus liabilities assumed
    363,215       78,696       80,322       (13,298 )     24,772       533,707  
Fair value of 4,854,899 TEPPCO common units
    186,558       --       --       --       --       186,558  
Total cash used for business combinations
    258,183       87,582       125,175       57,089       25,457       553,486  
Goodwill
  $ 81,526     $ 8,886     $ 44,853     $ 70,387     $ 685     $ 206,337  
                                                 
(1)   Primarily represents (i) non-cash reclassification adjustments to Enterprise Products Partners’ December 2007 preliminary fair value estimates for assets acquired in its South Monoco natural gas pipeline acquisition, (ii) TEPPCO’s purchase of lubrication and other fuel assets in August 2008 and (iii) Enterprise Products’ purchase of additional interests in Tri-States and Belle Rose in October 2008.
 

As a result of Enterprise Products Partners’ 100% ownership interest in Dixie, Enterprise Products Partners used push-down accounting to record this business combination.  In doing so, a temporary tax difference was created between the assets and liabilities of Dixie for financial reporting and tax purposes. Dixie recorded a deferred income tax liability of $45.1 million attributable to the temporary tax difference.

Transactions Completed during the Year Ended December 31, 2007

Our expenditures for business combinations during the year ended December 31, 2007 were $35.8 million, which primarily reflect the $35.0 million Enterprise Products Partners spent to acquire South Monco in December 2007.  This business includes approximately 128 miles of natural gas pipelines located in southeast Texas.  The remaining business combination related amounts for 2007 consist of purchase price adjustments to prior period transactions.

On a pro forma consolidated basis, our revenues, costs and expenses, operating income, net income and earnings per unit amounts would not have differed materially from those we actually reported for 2007 and 2006 due to immaterial nature of our 2007 business combination transactions.

Transactions Completed during the Year Ended December 31, 2006

           Encinal Acquisition. In July 2006, we acquired the Encinal and Canales natural gas gathering systems and related gathering and processing contracts that comprised the South Texas natural gas transportation and processing business of an affiliate of Lewis Energy Group, L.P. (“Lewis”).  The aggregate value of total consideration we paid or issued to complete this business combination (referred to as the “Encinal acquisition”) was $326.3 million, which consisted of $145.2 million in cash and 7,115,844 common units of Enterprise Products Partners.

The Encinal and Canales gathering systems are located in South Texas and are connected to over 1,450 natural gas wells producing from the Olmos and Wilcox formations.  The Encinal system consists of 449 miles of pipeline, which is comprised of 277 miles of pipeline we acquired from Lewis in this transaction and 172 miles of pipeline that we own and had previously leased to Lewis.  The Canales

 
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gathering system is comprised of 32 miles of pipeline.  Currently, natural gas volumes gathered by the Encinal and Canales systems are transported by our existing Texas Intrastate System and are processed by our South Texas natural gas processing plants.

The Encinal and Canales gathering systems are supported by a life of reserves gathering and processing dedication by Lewis related to its natural gas production from the Olmos formation.  In addition, we entered into a 10-year agreement with Lewis for the transportation of natural gas treated at its proposed Big Reef facility.  The Big Reef facility will treat natural gas from the southern portion of the Edwards Trend in South Texas.  We also entered into a 10-year agreement with Lewis for the gathering and processing of rich gas it produces from below the Olmos formation.

In accordance with purchase accounting, the value of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units issued to Lewis was based on the average closing price of such units immediately prior to and after the transaction was announced on July 12, 2006.  For purposes of this calculation, the average closing price was $25.45 per unit.

Since the closing date of the Encinal acquisition was July 1, 2006, our Statements of Consolidated Operations do not include any earnings from these assets prior to this date.  Given the relative size of the Encinal acquisition to our other business combination transactions during 2006, the following table presents selected pro forma earnings information for the year ended December 31, 2006 as if the Encinal acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2006 instead of July 1, 2006.  This information was prepared based on financial data available to us and reflects certain estimates and assumptions made by our management.  Our pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated financial results would have been had the Encinal acquisition actually occurred on January 1, 2006.

The amounts shown in the following table are in millions, except per unit amounts.
 
   
For the
 
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31, 2006
 
Pro forma earnings data:
     
   Revenues
  $ 23,685.9  
   Costs and expenses
  $ 22,595.6  
   Operating income
  $ 1,115.6  
   Net income attributable to
       
         Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
  $ 99.9  
Basic earnings per unit ("EPU"):
       
   Units outstanding, as reported
    103.1  
   Units outstanding, pro forma
    103.1  
   Basic EPU, as reported
  $ 1.30  
   Basic EPU, pro forma
  $ 0.97  
Diluted EPU:
       
   Units outstanding, as reported
    103.1  
   Units outstanding , pro forma
    103.1  
   Diluted EPU, as reported
  $ 1.30  
   Diluted EPU, pro forma
  $ 0.97  
 
           Piceance Creek Acquisition. In December 2006, Enterprise Products Partners purchased a 100% interest in Piceance Creek Pipeline, LLC (“Piceance Creek”), for $100.0 million.  Piceance Creek was wholly owned by EnCana.

The assets of Piceance Creek consisted of a recently constructed 48-mile, natural gas gathering pipeline, the Piceance Creek Gathering System, located in the Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado. The Piceance Creek Gathering System has a transportation capacity of 1.6 Bcf/d of natural gas and extends from a connection with EnCana’s Great Divide Gathering System located near Parachute, Colorado, northward through the heart of the Piceance Basin to our 1.5 Bcf/d Meeker natural gas treating and

 
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processing complex.  Connectivity to EnCana’s Great Divide Gathering System (see above for Enterprise Products Partners’ purchase of this system in 2008) will provide the Piceance Creek Gathering System with access to production from the southern portion of the Piceance basin, including production from EnCana’s Mamm Creek field.  The Piceance Creek Gathering System was placed in service in January 2007 and began transporting initial volumes of approximately 300 million cubic feet per day (“MMcf/d”) of natural gas.  Currently, we transport approximately 520 MMcf/d of natural gas volumes, with a significant portion of these volumes being produced by EnCana, one of the largest natural gas producers in the region.  In conjunction with our acquisition of Piceance Creek, EnCana signed a long-term, fixed fee gathering agreement with us and dedicated significant production to the Piceance Creek Gathering System for the life of the associated lease holdings.


Note 14.  Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Identifiable Intangible Assets

The following tables summarize our intangible assets at the dates indicated:

   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Gross
   
Accum.
   
Carrying
 
   
Value
   
Amort.
   
Value
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
     Customer relationship intangibles
  $ 858,354     $ (272,918 )   $ 585,436  
     Contract-based intangibles
    409,283       (156,603 )     252,680  
          Subtotal
    1,267,637       (429,521 )     838,116  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                       
     Incentive distribution rights
    606,926       --       606,926  
 Customer relationship intangibles
    52,381       (3,506 )     48,875  
     Gas gathering agreements
    462,449       (212,610 )     249,839  
     Other contract-based intangibles
    74,515       (29,224 )     45,291  
           Subtotal
    1,196,271       (245,340 )     950,931  
           Total
  $ 2,463,908     $ (674,861 )   $ 1,789,047  

   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Gross
   
Accum.
   
Carrying
 
   
Value
   
Amort.
   
Value
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
     Customer relationship intangibles
  $ 845,607     $ (213,215 )   $ 632,392  
     Contract-based intangibles
    395,235       (128,209 )     267,026  
          Subtotal
    1,240,842       (341,424 )     899,418  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                       
     Incentive distribution rights
    606,926       --       606,926  
 Customer relationship intangibles
    501       (111 )     390  
     Gas gathering agreements
    462,449       (181,372 )     281,077  
     Other contract-based intangibles
    55,126       (22,738 )     32,388  
           Subtotal
    1,125,002       (204,221 )     920,781  
           Total
  $ 2,365,844     $ (545,645 )   $ 1,820,199  








 
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The following table presents the amortization expense of our intangible assets by segment for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 88,097     $ 89,727     $ 88,755  
Investment in TEPPCO
    41,793       35,584       33,269  
Total
  $ 129,890     $ 125,311     $ 122,024  
 
We estimate that amortization expense associated with our portfolio of intangible assets at December 31, 2008 will approximate $122.0 million for 2009, $115.9 million for 2010, $108.1 million for 2011, $93.1 million for 2012 and $85.4 million for 2013.

In general, our amortizable intangible assets fall within two categories – contract-based intangible assets and customer relationships. The values assigned to such intangible assets are amortized to earnings using either (i) a straight-line approach or (ii) other methods that closely resemble the pattern in which the economic benefits of associated resource bases are estimated to be consumed or otherwise used, as appropriate.

Customer relationship intangible assets.  Customer relationship intangible assets represent the estimated economic value assigned to certain relationships acquired in connection with business combinations and asset purchases whereby (i) we acquired information about or access to customers and now have regular contact with them and (ii) the customers now have the ability to make direct contact with us. Customer relationships may arise from contractual arrangements (such as supplier contracts and service contracts) and through means other than contracts, such as through regular contact by sales or service representatives.

At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of Enterprise Products Partners’ customer relationship intangible assets was $585.4 million.  The carrying value of TEPPCO’s customer relationship intangible assets was $48.9 million. The following information summarizes the significant components of this category of intangible assets:

§  
San Juan Gathering System customer relationships – Enterprise Products Partners acquired these customer relationships in connection with the GulfTerra Merger, which was completed on September 30, 2004.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this group of intangible assets was $238.8 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings over their estimated economic life of 35 years through 2039.  Amortization expense is recorded using a method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefits of the underlying natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used.

§  
Offshore Pipeline & Platform customer relationships – Enterprise Products Partners acquired these customer relationships in connection with the GulfTerra Merger.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this group of intangible assets was $115.2 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings over their estimated economic life of 33 years through 2037.  Amortization expense is recorded using a method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefits of the underlying crude oil and natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used.

§  
Encinal natural gas processing customer relationship – Enterprise Products Partners acquired this customer relationship in connection with its Encinal acquisition in 2006.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this intangible asset was $99.1 million.  This intangible asset is being amortized to earnings over its estimated economic life of 20 years through 2026.  Amortization expense is recorded using a method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefit of the underlying natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used.

 
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Contract-based intangible assets.  Contract-based intangible assets represent specific commercial rights we acquired in connection with business combinations or asset purchases.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of Enterprise Products Partners’ contract-based intangible assets was $252.7 million.   The carrying value of TEPPCO’s contract-based intangible assets was $295.1 million. The following information summarizes the significant components of this category of intangible assets:

§  
Jonah natural gas gathering agreements – These intangible assets represent the value attributed to certain of Jonah’s natural gas gathering contracts that existed at February 24, 2005, which was the date that private company affiliates of EPCO first acquired their ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this group of intangible assets was $136.0 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings using a units-of-production method based on throughput volumes on the Jonah system.

§  
Val Verde natural gas gathering agreements – These intangible assets represent the value attributed to certain natural gas gathering agreements associated with TEPPCO’s Val Verde Gathering System that existed at February 24, 2005, which was the date that private company affiliates of EPCO first acquired their ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of these intangible assets was $113.8 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings using a units-of-production method based on throughput volumes on the Val Verde Gathering System.

§  
Shell Processing Agreement – This margin-band/keepwhole processing agreement grants Enterprise Products Partners the right to process Shell Oil Company’s (or its assignee’s) current and future natural gas production of within the state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Enterprise Products Partners acquired the Shell Processing Agreement in connection with its 1999 purchase of certain of Shell’s midstream energy assets located along the U.S. Gulf Coast.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this intangible asset was $116.9 million.  This intangible asset is being amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic life of 20 years through 2019.

§  
Mississippi natural gas storage contracts – These intangible assets represent the value assigned by Enterprise Products Partners to certain natural gas storage contracts associated with its Petal and Hattiesburg, Mississippi storage facilities.   These facilities were acquired in connection with the GulfTerra Merger.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of these intangible assets was $64.0 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over the remainder of their respective contract terms, which range from eight to 18 years (i.e. 2012 through 2022).

Incentive distribution rights.  The Parent Company recorded an indefinite-life intangible asset valued at $606.9 million in connection with the receipt of the TEPPCO IDRs from DFIGP in May 2007.  This amount represents DFIGP’s historical carrying value and characterization of such asset.  This intangible asset is not subject to amortization, but it subject to periodic testing for recoverability in a manner similar to goodwill.

The IDRs represent contractual rights to the incentive cash distributions paid by TEPPCO.  Such rights were granted to TEPPCO GP under the terms of TEPPCO’s partnership agreement.  In accordance with TEPPCO’s partnership agreement, TEPPCO GP may separate and sell the IDRs independent of its other residual general partner and limited partner interests in TEPPCO.  TEPPCO GP is entitled to 2% of the cash distributions paid by TEPPCO as well as the associated IDRs of TEPPCO.  TEPPCO GP is the sole general partner of, and thereby controls, TEPPCO.  As an incentive, TEPPCO GP’s percentage interest in TEPPCO’s quarterly cash distributions is increased after certain specified target levels of distribution rates are met by TEPPCO. See Note 24 for additional information regarding TEPPCO GP’s quarterly incentive distribution thresholds.

We consider the IDRs to be an indefinite-life intangible asset.  Our determination of an indefinite-life is based upon our expectation that TEPPCO will continue to pay incentive distributions under the terms

 
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of its partnership agreement to TEPPCO GP indefinitely. TEPPCO’s partnership agreement contains renewal provisions that provide for TEPPCO to continue as a going concern beyond the initial term of its partnership agreement, which ends in December 2084.

We test the carrying value of the IDRs for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value.  This test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  If the estimated fair value of this intangible asset is less its carrying value, a charge to earnings is required to reduce the asset’s carrying value to its implied fair value.    In addition, we review this asset annually to determine whether events or circumstances continue to support an indefinite life.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction.  Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is subject to annual impairment testing.  No goodwill impairment losses were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 or 2006.  The following table summarizes our goodwill amounts by business segment at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
           
   GulfTerra Merger
  $ 385,945     $ 385,945  
   Encinal acquisition
    95,272       95,280  
   Acquisition of additional interests in Dixie
    80,279       9,892  
   Great Divide acquisition
    44,853       --  
   Other
    100,535       100,535  
Investment in TEPPCO:
               
   TEPPCO acquisition
    197,645       197,645  
   Marine services acquisition
    90,412       --  
   Other
    18,976       18,283  
      Total
  $ 1,013,917     $ 807,580  
 
In 2008, our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners business segment recorded goodwill of $70.4 million in connection with the acquisition of the remaining third party interest in Dixie and $44.9 million in connection with the acquisition of Great Divide.  The remaining ownership interests in Dixie were acquired from Amoco Pipeline Holding Company in August 2008.  Management attributes this goodwill to future earnings growth on the Dixie Pipeline.  Specifically, a 100.0% ownership interest in the Dixie Pipeline will increase Enterprise Products Partners’ flexibility to pursue future opportunities.

Great Divide was acquired from EnCana in December 2008.  Goodwill for this acquisition is attributable to management’s expectations of future benefits derived from incremental natural gas processing margins and other downstream activities.  For additional information regarding these acquisitions see Note 12.

In addition, our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners business segment includes goodwill amounts recorded in connection with the GulfTerra Merger.  The value associated with such goodwill amounts can be attributed to our belief (at the time the merger was consummated) that the combined partnerships would benefit from the strategic asset locations and industry relationships that each partnership possessed.  In addition, we expected that various operating synergies could develop (such as reduced general and administrative costs and interest savings) that would result in improved financial results for the merged entity.

Management attributes goodwill amounts recorded in connection with the Encinal acquisition to potential future benefits Enterprise Products Partners may realize from its other south Texas natural gas processing and NGL businesses.  Specifically, Enterprise Products Partners’ acquisition of long-term

 
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dedication rights associated with the Encinal business is expected to add value to its south Texas processing facilities and related NGL businesses due to increased volumes.

In 2008, our Investment in TEPPCO business segment recorded goodwill of $90.4 million in connection with its marine services acquisitions.  Management attributes the value of this goodwill to potential future benefits TEPPCO expects to realize as a result of acquiring these assets.  For additional information regarding this acquisitions see Note 12.

In addition, our Investment in TEPPCO business segment includes goodwill amounts recorded in connection with DFIGP’s contribution of ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP to the Parent Company on May 7, 2007.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the TEPPCO business segment included $197.6 million of such goodwill amounts.

Goodwill associated with DFIGP’s contribution of ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP to the Parent Company represents DFIGP’s historical carrying value and characterization of such asset. Management attributes this goodwill to the future benefits we may realize from our investments in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP.  Specifically, we will benefit from the cash distributions paid by TEPPCO with respect to TEPPCO GP’s 2% general partner interest in TEPPCO and ownership of 4,400,000 of its common units.


Note 15.  Debt Obligations

The following table summarizes the significant components of our consolidated debt obligations at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Principal amount of debt obligations of the Parent Company
  $ 1,077,000     $ 1,090,000  
Principal amount of debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners:
               
   Senior debt obligations
    7,813,346       5,646,500  
   Subordinated debt obligations
    1,232,700       1,250,000  
      Total principal amount of debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
    9,046,046       6,896,500  
Principal amount of debt obligations of TEPPCO:
               
   Senior debt obligations
    2,216,653       1,545,000  
   Subordinated debt obligations
    300,000       300,000  
      Total principal amount of debt obligations of TEPPCO
    2,516,653       1,845,000  
      Total principal amount of consolidated debt obligations
    12,639,699       9,831,500  
Other, non-principal amounts:
               
   Changes in fair value of debt-related financial instruments (see Note 8)
    51,935       14,839  
   Unamortized discounts, net of premiums
    (12,549 )     (7,297 )
   Unamortized deferred gains related to terminated interest rate swaps (see Note 8)
    35,843       22,163  
      Total other, non-principal amounts
    75,229       29,705  
      Total long-term debt
    12,714,928       9,861,205  
      Less current maturities of TEPPCO long-term debt
    --       (353,976 )
      Total consolidated debt obligations
  $ 12,714,928     $ 9,507,229  
                 
Standby letters of credit outstanding:
               
   Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 1,000     $ 1,100  
   TEPPCO
    --       23,494  
      Total standby letters of credit
  $ 1,000     $ 24,594  







 
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Debt Obligations of the Parent Company

The Parent Company consolidates the debt obligations of both Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO; however, the Parent Company does not have the obligation to make interest or debt payments with respect to the consolidated debt obligations of either Enterprise Product Partners or TEPPCO.

The following table summarizes the debt obligations of the Parent Company at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
EPE Revolver, variable rate, due September 2012
  $ 102,000     $ 115,000  
$125.0 million Term Loan A, variable rate, due September 2012
    125,000       125,000  
$850.0 million Term Loan B, variable rate, due November 2014 (1)
    850,000       850,000  
     Total debt obligations of the Parent Company
  $ 1,077,000     $ 1,090,000  
                 
(1)   In accordance with SFAS 6, "Classification of Short-Term Obligations Expected to be Refinanced," long-term and current maturities of debt reflects the classification of such obligations at December 31, 2008.  With respect to the $17.0 million due under Term Loan B in 2009, the Parent Company has the ability to use available credit capacity under its revolving credit facility to fund repayment of these amounts.
 
 
EPE $200.0 Million Credit Facility. In January 2006, the Parent Company amended and restated its original $525.0 million credit facility to reflect a new borrowing capacity of $200.0 million, which included a sublimit of $25.0 million for letters of credit.  Amounts borrowed under the $200.0 million credit facility (the “EPE Revolver”) were due in January 2009.  The Parent Company secured borrowings under this credit facility with a pledge of its limited and general partner ownership interests in Enterprise Products Partners.  This facility was amended and restated in May 2007 as the EPE Interim Credit Facility.

EPE Interim Credit Facility.  In May 2007, the Parent Company executed a $1.9 billion interim credit facility (the “EPE Interim Credit Facility”) in connection with its acquisition of equity interests in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP.  The EPE Interim Credit Facility, which amended and restated the terms of its then existing credit facility (the “EPE $200.0 Million Credit Facility”), provided for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the “EPE Bridge Revolving Credit Facility”) and $1.7 billion of term loans.  The term loans were segregated into two tranches: a $500.0 million EPE Term Loan (Equity Bridge) and a $1.2 billion EPE Term Loan (Debt Bridge).

On May 7, 2007, the Parent Company made initial borrowings of $1.8 billion under this credit facility as follows:

§  
$155.0 million to repay principal outstanding under the EPE $200.0 Million Credit Facility; and

§  
$1.2 billion under the EPE Term Loan (Debt Bridge) and $500.0 million under the EPE Term Loan (Equity Bridge) to fund the $1.65 billion cash purchase price for the acquisition of membership interests in LE GP and common units of Energy Transfer Equity.

In July 2007, the Parent Company used net proceeds from its private placement of Units (see Note 16) to repay the $500.0 million in principal outstanding under the EPE Term Loan (Equity Bridge), $238.0 million to reduce principal outstanding under the EPE Term Loan (Debt Bridge) and $2.0 million of related accrued interest.  The remaining balances due under the EPE Bridge Revolving Credit Facility and EPE Term Loan (Debt Bridge) were to mature in May 2008.  

In August 2007, the Parent Company refinanced the $1.2 billion then outstanding under the EPE Interim Credit Facility using proceeds from its EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement.

EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement.  The $1.2 billion EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement provided for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the “EPE Revolver”), a $125.0 million term loan (“Term Loan A”), and an $850.0 million term loan (the “Term Loan A-2”).  The EPE Revolver replaced the $200.0 million EPE Bridge Revolving Credit Facility.  Amounts borrowed under the August 2007

 
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Revolver mature in September 2012.  Term Loan A and Term Loan A-2 refinanced amounts then outstanding under the Term Loan (Debt Bridge).  Amounts borrowed under Term Loan A mature in September 2012.  Amounts borrowed under Term Loan A-2 were refinanced in November 2007 with proceeds from a term loan due November 2014.

Borrowings under the EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement are secured by the Parent Company’s ownership of (i) 13,454,498 common units of Enterprise Products Partners, (ii) 100% of the membership interests in EPGP, (iii) 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity, (iv) 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO and (v) 100% of the membership interests in TEPPCO GP.

The EPE Revolver may be used by the Parent Company to fund working capital and other capital requirements and for general partnership purposes.  The EPE 2007 Revolver offers secured ABR loans (“ABR Loans”) and Eurodollar loans (“Eurodollar Loans”) each having different interest requirements.

ABR Loans bear interest at an alternative base rate (the “Alternative Base Rate”) plus an applicable rate (the “Applicable Rate”).  The Alternative Base Rate is a rate per annum equal to the greater of:  (i) the annual interest rate publicly announced by Citibank, N.A. as its base rate in effect at its principal office in New York, New York (the “Prime Rate”) in effect on such day and (ii) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%.  The Applicable Rate for ABR Loans will be increased by an applicable margin ranging from 0% to 1.0% per annum.  The Eurodollar Loans bear interest at a “LIBOR rate” (as defined in the August 2007 Credit Agreement) plus the Applicable Rate.  The Applicable Rate for Eurodollar Loans will be increased by an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.50% per annum.

All borrowings outstanding under Term Loan A will, at the Parent Company’s option, be made and maintained as ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans, or a combination thereof.  Prior to being refinanced in November 2007, borrowings outstanding under Term Loan A-2 were charged interest at the LIBOR rate plus 1.75%. Any amount repaid under the Term Loan A may not be reborrowed.

  In November 2007, the Parent Company executed a seven-year, $850 million senior secured term loan (“Term Loan B”) in the institutional leveraged loan market. Proceeds from the Term Loan B were used to permanently refinance borrowings outstanding under the partnership’s $850 million Term Loan A-2 that had a maturity date in May 2008. The Term Loan B, which was priced at a discount of 1.0 percent, generally bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25 percent and is scheduled to mature on November 8, 2014. The Term Loan B is callable for up to one year by the partnership at 101 percent of the principal, and at par thereafter.

The EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement contains various covenants related to the Parent Company’s ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, make fundamental structural changes, make distributions following an event of default and enter into certain restricted agreements.  The credit agreement also requires the Parent Company to satisfy certain quarterly financial covenants.
















 
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Consolidated Debt Obligations of Enterprise Products Partners

The following table summarizes the principal amount of consolidated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Senior debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners:
           
   EPO Revolver, variable rate, due November 2012
  $ 800,000     $ 725,000  
   EPO Senior Notes B, 7.50% fixed-rate, due February 2011
    450,000       450,000  
   EPO Senior Notes C, 6.375% fixed-rate, due February 2013
    350,000       350,000  
   EPO Senior Notes D, 6.875% fixed-rate, due March 2033
    500,000       500,000  
   EPO Senior Notes F, 4.625% fixed-rate, due October 2009 (1)
    500,000       500,000  
   EPO Senior Notes G, 5.60% fixed-rate, due October 2014
    650,000       650,000  
   EPO Senior Notes H, 6.65% fixed-rate, due October 2034
    350,000       350,000  
   EPO Senior Notes I, 5.00% fixed-rate, due March 2015
    250,000       250,000  
   EPO Senior Notes J, 5.75% fixed-rate, due March 2035
    250,000       250,000  
   EPO Senior Notes K, 4.950% fixed-rate, due June 2010
    500,000       500,000  
   EPO Senior Notes L, 6.30%, fixed-rate, due September 2017
    800,000       800,000  
   EPO Senior Notes M, 5.65%, fixed-rate, due April 2013
    400,000       --  
   EPO Senior Notes N, 6.50%, fixed-rate, due January 2019
    700,000       --  
   EPO Senior Notes O, 9.75% fixed-rate, due January 2014
    500,000       --  
   EPO Yen Term Loan, 4.93% fixed-rate, due March 2009 (1)
    217,596       --  
   Petal GO Zone Bonds, variable rate, due August 2037
    57,500       57,500  
   Pascagoula MBFC Loan, 8.70% fixed-rate, due March 2010
    54,000       54,000  
   Dixie Revolver, variable rate, due June 2010 (2)
    --       10,000  
   Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver, variable rate, due February 2011
    202,000       200,000  
   Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement, variable rate, due December 2011
    282,250       --  
      Total senior debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
    7,813,346       5,646,500  
Subordinated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners:
               
   EPO Junior Notes A, fixed/variable rates, due August 2066
    550,000       550,000  
   EPO Junior Notes B, fixed/variable rates, due January 2068
    682,700       700,000  
      Total subordinated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
    1,232,700       1,250,000  
      Total principal amount of debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 9,046,046     $ 6,896,500  
                 
(1)   In accordance with SFAS 6, "Classification of Short-Term Obligations Expected to be Refinanced," long-term and current maturities of debt reflects the classification of such obligations at December 31, 2008.  With respect to the EPO Yen Term Loan due March 2009 and EPO Senior Notes F due October 2009, EPO has the ability to use available credit capacity under the EPO Revolver to fund repayment of these amounts.
(2)   The Dixie Revolver was terminated in January 2009.
 

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. acts as guarantor of the consolidated debt obligations of EPO with the exception of Duncan Energy Partners’ revolving credit facility and Term Loan Agreement.  If EPO were to default on any of its guaranteed debt, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. would be responsible for full repayment of that obligation.  EPO’s debt obligations are non-recourse to the Parent Company and EPGP.

Letters of credit. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, there was $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in standby letters outstanding under Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver.

EPO Revolver.  This unsecured revolving credit facility currently has a borrowing capacity of $1.75 billion, which replaced an existing $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit agreement.  Amounts borrowed under the amended and restated credit agreement mature in November 2012, although EPO is permitted, on the maturity date, to convert the principal balance of the revolving loans then outstanding into a non-revolving, one-year term loan (the “term-out option”).  There is no limit on the amount of standby letters of credit that can be outstanding under the amended facility.

As defined by the credit agreement, variable interest rates charged under this facility bear interest at a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin.  In addition, EPO is required to pay a quarterly facility fee on each lender’s commitment irrespective of commitment usage.

 
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 EPO may increase the amount that may be borrowed under the facility, without the consent of the lenders, by an amount not exceeding $500.0 million by adding to the facility one or more new lenders and/or requesting that the commitments of existing lenders be increased, although none of the existing lenders has agreed to or is obligated to increase its existing commitment. EPO may request unlimited one-year extensions of the maturity date by delivering a written request to the administrative agent, but any such extension shall be effective only if consented to by the required lenders in their sole discretion.
     
The revolving credit agreement contains various covenants related to EPO’s ability to incur certain indebtedness; grant certain liens; enter into certain merger or consolidation transactions; and make certain investments. The loan agreement also requires EPO to satisfy certain financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter.  The credit agreement also restricts EPO’s ability to pay cash distributions to Enterprise Products Partners if a default or an event of default (as defined in the credit agreement) has occurred and is continuing at the time such distribution is scheduled to be paid.

EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility.  In November 2008, EPO executed a 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement (“EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility”) in the amount of $375.0 million.  EPO’s obligations under its 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility are not secured by any collateral; however, the obligations are guaranteed by Enterprise Products Partners L.P. pursuant to a guaranty agreement.  The EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility will mature on November 16, 2009.  As of December 31, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.

The EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility offers the following loans, each having different interest requirements: (i) LIBOR loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus the applicable LIBOR margin and (ii) Base Rate loans bear interest each day at a rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest announced by the administrative agent as its prime rate, (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such date , and (c) 1.0% per annum above LIBOR in effect on such date plus, in each case, the applicable Base Rate margin.

The commitments may be increased by an amount not to exceed $1.0 billion by adding one or more new lenders to the facility or increasing the commitments of existing lenders, although none of the existing lenders has agreed to or is obligated to increase its existing commitment. With certain exceptions and after certain time periods, if EPO issues debt with a maturity of more than three years, the lenders’ commitments under the EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility will be reduced to the extent of any debt proceeds, and any outstanding loans in excess of such reduced commitments must be repaid.

EPO Senior Notes B through L. These fixed-rate notes are unsecured obligations of EPO and rank equally with its existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any future subordinated indebtedness.  EPO’s borrowings under these notes are non-recourse to EPGP.  Enterprise Products Partners has guaranteed repayment of amounts due under these notes through an unsecured and unsubordinated guarantee.  The Senior Notes are subject to make-whole redemption rights and were issued under indentures containing certain covenants, which generally restrict EPO’s ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions.

EPO used net proceeds from its issuance of Senior Notes L to temporarily reduce indebtedness outstanding under its revolving credit facility and for general partnership purposes.  In October 2007, EPO used borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility to repay its $500.0 million Senior Notes E.

EPO Senior Notes M and N.  In April 2008, EPO issued $400.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior unsecured notes (“EPO Senior Notes M”) and $700.0 million in principal amount of 10-year senior unsecured notes (“EPO Senior Notes N”) under its universal registration statement.  Senior Notes M were issued at 99.906% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 5.65% and mature in April 2013.  Senior Notes N were issued at 99.866% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 6.50% and mature in January 2019.

 EPO Senior Notes M pay interest semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year.  EPO Senior Notes N pay interest semi-annually in arrears on January 31 and July 31 of each year.  Net
 
 
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proceeds from the issuance of EPO Senior Notes M and N were used to temporarily reduce indebtedness outstanding under the EPO Revolver.

EPO Senior Notes M and N rank equal with EPO’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness of EPO.  EPO Senior Notes M and N are subject to make-whole redemption rights and were issued under indentures containing certain covenants, which generally restrict EPO’s ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions.

EPO Senior Notes O. In December 2008, EPO issued $500.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior unsecured notes (“EPO Senior Notes O”) under its universal registration statement.  EPO Senior Notes O were issued at 100.0% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 9.75% and mature in January 2014.

EPO Senior Notes O pay interest semi-annually in arrears on January 31 and July 31 of each year, commencing January 31, 2009.  Net proceeds from the issuance of EPO Senior Notes O were used to temporarily reduce indebtedness outstanding under the EPO Revolver.

EPO Senior Notes O rank equal with EPO’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness of EPO.  EPO Senior Notes O are subject to make-whole redemption rights and were issued under indentures containing certain covenants, which generally restrict EPO’s ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions.

EPO Japanese Yen Term Loan. In November 2008, EPO executed the Yen Term Loan in the amount of approximately 20.7 billion yen (approximately $217.6 million U.S. Dollar equivalent on the closing date).  EPO’s obligations under the Yen Term Loan are not secured by any collateral; however, the obligations are guaranteed by Enterprise Products Partners L.P. pursuant to a guaranty agreement.  The Yen Term Loan will mature on March 30, 2009.

Under the Yen Term Loan, interest accrues on the loan at the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate (“TIBOR”) plus 2.0%.  EPO entered into foreign exchange currency swaps that effectively convert the TIBOR loan into a U.S. Dollar loan with a fixed interest rate (including the cost of the swaps) through maturity of approximately 4.93%.  As a result, EPO received US$217.6 million net from this transaction.  In addition, EPO executed a forward purchase exchange (yen principal and interest due) for March 30, 2009 at an exchange rate of 94.515 to eliminate foreign exchange risk, resulting in a payment of US$221.6 million on March 30, 2009.  See Note 8 for additional information regarding this forward purchase exchange.

Petal MBFC Loan.  In August 2007, Petal Gas Storage L.L.C. (“Petal”), a wholly owned subsidiary of EPO, entered into a loan agreement and a promissory note with the MBFC under which Petal may borrow up to $29.5 million.  On the same date, the MBFC issued taxable bonds to EPO in the maximum amount of $29.5 million.  As of December 31, 2008, there was $8.9 million outstanding under the loan and the bonds.  EPO will make advances on the bonds to the MBFC and the MBFC will in turn make identical advances to Petal under the promissory note. The promissory note and the taxable bonds have identical terms including fixed interest rates of 5.90% and maturities of fifteen years.  The bonds and the associated tax incentives are authorized under the Mississippi Business Finance Act.  Petal may prepay on the promissory note without penalty, and thus cause the bonds to be redeemed, any time after one year from their date of issue.  The loan and bonds are netted in preparing our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The interest income and expenses are netted in preparing our Statements of Consolidated Operations.

Petal GO Zone Bonds. In August 2007, Petal borrowed $57.5 million from the MBFC pursuant to a loan agreement and promissory note between Petal and the MBFC to pay a portion of the costs of certain natural gas storage facilities located in Petal, Mississippi.  The promissory note between Petal and MBFC is guaranteed by EPO and supported by a letter of credit issued under the EPO Revolver.  On the same date, the MBFC issued $57.5 million in Gulf Opportunity Zone Tax-Exempt (“GO Zone”) bonds to various third
 
 
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parties.  A portion of the GO Zone bond proceeds were being held by a third party trustee and reflected as a component of other assets on our balance sheet.  During 2008, virtually all proceeds from the GO Zone bonds were released by the trustee to fund construction costs associated with the expansion of Enterprise Products Partners’ Petal, Mississippi storage facility. At December 31, 2007, $17.9 million of the GO Zone bond proceeds remained held by the third party trustee.  The promissory note and the GO Zone bonds have identical terms including floating interest rates and maturities of 30 years.  The bonds and the associated tax incentives are authorized under the Mississippi Business Finance Act and the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. 

Pascagoula MBFC Loan.  In connection with the construction of a natural gas processing plant located in Mississippi in 2000, EPO entered into a ten-year fixed-rate loan with the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (“MBFC”).  This loan is subject to a make-whole redemption right.  The Pascagoula MBFC Loan contains certain covenants including the maintenance of appropriate levels of insurance on the processing plant.

The indenture agreement for this loan contains an acceleration clause whereby if EPO’s credit rating by Moody’s declines below Baa3 in combination with Enterprise Products Partners’ credit rating at Standard & Poor’s declining below BBB-, the $54.0 million principal balance of this loan, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, would become immediately due and payable 120 days following such event.  If such an event occurred, EPO would have to either redeem the Pascagoula MBFC Loan or provide an alternative credit agreement to support our obligation under this loan.

Dixie Revolver.   Dixie’s debt obligation consisted of a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility having a borrowing capacity of $28.0 million.  As of December 31, 2008, there were no debt obligations outstanding under the Dixie Revolver.  This credit facility was terminated in January 2009.  EPO consolidated the debt of Dixie.

Variable interest rates charged under this facility generally bore interest, at Dixie’s election at the time of each borrowing, at either (i) a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin or (ii) the greater of (a) the prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%.

Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver.  In February 2007, Duncan Energy Partners entered into a $300.0 million revolving credit facility, all of which may be used for letters of credit, with a $30.0 million sublimit for Swingline loans (as defined in the credit agreement).  Letters of credit outstanding under this credit facility reduce the amount available for borrowing.  The $300.0 million borrowing capacity under this agreement may be increased to $450.0 million under certain conditions.  The maturity date of this credit facility is February 2011; however, Duncan Energy Partners may request up to two one-year extensions of the maturity date (subject to certain conditions).

EPO consolidates the debt of Duncan Energy Partners; however, EPO does not have the obligation to make interest or debt payments with respect to Duncan Energy Partners’ debt.  At the closing of its initial public offering in February 2007, Duncan Energy Partners borrowed $200.0 million under this credit facility to fund a $198.9 million cash distribution to EPO and the remainder to pay debt issuance costs.

Variable interest rates charged under this facility generally bear interest, at Duncan Energy Partners’ election at the time of each borrowing, at either (i) a Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin (as defined in the credit agreement) or (ii) the greater of (a) the lender’s base rate as defined in the agreement or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%.

The revolving credit agreement contains various covenants related to Duncan Energy Partners’ ability to, among other things, incur certain indebtedness; grant certain liens; enter into certain merger or consolidation transactions; and make certain investments.  In addition, the revolving credit agreement restricts Duncan Energy Partners’ ability to pay cash distributions to EPO and its public unitholders if a default or an event of default (as defined in the credit agreement) has occurred and is continuing at the time such distribution is scheduled to be paid.  Duncan Energy Partners must also satisfy certain financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter.
 
 
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Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement.  In April 2008, Duncan Energy Partners entered into a standby term loan agreement with certain lenders consisting of commitments for up to a $300.0 million senior unsecured term loan (the “Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement”).  Subsequently, commitments under this agreement decreased to $282.3 million due to bankruptcy of one of the lenders. In December 2008, Duncan Energy Partners borrowed the full amount available under this loan agreement to fund cash consideration due Enterprise Products Partners in connection with an asset dropdown transaction.

Loans under the term loan agreement are due and payable on December 8, 2011. Duncan Energy Partners may also prepay loans under the term loan agreement at any time, subject to prior notice in accordance with the credit agreement. Loans may also be payable earlier in connection with an event of default.

Loans under the term loan agreement bear interest of the type specified in the applicable borrowing request, and consist of either Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) loans or Eurodollar loans.  The term loan agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants.

EPO Junior Notes A.  In the third quarter of 2006, EPO issued $550.0 million in principal amount of fixed/floating subordinated notes due August 2066 (“EPO Junior Notes A”).  Proceeds from this debt offering were used to temporarily reduce borrowings outstanding under the EPO Revolver and for general partnership purposes.  These notes are unsecured obligations of EPO and are subordinated to its existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness.  EPO’s payment obligations under the Junior Notes are subordinated to all of its current and future senior indebtedness (as defined in the related indenture agreement).

The indenture agreement governing the Junior Notes allows EPO to defer interest payments on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years, subject to certain conditions.  The indenture agreement also provides that, unless (i) all deferred interest on the Junior Notes has been paid in full as of the most recent applicable interest payment dates, (ii) no event of default under the indenture agreement has occurred and is continuing and (iii) Enterprise Products Partners is not in default of its obligations under related guarantee agreements, neither Enterprise Products Partners nor EPO may declare or make any distributions to any of their respective equity security holders or make any payments on indebtedness or other obligations that rank pari passu with or are subordinated to the Junior Notes .

In connection with the issuance of EPO Junior Notes A, EPO entered into a Replacement Capital Covenant in favor of the covered debt holders (as defined in the underlying documents) pursuant to which EPO agreed for the benefit of such debt holders that it would not redeem or repurchase such Junior Notes unless such redemption or repurchase is made using proceeds from the issuance of certain securities.

The EPO Junior Notes A bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 8.375% from July 2006 to August 2016, payable semi-annually in commencing in February 2007.  After August 2016, the notes will bear variable rate interest based on the 3-month LIBOR for the related interest period plus 3.708%, payable quarterly commencing in November 2016.  Interest payments may be deferred on a cumulative basis for up to ten consecutive years, subject to the certain provisions.  The EPO Junior Notes A mature in August 2066 and are not redeemable by EPO prior to August 2016 without payment of a make-whole premium.

 EPO Junior Notes B.  EPO issued $700.0 million in principal amount of fixed/floating, unsecured, long-term subordinated notes due January 2068 (“EPO Junior Notes B”) during the second quarter of 2007.  EPO used the proceeds from this subordinated debt to temporarily reduce borrowings outstanding under its Revolver and for general partnership purposes.  EPO’s payment obligations under EPO Junior Notes B are subordinated to all of its current and future senior indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture Agreement).  Enterprise Products Partners has guaranteed repayment of amounts due under EPO Junior Notes B through an unsecured and subordinated guarantee.

The indenture agreement governing EPO Junior Notes B allows EPO to defer interest payments on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years subject to certain conditions.  During any period in which interest payments are deferred and subject to certain exceptions, neither Enterprise Products Partners
 
 
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nor EPO can declare or make any distributions to any of its respective equity securities or make any payments on indebtedness or other obligations that rank pari passu with or are subordinated to the EPO Junior Notes B.  EPO Junior Notes B rank pari passu with the Junior Subordinated Notes A due August 2066.

The EPO Junior Notes B will bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.034% from May 2007 to January 2018, payable semi-annually in arrears in January and July of each year, which commenced in January 2008.  After January 2018, the EPO Junior Notes B will bear variable rate interest at the greater of (1) the sum of the 3-month LIBOR for the related interest period plus a spread of 268 basis points or (2) 7.034% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears in January, April, July and October of each year commencing in April 2018.  Interest payments may be deferred on a cumulative basis for up to ten consecutive years, subject to certain provisions.  The EPO Junior Notes B mature in January 2068 and are not redeemable by EPO prior to January 2018 without payment of a make-whole premium.

In connection with the issuance of EPO Junior Notes B, EPO entered into a Replacement Capital Covenant in favor of the covered debt holders (as named therein) pursuant to which EPO agreed for the benefit of such debt holders that it would not redeem or repurchase such junior notes on or before January 15, 2038 unless such redemption or repurchase is made from the proceeds of issuance of certain securities.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, EPO retired $17.3 million of its Junior Notes B for $10.2 million.  The $7.1 million gain on extinguishment of debt is included in “Other, net” on our Condensed Statement of Consolidated Operations for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Canadian Revolver.  In May 2007, Canadian Enterprise Gas Products, Ltd. (“Canadian Enterprise”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of EPO, entered into a $30.0 million Canadian revolving credit facility (“Canadian Revolver”) with The Bank of Nova Scotia.  The Canadian Revolver, which includes the issuance of letters of credit, matures in October 2011.  Letters of credit outstanding under this facility reduce the amount available for borrowings.

Borrowings may be made in Canadian or U.S. dollars.  Canadian denominated borrowings may be comprised of Canadian Prime Rate (“CPR”) loans or Bankers’ Acceptances and U.S. denominated borrowings may be comprised of ABR or Eurodollar loans, each having different interest rate requirements.  CPR loans bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate.  ABR loans bear interest at a rate determined by reference to an alternative base rate as defined in the credit agreement.  Eurodollar loans bear interest at a rate determined by the LIBOR plus an applicable rate as defined in the credit agreement.  Bankers’ Acceptances carry interest at the rate for Canadian bankers’ acceptances plus an applicable rate as defined in the credit agreement.

The Canadian Revolver contains customary covenants and events of default.  The restrictive covenants limit Canadian Enterprise from materially changing the nature of its business or operations, dissolving, or completing mergers.  A continuing event of default would accelerate the maturity of amounts borrowed under the credit facility.  The obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by EPO.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.










 
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Consolidated Debt Obligations of TEPPCO

The following table summarizes the principal amount of consolidated debt obligations of TEPPCO at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Senior debt obligations of TEPPCO:
           
   TEPPCO Revolver, variable rate, due December 2012
  $ 516,653     $ 490,000  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 7.625% fixed rate, due February 2012
    500,000       500,000  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 6.125% fixed rate, due February 2013
    200,000       200,000  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 5.90% fixed rate, due April 2013
    250,000       --  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 6.65% fixed rate, due April 2018
    350,000       --  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 7.55% fixed rate, due April 2038
    400,000       --  
   TE Products Senior Notes, 6.45% fixed-rate, due January 2008
    --       180,000  
   TE Products Senior Notes, 7.51% fixed-rate, due January 2028
    --       175,000  
      Total senior debt obligations of TEPPCO
    2,216,653       1,545,000  
Subordinated debt obligations of TEPPCO:
               
   TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes, fixed/variable rates, due June 2067
    300,000       300,000  
      Total principal amount of debt obligations of TEPPCO
  $ 2,516,653     $ 1,845,000  
 
TE Products Pipeline Company, LLC (“TE Products”), TCTM, L.P., TEPPCO Midstream Companies, LLC, and Val Verde Gas Gathering Company, L.P. (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) act as guarantors of TEPPCO’s senior notes and revolver.  The Subsidiary Guarantors also act as guarantors, on a junior subordinated basis, of TEPPCO’s junior subordinated notes. TEPPCO’s debt obligations are non-recourse to the Parent Company and TEPPCO GP.

TEPPCO Revolver. This unsecured revolving credit facility has a borrowing capacity of $950.0 million.  In July 2008, commitments under TEPPCO’s facility were increased from $700.0 million to $950.0 million.  This credit facility matures in December 2012, but TEPPCO may request unlimited extensions of the maturity date subject to certain conditions.  There is no limit on the total amount of standby letters of credit that can be outstanding under this credit facility.

Variable interest rates charged under this facility generally bear interest, at TEPPCO’s election at the time of each borrowing, at either (i) a LIBOR plus an applicable margin (as defined in the credit agreement) or (ii) the lender’s base rate as defined in the agreement.

The revolving credit agreement contains various covenants related to TEPPCO’s ability to, among other things, incur certain indebtedness; grant certain liens; make certain distributions; engage in specified transactions with affiliates; and enter into certain merger or consolidation transactions.  TEPPCO must also satisfy certain financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter.

TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO had in place an unsecured short term credit agreement (the “TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility”) with a borrowing capacity of $1.00 billion.  No amounts were borrowed under this agreement at December 31, 2007.  During the first quarter of 2008, TEPPCO borrowed $1.00 billion under this credit agreement to finance the retirement of the TE Products’ senior notes, the acquisition of two marine service businesses and for other general partnership purposes.  In March 2008, TEPPCO repaid amounts borrowed under this credit agreement, using proceeds from its senior notes offering, and terminated the facility.





 
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The following table summarizes TEPPCO’s borrowing and repayment activity under this credit agreement during the first quarter of 2008:
 
Borrowings, January 2008 (1)
  $ 355,000  
Borrowings, February 2008 (2)
    645,000  
Repayments, March 2008
    (1,000,000 )
Balance, March 27, 2008 (3)
  $ --  
         
(1)   Funds borrowed to finance the retirement of TE Products’ senior notes.
(2)   Funds borrowed to finance TEPPCO’s marine services acquisitions and for general partnership purposes.
(3)   TEPPCO’s Short Term Credit Facility was terminated on March 27, 2008 upon full repayment of borrowings thereunder.
 
 
TEPPCO Senior Notes.  In February 2002 and January 2003, TEPPCO issued its 7.625% Senior Notes and 6.125% Senior Notes, respectively.  In March 2008, TEPPCO sold $250.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior unsecured notes, $350.0 million in principal amount of 10-year senior unsecured notes and $400.0 million in principal amount of 30-year senior unsecured notes.  The 5-year senior notes were issued at 99.922% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 5.90%, and mature in April 2013.  The 10-year senior notes were issued at 99.640% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 6.65%, and mature in April 2018.  The 30-year senior notes were issued at 99.451% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 7.55%, and mature in April 2038.

The senior notes issued in March 2008 pay interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning October 15, 2008.  Net proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used to repay and terminate the TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility.  The notes issued in March 2008 rank pari passu with TEPPCO’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any future subordinated indebtedness of TEPPCO.

The TEPPCO Senior Notes are subject to make-whole redemption rights and are redeemable at any time at TEPPCO’s option. The indenture agreements governing these notes contain certain covenants, including, but not limited to the creation of liens securing indebtedness and sale and leaseback transactions.  However, the indentures do not limit TEPPCO’s ability to incur additional indebtedness.

TE Products Senior Notes. In January 1998, TE Products issued its 6.45% Senior Notes due January 2008 and 7.51% Senior Notes due January 2028.  In January 2008, the 6.45% TE Products Senior Notes matured.  The $180.0 million principal amount was repaid with borrowings under TEPPCO’s Short-Term Credit Facility.  In October 2007 a portion of the 7.51% Senior Notes was redeemed and in January 2008 the remaining $175.0 million was redeemed at a redemption price of 103.755% of the principal amount plus accrued interest and unpaid interest at the date of redemption. The $175.0 million principal amount was repaid with borrowings under TEPPCO’s Short-Term Credit Facility.

TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes.  In May 2007, TEPPCO sold $300.0 million in principal amount of fixed/floating, unsecured, long-term subordinated notes due June 1, 2067 (“TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes”).  TEPPCO used the proceeds from this subordinated debt to temporarily reduce borrowings outstanding under its Revolver and for general partnership purposes.  The payment obligations under the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes are subordinated to all of its current and future senior indebtedness (as defined in the related indenture).

The indenture governing the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes does not limit TEPPCO’s ability to incur additional debt, including debt that ranks senior to or equally with the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes.  The indenture allows TEPPCO to defer interest payments on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years, subject to certain conditions.  During any period in which interest payments are deferred and subject to certain exceptions, (i) TEPPCO cannot declare or make any distributions to any of its respective equity securities and (ii) neither TEPPCO nor the Subsidiary Guarantors can make any payments on indebtedness or other obligations that rank pari passu with or are subordinated to the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes.
 
 
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The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.0% from May 2007 to June 1, 2017, payable semi-annually in arrears.  After June 1, 2017, the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes will bear interest at a variable annual rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR for the related interest period plus 2.7775%, payable quarterly in arrears.  The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes mature in June 2067.  The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes are redeemable in whole or in part prior to June 1, 2017 for a “make-whole” redemption price and thereafter at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes are also redeemable prior to June 1, 2017 in whole (but not in part) upon the occurrence of certain tax or rating agency events at specified redemption prices.

In connection with the issuance of the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes, TEPPCO and its Subsidiary Guarantors entered into a Replacement Capital Covenant in favor of holders (as provided therein) pursuant to which TEPPCO and its Subsidiary Guarantors agreed for the benefit of such debt holders that it would not redeem or repurchase the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes on or before June 1, 2037, unless such redemption or repurchase is from proceeds of issuance of certain securities.

Covenants

We were in compliance with the covenants of our consolidated debt agreements at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Information regarding variable interest rates paid

The following table presents the range of interest rates and weighted-average interest rates paid on our consolidated variable-rate debt obligations during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 
Range of
Weighted-Average
 
Interest Rates
Interest Rate
 
Paid
Paid
EPE Revolver
2.91% to 6.99%
4.62%
EPE Term Loan A
3.14% to 6.99%
4.57%
EPE Term Loan B
4.02% to 7.49%
5.68%
EPO Revolver
0.97% to 6.00%
3.54%
Dixie Revolver
0.81% to 5.50%
3.20%
Petal GO Zone Bonds
0.78% to 7.90%
2.24%
Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver
1.30% to 6.20%
4.25%
Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement
2.93% to 2.93%
2.93%
TEPPCO Revolver
1.06% to 2.24%
1.40%
TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility
3.59% to 4.96%
4.02%

Consolidated debt maturity table

The following table presents scheduled maturities of our consolidated debt obligations for the next five years, and in total thereafter.

2009
  $ --  
2010
    562,500  
2011
    942,750  
2012
    2,786,749  
2013
    1,208,500  
Thereafter
    7,139,200  
Total scheduled principal payments
  $ 12,639,699  

In accordance with SFAS 6, long-term and current maturities of debt reflect the classification of such obligations at December 31, 2008.
 

 
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Debt Obligations of Unconsolidated Affiliates

Enterprise Products Partners has two unconsolidated affiliates with long-term debt obligations and TEPPCO has one unconsolidated affiliate with long-term debt obligations.  The following table shows (i) the ownership interest in each entity at December 31, 2008, (ii) total debt of each unconsolidated affiliate at December 31, 2008 (on a 100% basis to the unconsolidated affiliate) and (iii) the corresponding scheduled maturities of such debt.

               
Scheduled Maturities of Debt
 
   
Ownership
                                       
After
 
   
Interest
   
Total
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2013
 
Poseidon (1)
 
36.0%
    $ 109,000     $ --     $ --     $ 109,000     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Evangeline (1)
 
49.5%
      15,650       5,000       3,150       7,500       --       --       --  
Centennial (2)
 
50.0%
      129,900       9,900       9,100       9,000       8,900       8,600       84,400  
   Total
        $ 254,550     $ 14,900     $ 12,250     $ 125,500     $ 8,900     $ 8,600     $ 84,400  
                                                               
(1)   Denotes an unconsolidated affiliate of Enterprise Products Partners.
(2)   Denotes an unconsolidated affiliate of TEPPCO.
 
 
The credit agreements of these unconsolidated affiliates include customary covenants, including financial covenants.  These businesses were in compliance with such covenants at December 31, 2008.  The credit agreements of these unconsolidated affiliates restrict their ability to pay cash dividends or distributions if a default or an event of default (as defined in each credit agreement) has occurred and is continuing at the time such dividend or distribution is scheduled to be paid.

The following information summarizes the significant terms of the debt obligations of these unconsolidated affiliates at December 31, 2008:

Poseidon.  Poseidon has a $150.0 million variable-rate revolving credit facility that matures in May 2011.  This credit agreement is secured by substantially all of Poseidon’s assets.  The variable interest rates charged on this debt at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were 4.31% and 6.62%, respectively.

Evangeline.   At December 31, 2008, Evangeline’s debt obligations consisted of (i) $8.2 million of 9.90% fixed-rate Series B senior secured notes due December 2010 and (ii) a $7.5 million subordinated note payable. The Series B senior secured notes are collateralized by Evangeline’s property, plant and equipment; proceeds from a gas sales contract and by a debt service reserve requirement.  Scheduled principal repayments on the Series B notes are $5.0 million in 2009 with a final repayment in 2010 of approximately $3.2 million.

Evangeline incurred the subordinated note payable as a result of its acquisition of a contract-based intangible asset in the early 1990s. This note is subject to a subordination agreement which prevents the repayment of principal and accrued interest on the subordinated note until such time as the Series B noteholders are either fully cash secured through debt service accounts or have been completely repaid.

Variable rate interest accrues on the subordinated note at a Eurodollar rate plus 0.5%.  The variable interest rates charged on this note at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 were 3.20% and 5.88%, respectively.  Accrued interest payable related to the subordinated note was $9.8 million and $9.1 million at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

Centennial.   At December 31, 2008, Centennial’s debt obligations consisted of $129.9 million borrowed under a master shelf loan agreement.  Borrowings under the master shelf agreement mature in May 2024 and are collateralized by substantially all of Centennial’s assets and severally guaranteed by Centennial’s owners.

TE Products and its joint venture partner in Centennial have each guaranteed one-half of Centennial’s debt obligations.  If Centennial defaults on its debt obligations, the estimated payment
 
 
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obligation for TE Products is $65.0 million.  At December 31, 2008, TE Products had recognized a liability of $9.0 million for its share of the Centennial debt guaranty.


Note 16.  Equity and Distributions

We are a Delaware limited partnership that was formed in April 2005.  We are owned 99.99% by our limited partners and 0.01% by EPE Holdings, our sole general partner.  EPE Holdings is owned 100% by Dan Duncan LLC, which is wholly-owned by Dan L. Duncan.

Our Units represent limited partner interests, which give the holders thereof the right to participate in cash distributions and to exercise the other rights or privileges available to them under our First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (as amended from time to time, the “Partnership Agreement”).

In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, capital accounts are maintained for our general partner and limited partners.  The capital account provisions of the Partnership Agreement incorporate principles established for U.S. Federal income tax purposes and are not comparable to GAAP-based equity amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements.  Earnings and cash distributions are allocated to holders of our Units in accordance with their respective percentage interests.

Class B and C Units

In May 2007, we issued an aggregate of 14,173,304 Class B Units and 16,000,000 Class C Units to DFI and DFIGP in connection with their contribution of 4,400,000 common units representing limited partner interest of TEPPCO and 100% of the general partner interest of TEPPCO GP.  Due to common control considerations (see Note 1), the Class B and Class C Units are reflected as outstanding since February 2005, which was the period that private company affiliates of EPCO first acquired ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP.

On July 12, 2007, all of the outstanding 14,173,304 Class B Units were converted into Units on a one-to-one basis. While outstanding as a separate class, the Class B Units (i) entitled the holder to the allocation of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit to the same extent as such items were allocated to  holders of the Parent Company’s Units, (ii) entitled the holder to share in the Parent Company’s distributions of available cash and (iii) were generally non-voting.

On February 1, 2009, all of the outstanding 16,000,000 Class C Units were converted to Units on a one-to-one basis. For financial accounting purposes, the Class C Units were not allocated any portion of net income until their conversion into Units.  In addition, the Class C Units were non-participating in current or undistributed earnings prior to conversion.  The Units into which the Class C Units were converted are eligible to receive cash distributions beginning with the distribution expected to be paid in May 2009.

Prior to February 1, 2009, the Class C Units (i) entitled the holder to the allocation of taxable income, gain, loss, deduction and credit to the same extent as such tax amounts were allocated to the holder if the Class C Units were converted and outstanding Units and (ii)  were non-voting, except that, the Class C Units were entitled to vote as a separate class on any matter that adversely affected the rights or preferences of the Class C Units in relation to other classes of partnership interests (including as a result of a merger or consolidation) or as required by law.  The approval of a majority of the Class C Units was required to approve any matter for which the holders of the Class C Units were entitled to vote as a separate class.

Private Placement of Parent Company Units

On July 17, 2007, the Parent Company completed a private placement of 20,134,220 Units to third party investors at $37.25 per Unit.  The net proceeds of this private placement, after giving effect to placement agent fees, were approximately $739.0 million.  The net proceeds were used to repay certain
 
 
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principal amounts outstanding under the EPE Interim Credit Facility and related accrued interest (see Note 15).   Effective October 5, 2007, these Units were registered for resale.

Unit History

The following table summarizes changes in our outstanding Units since December 31, 2006:

         
Class B
   
Class C
 
   
Units
   
Units
   
Units
 
Balance, December 31, 2006
    88,884,116       14,173,304       16,000,000  
Conversion of Class B Units to Units in July 2007
    14,173,304       (14,173,304 )     --  
Units issued in connection private placement in July 2007
    20,134,220       --       --  
Balance, December 31, 2007 and 2008
    123,191,640       --       16,000,000  

Summary of Changes in Limited Partners’ Equity

The following table details the changes in limited partners’ equity since December 31, 2005:

         
Class B
   
Class C
       
   
Units
   
Units
   
Units
   
Total
 
Balance, December 31, 2005
  $ 696,224     $ 373,622     $ 380,665     $ 1,450,511  
Net income allocated to limited partners
    92,559       41,420       --       133,979  
Distributions to partners
    (108,438 )     --       --       (108,438 )
Distributions to former owners
    --       (57,960 )     --       (57,960 )
Operating leases paid by EPCO
    109       --       --       109  
Amortization of equity awards
    80       --       --       80  
Contributions
    755       --       --       755  
Acquisition related disbursement of cash
    (319 )     --       --       (319 )
Change in accounting methods of equity awards
    (48 )     --       --       (48 )
Balance, December 31, 2006
    680,922       357,082       380,665       1,418,669  
Net income allocated to limited partners
    75,624       33,386       --       109,010  
Operating leases paid by EPCO
    107       --       --       107  
Distributions to partners
    (159,028 )     --       --       (159,028 )
Distributions to former owners
    --       (29,760 )     --       (29,760 )
Conversions of Class B Units
    360,708       (360,708 )     --       --  
Amortization of equity awards
    530       --       --       530  
Contributions
    739,458       --       --       739,458  
Balance, December 31, 2007
    1,698,321       --       380,665       2,078,986  
Net income allocated to limited partners
    164,039       --       --       164,039  
Operating leases paid by EPCO
    103       --       --       103  
Distributions to partners
    (213, 097 )     --       --       (213,097 )
Amortization of equity awards
    1,133       --       --       1,133  
Acquisition of treasury units by subsidiary
    (38 )     --       --       (38 )
Balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 1,650,461     $ --     $ 380,665     $ 2,031,126  

Our limited partner’s equity accounts reflect the issuance of the Class B and C Units in February 2005, which was the month in which the TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP interests were first acquired by private company affiliates of EPCO.  The total value of the units issued represents the purchase price paid for the acquired TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP interests and was allocated between the Class B Units and Class C Units based on the relative market value of the Class B and Class C Units at the time of issuance. The relative market value of the Class B Units was determined by reference to the closing prices of the Parent Company’s Units for the five day period beginning two trading days prior to May 7, 2007 and ending two trading days thereafter.  The value of the Class C Units represents a discount to the initial value of the Class B Units since the Class C Units are non-participating in current or undistributed earnings and are not entitled to receive cash distributions until May 2009. 



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Distributions to Partners

The Parent Company’s cash distribution policy is consistent with the terms of its Partnership Agreement, which requires it to distribute its available cash (as defined in our Partnership Agreement) to its partners no later than 50 days after the end of each fiscal quarter.  The quarterly cash distributions are not cumulative.

The following table presents the Parent Company’s declared quarterly cash distribution rates per Unit since the first quarter of 2007 and the related record and distribution payment dates.  The quarterly cash distribution rates per Unit correspond to the fiscal quarters indicated.  Actual cash distributions are paid within 50 days after the end of such fiscal quarter.

 
Cash Distribution History
 
Distribution
Record
Payment
 
per Unit
Date
Date
2007
     
1st Quarter
$  0.365
Apr. 30, 2007
May 11, 2007
2nd Quarter
$  0.380
Jul. 31, 2007
Aug. 10, 2007
3rd Quarter
$  0.395
Oct. 31, 2007
Nov. 9, 2007
4th Quarter
$  0.410
Jan. 31, 2008
Feb. 8, 2008
2008
     
1st Quarter
$0.425
Apr. 30, 2008
May 8, 2008
2nd Quarter
$0.440
Jul. 31, 2008
Aug. 8, 2008
3rd Quarter
$0.455
Oct. 31, 2008
Nov. 13, 2008
4th Quarter
$0.470
Jan. 30, 2009
Feb. 10, 2009

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily includes the effective portion of the gain or loss on financial instruments designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, foreign currency adjustments and Dixie’s minimum pension liability adjustments.  Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive loss from cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same period(s) in which the hedged forecasted transactions (such as a forecasted forward sale of NGLs) affect earnings.  If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, the net gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss must be immediately reclassified.   See Note 8 for additional information regarding our financial instruments and related hedging activities.

The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at the balance sheet dates indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Commodity financial instruments – cash flow hedges (1)
  $ (114,087 )   $ (40,271 )
Interest rate financial instruments – cash flow hedges (1)
    (66,560 )     1,048  
Foreign currency cash flow hedges (1)
    10,594       1,308  
Foreign currency translation adjustment (2)
    (1,301 )     1,200  
Pension and postretirement benefit plans (3)
    (751 )     588  
Proportionate share of other comprehensive loss of
               
unconsolidated affiliates, primarily Energy Transfer Equity
    (13,723 )     (3,848 )
    Subtotal
    (185,828 )     (39,975 )
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (4)
    132,630       17,652  
    Total accumulated other comprehensive loss in partners’ equity
  $ (53,198 )   $ (22,323 )
                 
(1)   See Note 8 for additional information regarding these components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(2)   Relates to transactions of Enterprise Products Partners’ Canadian NGL marketing subsidiary.
(3)   See Note 7 for additional information regarding Dixie’s pension and postretirement benefit plans.
(4)   Represents the amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss allocated to noncontrolling interest based on the provisions of SFAS 160.
 
 
 
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Noncontrolling Interests

As presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, noncontrolling interest represents third-party and affiliate ownership interests in the net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries.  For financial reporting purposes, the assets and liabilities of our controlled subsidiaries are consolidated with those of the Parent Company, with any third-party and affiliate ownership in such amounts presented as noncontrolling interest.  The following table presents the components of noncontrolling interest as presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners:
           
     Third-party owners of Enterprise Products Partners (1)
  $ 5,010,595     $ 5,011,700  
     Related party owners of Enterprise Products Partners (2)
    347,720       278,970  
Limited partners of Duncan Energy Partners:
               
     Third-party owners of Duncan Energy Partners (1)
    281,071       288,588  
Limited partners of TEPPCO:
               
     Third-party owners of TEPPCO (1,3)
    1,733,518       1,372,821  
     Related party owners of TEPPCO (2)
    (16,048 )     (12,106 )
Joint venture partners (4)
    148,148       141,830  
AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest (5)
    (132,630 )     (17,652 )
         Total noncontrolling interest on consolidated balance sheets
  $ 7,372,374     $ 7,064,151  
                 
(1)   Consists of non-affiliate public unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners, Duncan Energy Partners and TEPPCO.
(2)   Consists of unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO that are related party affiliates of the Parent Company. This group is primarily comprised of EPCO and certain of its private company consolidated subsidiaries.
(3)   The increase in noncontrolling interest during 2008 is primarily due to TEPPCO’s issuance of common units in a public offering in September 2008. TEPPCO sold 9.2 million of its common units at a price of $29.00 per unit, which generated net proceeds of $257.0 million. In addition, noncontrolling interest increased due to TEPPCO’s issuance of common units in connection with its marine services acquisition during the first quarter of 2008. See Note 13 for additional information regarding this business acquisition.
(4)   Represents third-party ownership interests in joint ventures that we consolidate, including Seminole, Tri-States Pipeline L.L.C. (“Tri-States”), Independence Hub LLC (“Independence Hub”), Wilprise Pipeline Company LLC (“Wilprise”) and the Texas Offshore Port System (see Note 4).
(5)   Represents the amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss allocated to noncontrolling interest based on the provisions of SFAS 160.
 
















 
130

 

Net income attributable to non noncontrolling interest includes amounts attributable to the limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners, Duncan Energy Partners and TEPPCO primarily represent allocations of earnings by these entities to their unitholders, excluding those earnings allocated to the Parent Company in connection with its ownership of common units of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO.  The following table presents the components of net income attributable to noncontrolling interest as presented on our Statements of Consolidated Operations for the periods indicated:
 
   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners (1)
  $ 786,528     $ 404,779     $ 486,398  
Limited partners of Duncan Energy Partners (2)
    17,300       13,879       --  
Related party former owners of TEPPCO GP
    --       --       16,502  
Limited partners of TEPPCO (3)
    153,592       217,938       126,606  
Joint venture partners (4)
    24,038       16,764       9,079  
     Total
  $ 981,458     $ 653,360     $ 638,585  
                         
(1)   Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest increased in 2008 relative to 2007 primarily due to an increase in Enterprise Products Partners’ operating income, partially offset by an increase in interest expense. In addition, the number of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units outstanding increased in 2008 relative to 2007.
(2)   Duncan Energy Partners completed its initial public offering in February 2007. The increase in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest during 2008 is primarily due to an increase in Duncan Energy Partners’ net income.
(3)   Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest decreased in 2008 relative to 2007 primarily due to a decrease in TEPPCO’s net income in 2008. TEPPCO recognized an approximate $60.0 million gain on the sale of an equity investment in the first quarter of 2007.
(4)   Represents third-party ownership interests in joint ventures we consolidate.
 
 
The following table presents distributions paid to and contributions received from noncontrolling interests as presented on our Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests:
                 
   Limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 865,728     $ 807,515     $ 717,300  
   Limited partners of Duncan Energy Partners
    24,817       15,757       --  
   Related party former owners of TEPPCO GP
    --       --       23,939  
   Limited partners of TEPPCO
    260,575       234,097       196,665  
   Joint venture partners
    31,034       16,569       8,831  
        Total distributions paid to noncontrolling interests
  $ 1,182,154     $ 1,073,938     $ 946,735  
Contributions from noncontrolling interests:
                       
   Limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 134,928     $ 67,994     $ 836,425  
   Limited partners of Duncan Energy Partners
    --       290,466       --  
   Limited partners of TEPPCO
    275,857       1,697       195,058  
   Joint venture partners
    35,635       12,505       27,578  
        Total contributions received from noncontrolling interests
  $ 446,420     $ 372,662     $ 1,059,061  

Distributions paid to the limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners, Duncan Energy Partners and TEPPCO primarily represent the quarterly cash distributions paid by these entities to their unitholders, excluding those paid to the Parent Company in connection with its ownership of common units of Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO.

Contributions from the limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners, Duncan Energy Partners and TEPPCO primarily represent proceeds each entity received from common unit offerings and distribution reinvestment plans, excluding those received from the Parent Company.  Contributions from the limited partners of Duncan Energy Partners represent the net proceeds received by Duncan Energy Partners in connection with its initial public offering in February 2007.  Contributions from the limited partners of TEPPCO increased during 2008 relative to 2007 primarily due to the net proceeds TEPPCO received from its common unit offering in September 2008.
 
 
131

 
Other

In October 2006, EPO acquired all of the capital stock of an affiliated NGL marketing company located in Canada from EPCO and Dan L. Duncan for $17.7 million in cash.  The amount paid for this business (which was under common control with us) exceeded the carrying values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by $6.3 million, of which $0.3 million was allocated to us and $6.0 million to noncontrolling interest.  Our share of the excess of the acquisition price over the net book value of this business at the time of acquisition is treated as a deemed distribution to our owners and presented as an “Acquisition-related disbursement of cash” in our Statement of Consolidated Partners’ Equity for the year ended December 31, 2006.  The total purchase price is a component of “Cash used for business combinations” as presented in our Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2006.


Note 17.  Related Party Transactions

The following table summarizes our revenue and expense transactions with related parties for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Revenues from consolidated operations:
                 
EPCO and affiliates
  $ 6     $ 6     $ 55,809  
Energy Transfer Equity
    618,370       294,627       --  
Other unconsolidated affiliates
    396,874       290,418       304,854  
   Total
  $ 1,015,250     $ 585,051     $ 360,663  
Operating costs and expenses:
                       
EPCO and affiliates
  $ 453,537     $ 387,647     $ 403,825  
Energy Transfer Equity
    192,159       35,156       --  
Cenac and affiliates
    45,381       --       --  
Other unconsolidated affiliates
    56,160       41,034       39,884  
   Total
  $ 747,237     $ 463,837     $ 443,709  
General and administrative costs:
                       
EPCO and affiliates
  $ 91,810     $ 82,467     $ 63,465  
Cenac and affiliates
    2,913       --       --  
   Total
  $ 94,723     $ 82,467     $ 63,465  
Other expense:
                       
EPCO and affiliates
  $ 274     $ 170     $ --  
 
We believe that the terms and provisions of our related party agreements are fair to us; however, such agreements and transactions may not be as favorable to us as we could have obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

Relationship with EPCO and affiliates

We have an extensive and ongoing relationship with EPCO and its affiliates, which includes the following significant entities that are not part of our consolidated group of companies:

§  
EPCO and its consolidated private company subsidiaries;

§  
EPE Holdings, our general partner; and

§  
the Employee Partnerships (see Note 6).

EPCO is a private company controlled by Dan L. Duncan, who is also a director and Chairman of EPE Holdings and EPGP.  At December 31, 2008, EPCO and its private company affiliates beneficially
 
 
132

 
owned 108,287,968 (or 77.8%) of the Parent Company’s outstanding Units and 100% of its general partner, EPE Holdings.  In addition, at December 31, 2008, EPCO and its affiliates beneficially owned 152,506,527 (or 34.5%) of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units, including 13,670,925 common units owned by the Parent Company.  At December 31, 2008, EPCO and its affiliates beneficially owned 17,073,315 (or 16.3%) of TEPPCO’s common units, including the 4,400,000 common units owned by the Parent Company.  The Parent Company owns all of the membership interests of EPGP and TEPPCO GP.  The principal business activity of EPGP is to act as the sole managing partner of Enterprise Products Partners.  The principal business activity of TEPPCO GP is to act as the sole general partner of TEPPCO.  The executive officers and certain of the directors of EPGP, TEPPCO GP, and EPE Holdings are employees of EPCO.

In December 2006, at a special meeting of TEPPCO’s unitholders, its partnership agreement was amended and restated, and its general partner’s maximum percentage interest in its quarterly distributions was reduced from 50.0% to 25.0% in exchange for 14,091,275 common units.  Certain of the IDRs held by TEPPCO GP were converted into 14,091,275 common units of TEPPCO.  Subsequently, DFIGP transferred the 14,091,275 common units of TEPPCO that it received in connection with the conversion of the IDRs to affiliates of EPCO, including 13,386,711 common units transferred to DFI.

The Parent Company, EPE Holdings, TEPPCO, TEPPCO GP, Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP are separate legal entities apart from each other and apart from EPCO and its other affiliates, with assets and liabilities that are separate from those of EPCO and its other affiliates.  EPCO and its private company subsidiaries depend on the cash distributions they receive from the Parent Company, TEPPCO, Enterprise Products Partners and other investments to fund their other operations and to meet their debt obligations.  EPCO and its private company affiliates received directly from us $439.8 million, $388.9 million and $306.5 million in cash distributions during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The ownership interests in Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO that are owned or controlled by the Parent Company are pledged as security under its credit facility.  In addition, the ownership interests in the Parent Company, Enterprise Products Partners, and TEPPCO that are owned or controlled by EPCO and its affiliates, other than those interests owned by the Parent Company, Dan Duncan LLC and certain trusts affiliated with Dan L. Duncan, are pledged as security under the credit facility of a private company affiliate of EPCO.  This credit facility contains customary and other events of default relating to EPCO and certain affiliates, including the Parent Company, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO.

An affiliate of EPCO provides us trucking services for the transportation of NGLs and other products. We paid this trucking affiliate $21.7 million, $19.1 million and $20.7 million for its services during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

We lease office space in various buildings from affiliates of EPCO.  The rental rates in these lease agreements approximate market rates.  For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we paid EPCO $7.8 million, $7.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively, for office space leases.

Historically, we entered into transactions with a Canadian affiliate of EPCO for the purchase and sale of NGL products in the normal course of business.  These transactions were at market-related prices.  Enterprise Products Partners acquired this affiliate in October 2006 and began consolidating its financial statements with those of our own from the date of acquisition.  

EPCO Administrative Services Agreement.  We have no employees.  All of our operating functions and general and administrative support services are provided by employees of EPCO pursuant to the ASA.  Enterprise Products Partners and its general partner, the Parent Company and its general partner, Duncan Energy Partners and its general partner, and TEPPCO and its general partner, among other affiliates, are parties to the ASA.  The Audit Conflicts and Governance Committees of each general partner have approved the ASA.
 
 
 
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The significant terms of the ASA are as follows:

§  
EPCO will provide selling, general and administrative services, and management and operating services, as may be necessary to manage and operate our business, properties and assets (in accordance with prudent industry practices).  EPCO will employ or otherwise retain the services of such personnel as may be necessary to provide such services.

§  
We are required to reimburse EPCO for its services in an amount equal to the sum of all costs and expenses incurred by EPCO which are directly or indirectly related to our business or activities (including expenses reasonably allocated to us by EPCO).  In addition, we have agreed to pay all sales, use, and excise, value added or similar taxes, if any, that may be applicable from time to time in respect of the services provided to us by EPCO.

§  
EPCO will allow us to participate as a named insured in its overall insurance program with the associated premiums and other costs being allocated to us.

Under the ASA, EPCO subleases to Enterprise Products Partners (for $1 per year) certain equipment which it holds pursuant to operating leases and has assigned to Enterprise Products Partners its purchase option under such leases (the “retained leases”).  EPCO remains liable for the actual cash lease payments associated with these agreements.  Enterprise Products Partners records the full value of these payments made by EPCO on Enterprise Products Partners’ behalf as a non-cash related party operating lease expense, with the offset to partners’ equity accounted for as a general contribution to its partnership.  Enterprise Products Partners exercised its election under the retained leases to purchase a cogeneration unit in December 2008 for $2.3 million.  Should Enterprise Products Partners decide to exercise the purchase option associated with the remaining agreement, it would pay the original lessor $3.1 million in June 2016.

Our operating costs and expenses for the three the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 include reimbursement payments to EPCO for the costs it incurs to operate our facilities, including compensation of employees.  We reimburse EPCO for actual direct and indirect expenses it incurs related to the operation of our assets.  These reimbursements were $451.5 million, $385.5 million and $401.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Likewise, our general and administrative costs for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 include amounts we reimburse to EPCO for administrative services, including compensation of employees.  In general, our reimbursement to EPCO for administrative services is either (i) on an actual basis for direct expenses it may incur on our behalf (e.g., the purchase of office supplies) or (ii) based on an allocation of such charges between the various parties to the ASA based on the estimated use of such services by each party (e.g., the allocation of general legal or accounting salaries based on estimates of time spent on each entity’s business and affairs).  These reimbursements were $91.9 million, $82.5 million and $63.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Since the vast majority of such expenses are charged to us on an actual basis (i.e. no mark-up or subsidy is charged or received by EPCO), we believe that such expenses are representative of what the amounts would have been on a stand alone basis.  With respect to allocated costs, we believe that the proportional direct allocation method employed by EPCO is reasonable and reflective of the estimated level of costs we would have incurred on a standalone basis.

The ASA also addresses potential conflicts that may arise among parties to the agreement, including (i) Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP; (ii) Duncan Energy Partners and DEP GP; (iii) the Parent Company and EPE Holdings; and (iv) the EPCO Group, which includes EPCO and its affiliates (but does not include the aforementioned entities and their controlled affiliates). The ASA provides, among other things, that:

§  
If a business opportunity to acquire “equity securities” (as defined) is presented to the EPCO Group; Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP; Duncan Energy Partners and DEP GP; or the
 
 
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Parent Company and EPE Holdings, then the Parent Company will have the first right to pursue such opportunity.  The term “equity securities” is defined to include:
 
§  
general partner interests (or securities which have characteristics similar to general partner interests) and IDRs or similar rights in publicly traded partnerships or interests in persons that own or control such general partner or similar interests (collectively, “GP Interests”) and securities convertible, exercisable, exchangeable or otherwise representing ownership or control of such GP Interests; and

§  
IDRs and limited partner interests (or securities which have characteristics similar to IDRs or limited partner interests) in publicly traded partnerships or interest in “persons” that own or control such limited partner or similar interests (collectively, “non-GP Interests”); provided that such non-GP Interests are associated with GP Interests and are owned by the owners of GP Interests or their respective affiliates.
 
  
The Parent Company will be presumed to desire to acquire the equity securities until such time as EPE Holdings advises the EPCO Group, EPGP and DEP GP that the Parent Company has abandoned the pursuit of such business opportunity.  In the event that the purchase price of the equity securities is reasonably likely to equal or exceed $100.0 million, the decision to decline the acquisition will be made by the chief executive officer of EPE Holdings after consultation with and subject to the approval of the Audit, Conflicts and Governance (“ACG”) Committee of EPE Holdings.  If the purchase price is reasonably likely to be less than such threshold amount, the chief executive officer of EPE Holdings may make the determination to decline the acquisition without consulting the ACG Committee of EPE Holdings.

In the event that the Parent Company abandons the acquisition and so notifies the EPCO Group, EPGP and DEP GP, Enterprise Products Partners will have the second right to pursue such acquisition either for it or, if desired by Enterprise Products Partners in its sole discretion, for the benefit of Duncan Energy Partners.  In the event that Enterprise Products Partners affirmatively directs the opportunity to Duncan Energy Partners, Duncan Energy Partners may pursue such acquisition.  Enterprise Products Partners will be presumed to desire to acquire the equity securities until such time as EPGP advises the EPCO Group and DEP GP that Enterprise Products Partners has abandoned the pursuit of such acquisition.  In determining whether or not to pursue the acquisition of the equity securities, Enterprise Products Partners will follow the same procedures applicable to the Parent Company, as described above but utilizing EPGP’s chief executive officer and ACG Committee.  In the event Enterprise Products Partners abandons the acquisition opportunity for the equity securities and so notifies the EPCO Group and DEP GP, the EPCO Group may pursue the acquisition or offer the opportunity to TEPPCO, TEPPCO GP or their controlled affiliates, in either case, without any further obligation to any other party or offer such opportunity to other affiliates.
 
§  
If any business opportunity not covered by the preceding bullet point (i.e. not involving equity securities) is presented to the EPCO Group, EPGP, EPE Holdings or the Parent Company, then Enterprise Products Partners will have the first right to pursue such opportunity or, if desired by Enterprise Products Partners in its sole discretion, for the benefit of Duncan Energy Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners will be presumed to desire to pursue the business opportunity until such time as EPGP advises the EPCO Group, EPE Holdings and DEP GP that Enterprise Products Partners has abandoned the pursuit of such business opportunity.
 
  
In the event the purchase price or cost associated with the business opportunity is reasonably likely to equal or exceed $100.0 million, any decision to decline the business opportunity will be made by the chief executive officer of EPGP after consultation with and subject to the approval of the ACG Committee of EPGP.  If the purchase price or cost is reasonably likely to be less than such threshold amount, the chief executive officer of EPGP may make the determination to decline the business opportunity without consulting EPGP’s ACG Committee.  In the event that Enterprise Products Partners affirmatively directs the business opportunity to Duncan Energy
 

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Partners, Duncan Energy Partners may pursue such business opportunity.  In the event that Enterprise Products Partners abandons the business opportunity for itself and for Duncan Energy Partners and so notifies the EPCO Group, EPE Holdings and DEP GP, the Parent Company will have the second right to pursue such business opportunity, and will be presumed to desire to do so, until such time as EPE Holdings shall have determined to abandon the pursuit of such opportunity in accordance with the procedures described above, and shall have advised the EPCO Group that we have abandoned the pursuit of such acquisition.
 
In the event that the Parent Company abandons the acquisition and so notifies the EPCO Group, the EPCO Group may either pursue the business opportunity or offer the business opportunity to a private company affiliate of EPCO or TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP without any further obligation to any other party or offer such opportunity to other affiliates.
 
None of the EPCO Group, EPGP, Enterprise Product Partners, DEP GP, Duncan Energy Partners, EPE Holdings or the Parent Company have any obligation to present business opportunities to TEPPCO or TEPPCO GP.  Likewise, TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP have no obligation to present business opportunities to the EPCO Group, EPGP, Enterprise Products Partners, DEP GP, Duncan Energy Partners, EPE Holdings or the Parent Company.

The ASA was amended on January 30, 2009 to provide for the cash reimbursement by TEPPCO, Enterprise Products Partners, Duncan Energy Partners and the Parent Company to EPCO of distributions of cash or securities, if any, made by TEPPCO Unit II or EPCO Unit to their respective Class B limited partners.  The ASA amendment also extended the term under which EPCO provides services to the partnership entities from December 2010 to December 2013 and made other updating and conforming changes.

Employee Partnerships. EPCO formed the Employee Partnerships to serve as an incentive arrangement for key employees of EPCO by providing them a “profits interest” in such partnerships.  Certain EPCO employees who work on behalf of us and EPCO were issued Class B limited partner interests and admitted as Class B limited partners without any capital contribution.  The profits interest awards (i.e., the Class B limited partner interests) in the Employee Partnerships entitles each holder to participate in the appreciation in value of the Parent Company’s Units, Enterprise Products Partners’ common units and TEPPCO’s common units.  See Note 6 for additional information regarding the Employee Partnerships.

Relationships with Unconsolidated Affiliates

Many of our unconsolidated affiliates perform supporting or complementary roles to our other business operations.  Since we and our affiliates hold ownership interests in these entities and directly or indirectly benefit from our related party transactions with such entities, they are presented here. The following information summarizes significant related party transactions with our current unconsolidated affiliates:

§  
Enterprise Products Partners sells natural gas to Evangeline, which, in turn, uses the natural gas to satisfy supply commitments it has with a major Louisiana utility.  Revenues from Evangeline totaled $362.9 million, $268.0 million and $277.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, Duncan Energy Partners furnished $1.0 million in letters of credit on behalf of Evangeline at December 31, 2008.

§  
Enterprise Products Partners pays Promix for the transportation, storage and fractionation of NGLs.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners sells natural gas to Promix for its plant fuel requirements.  Expenses with Promix were $38.7 million, $30.4 million and $34.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Revenues from Promix were $24.5 million, $17.3 million and $21.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 
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§  
We perform management services for certain of our unconsolidated affiliates.  We charged such affiliates $11.2 million, $11.0 million and $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

§  
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, TEPPCO paid $1.7 million, $3.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively, to Centennial in connection with a pipeline capacity lease.  In addition, TEPPCO paid $6.6 million and $5.3 million to Centennial in 2008 and 2007 for other pipeline transportation services, respectively.

§  
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, TEPPCO paid Seaway $6.0 million, $4.7 million and $3.8 million, respectively, for transportation and tank rentals in connection with its crude oil marketing activities.

§  
Enterprise Products Partners has a long-term sales contract with a consolidated subsidiary of ETP.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners and another subsidiary of ETP transport natural gas on each other’s systems and share operating expenses on certain pipelines.  A subsidiary of ETP also sells natural gas to Enterprise Products Partners.  See previous table for revenue and expense amounts recorded by Enterprise Products Partners in connection with Energy Transfer Equity.

Relationship with Duncan Energy Partners

In September 2006, Duncan Energy Partners, a consolidated subsidiary of Enterprise Products Partners, was formed to acquire, own, and operate a diversified portfolio of midstream energy assets and to support the growth objectives of EPO.  On February 5, 2007, Duncan Energy Partners completed its initial public offering of 14,950,000 common units at $21.00 per unit, which generated net proceeds to Duncan Energy Partners of approximately $291.0 million.  On this same date, Enterprise Products Partners contributed 66.0% of its equity interests in certain of its subsidiaries to Duncan Energy Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners retained the remaining 34.0% equity interests in the subsidiaries.  As consideration for assets contributed and reimbursement for capital expenditures related to these assets, Duncan Energy Partners distributed $260.6 million of net proceeds from its initial public offering to Enterprise Products Partners (along with $198.9 million in borrowings under its credit facility and a final amount of 5,351,571 common units of Duncan Energy Partners).

On December 8, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners contributed additional equity interests in certain of its subsidiaries to Duncan Energy Partners.  As consideration for the contribution, Enterprise Products Partners received $280.5 million in cash and 37,333,887 Class B units of Duncan Energy Partners, having a market value of $449.5 million.  The Class B units automatically converted on a one-to-one basis to common units of Duncan Energy Partners on February 1, 2009.

At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners owned 74.1% of Duncan Energy Partners’ limited partner interests and all of its general partner interest.

Enterprise Products Partners has continued involvement with all of the subsidiaries of Duncan Energy Partners, including the following types of transactions: (i) it utilizes storage services to support its Mont Belvieu fractionation and other businesses; (ii) it buys natural gas from and sells natural gas in connection with its normal business activities; and (iii) it is currently the sole shipper on an NGL pipeline system located in south Texas.

EPCO and its affiliates, including Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO, may contribute or sell other equity interests and assets to Duncan Energy Partners.  EPCO and its affiliates have no obligation or commitment to make such contributions or sales to Duncan Energy Partners.

Relationship with Cenac

In connection with TEPPCO’s marine services acquisition in February 2008, Cenac and affiliates became a related party of TEPPCO due to its ownership of TEPPCO common units and other
 
 
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considerations.  TEPPCO entered into a transitional operating agreement with Cenac in which TEPPCO’s fleet of acquired tow boats and tank barges will continue to be operated by employees of Cenac for a period of up to two years following the acquisition.  Under this agreement, TEPPCO pays Cenac a monthly operating fee and reimburses Cenac for personnel salaries and related employee benefit expenses, certain repairs and maintenance expenses and insurance premiums on the equipment.  During 2008, TEPPCO paid Cenac approximately $48.3 million in connection with the transitional operating agreement.


Note 18.  Provision for Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes relates primarily to federal and state income taxes of Seminole and Dixie, our two largest corporations subject to such income taxes.  In addition, with the amendment of the Texas Margin Tax in 2006, we have become a taxable entity in the state of Texas.  Our federal and state income tax provision is summarized below:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Current:
                 
Federal
  $ 4,922     $ 4,700     $ 7,694  
State
    23,932       5,107       1,148  
Foreign
    414       128       --  
Total current
    29,268       9,935       8,842  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    760       2,784       6,109  
State
    964       3,094       7,023  
Foreign
    27       --       --  
Total deferred
    1,751       5,878       13,132  
Total provision for income taxes
  $ 31,019     $ 15,813     $ 21,974  

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes with amounts determined by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Pre Tax Net Book Income (“NBI”)
  $ 1,176,532     $ 777,709     $ 794,458  
                         
Revised Texas franchise tax
    23,890       7,703       8,770  
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)
    577       324       (396 )
Federal income taxes computed by applying the federal
                       
        statutory rate to NBI of corporate entities
    6,305       5,318       13,347  
Taxes charged to cumulative effect of change
                       
in accounting principle
    --       --       (3 )
Valuation allowance
    (1,412 )     2,347       123  
Other permanent differences
    1,659       121       133  
Provision for income taxes
  $ 31,019     $ 15,813     $ 21,974  
Effective income tax rate
    2.6 %     2.0 %     2.8 %






 
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Significant components of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
 Net operating loss carryovers
  $ 26,311     $ 23,270  
 Property, plant and equipment
    753       --  
 Credit carryover
    26       26  
 Charitable contribution carryover
    20       16  
 Employee benefit plans
    2,631       3,214  
 Deferred revenue
    964       642  
 Reserve for legal fees and damages
    289       478  
 Equity investment in partnerships
    596       409  
 AROs
    76       80  
 Accruals and other
    900       1,098  
  Total deferred tax assets
    32,566       29,233  
     Valuation  allowance
    (3,932 )     (5,345 )
   Net deferred tax assets
    28,634       23,888  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
    Property, plant and equipment
    92,899       40,520  
    Other
    52       99  
  Total deferred tax liabilities
    92,951       40,619  
          Total net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (64,317 )   $ (16,731 )
                 
Current portion of total net deferred tax assets
  $ 1,397     $ 1,082  
Long-term portion of total net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (65,714 )   $ (17,813 )
 
We had net operating loss carryovers of $26.3 million and $23.3 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  These losses expire in various years between 2009 and 2028 and are subject to limitations on their utilization.  We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized.  The valuation allowance was $3.9 million and $5.3 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and serves to reduce the recognized tax benefit associated with carryovers of our corporate entities to an amount that will, more likely than not, be realized.  The $1.4 million decrease in valuation allowance for 2008 is comprised primarily of a $1.6 million decrease for Canadian Enterprise Gas Products, Ltd.

We have deferred tax liabilities on property plant and equipment of $92.9 million and $40.5 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in 2008 is comprised primarily of $45.1 million related to the difference in book and tax basis of property, plant and equipment resulting from the acquisition of the remaining equity interest in Dixie.  See Note 13 for additional information regarding this acquisition.

On May 18, 2006, the State of Texas enacted House Bill 3 which revised the pre-existing state franchise tax.  In general, legal entities that conduct business in Texas are subject to the Revised Texas Franchise Tax, including previously non-taxable entities such as limited liability companies, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships.  The tax is assessed on Texas sourced taxable margin which is defined as the lesser of (i) 70.0% of total revenue or (ii) total revenue less (a) cost of goods sold or (b) compensation and benefits.

Although the bill states that the Revised Texas Franchise Tax is not an income tax, it has the characteristics of an income tax since it is determined by applying a tax rate to a base that considers both revenues and expenses.  Due to the enactment of the Revised Texas Franchise Tax, we recorded a net deferred tax liability of $0.9 million and $3.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The offsetting net charge of $0.9 million and $3.1 million is shown on our Statements of Consolidated Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as a component of “Provision for income taxes.”
 
 
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Note 19.  Earnings Per Unit

Basic and diluted earnings per unit is computed by dividing net income or loss allocated to limited partners by the weighted-average number of Units outstanding during a period, including Class B Units (see below).  The amount of net income allocated to limited partners is derived by subtracting, from net income or loss, our general partner’s share of such net income or loss.

As consideration for the contribution of 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO and the 100% membership interest in TEPPCO GP (including associated TEPPCO IDRs), the Parent Company issued 14,173,304 Class B Units and 16,000,000 Class C Units to private company affiliates of EPCO that are under common control with the Parent Company.  As a result of this common control relationship, the Class B Units, which were distribution bearing, were treated as outstanding securities for purposes of calculating our basic and diluted earnings per Unit.  On July 12, 2007, all of the outstanding 14,173,304 Class B Units were converted to Units on a one-to-one basis.  The 16,000,000 Class C Units are non-participating in current or undistributed earnings and are not entitled to receive cash distributions until May 2009; thus, they are not considered a potentially dilutive security until that time.  See Note 16 for additional information regarding the Class B and C Units.

The following table shows the allocation of net income to our general partner for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,992  
Multiplied by general partner ownership interest
    0.01 %     0.01 %     0.01 %
General partner interest in net income
  $ 16     $ 11     $ 13  

























 
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The following table shows the calculation of our limited partners’ interest in net income and basic and diluted earnings per Unit.

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
                 
   before change in accounting principle and general partner interest
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,899  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    --       --       93  
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
    164,055       109,021       133,992  
General partner interest in net income
    (16 )     (11 )     (13 )
Limited partners’ interest in net income
  $ 164,039     $ 109,010     $ 133,979  
                         
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER UNIT
                       
   Numerator:
                       
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
                       
   before change in accounting principle and general partner interest
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,899  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    --       --       93  
General partner interest in net income
    (16 )     (11 )     (13 )
Limited partners' interest in net income
  $ 164,039     $ 109,010     $ 133,979  
   Denominator:
                       
Units
    123,192       104,869       88,884  
Class B Units
    --       7,456       14,173  
Total
    123,192       112,325       103,057  
   Basic and diluted earnings per Unit:
                       
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
                       
   before change in accounting principle and general partner interest
  $ 1.33     $ 0.97     $ 1.30  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    --       --       *  
General partner interest in net income
    *       *       *  
Limited partners’ interest in net income
  $ 1.33     $ 0.97     $ 1.30  
                         
*  Amount is negligible
                       
 

Note 20.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

On occasion, we or our unconsolidated affiliates are named as defendants in litigation relating to our normal business activities, including regulatory and environmental matters.  Although we are insured against various business risks to the extent we believe it is prudent, there is no assurance that the nature and amount of such insurance will be adequate, in every case, to indemnify us against liabilities arising from future legal proceedings as a result of our ordinary business activities.  We are not aware of any significant litigation, pending or threatened, that could have a significant adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Parent Company matters.  In February 2008, Joel A. Gerber, a purported unitholder of the Parent Company, filed a derivative complaint on behalf of the Parent Company in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.  The complaint names as defendants EPE Holdings; the Board of Directors of EPE Holdings; EPCO; and Dan L. Duncan and certain of his affiliates.  The Parent Company is named as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the defendants, in breach of their fiduciary duties to the Parent Company and its unitholders, caused the Parent Company to purchase in May 2007 the TEPPCO GP membership interests and TEPPCO common units from Mr. Duncan’s affiliates at an unfair price.  The complaint also alleges that Charles E. McMahen, Edwin E. Smith and Thurmon Andress, constituting the three members of EPE Holdings’ ACG Committee, cannot be considered independent because of their relationships with Mr. Duncan.  The complaint seeks relief (i) awarding damages for profits allegedly obtained by the defendants as a result of the alleged wrongdoings in the complaint and (ii) awarding
 
 
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plaintiff costs of the action, including fees and expenses of his attorneys and experts.  Management believes this lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.  For information regarding our relationship with Mr. Duncan and his affiliates, see Note 17.

Enterprise Products Partners’ matters.  In February 2007, EPO received a letter from the Environment and Natural Resources Division (“ENRD”) of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) related to an ammonia release in Kingman County, Kansas in October 2004 from a pressurized anhydrous ammonia pipeline owned by a third party, Magellan Ammonia Pipeline, L.P. (“Magellan”) and a previous release of ammonia in September 2004 from the same pipeline. EPO was the operator of this pipeline until July 1, 2008. The ENRD has indicated that it may pursue civil damages against EPO and Magellan as a result of these incidents.  Based on this correspondence from the ENRD, the statutory maximum amount of civil fines that could be assessed against EPO and Magellan is up to $17.4 million in the aggregate.  EPO is cooperating with the DOJ and is hopeful that an expeditious resolution of this civil matter acceptable to all parties will be reached in the near future.  Magellan has agreed to indemnify EPO for the civil matter.  At this time, we do not believe that a final resolution of the civil claims by the ENRD will have a material impact on Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In October 2006, a rupture in the Magellan Ammonia Pipeline resulted in the release of ammonia near Clay Center, Kansas.  The pipeline has been repaired and environmental remediation tasks related to this incident have been completed.  At this time, we do not believe that this incident will have a material impact on Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

               Several lawsuits have been filed by municipalities and other water suppliers against a number of manufacturers of reformulated gasoline containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (“MTBE”).  In general, such suits have not named manufacturers of MTBE as defendants, and there have been no such lawsuits filed against Enterprise Products Partners’ subsidiary that owns an octane-additive production facility.  It is possible, however, that former MTBE manufacturers, such as Enterprise Products Partners’ subsidiary, could ultimately be added as defendants in such lawsuits or in new lawsuits.

The Attorney General of Colorado on behalf of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment filed suit against Enterprise Products Partners and others in April 2008 in connection with the construction of a pipeline near Parachute, Colorado.  The State sought a temporary restraining order and an injunction to halt construction activities since it alleged that the defendants failed to install measures to minimize damage to the environment and to follow requirements for the pipeline’s stormwater permit and appropriate stormwater plan.  The State’s complaint also seeks penalties for the above alleged failures.  Defendants and the State agreed to certain stipulations that, among other things, require Enterprise Products Partners to install specified environmental protection measures in the disturbed pipeline right-of-way to comply with regulations.  Enterprise Products Partners has complied with the stipulations and the State has dismissed the portions of the compliant seeking the temporary restraining order and injunction.  The State has not yet assessed penalties and we are unable to predict the amount of penalties that may be assessed. At this time, we do not believe that this incident will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2009, the State of New Mexico filed suit in District Court in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, under the New Mexico Air Quality Control Act.  The lawsuit arose out of a February 27, 2008 Notice Of Violation issued to Marathon as operator of the Indian Basin natural gas processing facility located in Eddy County, New Mexico.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 40.0% undivided interest in the assets comprising the Indian Basin facility.  The State alleges violations of its air laws, and Marathon believes there has been no adverse impact to public health or the environment, having implemented voluntary emission reduction measures over the years.  The State seeks penalties above $100,000.  Marathon continues to work with the State to determine if resolution of the case is possible.

TEPPCO matters. In September 2006, Peter Brinckerhoff, a purported unitholder of TEPPCO, filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery of New Castle County in the State of Delaware, in his individual capacity, as a putative class action on behalf of other unitholders of TEPPCO and derivatively on behalf of TEPPCO, concerning, among other things, certain transactions involving TEPPCO and Enterprise Products
 
 
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Partners or its affiliates. In July 2007, Mr. Brinkerhoff filed an amended complaint.  The amended complaint names as defendants (i) TEPPCO, its current and certain former directors, and certain of its affiliates; (ii) Enterprise Products Partners and certain of its affiliates; (iii) EPCO; and (iv) Dan L. Duncan.

The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants caused TEPPCO to enter into certain transactions that were unfair to TEPPCO or otherwise unfairly favored Enterprise Products Partners or its affiliates over TEPPCO.  These transactions are alleged to include: (i) the joint venture to further expand the Jonah system entered into by TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners in August 2006; (ii) the sale by TEPPCO of its Pioneer natural gas processing plant to Enterprise Products Partners in March 2006; and (iii) certain amendments to TEPPCO’s partnership agreement, including a reduction in the maximum tier of TEPPCO’s IDRs in exchange for TEPPCO common units.  The amended complaint seeks (i) rescission of the amendments to TEPPCO’s partnership agreement; (ii) damages for profits and special benefits allegedly obtained by defendants as a result of the alleged wrongdoings in the amended complaint; and (iii) awarding plaintiff costs of the action, including fees and expenses of his attorneys and experts.  Pre-trial discovery in this proceeding is underway. We believe that the outcome of this lawsuit will not have a material effect on TEPPCO’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Energy Transfer Equity matters.  In July 2007, ETP announced that it was under investigation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) with respect to whether ETP engaged in manipulation or improper trading activities in the Houston Ship Channel market around the time of the hurricanes in the fall of 2005 and other prior periods in order to benefit financially from commodity financial instrument positions and from certain index-priced physical gas purchases in the Houston Ship Channel market.  In March 2008, ETP entered into a consent order with the CFTC.  Pursuant to this consent order, ETP agreed to pay the CFTC $10.0 million and the CFTC agreed to release ETP and its affiliates, directors and employees from all claims or causes of action asserted by the CFTC in this proceeding. ETP neither admitted nor denied the allegations made by the CFTC in this proceeding. The settlement was paid in March 2008.

In July 2007, ETP announced that it was also under investigation by the FERC for the same matters noted in the CFTC proceeding described above.  The FERC is also investigating certain of ETP’s intrastate transportation activities.  The FERC’s actions against ETP also included allegations related to its Oasis pipeline, which is an intrastate pipeline that transports natural gas between the Waha and Katy hubs in Texas.  The Oasis pipeline transports interstate natural gas pursuant to NGPA Section 311 authority, and is subject to FERC-approved rates, terms and conditions of service.  The allegations related to the Oasis pipeline included claims that the pipeline violated NGPA regulations from January 2004 through June 2006 by granting undue preference to ETP’s affiliates for interstate NGPA Section 311 pipeline service to the detriment of similarly situated non-affiliated shippers and by charging in excess of the FERC-approved maximum lawful rate for interstate NGPA Section 311 transportation.

In July 2007, the FERC announced that it was taking preliminary action against ETP and proposed civil penalties of $97.5 million and disgorgement of profits, plus interest, of $70.1 million.  In October 2007, ETP filed a response with the FERC refuting the FERC’s claims as being fundamentally flawed and requested a dismissal of the FERC’s proceedings.  In February 2008, the FERC staff recommended an increase in the proposed civil penalties of $25.0 million and disgorgement of profits of $7.3 million. The total amount of civil penalties and disgorgement of profits sought by the FERC is approximately $200.0 million.  In March 2008, ETP responded to the FERC staff regarding the recommended increase in the proposed civil penalties.  In April 2008, the FERC staff filed an answer to ETP’s March 2008 pleading.  The FERC has not taken any actions related to the recommendations of its staff with respect to the proposed increase in civil penalties.  In May 2008, the FERC ordered hearings to be conducted by FERC administrative law judges with respect to the FERC’s intrastate transportation claims and market manipulation claims.  The hearing related to the intrastate transportation claims involving the Oasis pipeline was scheduled to commence in December 2008 with the administrative law judge’s initial decision due in May 2009; however, as discussed below, ETP entered into a settlement agreement with FERC Enforcement Staff and that agreement was approved by the FERC in its entirety and without modification on February 27, 2009.  The hearing related to the market manipulation claims is scheduled to commence in June 2009 with the administrative law judge’s initial decision due in December 2009.  The FERC denied
 
 
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ETP’s request for dismissal of the proceeding and has ordered that, following completion of the hearings, the administrative law judge make recommendations with respect to whether ETP engaged in market manipulation in violation of the Natural Gas Act and FERC regulations, and, whether ETP violated the Natural Gas Policy Act (“NGPA”) and FERC regulations related to ETP’s intrastate transportation activities.  The FERC reserved for itself the issues of possible civil penalties, revocation of ETP’s blanket market certificate, method by which ETP would disgorge any unjust profits and whether any conditions should be placed on ETP’s NGPA Section 311 authorization.  Following the issuance of each of the administrative law judges’ initial decisions, the FERC would then issue an order with respect to each of these matters.  ETP management has stated that it expects that the FERC will require a payment in order to conclude these investigations on a negotiated settlement basis.

In November 2008, the administrative law judge presiding over the Oasis claims granted ETP’s motion for summary disposition of the claim that Oasis unduly discriminated in favor of affiliates regarding the provision of Section 311(a)(2) interstate transportation service.  Oasis subsequently entered into an agreement with the Enforcement Staff to settle all claims related to Oasis.  In January 2009, this agreement was submitted under seal to the FERC by the presiding administrative law judge for the FERC’s approval as an uncontested settlement of all Oasis claims.  On February 27, 2009, the settlement agreement was approved by the FERC in its entirety and without modification and the terms of the settlement were made public.  If no person seeks rehearing of the order approving the settlement within thirty days of such order, the FERC’s order will become final and non-appealable.  ETP has stated that it does not believe the Oasis settlement, as approved by the FERC, will have a material adverse effect on it business, financial position or results of operations.

In addition to the CFTC and FERC, third parties have asserted claims, and may assert additional claims, against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP for damages related to the aforementioned matters.  Several natural gas producers and a natural gas marketing company have initiated legal proceedings against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP in Texas state courts for claims related to the FERC claims.  These suits contain contract and tort claims relating to the alleged manipulation of natural gas prices at the Houston Ship Channel and the Waha Hub in West Texas, as well as the natural gas price indices related to these markets and the Permian Basin natural gas price index during the period from December 2003 through December 2006, and seek unspecified direct, indirect, consequential and exemplary damages.  Energy Transfer Equity and ETP are seeking to compel arbitration in several of these suits on the grounds that the claims are subject to arbitration agreements, and one suit is pending before the Texas Supreme Court on issues of arbitrability.  One of the suits against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP contains an additional allegation that the defendants transported natural gas in a manner that favored their affiliates and discriminated against the plaintiff, and otherwise artificially affected the market price of natural gas to other parties in the market.  ETP has moved to compel arbitration and/or contested subject-matter jurisdiction in some of these cases.  One such case currently is on appeal before the Texas Supreme Court on, among other things, the issue of whether the dispute is arbitrable.

ETP has also been served with a complaint from an owner of royalty interests in natural gas producing properties, individually and on behalf of a putative class of similarly situated royalty owners, working interest owners and producers/operators, seeking arbitration to recover damages based on alleged manipulation of natural gas prices at the Houston Ship Channel.  ETP filed an original action in Harris County, Texas seeking a stay of the arbitration on the grounds that the action is not arbitrable, and the state court granted ETP their motion for summary judgment on that issue.  The claimants have filed a motion of appeal.
 
A consolidated class action complaint has been filed against ETP and certain affiliates in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This action alleges that ETP engaged in intentional and unlawful manipulation of the price of natural gas futures and options contracts on the NYMEX in violation of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). It is further alleged that during the class period December 2003 to December 2005, ETP had the market power to manipulate index prices, and that ETP used this market power to artificially depress the index prices at major natural gas trading hubs, including the Houston Ship Channel, in order to benefit its natural gas physical and financial trading positions and intentionally submitted price and volume trade information to trade publications. This
 
 
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complaint also alleges that ETP also violated the CEA because ETP knowingly aided and abetted violations of the CEA. This action alleges that the unlawful depression of index prices by ETP manipulated the NYMEX prices for natural gas futures and options contracts to artificial levels during the period stipulated in the complaint, causing unspecified damages to the plaintiff and all other members of the putative class who purchased and/or sold natural gas futures and options contracts on the NYMEX during the period. This class action complaint consolidated two class actions which were pending against ETP.  Following the consolidation order, the plaintiffs who had filed these two earlier class actions filed a consolidated complaint.  They have requested certification of their suit as a class action, unspecified damages, court costs and other appropriate relief.  In January 2008, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this suit on the grounds of failure to allege facts sufficient to state a claim.  In March 2008, the plaintiffs filed a second consolidated class action complaint.  In response to this new pleading, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this second consolidated complaint in May 2008.  In June 2008, the plaintiffs filed a response opposing ETP’s motion to dismiss.  ETP filed a reply in support of its motion in July 2008.

In March 2008, another class action complaint was filed against ETP in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.  This action alleges that ETP engaged in unlawful restraint of trade and intentional monopolization and attempted monopolization of the market for fixed-price natural gas baseload transactions at the Houston Ship Channel from December 2003 through December 2005 in violation of federal antitrust law.  The complaint further alleges that during this period ETP exerted monopolistic power to suppress the price of these transactions to non-competitive levels in order to benefit from its own physical natural gas positions.  The plaintiff has, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated sellers of physical natural gas, requested certification of its suit as a class action and seeks unspecified treble damages, court costs and other appropriate relief.  In May 2008, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this complaint.  In July 2008, the plaintiffs filed a response opposing ETP’s motion to dismiss.  ETP filed a reply in support of its motion in August 2008.
 
At this time, ETE is unable to predict the outcome of these matters; however, it is possible that the amount it becomes obliged to pay as a result of the final resolution of these matters, whether on a negotiated settlement basis or otherwise, will exceed the amount of its existing accrual related to these matters.

ETP disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 that its accrued amounts for contingencies and current litigation matters (excluding environmental matters) aggregated $20.8 million at December 31, 2008.  Since ETP’s accrual amounts are non-cash, any cash payment of an amount in resolution of these matters would likely be made from its operating cash flows or from borrowings. If these payments are substantial, ETP and, ultimately, our investee, Energy Transfer Equity, may experience a material adverse impact on their results of operations, cash available for distribution and liquidity.













 
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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our various contractual obligations at December 31, 2008.  A description of each type of contractual obligation follows.

 
Payment or Settlement due by Period
 
Contractual Obligations
Total
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
Thereafter
 
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
$ 12,639,699     $ --     $ 562,500     $ 942,750     $ 2,786,749     $ 1,208,500     $ 7,139,200  
Estimated cash interest payments
$ 12,303,887     $ 755,617     $ 731,020     $ 678,136     $ 633,640     $ 503,474     $ 9,002,000  
Operating lease obligations
$ 388,291     $ 44,901     $ 38,233     $ 37,596     $ 36,169     $ 30,692     $ 200,700  
Purchase obligations:
                                                     
Product purchase commitments:
                                                     
Estimated payment obligations:
                                                     
Crude oil
$ 161,194     $ 161,194     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Refined products
$ 1,642     $ 1,642     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Natural gas
$ 5,225,141     $ 323,309     $ 515,102     $ 635,000     $ 660,626     $ 487,984     $ 2,603,120  
NGLs
  $ 1,923,792     $ 969,870     $ 136,422     $ 136,250     $ 136,250     $ 136,250     $ 408,750  
Petrochemicals
  $ 1,746,138     $ 685,643     $ 376,636     $ 247,757     $ 181,650     $ 86,768     $ 167,684  
Other
  $ 66,657     $ 24,221     $ 7,148     $ 7,011     $ 6,699     $ 6,166     $ 15,412  
Underlying major volume commitments:
                                                       
Crude oil (in MBbls)
    3,404       3,404       --       --       --       --       --  
Refined products (in MBbls)
    28       28       --       --       --       --       --  
Natural gas (in BBtus)
    981,955       56,650       93,150       115,925       120,780       93,950       501,500  
NGLs (in MBbls)
    56,622       23,576       4,726       4,720       4,720       4,720       14,160  
Petrochemicals (in MBbls)
    67,696       24,949       13,420       10,428       7,906       3,759       7,234  
Service payment commitments
  $ 534,426     $ 57,289     $ 51,251     $ 49,501     $ 47,025     $ 46,142     $ 283,218  
Capital expenditure commitments
  $ 786,675     $ 786,675     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  

Scheduled Maturities of Long-Term Debt.  The Parent Company, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO have payment obligations under debt agreements.  With respect to this category, amounts shown in the preceding table represent scheduled principal payments due in each period as of December 31, 2008. See Note 15 for information regarding our consolidated debt obligations at December 31, 2008.

Operating Lease Obligations.  We lease certain property, plant and equipment under noncancelable and cancelable operating leases.  Amounts shown in the preceding table represent minimum cash lease payment obligations under our operating leases with terms in excess of one year.

Our significant lease agreements involve (i) the lease of underground caverns for the storage of natural gas and NGLs, (ii) leased office space with an affiliate of EPCO, (iii) a railcar unloading terminal in Mont Belvieu, Texas and (iv) land held pursuant to right-of-way agreements.  In general, our material lease agreements have original terms that range from 2 to 28 years and include renewal options that could extend the agreements for up to an additional 20 years.

Lease expense is charged to operating costs and expenses on a straight line basis over the period of expected economic benefit.  Contingent rental payments are expensed as incurred.  We are generally required to perform routine maintenance on the underlying leased assets.  In addition, certain leases give us the option to make leasehold improvements.  Maintenance and repairs of leased assets resulting from our operations are charged to expense as incurred.  We did not make any significant leasehold improvements during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 or 2006; however, we did incur $9.3 million of repair costs associated with our lease of an underground natural gas storage facility in 2006.
 
       The operating lease commitments shown in the preceding table exclude the non-cash, related party expense associated with retained leases contributed to Enterprise Products Partners by EPCO at Enterprise Products Partners’ formation.  EPCO remains liable for the actual cash lease payments associated with these agreements, which it accounts for as operating leases.  At December 31, 2008, the retained leases were for approximately 100 railcars.  EPCO’s minimum future rental payments under these leases are $0.7 million for each of the years 2009 through 2015 and $0.3 million for 2016.  Enterprise Products Partners records the full value of these payments made by EPCO on Enterprise Products Partners’ behalf as a non-
 
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cash related party operating lease expense, with the offset to partners’ equity accounted for as a general contribution to Enterprise Products Partners’ partnership.

The retained lease agreements contain lessee purchase options, which are at prices that approximate fair value of the underlying leased assets.  EPCO has assigned these purchase options to Enterprise Products Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners has exercised its election under the retained leases to purchase a cogeneration unit in December 2008 for $2.3 million.  Should Enterprise Products Partners decide to exercise the purchase option associated with the remaining agreement, it would pay the original lessor $3.1 million in June 2016.

Lease and rental expense included in costs and expenses was $56.8 million, $61.4 million and $64.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Purchase Obligations. We define a purchase obligation as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding (unconditional) on us that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions.  We have classified our unconditional purchase obligations into the following categories:

§  
We have long and short-term product purchase obligations for NGLs, certain petrochemicals and natural gas with third-party suppliers.  The prices that we are obligated to pay under these contracts approximate market prices at the time we take delivery of the volumes.  The preceding table shows our volume commitments and estimated payment obligations under these contracts for the periods indicated.  Our estimated future payment obligations are based on the contractual price under each contract for purchases made at December 31, 2008 applied to all future volume commitments.  Actual future payment obligations may vary depending on market prices at the time of delivery.  At December 31, 2008, we do not have any significant product purchase commitments with fixed or minimum pricing provisions with remaining terms in excess of one year.

§  
We have long and short-term commitments to pay third-party providers for services such as equipment maintenance agreements.  Our contractual payment obligations vary by contract.  The preceding table shows our future payment obligations under these service contracts.

§  
We have short-term payment obligations relating to our capital projects and those of our unconsolidated affiliates.  These commitments represent unconditional payment obligations to vendors for services rendered or products purchased.  The preceding table presents our share of such commitments for the periods indicated.

Commitments under equity compensation plans of EPCO

In order to fund its obligations under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP (see Note 6), EPCO may purchase common units of Enterprise Products Partners at fair value either in the open market or directly from Enterprise Products Partners.  When EPCO employees exercise options awarded under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP, Enterprise Products Partners reimburses EPCO for the cash difference between the strike price paid by the employee and the actual purchase price paid by EPCO for the common units.  Such reimbursements totaled $0.6 million, $3.0 million and $1.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively, and are reflected as a component of “Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests” in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

At December 31, 2008, there were 2,168,500 and 795,000 unit options outstanding under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP, respectively, for which Enterprise Products Partners is responsible for reimbursing EPCO for the costs of such awards.  The weighted-average strike price of option awards outstanding at December 31, 2008 was $26.32 and $30.93 per common unit under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP, respectively.   At December 31, 2008, there were 548,500 unit options immediately exercisable under the EPCO 1998 Plan.  An additional 365,000, 480,000 and 775,000 of these unit options
 
 
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will be exercisable in 2009, 2010 and 2012, respectively under the EPCO 1998 Plan.  The 795,000 unit options outstanding under the EPD 2008 LTIP will become exercisable in 2013.  See Note 6 for additional information regarding the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP.

In order to fund obligations under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP, EPCO may purchase common units of TEPPCO at fair value either in the open market or directly from TEPPCO.  When EPCO employees exercise options awarded under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP, TEPPCO will reimburse EPCO for the cash difference between the strike price paid by the employee and the actual purchase price paid by EPCO for the common units.  TEPPCO was committed to issue 355,000 of its common units at December 31, 2008, respectively, if all outstanding options awarded under the 2006 LTIP (as of this date) were exercised.  The weighted-average strike price of option awards outstanding at December 31, 2008 was $40.00 per common unit.   There were no options immediately exercisable under the 2006 LTIP at December 31, 2008.  See Note 6 for additional information regarding the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP.

Other Commitments and Claims

Redelivery Commitments.  In our normal business activities, we process, store and transport natural gas, NGLs and other hydrocarbon products for third parties.  These volumes are (i) accrued as product payables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) in transit for delivery to our customers or (iii) held at our storage facilities for redelivery to our customers.  We are insured against any physical loss of such volumes due to catastrophic events.  Under terms of our storage agreements, we are generally required to redeliver volumes to the owners on demand.  At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners’ redelivery commitments aggregated 29.6 million barrels (“MMBbls”) of NGL and petrochemical products and 18.5 BBtus of natural gas.  TEPPCO’s redelivery commitments at this date aggregated 16.5 MMBbls of petroleum products.  See Note 2 for more information regarding accrued product payables.

Other Claims.  As part of our normal business activities with joint venture partners and certain customers and suppliers, we occasionally have claims made against us as a result of disputes related to contractual agreements or similar arrangements.  As of December 31, 2008, claims against us totaled approximately $15.4 million.  These matters are in various stages of assessment and the ultimate outcome of such disputes cannot be reasonably estimated.  However, in our opinion, the likelihood of a material adverse outcome related to the disputes against us is remote.  Accordingly, accruals for loss contingencies related to these matters, if any, that might result from the resolution of such disputes have not been reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

Centennial Guarantees. TEPPCO has certain guarantee obligations in connection with its ownership interest in Centennial.  TEPPCO has guaranteed one-half of Centennial’s debt obligations, which obligates TEPPCO to an estimated payment of $65.0 million in the event of default by Centennial.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had a liability of $9.0 million representing the estimated fair value of its share of the Centennial debt guaranty.  See Note 15 for additional information regarding Centennial’s debt obligations.

In lieu of Centennial procuring insurance to satisfy third-party liabilities arising from a catastrophic event, TEPPCO and Centennial’s other joint venture partner have entered a limited cash call agreement.  TEPPCO is obligated to contribute up to a maximum of $50.0 million in proportion to its ownership interest in Centennial in the event of a catastrophic event.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had a liability of $3.9 million representing the estimated fair value of its cash call guaranty.  We insure against catastrophic events.  Cash contributions by TEPPCO to Centennial under the limited cash call agreement may be covered by our insurance depending on the nature of the catastrophic event.

 
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Note 21.  Significant Risks and Uncertainties

Weather-Related Risks

We participate as a named insured in EPCO’s insurance program, which provides us with property damage, business interruption and other coverages, the scope and amounts of which are customary and sufficient for the nature and extent of our operations.  While we believe EPCO maintains adequate insurance coverage on our behalf, insurance will not cover every type of damage or interruption that might occur.  If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured, it could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  In addition, the proceeds of any such insurance may not be paid in a timely manner and may be insufficient to reimburse us for our repair costs or lost income. Any event that interrupts the revenues generated by our consolidated operations, or which causes us to make significant expenditures not covered by insurance, could reduce our ability to pay distributions to our partners and, accordingly, adversely affect the market price of our common units.

For windstorm events such as hurricanes and tropical storms, EPCO’s deductible for onshore physical damage is $10.0 million per storm.   For offshore assets, the windstorm deductible is $10.0 million per storm plus a one-time $15.0 million aggregate deductible per policy period.  For non-windstorm events, EPCO’s deductible for onshore and offshore physical damage is $5.0 million per occurrence.  In meeting the deductible amounts, property damage costs are aggregated for EPCO and its affiliates, including us.  Accordingly, our exposure with respect to the deductibles may be equal to or less than the stated amounts depending on whether other EPCO or affiliate assets are also affected by an event.

To qualify for business interruption coverage in connection with a windstorm event, covered assets must be out-of-service in excess of 60 days for onshore assets and 75 days for offshore assets.   To qualify for business interruption coverage in connection with a non-windstorm event, covered onshore and offshore assets must be out-of-service in excess of 60 days.

The following is a discussion of the general status of our insurance claims related to recent significant storm events. To the extent we include any estimate or range of estimates regarding the dollar value of damages, please be aware that a change in our estimates may occur as additional information becomes available.

Hurricane Ivan insurance claims.   During the year ended December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners did not receive any reimbursements from insurance carriers related to property damage claims associated with this storm.  During the year ended December 31, 2007 Enterprise Products Partners received cash reimbursements from insurance carriers totaling $1.3 million related to property damage claims.  If the final recovery of funds is different than the amount previously expended, Enterprise Products Partners will recognize an income impact at that time.

Enterprise Products Partners has submitted business interruption insurance claims for its estimated losses caused by Hurricane Ivan, which struck the eastern U.S. Gulf Coast region in September 2004.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners did not receive and proceeds from these claims.  During the year ended December 31, 2007, Enterprise Products Partners received $0.4 million of nonrefundable cash proceeds from such claims.  Enterprise Products Partners is continuing its efforts to collect residual balances from this storm.  To the extent Enterprise Products Partners receives nonrefundable cash proceeds from business interruption insurance claims, these proceeds are recorded as a gain in our Statements of Consolidated Operations in the period of receipt.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita insurance claims.  Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, both significant storms, affected certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ Gulf Coast assets in August and September of 2005, respectively.  With respect to these storms, Enterprise Products Partners has $30.5 million of estimated property damage claims outstanding at December 31, 2008, that it believes are probable of collection during the period 2009.  Enterprise Products Partners continues to pursue collection of its
 
 
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property damage claims related to these named storms.  As of December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had received all proceeds from its business interruption claims related to these storm events.

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike insurance claims. In the third quarter of 2008, Enterprise Products Partners’ onshore and offshore facilities located along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana were adversely impacted by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  To a lesser extent, these storms affected the operations of TEPPCO as well.  The disruptions in natural gas, NGL and crude oil production caused by these storms resulted in decreased volumes for some of Enterprise Products Partners’ pipeline systems, natural gas processing plants, NGL fractionators and offshore platforms, which, in turn, caused a decrease in operating income from these operations.  As a result of our allocated share of EPCO’s insurance deductibles for windstorm coverage, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO expensed $47.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of repair costs for property damage in connection with these two storms.  Enterprise Products Partners’ expects to file property damage insurance claims to the extent repair costs exceed deductible amounts.  Due to the recent nature of these storms, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO are still evaluating the total cost of repairs and the potential for business interruption claims on certain assets.

Proceeds from Business Interruption and Property Damage Claims

The following table summarizes proceeds Enterprise Products Partners received during the periods indicated from business interruption and property damage insurance claims with respect to certain named storms:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Business interruption proceeds:
                 
Hurricane Ivan
  $ --     $ 377     $ 17,382  
Hurricane Katrina
    501       19,005       24,500  
Hurricane Rita
    662       14,955       22,000  
Other
    --       996       --  
   Total proceeds
    1,163       35,333       63,882  
Property damage proceeds:
                       
Hurricane Ivan
    --       1,273       24,104  
Hurricane Katrina
    9,404       79,651       7,500  
Hurricane Rita
    2,678       24,105       3,000  
Other
    --       184       --  
   Total proceeds
    12,082       105,213       34,604  
      Total
  $ 13,245     $ 140,546     $ 98,486  

At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners has $39.0 million of estimated property damage claims outstanding related to these storms that we believe are probable of collection through 2009.  In February 2009, Enterprise Products Partners collected $20.8 million of the amounts outstanding.  To the extent we estimate the dollar value of such damages, please be aware that a change in our estimates may occur as additional information becomes available.

During 2008, we collected $0.2 million of business interruption proceeds that were not related to storm events.

Nature of Operations in Midstream Energy Industry

Our operations are within the midstream energy industry, which includes gathering, transporting, processing, fractionating and storing natural gas, NGLs, certain petrochemicals and crude oil.  We also market natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and other hydrocarbon products.  As such, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be affected by changes in the commodity prices of these hydrocarbon products, including changes in the relative price levels among these products (e.g., natural gas processing margins are influenced by the ratio of natural gas prices to crude oil prices).  The prices of hydrocarbon products are subject to fluctuation in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control.
 
 
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Our profitability could be impacted by a decline in the volume of hydrocarbon products transported, gathered, processed or stored at our facilities.  A material decrease in natural gas or crude oil production or crude oil refining, for reasons such as depressed commodity prices or a decrease in exploration and development activities, could result in a decline in the volume of natural gas, NGLs, LPGs, refined products and crude oil handled by our facilities.

A reduction in demand for natural gas, crude oil, NGL and other hydrocarbon products by the petrochemical, refining or heating industries, whether because of (i) general economic conditions, (ii) reduced demand by consumers for the end products made using such products, (iii) increased competition from other products due to pricing differences, (iv) adverse weather conditions, (v) government regulations affecting energy commodity prices, production levels of hydrocarbons or the content of motor gasoline or (vi) other reasons, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Credit Risk due to Industry Concentrations

 A substantial portion of our revenues are derived from companies in the domestic natural gas, NGL, crude oil and petrochemical industries.  This concentration could affect our overall exposure to credit risk since these customers may be affected by similar economic or other conditions.  We generally do not require collateral for our accounts receivable; however, we do attempt to negotiate offset, prepayment, or automatic debit agreements with customers that are deemed to be credit risks in order to minimize our potential exposure to any defaults.

Our consolidated revenues are derived from a wide customer base. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, our largest customer was Valero Energy Corporation and its affiliates, which accounted for 11.2%, 8.9% and 9.3%, respectively, of our consolidated revenues.

Enterprise Products Partners’ largest customer for 2008 was LyondellBassell Industries (“LBI”) and its affiliates, which accounted for 9.6% of Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated revenues for the year.  On January 6, 2009, LBI announced that its U.S. operations had voluntarily filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Enterprise Products Partners had approximately $17.3 million of credit exposure to LBI, which was reduced to approximately $10.0 million through remedies provided under certain pipeline tariffs.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners is seeking to have LBI accept certain contracts and have filed claims pursuant to current Bankruptcy Court Orders that Enterprise Products Partners expects will allow it to recover the majority of the remaining credit exposure.

Counterparty Risk with respect to Financial Instruments

In those situations where we are exposed to credit risk in our financial instrument transactions, we analyze the counterparty’s financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establish credit and/or margin limits and monitor the appropriateness of these limits on an ongoing basis.  Generally, we do not require collateral nor do we anticipate nonperformance by our counterparties.


Note 22.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information

We determine net cash flows provided by operating activities using the indirect method, which adjusts net income for items that did not affect cash.  Under GAAP, we use the accrual basis of accounting to determine net income.  This basis of accounting requires that we record revenue when earned and expenses when incurred.  Earned revenues may include credit sales that have not been collected in cash and expenses incurred that may not have been paid in cash.  The extent to which changes in operating accounts influence net cash flows provided by operating activities generally depends on the following:

§  
The timing of cash receipts from revenue transactions and cash payments for expense transactions near the end of each reporting period.  For example, if significant cash receipts are posted on the last day of the current reporting period, but subsequent payments on expense invoices are made on
 
 
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the first day of the next reporting period, net cash flows provided by operating activities will reflect an increase in the current reporting period that will be reduced as payments are made in the next period.  We employ prudent cash management practices and monitor our daily cash requirements to meet our ongoing liquidity needs.
 
§  
If commodity or other prices increase between reporting periods, changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued expenses may appear larger than in previous periods; however, overall levels of receivables and payables may still reflect normal ranges.  From a receivables standpoint, we monitor the amount of credit extended to customers.

§  
Additions to inventory for forward sales transactions or other reasons or increased expenditures for prepaid items would be reflected as a use of cash and reduce overall cash provided by operating activities in a given reporting period.  As these assets are charged to expense in subsequent periods, the expense amount is reflected as a positive change in operating accounts; however, there is no impact on operating cash flows.

In addition to the adjustments noted above, noncash charges in the income statement are added back to net income and noncash credits are deducted to compute net cash flows provided by operating activities.   Examples of noncash charges include depreciation and amortization.

The following table presents adjustments to operating account balances necessary to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities (i.e. the net effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities).  These amounts are not intended to represent the change in the underlying operating accounts during the periods presented.

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Decrease (increase) in:
                 
    Accounts and notes receivable – trade
  $ 1,333,867     $ (1,176,406 )   $ 97,753  
    Accounts receivable – related parties
    191       (179 )     2,558  
    Inventories
    14,923       (34,724 )     (110,448 )
    Prepaid and other current assets
    (26,268 )     32,634       25,261  
    Other assets
    (12,028 )     (2,128 )     (35,270 )
Increase (decrease) in:
                       
    Accounts payable – trade
    (7,166 )     42,506       17,805  
    Accounts payable – related parties
    3,351       (4,750 )     (6,961 )
    Accrued products payable
    (1,720,443 )     1,398,812       40,906  
    Accrued expenses
    4,606       126,463       (68,658 )
    Accrued interest
    13,930       56,597       22,779  
    Other current liabilities
    (26,659 )     20,376       64,452  
    Other liabilities
    7,072       (1,603 )     (5,901 )
Net effect of changes in operating accounts
  $ (414,624 )   $ 457,598     $ 44,276  
                         
Cash payments for interest, net of $90,701, $86,506 and
                       
    $66,341 capitalized in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively
  $ 643,037     $ 340,508     $ 310,199  
                         
Cash payments for federal and state income taxes
  $ 6,777     $ 5,760     $ 10,497  





 
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The following table presents the components of the line item titled “Other” on our Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the periods indicated.

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
  $ 1,596     $ 1,606     $ --  
Provision for impairment of long-lived assets
    --       --       88  
Effect of pension settlement recognition
    (114 )     589       --  
Unamortized debt issuance costs
    --       3,299       --  
Changes in value of financial instruments
    (926 )     3,307       94  
Total other non-cash
  $ 556     $ 8,801     $ 182  
 
Accounts payable related to construction-in-progress amounts were as follows at the dates indicated: $108.0 million, December 31, 2008; $98.0 million, December 31, 2007; and $204.6 million, December 31, 2006.  Such amounts are not included under the caption “Capital expenditures” on the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.

Third parties may be obligated to reimburse us for all or a portion of expenditures on certain of our capital projects.  The majority of such arrangements are associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ projects related to pipeline construction and production well tie-ins.  We received $27.3 million, $57.7 million and $60.5 million as contributions in aid of our construction costs during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The following table provides supplemental cash flow information regarding business combinations completed during the periods indicated.  See Note 13 for additional information regarding our business combination transactions.

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Fair value of assets acquired
  $ 855,363     $ 37,037     $ 493,005  
Less liabilities assumed
    (301,877 )     (1,244 )     (200,803 )
Net assets acquired
    553,486       35,793       292,202  
Less cash acquired
    --       --       --  
Cash used for business combinations
  $ 553,486     $ 35,793     $ 292,202  

In January 2008, TEPPCO incurred $8.7 million of interest expense upon redemption of its 7.51% TE Products Senior Notes.  Of the $8.7 million of expense, $6.6 million was a make-whole premium paid upon redemption of the senior notes and $2.1 million represented the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and deferred losses on related financial instruments.

In March 2007, TEPPCO sold its 49.5% ownership interest in MB Storage and its general partner and other assets to a third party for approximately $156.0 million in cash.  TEPPCO recognized a gain of approximately $73.0 million related to the sale of these equity interests and assets.

In July 2006, Enterprise Products Partners acquired the Encinal and Canales natural gas gathering systems and related gathering and processing contracts that comprised the South Texas natural gas transportation and processing business of an affiliate of Lewis.  The aggregate value of total consideration Enterprise Products Partners paid or issued to complete the Encinal acquisition was $326.3 million, which consisted of $145.2 million in cash and 7,115,844 of its common units.

 
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Note 23.  Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following table presents selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
 
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008:
                       
Revenues
  $ 8,506,358     $ 10,538,606     $ 10,499,136     $ 5,925,476  
Operating income
    479,609       468,802       410,033       416,643  
Income before change in accounting principle
    328,093       316,853       249,610       250,957  
Net income
    328,093       316,853       249,610       250,957  
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
    46,549       49,367       42,036       26,103  
Earnings per Unit before change in
                               
   accounting principle:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.38     $ 0.40     $ 0.34     $ 0.21  
Earnings per Unit:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.38     $ 0.40     $ 0.34     $ 0.21  
                                 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007:
                               
Revenues
  $ 5,340,275     $ 6,294,270     $ 6,721,724     $ 8,357,500  
Operating income
    281,855       286,047       280,312       345,611  
Income before change in accounting principle
    247,343       175,356       143,510       196,172  
Net income
    247,343       175,356       143,510       196,172  
Net income attributable to Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.
    53,453       21,504       12,277       21,787  
Earnings per Unit before change in
                               
   accounting principle:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.52     $ 0.21     $ 0.10     $ 0.18  
Earnings per Unit:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.52     $ 0.21     $ 0.10     $ 0.18  


Note 24.  Supplemental Parent Company Financial Information

In order to fully understand the financial position and results of operations of the Parent Company, we are providing the standalone financial information of Enterprise GP Holdings apart from that of our consolidated partnership financial information.

The Parent Company has no operations apart from its investing activities and indirectly overseeing the management of the entities controlled by it.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Parent Company had investments in Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO, Energy Transfer Equity and their respective general partners.  The Parent Company controls Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO through its ownership of EPGP and TEPPCO GP, respectively.  The Parent Company owns non-controlling partnership and membership interests in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP, respectively.

The Parent Company’s primary cash requirements are for general and administrative costs, debt service requirements and distributions to its partners.  The principal sources of cash flow for the Parent Company are the distributions it receives from its investments in Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO, Energy Transfer Equity and their respective general partners (including associated IDRs).  The amount of cash distributions the Parent Company is able to pay its unitholders may fluctuate based on the level of distributions it receives from its investments. For example, if EPO is not able to satisfy certain financial covenants in accordance with its credit agreements, Enterprise Products Partners would be restricted from making quarterly cash distributions to its partners, which includes the Parent Company.

Factors such as capital contributions, debt service requirements, general and administrative costs, reserves for future distributions and other cash reserves established by the Board of EPE Holdings may affect the distributions the Parent Company makes to its unitholders. The Parent Company’s credit facility
 
 
154

 
contains covenants requiring it to maintain certain financial ratios.  Also, the Parent Company is prohibited from making any distribution to its unitholders if such distribution would cause an event of default or otherwise violate a covenant under its credit facility.

The Parent Company’s assets and liabilities are not available to satisfy the debts and other obligations of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO, Energy Transfer Equity or their respective general partners.  Conversely, the assets and liabilities of these entities are not available to satisfy the debts and obligations of the Parent Company.

Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP

At December 31, 2008, the Parent Company owned 13,670,925 common units of Enterprise Products Partners and 100% of the membership interests of EPGP, which is entitled to 2% of the cash distributions paid by Enterprise Products Partners as well as the IDRs of Enterprise Products Partners.

EPGP’s percentage interest in Enterprise Products Partners’ quarterly cash distributions is increased through its ownership of the associated IDRs, after certain specified target levels of distribution rates are met by Enterprise Products Partners. EPGP’s quarterly general partner and associated incentive distribution thresholds are as follows:

§  
2.0% of quarterly cash distributions up to $0.253 per unit paid by Enterprise Products Partners;

§  
15.0% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.253 per unit up to $0.3085 per unit paid by Enterprise Products Partners; and

§  
25.0% of quarterly cash distributions that exceed $0.3085 per unit paid by Enterprise Products Partners.

The following table summarizes the distributions received by EPGP from Enterprise Products Partners for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
From 2% general partner interest
  $ 18,218     $ 16,944     $ 15,096  
From incentive distribution rights
    125,912       107,421       86,710  
Total
  $ 144,130     $ 124,365     $ 101,806  

TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP

Private company affiliates of EPCO (DFI and DFIGP) contributed equity interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP to the Parent Company in May 2007.  As a result of such contributions, the Parent Company owns 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO and 100% of the membership interests of TEPPCO GP, which is entitled to 2% of the cash distributions of TEPPCO as well as the IDRs of TEPPCO.  The Parent Company issued 14,173,304 Class B Units and 16,000,000 Class C Units to DFI and DFI GP as consideration for these contributions.  In July 2007, all of the outstanding 14,173,304 Class B Units were converted into Units on a one-to-one basis.   The Class C Units were converted to Units on February 1, 2009 on a one-to-one basis. See Note 16 for information regarding the Class B and Class C Units.



 
155

 

The contributions of ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP were accounted for at historical costs as a reorganization of entities under common control in a manner similar to a pooling of interests.  The following table presents the carryover basis values recorded by the Parent Company at the date of contribution:

4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO
  $ 148,098  
100% membership interest in TEPPCO (including associated IDRs)
    591,636  
Carryover basis recorded by the Parent Company
  $ 739,734  

The inclusion of TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP in the Parent Company’s financial statements was effective January 1, 2005 because an affiliate of EPCO under common control with the Parent Company originally acquired ownership interests in TEPPCO GP in February 2005.  The Parent Company’s financial statements reflect investments in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP as follows:

§  
Ownership of 100% of the membership interests in TEPPCO GP and associated TEPPCO IDRs for all periods presented.  TEPPCO GP is entitled to 2% of the quarterly cash distributions paid by TEPPCO and its percentage interest in TEPPCO’s quarterly cash distributions is increased through its ownership of the associated TEPPCO IDRs, after certain specified target levels of distribution rates are met by TEPPCO.  Currently, TEPPCO GP’s quarterly general partner and associated incentive distribution thresholds are as follows:

§  
2.0% of quarterly cash distributions up to $0.275 per unit paid by TEPPCO;

§  
15.0% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.275 per unit up to $0.325 per unit paid by TEPPCO; and

§  
25.0% of quarterly cash distributions that exceed $0.325 per unit paid by TEPPCO.

Prior to December 2006, TEPPCO GP was entitled to 50% of any quarterly cash distributions paid by TEPPCO that exceeded $0.45 per unit.  This distribution tier was eliminated by TEPPCO as part of an amendment to its partnership agreement in December 2006 in exchange for the issuance of 14,091,275 common units of TEPPCO to TEPPCO GP, which were subsequently distributed to affiliates of EPCO.

The economic benefit of the TEPPCO IDRs for periods prior to December 2006 is equal to: (i) the benefit that would have been received by the Parent Company at the current (i.e. post-December 2006) 25.0% maximum threshold assuming historical distribution rates plus (ii) an incremental amount of benefit that would have been received from 4,400,000 of the 14,091,275 common units issued by TEPPCO in December 2006 in connection with the conversion of TEPPCO IDRs in excess of the 25.0% threshold.  DFI and DFIGP retain the economic benefit of TEPPCO IDRs associated with the remaining 9,691,275 common units issued by TEPPCO in December 2006.  After December 2006, our net income reflects current TEPPCO IDRs (i.e., capped at the 25.0% maximum threshold).

The following table summarizes the distributions received by TEPPCO GP from TEPPCO for theperiods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
From 2% general partner interest
  $ 5,573     $ 5,023     $ 4,014  
From incentive distribution rights
    49,353       43,210       53,946  
Total
  $ 54,926     $ 48,233     $ 57,960  

§  
Ownership of 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO since the date of issuance to affiliates of EPCO in December 2006.
 
 
156

 
Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP

 On May 7, 2007, the Parent Company acquired 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity and approximately 34.9% of the membership interests in LE GP for $1.65 billion in cash.  On January 22, 2009, the Parent Company acquired an additional 5.7% membership interest in LE GP for $0.8 million, which increased our total ownership in LE GP to 40.6%.

LE GP owns a 0.31% general partner interest in Energy Transfer Equity, which general partner interest has no associated IDRs in the quarterly cash distributions of Energy Transfer Equity.  The business purpose of LE GP is to manage the affairs and operations of Energy Transfer Equity.  LE GP has no separate business activities outside of those conducted by Energy Transfer Equity.

Energy Transfer Equity is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in 2002 that completed its initial public offering in February 2006.  Energy Transfer Equity’s only cash generating assets are its direct and indirect investments in limited partner interests of ETP and membership interests in ETP’s general partner.  Energy Transfer Equity owns common units of ETP and the general partner of ETP, which is entitled to 2% of the quarterly cash distributions of ETP as well as the associated ETP IDRs.  Currently, the general partner of ETP receives quarterly cash distributions from ETP representing the general partner share and associated ETP IDRs as follows:

§  
2.0% of quarterly cash distributions up to $0.275 per unit paid by ETP;

§  
15.0% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.275 per unit up to $0.3175 per unit paid by ETP;

§  
25.0% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.3175 per unit up to $0.4125 per unit paid by ETP; and

§  
50.0% of quarterly cash distributions that exceed $0.4125 per unit paid by ETP.

For the year ended December 31, 2008, Energy Transfer Equity received $546.2 million in cash distributions from ETP, which consisted of $236.3 million from limited partner interests, $17.9 million from its general partner interest and $305.1 million in distributions from the ETP IDRs. Energy Transfer Equity, in turn, paid $435.9 million in distributions to its partners with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008.


















 
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Parent Company Cash Flow Information

The following table presents the Parent Company’s cash flow information for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,992  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                       
    flows provided by operating activities:
                       
   Amortization
    1,330       9,723       365  
   Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
    (238,777 )     (187,540 )     (145,587 )
   Cash distributions from investees
    313,506       237,595       182,008  
   Change in accounting principle
    --       --       (18 )
   Net effect of changes in operating  accounts
    (5,342 )     15,874       (4,637 )
         Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    234,772       184,673       166,123  
Investing activities:
                       
Investments
    (7,735 )     (1,650,827 )     (18,920 )
         Cash used in investing activities
    (7,735 )     (1,650,827 )     (18,920 )
Financing activities:
                       
Borrowings under debt agreements
    67,615       3,787,000       41,000  
Repayments of debt
    (80,615 )     (2,852,000 )     (20,500 )
Debt issuance costs
    (58 )     (18,629 )     (1,019 )
Cash distributions paid by Parent Company
    (213,143 )     (159,042 )     (108,449 )
Proceeds from issuance of Parent Company’s Units, net
    --       739,458       --  
Cash distributions paid by former owners of TEPPCO interests
    --       (29,760 )     (57,960 )
Contribution from partners
    24       --       --  
        Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (226,177 )     1,467,027       (146,928 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    860       873       275  
Cash and cash equivalents, January 1
    1,656       783       508  
Cash and cash equivalents, December 31
  $ 2,516     $ 1,656     $ 783  

Equity earnings represent the Parent Company’s share of the total net income of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO, Energy Transfer Equity and their respective general partners.  The amounts the Parent Company records as equity earnings differs from the cash distributions it receives since net income includes non-cash amounts such as depreciation and amortization expense.  In addition, cash distributions may also be impacted by the maintenance of cash reserves by each underlying entity and other provisions.

In August 2007, the Parent Company executed its $1.20 billion August 2007 Credit Agreement, which refinanced amounts due under a short-term interim credit facility used to finance the acquisition of equity interests in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP in May 2007.  In November 2007, the Parent Company executed its $850.0 million Term Loan B, the net proceeds of which were used to refinance a short-term obligation under the August 2007 Credit Agreement.  See Note 15 for additional information regarding the Parent Company’s debt obligations.






 
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The following table details the components of cash distributions received from investees and cash distributions paid by the Parent Company for the periods indicated:

   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash distributions from investees: (1)
                 
   Investment in Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP:
                 
      From common units of Enterprise Products Partners (2)
  $ 27,514     $ 25,766     $ 24,150  
      From 2% general partner interest in Enterprise Products Partners
    18,219       16,944       15,096  
      From general partner IDRs in distributions of
                       
          Enterprise Products Partners
    123,855       104,652       84,802  
   Investment in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP:
                       
      From 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO
    12,496       12,056       10,869  
      From 2% general partner interest in TEPPCO
    5,573       5,023       4,014  
      From general partner IDRs in distributions of  TEPPCO
    49,353       43,210       43,077  
  Investment in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP: (3)
                       
      From 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity
    76,004       29,720       --  
      From 34.9% member interest in LE GP
    492       224       --  
          Total cash distributions received
  $ 313,506     $ 237,595     $ 182,008  
                         
Distributions by the Parent Company:
                       
    EPCO and affiliates
  $ 158,947     $ 125,875     $ 93,910  
    Public
    54,175       33,153       14,528  
    General partner interest
    21       14       11  
          Total distributions by the Parent Company (4)
  $ 213,143     $ 159,042     $ 108,449  
                         
Distributions paid to affiliates of EPCO that were the former
                       
   owners of the TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP interests contributed
                       
   to the Parent Company in May 2007 (5)
  $ --     $ 29,760     $ 57,960  
                         
(1)   Represents cash distributions received during each reporting period.
(2)   Prior to November 2008, the Parent Company owned 13,454,498 common units of Enterprise Products Partners. In November 2008, the Parent Company used $5.0 million in distributions received from Enterprise Products Partners with respect to the third quarter of 2008 to purchase an additional 216,427 common units. As of December 31, 2008, the Parent Company owned 13,670,925 common units of Enterprise Products Partners.
(3)   The Parent Company received its first cash distribution from Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP in July 2007.
(4)   The quarterly cash distributions paid by the Parent Company increased effective with the August 2007 distribution due to the issuance of 20,134,220 Units in July 2007. See Note 16 for information regarding this equity offering.
(5)   Represents cash distributions paid to affiliates of EPCO that were former owners of these partnership and membership interests prior to the contribution of such interests to the Parent Company in May 2007.
 


















 
159

 

Parent Company Balance Sheet Information

The following table presents the Parent Company’s balance sheet information at the dates indicated:

   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
  $ 4,649     $ 6,444  
Investments:
               
   Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP
    829,145       823,168  
   TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP
    708,535       734,891  
   Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP
    1,564,025       1,619,097  
      Total investments
    3,101,705       3,177,156  
Other assets
    8,163       9,974  
      Total assets
  $ 3,114,517     $ 3,193,574  
                 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
  $ 23,185     $ 20,208  
Long-term debt (see Note 15)
    1,077,000       1,090,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    13,242       9,967  
Partners’ equity
    2,001,090       2,073,399  
      Total liabilities and partners’ equity
  $ 3,114,517     $ 3,193,574  

To the extent that the Parent Company’s investments in Enterprise Products Partners, EPGP, TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP are equal to the underlying capital accounts of the Parent Company in each entity, the investment balances are eliminated in the process of preparing our general purpose consolidated financial statements.

At December 31, 2008, the Parent Company’s aggregate investment in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP included $809.8 million of excess cost amounts consisting of $606.9 million attributed to IDRs (an indefinite-life intangible asset), $197.6 million of goodwill, $0.4 million of customer relations for intangible assets and $4.9 million attributed to fixed assets.  These excess cost amounts have been reclassified to the appropriate balance sheet line items in preparing our general purpose consolidated financial statements.  See Note 14 for additional information regarding the intangible assets and goodwill amounts we recorded in connection with the receipt of the TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP interests in May 2007.

Long-term debt represents amounts borrowed under the Parent Company’s credit facility (see Note 15).   Debt principal outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007 includes $1.1 billion borrowed in connection with the acquisition of ownership interests in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP (see Note 15).












 
160

 

Parent Company Income Information

The following table presents the Parent Company’s income information for the periods indicated:

                   
   
For Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Equity earnings:
                 
   Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP
  $ 167,767     $ 128,471     $ 111,093  
   TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP
    39,712       55,974       34,494  
   Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP
    31,298       3,095       --  
      Total equity earnings
    238,777       187,540       145,587  
General and administrative costs
    7,283       4,299       2,116  
Operating income
    231,494       183,241       143,471  
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest expense
    (67,495 )     (74,432 )     (9,547 )
Interest income
    57       212       50  
      Total
    (67,438 )     (74,220 )     (9,497 )
Provision for income tax
    (1 )     --       --  
Income before cumulative effect of change
                       
   in accounting principle
    164,055       109,021       133,974  
Cumulative effect of change in
                       
   accounting principle
    --       --       18  
Net income
  $ 164,055     $ 109,021     $ 133,992  





























 
161

 

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

Exhibit Number
Exhibit
12.1
Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the five years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004.

ENTERPRISE GP HOLDINGS L.P.
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Dollars in thousands)

     
Year Ended December 31,
 
     
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Consolidated net income
  $ 1,145,513     $ 762,381     $ 772,577     $ 561,153     $ 259,385  
Add:
Provision for income taxes
    31,019       15,813       21,974       8,363       3,761  
Less:
Equity in income of unconsolidated
                                       
 
   affiliates
    (66,161 )     (13,603 )     (25,213 )     (34,641 )     (52,787 )
Consolidated pre-tax income before equity in
                                       
   income of unconsolidated affiliates
    1,110,371       764,591       769,338       534,875       210,359  
Add:
Fixed charges
    717,855       594,378       421,732       363,974       174,312  
 
Amortization of capitalized interest
    13,399       11,596       9,779       2,048       974  
 
Distributed income of equity investees
    157,211       116,930       76,515       93,143       68,027  
 
    Subtotal
    1,998,836       1,487,495       1,277,364       994,040       453,672  
Less:
Interest capitalized
    (90,700 )     (86,506 )     (66,341 )     (28,805 )     (2,766 )
 
Noncontrolling interest in income of
                                       
 
   subsidiaries with no fixed charges
    (22,880 )     (14,782 )     (4,001 )     (4,458 )     (6,586 )
 
    Total earnings
  $ 1,885,256     $ 1,386,207     $ 1,207,022     $ 960,777     $ 444,320  
                                           
Fixed charges:
                                       
 
Interest expense
  $ 608,223     $ 487,419     $ 333,742     $ 315,556     $ 161,589  
 
Capitalized interest
    90,700       86,506       66,341       28,805       2,766  
 
Interest portion of rental expense
    18,932       20,453       21,649       19,613       9,957  
 
    Total
  $ 717,855     $ 594,378     $ 421,732     $ 363,974     $ 174,312  
                                           
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
    2.63x       2.33x       2.86x       2.64x       2.55x  
                                           

These computations take into account our consolidated operations and the distributed income from our equity method investees.   For purposes of these calculations, “earnings” is the amount resulting from adding and subtracting the following items.

Add the following, as applicable:
§  
consolidated pre-tax income before income or loss from equity investees;
§  
fixed charges;
§  
amortization of capitalized interest;
§  
distributed income of equity investees; and
§  
our share of pre-tax losses of equity investees for which charges arising from guarantees are included in fixed charges.

From the total of the added items, subtract the following, as applicable:
§  
interest capitalized;
§  
preference security dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries; and
§  
noncontrolling interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges.

The term “fixed charges” means the sum of the following: interest expensed and capitalized; amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness; an estimate of interest within rental expenses; and preference security dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries.

 
162

 

exhibit99_2.htm
 
EXHIBIT 99.2
















EPE HOLDINGS, LLC

Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008
and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 

EPE HOLDINGS, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS


   
Page No.
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
2
   
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008
3
     
Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
 
Note 1 – Company Organization and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
4
 
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
6
 
Note 3 – Recent Accounting Developments
12
 
Note 4 – Business Segments
14
 
Note 5 – Accounting for Equity Awards
16
 
Note 6 – Employee Benefit Plans
25
 
Note 7 – Financial Instruments
26
 
Note 8 – Inventories
33
 
Note 9 – Property, Plant and Equipment
34
 
Note 10 – Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates
36
 
Note 11 – Business Combinations
41
 
Note 12 – Intangible Assets and Goodwill
42
 
Note 13 – Debt Obligations
46
 
Note 14 – Equity
58
 
Note 15 – Related Party Transactions
59
 
Note 16 – Income Taxes
64
 
Note 17 – Commitments and Contingencies
65
 
Note 18 – Significant Risks and Uncertainties
72



























 
1

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors of EPE Holdings, LLC
Houston, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of EPE Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2008.  This consolidated financial statement is the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this consolidated financial statement based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated balance sheet presentation.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated balance sheet presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated balance sheet, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet has been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of FASB Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51”   (“SFAS 160”).


/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
March 2, 2009
(July 6, 2009 as to the effects of the adoption of SFAS 160 and the related disclosures in Notes 1 and 3)

















 
2

 

EPE HOLDINGS, LLC
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AT DECEMBER 31, 2008
(Dollars in thousands)

ASSETS
     
Current assets:
     
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 56,856  
Restricted Cash
    203,789  
Accounts and notes receivable – trade, net of allowance for doubtful
       
accounts of $17,682
    2,028,458  
Accounts receivable – related parties
    172  
Inventories
    405,005  
Derivative assets
    218,537  
Prepaid and other current assets
    151,521  
 
Total current assets
    3,064,338  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    16,723,400  
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates
    2,510,702  
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $674,861
    1,789,047  
Goodwill
      1,013,917  
Deferred tax assets
    355  
Other assets
    269,605  
 
Total assets
  $ 25,371,364  
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
       
Current liabilities:
       
Accounts payable – trade
  $ 381,617  
Accounts payable – related parties
    17,584  
Accrued product payables
    1,845,568  
Accrued expenses
    65,683  
Accrued interest
    197,431  
Derivative liabilities
    316,164  
Other current liabilities
    292,233  
 
Total current liabilities
    3,116,280  
Long-term debt (see Note 13)
    12,714,928  
Deferred tax liabilities
    66,069  
Other long-term liabilities
    123,946  
Commitments and contingencies
       
Equity: (see Note 14)
       
EPE Holdings, LLC member’s equity:
       
Member’s interest
    (161 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (5 )
 
Total EPE Holdings, LLC member’s equity
    (166 )
Noncontrolling interest
    9,350,307  
 
Total equity
    9,350,141  
 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 25,371,364  






See Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheet

 
3

 

EPE HOLDINGS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AT DECEMBER 31, 2008

Except as noted within the context of each footnote disclosure, the dollar amounts presented in the tabular data within these footnote disclosures are stated in thousands of dollars.

Note 1.  Company Organization and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

EPE Holdings, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed in April 2005 to become the general partner of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.  The business purpose of EPE Holdings, LLC is to manage the affairs and operations of Enterprise GP Holdings L.P.  At December 31, 2008, Dan Duncan LLC owned 100% of the membership interests of EPE Holdings, LLC.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our” or “EPE Holdings, LLC” are intended to mean and include the business and operations of EPE Holdings, LLC, as well as its consolidated subsidiaries, which include Enterprise GP Holdings L.P. (“Enterprise GP Holdings”) and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Enterprise Products GP, LLC, Enterprise Products Partners L.P., Enterprise Products Operating LLC, Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Company, LLC, and TEPPCO Partners, L.P. and their respective consolidated subsidiaries are consolidated subsidiaries of Enterprise GP Holdings.  References to “EPE Holdings” are intended to mean EPE Holdings, LLC, individually, and not on a consolidated basis.

Enterprise GP Holdings is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the limited partnership interests of which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “EPE.”  The business of Enterprise GP Holdings is the ownership of general and limited partner interests of publicly traded partnerships engaged in the midstream energy industry and related businesses. EPE Holdings’ general partner interest in Enterprise GP Holdings is fixed without any requirement for capital contributions in connection with additional unit issuances by Enterprise GP Holdings.

References to “Enterprise Products Partners” mean Enterprise Products Partners L.P., the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “EPD.”  Enterprise Products Partners has no business activities outside those conducted by its operating subsidiary, Enterprise Products Operating LLC (“EPO”).  References to “EPGP” refer to Enterprise Products GP, LLC, which is the general partner of Enterprise Products Partners.  EPGP is owned by Enterprise GP Holdings.

References to “Duncan Energy Partners” mean Duncan Energy Partners L.P., which is a consolidated subsidiary of EPO.  Duncan Energy Partners is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “DEP.”  References to “DEP GP” mean DEP Holdings, LLC, which is the general partner of Duncan Energy Partners.

References to “TEPPCO” mean TEPPCO Partners, L.P., the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “TPP.”  References to “TEPPCO GP” refer to Texas Eastern Products Pipeline Company, LLC, which is the general partner of TEPPCO.  TEPPCO GP is owned by Enterprise GP Holdings.

References to “Energy Transfer Equity” mean the business and operations of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which includes Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (“ETP”).  Energy Transfer Equity is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the common units of which are listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “ETE.” The general partner of Energy Transfer Equity is LE GP, LLC (“LE GP”).  Enterprise GP Holdings has non-controlling interests in both Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP that it accounts for using the equity method of accounting.

References to “Employee Partnerships” mean EPE Unit L.P. (“EPE Unit I”), EPE Unit II, L.P. (“EPE Unit II”), EPE Unit III, L.P. (“EPE Unit III”), Enterprise Unit L.P. (“Enterprise Unit”), EPCO Unit

 
4

 

L.P. (“EPCO Unit”), TEPPCO Unit L.P. (“TEPPCO Unit I”), and TEPPCO Unit II L.P. (“TEPPCO Unit II”), collectively, all of which are private company affiliates of EPCO, Inc.

References to “EPCO” mean EPCO, Inc. and its private company affiliates, which are related party affiliates to all of the foregoing named entities.  Mr. Duncan is the Group Co-Chairman and controlling shareholder of EPCO.

References to “DFI” mean Duncan Family Interests, Inc. and “DFIGP” mean DFI GP Holdings, L.P.  DFI and DFIGP are private company affiliates of EPCO.  Enterprise GP Holdings acquired its ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP from DFI and DFIGP.

EPE Holdings, Enterprise GP Holdings, Enterprise Products Partners, EPGP, TEPPCO, TEPPCO GP, the Employee Partnerships, EPCO, DFI and DFIGP are affiliates under common control of Mr. Duncan.  We do not control Energy Transfer Equity or LE GP.

Basis of Presentation

Since EPE Holdings exercises control over Enterprise GP Holdings, EPE Holdings consolidates its balance sheet with that of Enterprise GP Holdings.  EPE Holdings owns a 0.01% general partner interest in Enterprise GP Holdings, which conducts substantially all of EPE Holdings’ business.  EPE Holdings has no independent operations and no material assets outside those of Enterprise GP Holdings.

The number of reconciling items between our consolidated balance sheet and that of Enterprise GP Holdings are few.  The most significant reconciling item is that relating to noncontrolling interest in our net assets by the limited partners of Enterprise GP Holdings and the elimination of our investment in Enterprise GP Holdings with our underlying partner’s capital account in Enterprise GP Holdings.  See Note 2 for additional details regarding noncontrolling interest ownership in our consolidated subsidiaries.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment to ARB No. 51.  SFAS 160 established accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests, which were previously identified as minority interest in our consolidated balance sheet.  The presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160 have been applied retrospectively to the consolidated balance sheet and notes included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Presentation of Investments. At December 31, 2008, Enterprise GP Holdings owned 13,670,925 common units of Enterprise Products Partners and 100% of the membership interests of EPGP, which is entitled to 2.0% of the cash distributions paid by Enterprise Products Partners as well as the associated incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) of Enterprise Products Partners.

Private company affiliates of EPCO (DFI and DFIGP) contributed equity interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP to Enterprise GP Holdings in May 2007. As a result of such contributions, Enterprise GP Holdings owns 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO and 100.0% of the membership interests of TEPPCO GP, which is entitled to 2.0% of the cash distributions of TEPPCO as well as the IDRs of TEPPCO.  The contributions of ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP were accounted for at historical costs as a reorganization of entities under common control in a manner similar to a pooling of interests.  The inclusion of TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP in our financial statements was effective January 1, 2005 because an affiliate of EPCO under common control with Enterprise GP Holdings originally acquired the ownership interests of TEPPCO GP in February 2005.

In May 2007, Enterprise GP Holdings acquired 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity and approximately 34.9% of the membership interests of its general partner, LE GP, for $1.65 billion in cash.  Energy Transfer Equity owns limited partner interests and the general partner interest of ETP.  We account for our investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP using the equity method of accounting.  See Note 10 for additional information regarding these unconsolidated affiliates.

 
5

 

Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on specific identification and estimates of future uncollectible accounts.  Our procedure for determining the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on (i) historical experience with customers, (ii) the perceived financial stability of customers based on our research, and (iii) the levels of credit we grant to customers.  In addition, we may increase the allowance account in response to the specific identification of customers involved in bankruptcy proceedings and similar financial difficulties.  On a routine basis, we review estimates associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts to ensure that we have recorded sufficient reserves to cover potential losses.  Our allowance also includes estimates for uncollectible natural gas imbalances based on specific identification of accounts.  The following table presents the activity of our allowance for doubtful accounts for the year ended December 31, 2008:

Balance at beginning of period
  $ 21,784  
Charges to expense
    3,532  
Deductions
    (7,634 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 17,682  

See “Credit Risk Due to Industry Concentrations” in Note 18 for more information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents represent unrestricted cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months from the date of purchase.

Consolidation Policy

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet includes our accounts and those of our majority-owned subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial or equity interest, after the elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.  We evaluate our financial interests in companies to determine if they represent variable interest entities where we are the primary beneficiary.  If such criteria are met, we consolidate the financial statements of such businesses with those of our own.

If an investee is organized as a limited partnership or limited liability company and maintains separate ownership accounts, we account for our investment using the equity method if our ownership interest is between 3.0% and 50.0% and we exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies.  For all other types of investments, we apply the equity method of accounting if our ownership interest is between 20.0% and 50.0% and we exercise significant influence over the investee’s operating and financial policies.  In consolidation, we eliminate our proportionate share of profits and losses from transactions with equity method unconsolidated affiliates to the extent such amounts are material and remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheet (or those of our equity method investees) in inventory or similar accounts.

If our ownership interest in an investee does not provide us with either control or significant influence over the investee, we account for the investment using the cost method.  We currently have no investments accounted for using the cost method.

See “Basis of Presentation” under Note 1 for information regarding our consolidation of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and their respective general partners.

Contingencies

Certain conditions may exist as of the date our balance sheet is issued, which may result in a loss to us but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur.  Our

 
6

 

management and its legal counsel assess such contingent liabilities, and such assessments inherently involve an exercise in judgment.  In assessing loss contingencies related to legal proceedings that are pending against us or unasserted claims that may result in proceedings, our management and legal counsel evaluate the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

If the assessment of a contingency indicates that it is probable that a material loss has been incurred and the amount of liability can be estimated, then the estimated liability would be accrued in our balance sheet.  If the assessment indicates that a potentially material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss (if determinable and material), is disclosed.

Loss contingencies considered remote are generally not disclosed unless they involve guarantees, in which case the guarantees would be disclosed.

Current Assets and Current Liabilities

We present, as individual captions in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, all components of current assets and current liabilities that exceed 5.0% of total current assets and liabilities, respectively.

Deferred Revenues

Amounts billed in advance of the period in which the service is rendered or product delivered are recorded as deferred revenue.   At December 31, 2008 deferred revenues totaled $118.5 million and were recorded as a component of other current and long-term liabilities, as appropriate, on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Employee Benefit Plans

SFAS 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of SFAS 87, 88, 106, and 132(R), requires businesses to record the over-funded or under-funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability at a measurement date and to recognize annual changes in the funded status of each plan through other comprehensive income (loss).  

Our consolidated results reflect immaterial amounts related to active and terminated employee benefit plans.  See Note 6 for additional information regarding our current employee benefit plans.

Environmental Costs

Environmental costs for remediation are accrued based on estimates of known remediation requirements.  Such accruals are based on management’s best estimate of the ultimate cost to remediate a site and are adjusted as further information and circumstances develop.  Those estimates may change substantially depending on information about the nature and extent of contamination, appropriate remediation technologies and regulatory approvals.  Expenditures to mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized.  Ongoing environmental compliance costs are charged to expense as incurred.  In accruing for environmental remediation liabilities, costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation are not discounted to their present value, unless the amount and timing of the expenditures are fixed or reliably determinable.  At December 31, 2008, none of our estimated environmental remediation liabilities are discounted to present value since the ultimate amount and timing of cash payments for such liabilities are not readily determinable.

At December 31, 2008, our accrued liabilities for environmental remediation projects totaled $22.3 million.  This amount was derived from a range of reasonable estimates based upon studies and site surveys.  Unanticipated changes in circumstances and/or legal requirements could result in expenses being incurred in future periods in addition to an increase in actual cash required to remediate contamination for

 
7

 

which we are responsible.  The majority of these amounts relate to reserves established by Enterprise Products Partners for remediation activities involving mercury gas meters.

The following table presents the activity of our environmental reserves for the year ended December 31, 2008:

Balance at beginning of period
  $ 30,461  
Charges to expense
    5,886  
Acquisition-related additions and other
    --  
Deductions and other
    (14,049 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 22,298  

Equity Awards

See Note 5 for additional information regarding our equity awards.

Estimates

Preparing our Consolidated Balance Sheet in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts presented in the financial statements (i.e. assets and liabilities) and disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities.  Our actual results could differ from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

Enterprise Products Partners revised the remaining useful lives of certain assets, most notably the assets that constitute its Texas Intrastate System, effective January 1, 2008.  This revision adjusted the remaining useful life of such assets to incorporate recent data showing that proved natural gas reserves supporting throughput and processing volumes for these assets have changed since our original determination made in September 2004.  These revisions will prospectively reduce our depreciation expense on assets having carrying values totaling $2.72 billion at January 1, 2008.  For additional information regarding this change in estimate, see Note 9.

Exchange Contracts

Exchanges are contractual agreements for the movements of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and certain petrochemical products between parties to satisfy timing and logistical needs of the parties.  Net exchange volumes borrowed from us under such agreements are valued at market-based prices and included in accounts receivable, and net exchange volumes loaned to us under such agreements are valued at market-based prices and accrued as a liability in accrued product payables.

Receivables and payables arising from exchange transactions are settled with movements of products rather than with cash.  When payment or receipt of monetary consideration is required for product differentials and service costs, such items are recognized in our consolidated financial statements on a net basis.

Financial Instruments

We use financial instruments such as swaps, forwards and other contracts to manage price risks associated with inventories, firm commitments, interest rates, foreign currency and certain anticipated transactions.  We recognize these transactions as assets or liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet based on the instrument’s fair value.  Fair value is generally defined as the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, not in a forced or liquidation sale.

Changes in fair value of financial instrument contracts are recognized in earnings in the current period (i.e., using mark-to-market accounting) unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  If the

 
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financial instrument meets the criteria of a fair value hedge, gains and losses incurred on the instrument will be recorded in earnings to offset corresponding losses and gains on the hedged item.  If the financial instrument meets the criteria of a cash flow hedge, gains and losses incurred on the instrument are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is generally referred to as “AOCI.”  Gains and losses on cash flow hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings when the forecasted transaction occurs or, as appropriate, over the economic life of the hedged item.  A contract designated as a hedge of an anticipated transaction that is no longer likely to occur is immediately recognized in earnings.

To qualify for hedge accounting, the item to be hedged must expose us to risk and the related hedging instrument must reduce the exposure and meet the hedging requirements of SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (as amended and interpreted).  We formally designate the financial instrument as a hedge and document and assess the effectiveness of the hedge at its inception and thereafter on a quarterly basis.  Any hedge ineffectiveness is immediately recognized in earnings.  See Note 7 for additional information regarding our financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Translation

Enterprise Products Partners owns an NGL marketing business located in Canada.  The financial statements of this foreign subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars from the Canadian dollar, which is the subsidiary’s functional currency, using the current rate method.  Its assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange during the reporting period.  Exchange gains and losses arising from foreign currency translation adjustments are reflected as separate components of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Our net cash flows from this Canadian subsidiary may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  See Note 7 for information regarding our hedging of currency risk.

Impairment Testing for Goodwill

Our goodwill amounts are assessed for impairment (i) on a routine annual basis or (ii) when impairment indicators are present.  If such indicators occur (e.g., the loss of a significant customer, economic obsolescence of plant assets, etc.), the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned is determined and compared to its book value.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its book value including associated goodwill amounts, the goodwill is considered to be unimpaired and no impairment charge is required.  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its book value including associated goodwill amounts, a charge to earnings is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the goodwill to its implied fair value.  See Note 12 for additional information regarding our goodwill.

Impairment Testing for Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are subject to periodic testing for recoverability in a manner similar to goodwill.  We test the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value.  This test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  If the estimated fair value of this intangible asset is less than its carrying value, a charge to earnings is required to reduce the asset’s carrying value to its implied fair value.

At December 31, 2008, Enterprise GP Holdings had an indefinite-life intangible asset valued at $606.9 million associated with IDRs in TEPPCO’s quarterly cash distributions.  Our estimate of the fair value of this asset is based on a number of assumptions including:  (i) the discount rate we select to present value underlying cash flow streams; (ii) the expected increase in TEPPCO’s cash distribution rate over a discreet forecast period; and (iii) the long-term growth rate of TEPPCO’s cash distributions beyond the discreet forecast period.  The financial models we use to estimate the fair value of the IDRs are sensitive to changes in these assumptions.  Consequently, a significant change in any of these underlying assumptions may result in our recording an impairment charge where none was warranted in prior periods.

 
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Impairment Testing for Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite useful lives and property, plant and equipment) are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

Long-lived assets with carrying values that are not expected to be recovered through future cash flows are written-down to their estimated fair values in accordance with SFAS 144.  The carrying value of a long-lived asset is deemed not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If the asset carrying value exceeds the sum of its undiscounted cash flows, a non-cash asset impairment charge equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value is recorded.  Fair value is defined as the amount at which an asset or liability could be bought or settled in an arm’s-length transaction.  We measure fair value using market price indicators or, in the absence of such data, appropriate valuation techniques.

Impairment Testing for Unconsolidated Affiliates

We evaluate our equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that there is a loss in value of the investment attributable to an other than temporary decline.  Examples of such events or changes in circumstances include continuing operating losses of the investee or long-term negative changes in the investee’s industry.  In the event we determine that the loss in value of an investment is other than a temporary decline, we record a charge to earnings to adjust the carrying value of the investment to its estimated fair value.

Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes is primarily applicable to our state tax obligations under the Revised Texas Franchise Tax and certain federal and state tax obligations of Seminole Pipeline Company (“Seminole”) and Dixie Pipeline Company (“Dixie”), both of which are consolidated subsidiaries of ours.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the assets and liabilities of our tax paying entities for financial reporting and tax purposes.

In general, legal entities that conduct business in Texas are subject to the Revised Texas Franchise Tax.  In May 2006, the State of Texas expanded its pre-existing franchise tax, which applied to corporations and limited liability companies, to include limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships.  As a result of the change in tax law, our tax status in the State of Texas changed from non-taxable to taxable.

Since we are structured as a pass-through entity, we are not subject to federal income taxes.  As a result, our partners are individually responsible for paying federal income taxes on their share of our taxable income.  Since we do not have access to information regarding each partner’s tax basis, we cannot readily determine the total difference in the basis of our net assets for financial and tax reporting purposes.

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, we must recognize the tax effects of any uncertain tax positions we may adopt, if the position taken by us is more likely than not sustainable.  If a tax position meets such criteria, the tax effect to be recognized by us would be the largest amount of benefit with more than a 50.0% chance of being realized upon settlement.  See Note 16 for additional information regarding our income taxes.

Inventories

Inventories primarily consist of NGLs, petroleum products, certain petrochemical products and natural gas volumes that are valued at the lower of average cost or market.  We capitalize, as a cost of inventory, shipping and handling charges directly related to volumes we purchase from third parties or take title to in connection with processing or other agreements.  As these volumes are sold and delivered out of inventory, the average cost of these products (including freight-in charges that have been capitalized) are

 
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charged to operating costs and expenses.  Shipping and handling fees associated with products we sell and deliver to customers are charged to operating costs and expenses as incurred.  See Note 8 for additional information regarding our inventories.

Natural Gas Imbalances

In the natural gas pipeline transportation business, imbalances frequently result from differences in natural gas volumes received from and delivered to our customers.  Such differences occur when a customer delivers more or less gas into our pipelines than is physically redelivered back to them during a particular time period.  We have various fee-based agreements with customers to transport their natural gas through our pipelines.  Our customers retain ownership of their natural gas shipped through our pipelines.  As such, our pipeline transportation activities are not intended to create physical volume differences that would result in significant accounting or economic events for either our customers or us during the course of the arrangement.

We settle pipeline gas imbalances through either (i) physical delivery of in-kind gas or (ii) in cash. These settlements follow contractual guidelines or common industry practices.  As imbalances occur, they may be settled (i) on a monthly basis, (ii) at the end of the agreement or (iii) in accordance with industry practice, including negotiated settlements.  Certain of our natural gas pipelines have a regulated tariff rate mechanism requiring customer imbalance settlements each month at current market prices.

However, the vast majority of our settlements are through in-kind arrangements whereby incremental volumes are delivered to a customer (in the case of an imbalance payable) or received from a customer (in the case of an imbalance receivable).  Such in-kind deliveries are on-going and take place over several periods. In some cases, settlements of imbalances built up over a period of time are ultimately cashed out and are generally negotiated at values which approximate average market prices over a period of time.  For those gas imbalances that are ultimately settled over future periods, we estimate the value of such current assets and liabilities using average market prices, which is representative of the estimated value of the imbalances upon final settlement.  Changes in natural gas prices may impact our estimates.

At December 31, 2008, our natural gas imbalance receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, were $63.4 million and are reflected as a component of “Accounts and notes receivable – trade” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  At December 31, 2008, our imbalance payables were $50.8 million and are reflected as a component of “Accrued product payables” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Noncontrolling Interest

As presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, noncontrolling interest represents third-party and affiliate ownership interests in the net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries.  For financial reporting purposes, the assets and liabilities of our controlled subsidiaries are consolidated with those of EPE Holdings, with any third-party and affiliate ownership in such amounts presented as noncontrolling interest. See Note 14 for information regarding noncontrolling interest.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost.  Expenditures for additions, improvements and other enhancements to property, plant and equipment are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs that do not extend asset life or add value are charged to expense as incurred.  When property, plant and equipment assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations for the respective period.

In general, depreciation is the systematic and rational allocation of an asset’s cost, less its residual value (if any), to the periods it benefits.  The majority of our property, plant and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method, which results in depreciation expense being incurred evenly over the life of the assets.  Our estimate of depreciation incorporates assumptions regarding the useful economic lives and

 
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residual values of our assets.  At the time we place our assets in service, we believe such assumptions are reasonable. Under our depreciation policy for midstream energy assets, the remaining economic lives of such assets are limited to the estimated life of the natural resource basins (based on proved reserves at the time of the analysis) from which such assets derive their throughput or processing volumes.  Our forecast of the remaining life for the applicable resource basins is based on several factors, including information published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  Where appropriate, we use other depreciation methods (generally accelerated) for tax purposes.
          
Leasehold improvements are recorded as a component of property, plant and equipment.  The cost of leasehold improvements is charged to earnings using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.  We consider renewal terms that are deemed reasonably assured when estimating remaining lease terms.
          
Our assumptions regarding the useful economic lives and residual values of our assets may change in response to new facts and circumstances, which would change our depreciation amounts prospectively.  Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) changes in laws and regulations that limit the estimated economic life of an asset; (ii) changes in technology that render an asset obsolete; (iii) changes in expected salvage values; or (iv) significant changes in the forecast life of proved reserves of applicable resource basins, if any.  See Note 9 for additional information regarding our property, plant and equipment, including a change in depreciation expense beginning January 1, 2008 resulting from a change in the estimated useful life of certain assets.

Certain of our plant operations entail periodic planned outages for major maintenance activities.  These planned shutdowns typically result in significant expenditures, which are principally comprised of amounts paid to third parties for materials, contract services and related items.  We use the expense-as-incurred method for our planned major maintenance activities; however, the cost of annual planned major maintenance projects are deferred and recognized ratably over the remaining portion of the calendar year in which such projects occur.

Asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) are legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from their acquisition, construction, development and/or normal operation.  When an ARO is incurred, we record a liability for the ARO and capitalize an equal amount as an increase in the carrying value of the related long-lived asset.  Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value (accretion expense) and the capitalized amount is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related long-lived asset.  We will incur a gain or loss to the extent that our ARO liabilities are not settled at their recorded amounts. See Note 9­­­ for additional information regarding our AROs.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents amounts held in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity financial instruments portfolio and New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) physical natural gas purchases.  Additional cash may be restricted to maintain our positions as commodity prices fluctuate or deposit requirements change.  The following table presents the components of our restricted cash balances at December 31, 2008:

Amounts held in brokerage accounts related to
     
  commodity hedging activities and physical natural gas purchases
  $ 203,789  
Proceeds from Petal GO Zone bonds reserved for construction costs
    1  
Total restricted cash
  $ 203,790  


Note 3.  Recent Accounting Developments

The accounting standard setting bodies have recently issued the following accounting guidance that will affect our future balance sheet:  SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations;  FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) SFAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets;  SFAS 157, Fair Value

 
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Measurements;  SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An amendment of ARB 51; SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of SFAS 133; and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations.

SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations. SFAS 141(R) replaces SFAS 141, Business Combinations and was effective January 1, 2009.  SFAS 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements of SFAS 141 in that the acquisition method of accounting (previously termed the “purchase method”) be used for all business combinations and for the “acquirer” to be identified in each business combination.  SFAS 141(R) defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in a business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control.  This new guidance also retains guidance in SFAS 141 for identifying and recognizing intangible assets separately from goodwill.   SFAS 141(R) will have an impact on the way in which we evaluate acquisitions.

The objective of SFAS 141(R) is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about business combinations and their effects.  To accomplish this, SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer:

§  
Recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree.

§  
Recognizes and measures any goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain resulting from a bargain purchase.  SFAS 141(R) defines a bargain purchase as a business combination in which the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration transferred plus any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and requires the acquirer to recognize that excess in net income as a gain attributable to the acquirer.

§  
Determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.

SFAS 141(R) also requires that direct costs of an acquisition (e.g. finder’s fees, outside consultants, etc.) be expensed as incurred and not capitalized as part of the purchase price.

FSP FAS 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible AssetsFSP 142-3 revised the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.  These revisions are intended to improve consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of such assets under SFAS 141(R) and other accounting guidance. The measurement and disclosure requirements of this new guidance will be applied to intangible assets acquired after January 1, 2009.   Our adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  Although certain provisions of SFAS 157 were effective January 1, 2008, the remaining guidance of this new standard applicable to nonfinancial assets and liabilities was effective January 1, 2009.  See Note 7 for information regarding fair value-related disclosures required for 2008 in connection with SFAS 157.

SFAS 157 applies to fair-value measurements that are already required (or permitted) by other accounting standards and is expected to increase the consistency of those measurements.  SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.  Companies are required to disclose the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the inputs used to develop such measurements, and the effect of certain of the measurements on earnings (or changes in net assets) during a period.  Our adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our

 
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Consolidated Balance Sheet.  SFAS 157 will impact the valuation of assets and liabilities (and related disclosures) in connection with future business combinations and impairment testing.

SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB 51.  SFAS 160 established accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests, which have been referred to as minority interests in prior accounting literature.  SFAS 160 was effective January 1, 2009.  A noncontrolling interest is that portion of equity in a consolidated subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a reporting entity.  This new standard requires, among other things, that (i) ownership interests of noncontrolling interests be presented as a component of equity, including accumulated other comprehensive income, on the balance sheet (i.e., elimination of the “mezzanine” presentation); (ii) elimination of minority interest expense as a line item on the statement of income and, as a result, that net income and other comprehensive income be allocated between the reporting entity and noncontrolling interests on the face of the statement of income; and (iii) enhanced disclosures regarding noncontrolling interests.

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 160.  The presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160 have been applied retrospectively to the consolidated balance sheet and notes included in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - An Amendment of SFAS 133.  SFAS 161 revised the disclosure requirements for financial instruments and related hedging activities to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of (i) why and how an entity uses financial instruments, (ii) how an entity accounts for financial instruments and related hedged items under SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (including related interpretations), and (iii) how financial instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.

SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using financial instruments, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on financial instruments, and disclosures about credit risk-related contingent features in financial instrument agreements.  SFAS 161 was effective January 1, 2009 and we will apply its requirements beginning with the first quarter of 2009.

EITF 08-6, Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations.  EITF 08-6 clarifies the accounting for certain transactions and impairment considerations involving equity method investments under SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160.  EITF 08-6 generally requires that (i) transaction costs should be included in the initial carrying value of an equity method investment; (ii) an equity method investor shall not test separately an investee’s underlying assets for impairment, rather such testing should be performed in accordance with Opinion 18 (i.e., on the equity method investment itself); (iii) an equity method investor shall account for a share issuance by an investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment (any gain or loss to the investor resulting from the investee’s share issuance shall be recognized in earnings); and (iv) a gain or loss should not be recognized when changing the method of accounting for an investment from the equity method to the cost method.  EITF 08-6 was effective January 1, 2009.


Note 4.  Business Segments

Our investing activities are organized into business segments that reflect how the Chief Executive Officer of EPE Holdings (i.e., our chief operating decision maker) routinely manages and reviews the financial performance of Enterprise GP Holdings’ investments.  On a consolidated basis, we have three reportable business segments:

§  
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners – Reflects the consolidated operations of Enterprise Products Partners and its general partner, EPGP.  This segment also includes the development stage assets of the Texas Offshore Port System (as defined below).

 
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In August 2008, Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Oiltanking Holding Americas, Inc. (“Oiltanking”), announced the formation of a joint venture (the “Texas Offshore Port System”) to design, construct, operate and own a Texas offshore crude oil port and a related onshore pipeline and storage system that would facilitate delivery of waterborne crude oil cargoes to refining centers located along the upper Texas Gulf Coast.  Demand for such projects is being driven by planned and expected refinery expansions along the Gulf Coast, expected increases in shipping traffic and operating limitations of regional ship channels.

The joint venture’s primary project, referred to as “TOPS,” includes (i) an offshore port (which will be located approximately 36 miles from Freeport, Texas), (ii) an onshore storage facility with approximately 3.9 million barrels of crude oil storage capacity, and (iii) an 85-mile crude oil pipeline system having a transportation capacity of up to 1.8 million barrels per day, that will extend from the offshore port to a storage facility near Texas City, Texas.  The joint venture’s complementary project, referred to as the Port Arthur Crude Oil Express (or “PACE”) will transport crude oil from Texas City, including crude oil from TOPS, and will consist of a 75-mile pipeline and 1.2 million barrels of crude oil storage capacity in the Port Arthur, Texas area.  Development of the TOPS and PACE projects is supported by long-term contracts with affiliates of Motiva Enterprises LLC (“Motiva”) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (“Exxon Mobil”), which have committed a combined 725,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the projects.  The timing of construction and related capital costs of the TOPS and PACE projects will be affected by the expansion plans of Motiva and the acquisition of requisite permits.

Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Oiltanking each own, through their respective subsidiaries, a one-third interest in the joint venture.  A subsidiary of Enterprise Products Partners acts as construction manager and will act as operator for the joint venture.  The aggregate cost of the TOPS and PACE projects is expected to be approximately $1.8 billion (excluding capitalized interest), with the majority of such capital expenditures currently expected to occur in 2010 and 2011.  Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO have each guaranteed up to approximately $700.0 million, which includes a contingency amount for potential cost overruns, of the capital contribution obligations of their respective subsidiary partners in the joint venture. 

Within their respective financial statements, TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners account for their individual ownership interests in the Texas Offshore Port System using the equity method of accounting.  As a result of common control of TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners at Enterprise GP Holdings’ level, the Texas Offshore Port System is a consolidated subsidiary of Enterprise GP Holdings and Oiltanking’s interest in the joint venture is accounted for as noncontrolling interest.  For financial reporting purposes, our management determined that the joint venture should be included within the Investment in Enterprise Products Partners’ segment.

§  
Investment in TEPPCO – Reflects the consolidated operations of TEPPCO and its general partner, TEPPCO GP.  This segment also includes the assets and operations of Jonah Gas Gathering Company (“Jonah”).

TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners are joint venture partners in Jonah, which owns a natural gas gathering system (the “Jonah system”) located in southwest Wyoming.  Within their respective financial statements, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO account for their individual ownership interests in Jonah using the equity method of accounting.  As a result of common control of TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners at Enterprise GP Holdings’ level, Jonah is a consolidated subsidiary of Enterprise GP Holdings.  For financial reporting purposes, our management determined that Jonah should be included within the Investment in TEPPCO segment.

§  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity – Reflects Enterprise GP Holdings’ investments in Energy Transfer Equity and its general partner, LE GP.  These investments were acquired in May 2007.  Enterprise GP Holdings accounts for these non-controlling investments using the equity method of accounting.

 
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Each of the respective general partners of Enterprise Products Partners, TEPPCO and Energy Transfer Equity have separate operating management and boards of directors, with at least three independent directors.  Enterprise GP Holdings controls Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO through its ownership of their respective general partners.  We do not control Energy Transfer Equity or its general partner.

Financial information presented for our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners and Investment in TEPPCO business segments was derived from the underlying consolidated financial statements of EPGP and TEPPCO GP, respectively.  Financial information presented for our Investment in Energy Transfer Equity segment represents amounts we record in connection with these equity method investments based on publicly available information of Energy Transfer Equity.

Information by segment, together with reconciliations to our consolidated totals, is presented in the following table:

   
Investment
         
Investment
             
   
in
         
in
             
   
Enterprise
   
Investment
   
Energy
   
Adjustments
       
   
Products
   
in
   
Transfer
   
and
   
Consolidated
 
   
Partners
   
TEPPCO
   
Equity
   
Eliminations
   
Totals
 
Segment assets: (1)
                             
At December 31, 2008
  $ 17,775,434     $ 6,083,352     $ 1,598,876     $ (86,298 )   $ 25,371,364  
Investments in and advances
                                       
to unconsolidated affiliates (see Note 10):
                                       
At December 31, 2008
    655,573       256,478       1,598,876       (225 )     2,510,702  
Intangible Assets (see Note 12): (2)
                                       
At December 31, 2008
    855,416       950,931       --       (17,300 )     1,789,047  
Goodwill (see Note 12):
                                       
At December 31, 2008
    706,884       307,033       --       --       1,013,917  
(1)   Amounts presented in the “Adjustments and Eliminations” column represent the elimination of intercompany receivables and investment balances, as well as the elimination of contracts Enterprise Products Partners purchased in cash from TEPPCO in 2006.
(2)   Amounts presented in the “Adjustments and Eliminations” column represent the elimination of contracts Enterprise Products Partners purchased from TEPPCO in 2006.
 


Note 5.  Accounting for Equity Awards

We account for equity awards in accordance with SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment.  SFAS 123(R) requires us to recognize compensation expense related to equity awards based on the fair value of the award at grant date.  The fair value of restricted unit awards is based on the market price of the underlying common units on the date of grant. The fair value of other equity awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The fair value of an equity-classified award (such as a restricted unit award) is amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over the requisite service or vesting period. Compensation expense for liability-classified awards (such as unit appreciation rights (“UARs”)) is recognized over the requisite service or vesting period of an award based on the fair value of the award remeasured at each reporting period.  Liability-classified awards are settled in cash upon vesting.

As used in the context of the EPCO plans, the term “restricted unit” represents a time-vested unit under SFAS 123(R).  Such awards are non-vested until the required service period expires.

EPGP UARs

The non-employee directors of EPGP have been granted UARs in the form of letter agreements.  These liability awards are not part of any established long-term incentive plan of EPCO, Enterprise GP Holdings or Enterprise Products Partners.  These UARs entitle each non-employee director to receive a cash payment on the vesting date equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of Enterprise GP Holdings’ units (determined as of a future vesting date) over the grant date fair value.  These UARs are accounted for similar to liability awards under SFAS 123(R) since they will be settled with cash.

 
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At December 31, 2008, we had a total of 90,000 outstanding UARs granted to non-employee directors of EPGP that cliff vest in 2011.  If a director resigns prior to vesting, his UAR awards are forfeited.  The grant date fair value with respect to 10,000 of the UARs is based on a Unit price of $35.71.  The grant date fair value with respect to the remaining 80,000 UARS is based on a Unit price of $34.10.

EPCO Employee Partnerships

As long-term incentive arrangements, EPCO has granted its key employees who perform services on behalf of us, EPCO and other affiliated companies, “profits interests” in seven limited partnerships (the “Employee Partnerships”), which are private company affiliates of EPCO.  The employees were issued Class B limited partner interests and admitted as Class B limited partners in the Employee Partnerships without capital contributions.  As discussed and defined above, the Employee Partnerships are:  EPE Unit I; EPE Unit II; EPE Unit III; Enterprise Unit; EPCO Unit; TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II.    Enterprise Unit, EPCO Unit, TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II were formed in 2008.

The Class B limited partner interests entitle each holder to participate in the appreciation in value of the publicly traded limited partner units owned by the underlying Employee Partnership.  With the exception of TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II, the Employee Partnerships own either Enterprise GP Holdings units (“EPE units”) or Enterprise Products Partners’ common units (“EPD units”) or both.  TEPPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II own common units of TEPPCO (“TPP units”).  The Class B limited partner interests are subject to forfeiture if the participating employee’s employment with EPCO is terminated prior to vesting, with customary exceptions for death, disability and certain retirements and upon certain change of control events.

We account for the profits interest awards under SFAS 123(R).  As a result, the compensation expense attributable to these awards is based on the estimated grant date fair value of each award.  An allocated portion of the fair value of these equity-based awards is charged to us under the ASA (see Note 15).  We are not responsible for reimbursing EPCO for any expenses of the Employee Partnerships, including the value of any contributions of cash or limited partner units made by private company affiliates of EPCO at the formation of each Employee Partnership.  However, pursuant to the ASA, beginning in February 2009 we will reimburse EPCO for our allocated share of distributions of cash or securities made to the Class B limited partners of EPCO Unit and TEPPCO Unit II.

Each Employee Partnership has a single Class A limited partner, which is a privately-held indirect subsidiary of EPCO, and a varying number of Class B limited partners.  At formation, the Class A limited partner either contributes cash or limited partner units it owns to the Employee Partnership.   If cash is contributed, the Employee Partnership uses these funds to acquire limited partner units on the open market.  In general, the Class A limited partner earns a preferred return (either fixed or variable depending on the partnership agreement) on its investment (“Capital Base”) in the Employee Partnership and any residual quarterly cash amounts, if any, are distributed to the Class B limited partners.  Upon liquidation, Employee Partnership assets having a fair market value equal to the Class A limited partner’s Capital Base, plus any preferred return for the period in which liquidation occurs, will be distributed to the Class A limited partner.   Any remaining assets will be distributed to the Class B limited partner(s) as a residual profits interest.












 
17

 

The following table summarizes key elements of each Employee Partnership as of December 31, 2008:

   
Initial
Class A
   
   
Class A
Partner
Award
Grant Date
Employee
Description
Capital
Preferred
Vesting
Fair Value
Partnership
of Assets
Base
Return
Date (1)
of Awards (2)
           
EPE Unit I
1,821,428 EPE units
$51.0 million
4.50%  to 5.725% (3)
November
2012
$17.0 million
           
EPE Unit II
40,725 EPE units
$1.5 million
4.50%  to 5.725% (3)
February
2014
$0.3 million
           
EPE Unit III
4,421,326 EPE units
$170.0 million
3.80%
May
2014
$32.7 million
           
Enterprise Unit
881,836 EPE units
844,552 EPD units
$51.5 million
5.00%
February
2014
$4.2 million
           
EPCO Unit
779,102 EPD units
$17.0 million
4.87%
November
2013
$7.2 million
           
TEPPCO Unit
241,380 TPP units
$7.0 million
4.50% to
5.725%
September
2013
$2.1 million
           
TEPPCO Unit II
123,185 TPP units
$3.1 million
6.31%
November
2013
$1.4 million
           
(1)   The vesting date may be accelerated for change of control and other events as described in the underlying partnership agreements.
(2)   Our estimated grant date fair values were determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and reflect adjustments for forfeitures, regrants and other modifications.  See following table for information regarding our fair value assumptions.
(3)   In July 2008, the Class A preferred return was reduced from 6.25% to the floating amounts presented.

The following table summarizes the assumptions we used in deriving the estimated grant date fair value for each of the Employee Partnerships using a Black-Scholes option pricing model:

 
Expected
Risk-Free
 
Expected
 
Expected
Employee
Life
Interest
 
Distribution Yield
 
Unit Price Volatility
Partnership
of Award
Rate
 
EPE/EPD units
TPP units
 
EPE/EPD units
TPP units
                 
EPE Unit I
3 to 5 years
2.7% to 5.0%
 
3.0% to 4.8%
n/a
 
16.6% to 30.0%
n/a
EPE Unit II
5 to 6 years
3.3% to 4.4%
 
3.8% to 4.8%
n/a
 
18.7% to 19.4%
n/a
EPE Unit III
4 to 6 years
3.2% to 4.9%
 
4.0% to 4.8%
n/a
 
16.6% to 19.4%
n/a
Enterprise Unit
6 years
2.7% to 3.9%
 
4.5% to 8.0%
n/a
 
15.3% to 22.1%
n/a
EPCO Unit
5 years
2.4%
 
11.1%
n/a
 
50.0%
n/a
TEPPCO Unit
5 years
2.9%
 
n/a
7.3%
 
n/a
16.4%
TEPPCO Unit II
5 years
2.4%
 
n/a
13.9%
 
n/a
66.4%

EPCO 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan

The EPCO 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“EPCO 1998 Plan”) provides for the issuance of up to 7,000,000 common units of Enterprise Products Partners.   After giving effect to outstanding option awards at December 31, 2008 and the issuance and forfeiture of restricted unit awards through December 31, 2008, a total of 814,764 additional common units of Enterprise Products Partners could be issued under the EPCO 1998 Plan.

Enterprise Products Partners’ unit option awards.  Under the EPCO 1998 Plan, non-qualified incentive options to purchase a fixed number of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units may be granted to key employees of EPCO who perform management, administrative or operational functions for

 
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Enterprise Products Partners.  When issued, the exercise price of each option grant is equivalent to the market price of the underlying equity on the date of grant.  During 2008, in response to changes in the federal tax code applicable to certain types of equity awards, Enterprise Products Partners amended the terms of certain of its outstanding unit options.  In general, the expiration dates of these awards were modified from May and August 2017 to December 2012.

In order to fund its obligations under the EPCO 1998 Plan, EPCO may purchase common units at fair value either in the open market or directly from Enterprise Products Partners.  When EPCO employees exercise their options, Enterprise Products Partners reimburses EPCO for the cash difference between the strike price paid by the employee and the actual purchase price paid by EPCO for the common units issued to the employee.

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which incorporates various assumptions including expected life of the options, risk-free interest rates, expected distribution yield on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units, and expected unit price volatility of Enterprise Products  Partners’ common units.  In general, the expected life of an option represents the period of time that the option is expected to be outstanding based on an analysis of historical option activity.  Enterprise Products Partners’ selection of a risk-free interest rate is based on published yields for U.S. government securities with comparable terms.  The expected distribution yield and unit price volatility assumptions are based on several factors, which include an analysis of Enterprise Products Partners’ historical unit price volatility and distribution yield over a period equal to the expected life of the option.

The following table presents option activity under the EPCO 1998 Plan for the periods indicated:

               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
average
       
         
average
   
remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
Number of
   
strike price
   
contractual
   
intrinsic
 
   
units
   
(dollars/unit)
   
term (in years)
   
value (1)
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 (2)
    2,315,000       26.18              
Exercised
    (61,500 )     20.38              
Forfeited
    (85,000 )     26.72              
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    2,168,500       26.32       5.19     $ --  
Options exercisable at:
                               
December 31, 2008 (3)
    548,500     $ 21.47       4.08     $ --  
                                 
(1)   Aggregate intrinsic value reflects fully vested unit options at the date indicated.
(2)   During 2008, Enterprise Products Partners amended the terms of certain of its outstanding unit options. In general, the expiration dates of these awards were modified from May and August 2017 to December 2012.
(3)   Enterprise Products Partners was committed to issue 2,168,500 of its common units at December 31, 2008, if all outstanding options awarded under the EPCO 1998 Plan (as of these dates) were exercised. An additional 365,000, 480,000, and 775,000 of these options are exercisable in 2009, 2010 and 2012, respectively.
 

The total intrinsic value of option awards exercised during the year ended December 31, 2008 was $0.6 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners received cash of $0.7 million from the exercise of unit options.  Conversely, its option-related reimbursements to EPCO were $0.6 million.

Enterprise Products Partners’ restricted unit awards.  Under the EPCO 1998 Plan, Enterprise Products Partners may also issue restricted common units to key employees of EPCO and directors of EPGP.  In general, the restricted unit awards allow recipients to acquire the underlying common units at no cost to the recipient once a defined cliff vesting period expires, subject to certain forfeiture provisions.  The restrictions on such units generally lapse four years from the date of grant.  Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  Fair value of such restricted units is based on

 
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the market price of the underlying common units on the date of grant and an allowance for estimated forfeitures.

Each recipient is also entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of restricted units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution per unit paid by Enterprise Products Partners to its unitholders.   Since restricted units are issued securities of Enterprise Products Partners, such distributions are reflected as a component of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests as shown on our Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.  Enterprise Products Partners paid $3.9 million in cash distributions with respect to restricted units during the year ended December 31, 2008.

The following table summarizes information regarding Enterprise Products Partners’ restricted unit awards for the periods indicated:

         
Weighted-
 
         
average grant
 
   
Number of
   
date fair value
 
   
units
   
per unit (1)
 
Restricted units at December 31, 2007
    1,688,540        
Granted (2)
    766,200     $ 24.93  
Vested
    (285,363 )   $ 23.11  
Forfeited
    (88,777 )   $ 26.98  
Restricted units at December 31, 2008
    2,080,600          
                 
(1)   Determined by dividing the aggregate grant date fair value of awards by the number of awards issued. The weighted-average grant date fair value per unit for forfeited and vested awards is determined before an allowance for forfeitures.
(2)   Aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards issued during 2008 was $19.1 million based on grant date market prices of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units ranging from $25.00 to $32.31 per unit and estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0%.
 

The total fair value of restricted unit awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2008 was $6.6 million.

Enterprise Products Partners’ phantom unit awards.  The EPCO 1998 Plan also provides for the issuance of phantom unit awards.  These liability awards are automatically redeemed for cash based on the vested portion of the fair market value of the phantom units at redemption dates in each award.  The fair market value of each phantom unit award is equal to the market closing price of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units on the redemption date.  Each participant is required to redeem their phantom units as they vest, which typically is four years from the date the award is granted.  No phantom unit awards have been issued to date under the EPCO 1998 Plan.

The EPCO 1998 Plan also provides for the award of distribution equivalent rights (“DERs”) in tandem with its phantom unit awards.  A DER entitles the participant to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution rate paid by Enterprise Product Partners to its unitholders.

Enterprise Products Partners 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan

On January 29, 2008, the unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners approved the Enterprise Products Partners 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“EPD 2008 LTIP”), which provides for awards of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units and other rights to its non-employee directors and to consultants and employees of EPCO and its affiliates providing services to Enterprise Products Partners.  Awards under the EPD 2008 LTIP may be granted in the form of unit options, restricted units, phantom units, UARs and DERs.  The EPD 2008 LTIP is administered by EPGP’s Audit, Conflicts and Governance (“ACG”) Committee.  The EPD 2008 LTIP provides for the issuance of up to 10,000,000 of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units.  After giving effect to option awards outstanding at December 31, 2008, a total of 9,205,000 additional common units of Enterprise Products Partners could be issued under the EPD 2008 LTIP.

 
20

 

The EPD 2008 LTIP may be amended or terminated at any time by the Board of Directors of EPCO or EPGP’s ACG Committee; however, the rules of the NYSE require that any material amendment, such as a significant increase in the number of common units available under the plan or a change in the types of awards available under the plan, would require the approval of Enterprise Products Partners’ unitholders.  The ACG Committee is also authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, awards under the plan in specified circumstances.  The EPD 2008 LTIP is effective until the earlier of January 29, 2018 or the time which all available units under the incentive plan have been delivered to participants or the time of termination of the plan by EPCO or EPGP’s ACG Committee.

Enterprise Products Partners’ unit option awards.  The exercise price of Enterprise Products Partners’ unit options awarded to participants is determined by EPGP’s  ACG Committee (at its discretion) at the date of grant and may be no less than the fair market value of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units at the date of grant.  The following table presents unit option activity under the EPD 2008 LTIP for the periods indicated:

               
Weighted-
 
         
Weighted-
   
Average
 
         
Average
   
Remaining
 
   
Number of
   
Strike Price
   
Contractual
 
   
Units
   
(dollars/unit)
   
Term (in years)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    --              
Granted (1)
    795,000     $ 30.93        
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 (2)
    795,000     $ 30.93       5.00  
                         
(1)   Aggregate grant date fair value of these unit options issued during 2008 was $1.6 million based on the following assumptions: (i) a grant date market price of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of $30.93 per unit; (ii) expected life of options of 4.7 years; (iii) risk-free interest rate of 3.3%; (iv) expected distribution yield on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 7.0%; (v) expected unit price volatility on Enterprise Products Partners’ common units of 19.8%; and (vi) an estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0%.
(2)   The 795,000 units outstanding at December 31, 2008 will become exercisable in 2013.
 

At December 31, 2008, there was an estimated $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested unit options granted under the EPD 2008 LTIP.  Enterprise Products Partners expects to recognize its share of this cost over a remaining period of 3.4 years in accordance with the ASA.

Enterprise Products Partners’ phantom unit awards.  The EPD 2008 LTIP also provides for the issuance of phantom unit awards of Enterprise Products Partners.  These liability awards are automatically redeemed for cash based on the vested portion of the fair market value of the phantom units at redemption dates in each award.  The fair market value of each phantom unit award is equal to the market closing price of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units on the redemption date.  Each participant is required to redeem their phantom units as they vest, which typically is three years from the date the award is granted.  There were a total of 4,400 phantom units granted under the 2008 LTIP during the fourth quarter of 2008 and outstanding at December 31, 2008.  These awards cliff vest in 2011.  At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had an accrued liability of $5 thousand for compensation related to these phantom unit awards.

DEP GP UARs

The non-employee directors of DEP GP, the general partner of Duncan Energy Partners, have been granted UARs in the form of letter agreements.  These liability awards are not part of any established long-term incentive plan of EPCO, Enterprise GP Holdings, Duncan Energy Partners or Enterprise Products Partners.  These UARs entitle each non-employee director to receive a cash payment on the vesting date equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of Enterprise GP Holdings’ units (determined as of a future vesting date) over the grant date fair value.  These UARs are accounted for similar to liability awards under SFAS 123(R) since they will be settled with cash.

 
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As of December 31, 2008, a total of 90,000 UARs had been granted to non-employee directors of DEP GP that cliff vest in 2012.  If a director resigns prior to vesting, his UAR awards are forfeited.  The grant date fair value with respect to these UARs is based on a Unit price of $36.68 per unit.

TEPPCO 1999 Plan

The TEPPCO 1999 Plan provides for the issuance of phantom unit awards as incentives to key employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO.  These liability awards are settled for cash based on the fair market value of the vested portion of the phantom units at redemption dates in each award.  The fair market value of each phantom unit award is equal to the closing price of TEPPCO’s common units on the NYSE on the redemption date.  Each participant is required to redeem their phantom units as they vest.  In addition, each participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom unit awards granted under the TEPPCO 1999 Plan and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO on its common units.  Grants under the 1999 Plan are subject to forfeiture if the participant’s employment with EPCO is terminated.
 
A total of 18,600 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 1999 Plan at December 31, 2008.  In April 2008, 13,000 phantom units vested and $0.4 million was paid out to a participant in the second quarter of 2008.  The awards outstanding at December 31, 2008 cliff vest as follows:  13,000 in April 2009 and 5,600 in January 2010.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had an accrued liability balance of $0.4 million related to the TEPPCO 1999 Plan.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 1999 Plan received $62 thousand in cash distributions.  Since phantom units do not represent issued securities of TEPPCO, the cash payments with respect to these phantom units are expensed by TEPPCO as paid.

TEPPCO 2000 LTIP

The TEPPCO 2000 LTIP provides key employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO incentives to achieve improvements in TEPPCO’s financial performance.  Generally, upon the close of a three-year performance period, each recipient will receive a cash payment equal to (i) the applicable “performance percentage” (as defined in the award agreement) multiplied by (ii) the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP multiplied by (iii) the average of the closing prices of TEPPCO common units over the ten consecutive days immediately preceding the last day of the specified performance period.  In addition, during the performance period, each participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO on its common units.  Grants under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP are accounted for as liability awards and subject to forfeiture if the recipient’s employment with EPCO is terminated, with customary exceptions for death, disability or retirement.

A participant’s “performance percentage” is based upon an improvement in Economic Value Added for TEPPCO during a given three-year performance period over the Economic Value Added for the three-year period immediately preceding the performance period.  The term “Economic Value Added” means TEPPCO’s average annual EBITDA for the performance period minus the product of TEPPCO’s average asset base and its cost of capital for the performance period.  In this context, EBITDA means TEPPCO’s earnings before net interest expense, other income, depreciation and amortization and TEPPCO’s proportional interest in the EBITDA of its joint ventures, except that its chief executive officer of TEPPCO may exclude gains or losses from extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items. Average asset base means the quarterly average, during the performance period, of TEPPCO’s gross carrying value of property, plant and equipment, plus long-term inventory, and the gross carrying value of intangible assets and equity investments.  TEPPCO’s cost of capital is determined at the date each award is granted.
 
At December 31, 2008, a total of 11,300 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP that cliff vested on December 31, 2008 and will be paid out to participants in the first quarter of 2009.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had an accrued liability balance of $0.2 million related to the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP.  After payout in the first quarter of 2009 on awards which vested on December 31, 2008, there will be no remaining phantom units outstanding under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP.  For the year ended
 
 
22

 
December 31, 2008, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 2000 LTIP received $38 thousand in cash distributions.
 
TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan

The TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan provides key employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO incentives to achieve improvements in TEPPCO’s financial performance.  Generally, upon the close of a three-year performance period, the recipient will receive a cash payment equal to (i) the recipient’s vested percentage (as defined in the award agreement) multiplied by (ii) the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan multiplied by (iii) the average of the closing prices of TEPPCO common units over the ten consecutive days immediately preceding the last day of the specified performance period.  In addition, during the performance period, each recipient is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units granted under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO on its common units.  Grants under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan are accounted for as liability awards and subject to forfeiture if the recipient’s employment with EPCO is terminated, with customary exceptions for death, disability or retirement.
 
Generally, a participant’s vested percentage is based upon an improvement in TEPPCO’s EBITDA during a given three-year performance period over EBITDA for the three-year period preceding the performance period.   In this context, EBITDA means TEPPCO’s earnings before net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net interest expense, other income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and TEPPCO’s proportional interest in the EBITDA of its joint ventures, except that its chief executive officer of TEPPCO may exclude gains or losses from extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items.
 
At December 31, 2008 a total of 36,600 phantom units were outstanding under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan that cliff vested on December 31, 2008 and will be paid out to participants in the first quarter of 2009.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had an accrued liability balance of $0.6 million related to the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan.  After the payout in the first quarter of 2009 on awards which vested on December 31, 2008, there will be no remaining phantom units outstanding under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 2005 Phantom Unit Plan received $0.1 million in cash distributions.
 
TEPPCO 2006 LTIP

The TEPPCO 2006 LTIP provides for awards of TEPPCO common units and other rights to its non-employee directors and to certain employees of EPCO working on behalf of TEPPCO.  Awards granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP may be in the form of restricted units, phantom units, unit options, UARs and DERs.  The TEPPCO 2006 LTIP provides for the issuance of up to 5,000,000 common units of TEPPCO in connection with these awards.  After giving effect to outstanding unit options and restricted units at December 31, 2008, and the forfeiture of restricted units through December 31, 2008, a total of 4,487,084 additional units of TEPPCO could be issued under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP in the future.













 
23

 

TEPPCO unit options.  The information in the following table presents unit option activity under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP for the periods indicated.  No options were exercisable at December 31, 2008.

               
Weighted-
 
         
Weighted-
   
average
 
         
average
   
remaining
 
   
Number
   
strike price
   
contractual
 
   
of units
   
(dollars/unit)
   
term (in years)
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    155,000     $ 45.35        
Granted (1)
    200,000     $ 35.86        
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    355,000     $ 40.00       4.57  
                         
(1)   The total grant date fair value of these awards granted on May 19, 2008 was $0.3 million based on the following assumptions: (i) expected life of the option of 4.7 years; (ii) risk-free interest rate of 3.3%; (iii) expected distribution yield on TEPPCO common units of 7.9%; (iv) estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0% and (v) expected unit price volatility on TEPPCO’s common units of 18.7%.
 

TEPPCO restricted units. The following table summarizes information regarding TEPPCO’s restricted unit awards for the periods indicated:

         
Weighted-
 
         
average grant
 
   
Number of
   
date fair value
 
   
units
   
per unit (1)
 
Restricted units at December 31, 2007
    62,400        
    Granted (2)
    96,900     $ 29.54  
    Vested
    (1,000 )   $ 40.61  
    Forfeited
    (1,000 )   $ 35.86  
Restricted units at December 31, 2008
    157,300          
                 
(1)   Determined by dividing the aggregate grant date fair value of awards (including an allowance for forfeitures) by the number of awards issued.
(2)   Aggregate grant date fair value of restricted unit awards issued during 2008 was $2.8 million based on grant date market prices of TEPPCO’s common units ranging from $34.63 to $35.86 per unit and an estimated forfeiture rate of 17.0%.
 

The total fair value of TEPPCO’s restricted unit awards that vested during the year ended December 31, 2008 was $24 thousand.

Each recipient of a TEPPCO restricted unit award is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of restricted units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution per unit paid by TEPPCO to its unitholders. Since restricted units are issued securities of TEPPCO, such distributions are reflected as a component of cash distributions to noncontrolling interests as shown on our statements of consolidated cash flows.  TEPPCO paid $0.3 million in cash distributions with respect to its restricted units granted under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP during the year ended December 31, 2008.

TEPPCO UARs and phantom units.  At December 31, 2008, there were a total of 95,654 UARs outstanding that had been granted to non-employee directors of TEPPCO GP and 335,723 UARs outstanding that were granted to certain employees of EPCO who work on behalf of TEPPCO.  These UAR awards are subject to five year cliff vesting.  If the non-employee director or employee resigns prior to vesting, their UAR awards are forfeited.  These UAR awards are accounted for similar to liability awards under SFAS 123(R) since they will be settled with cash.

As of December 31, 2008, there were a total of 1,647 phantom unit awards outstanding that had been granted to non-employee directors of TEPPCO GP.  Each phantom unit will be redeemed in cash the earlier of (i) April 2011 or (ii) when the director is no longer serving on the board of TEPPCO GP.  In addition, during the vesting period, each participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution per unit paid by

 
24

 

TEPPCO on its common units.  Phantom units awarded to non-employee directors are accounted for similar to liability awards.

The TEPPCO 2006 LTIP provides for the award of DERs in tandem with its phantom unit and UAR awards.  With respect to DERs granted in connection with phantom units, the participant is entitled to cash distributions equal to the product of the number of phantom units outstanding for the participant and the cash distribution rate paid by TEPPCO to its unitholders. With respect to DERs granted in connection with UARs, the participant is entitled to the product of the number of UARs outstanding for the participant and the difference between the current declared cash distribution rate paid by TEPPCO and the declared cash distribution rate paid by TEPPCO at the time the UAR was granted.  Since phantom units and UARs do not represent issued securities, the cash payments with respect to DERs are expensed by TEPPCO as paid.  For the year ended December 31, 2008, phantom unitholders under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP received $4 thousand in cash distributions.


Note 6.  Employee Benefit Plans

Dixie

Dixie employs the personnel that operate its pipeline system and certain of these employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution plan and pension and postretirement benefit plans.  Due to the immaterial nature of Dixie’s employee benefit plans to our consolidated financial position, our discussion is limited to the following:

Defined Contribution Plan.  Dixie contributed $0.3 million to its company-sponsored defined contribution plan for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans.  Dixie’s pension plan is a noncontributory defined benefit plan that provides for the payment of benefits to retirees based on their age at retirement, years of service and average compensation.  Dixie’s postretirement benefit plan also provides medical and life insurance to retired employees.  The medical plan is contributory and the life insurance plan is noncontributory.  Dixie employees hired after July 1, 2004 are not eligible for pension and other benefit plans after retirement.

The following table presents Dixie’s benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status at December 31, 2008:

   
Pension
   
Postretirement
 
   
Plan
   
Plan
 
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 7,733     $ 4,976  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    5,711       --  
Fair value of plan assets
    4,035       --  
Funded status
    (3,698 )     (4,976 )

Projected benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs are based on actuarial estimates and assumptions.  The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used in determining the projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2008 were as follows:  discount rate of 6.4%; rate of compensation increase of 4.0% for both the pension and postretirement plans; and a medical trend rate of 8.5% for 2009 grading to an ultimate trend of 5.0% for 2015 and later years.







 
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Future benefits expected to be paid from Dixie’s pension and postretirement plans are as follows for the periods indicated:

   
Pension
   
Postretirement
 
   
Plan
   
Plan
 
2009
  $ 289     $ 357  
2010
    334       399  
2011
    535       427  
2012
    408       440  
2013
    775       439  
2014 through 2017
    4,211       2,067  
   Total
  $ 6,552     $ 4,129  

Included in equity (primarily noncontrolling interest) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008 are the following amounts that have not been recognized in net periodic pension costs (in millions):

Unrecognized transition obligation
  $ 0.9  
   Net of tax
    0.5  
         
Unrecognized prior service cost credit
    (1.0 )
   Net of tax
    (0.6 )
         
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
    1.3  
   Net of tax
    0.8  

Terminated Plans - TEPPCO

Prior to April 2006, TEPPCO maintained a Retirement Cash Balance Plan (the “RCBP”), which was a non-contributory, trustee-administered pension plan.  In April 2006, TEPPCO received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service providing its approval to terminate the plan.  At December 31, 2008, all benefit obligations to plan participants have been settled.


Note 7.  Financial Instruments

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates.  We may use financial instruments (e.g., futures, forwards, swaps, options and other financial instruments with similar characteristics) to mitigate the risks of certain identifiable and anticipated transactions.  In general, the types of risks we attempt to hedge are those related to (i) the variability of future earnings, (ii) fair values of certain debt obligations and (iii) cash flows resulting from changes in applicable interest rates, commodity prices or exchange rates. See Note 13 for information regarding our consolidated debt obligations.

We routinely review our outstanding financial instruments in light of current market conditions.  If market conditions warrant, some financial instruments may be closed out in advance of their contractual settlement dates thus realizing income or loss depending on the specific hedging criteria.  When this occurs, we may enter into a new financial instrument to reestablish the hedge to which the closed instrument relates.






 
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The following table provides additional information regarding derivative assets and derivative liabilities included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008:

Current assets:
     
   Derivative assets:
     
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 7,780  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    201,473  
      Foreign currency risk hedging portfolio
    9,284  
         Total derivative assets – current
  $ 218,537  
Other assets:
       
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 38,939  
         Total derivative assets – long-term
  $ 38,939  
         
Current liabilities:
       
   Derivative liabilities:
       
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 19,205  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    296,850  
      Foreign currency risk hedging portfolio
    109  
         Total derivative liabilities – current
  $ 316,164  
Other liabilities:
       
      Interest rate risk hedging portfolio
  $ 17,131  
      Commodity risk hedging portfolio
    233  
         Total derivative liabilities– long-term
  $ 17,364  

The following information summarizes the principal elements of our interest rate risk, commodity risk and foreign currency risk hedging programs. For amounts recorded on our balance sheet related to our consolidated hedging activities, please refer to the preceding tables.

Interest Rate Risk Hedging Portfolio

The following information summarizes significant components of our interest rate risk hedging portfolio:

Enterprise GP Holdings.  Enterprise GP Holdings’ interest rate exposure results from its variable interest rate borrowings under its credit facility.  A portion of Enterprise GP Holdings’ interest rate exposure is managed by utilizing interest rate swaps and similar arrangements, which effectively convert a portion of its variable rate debt into fixed rate debt.  As presented in the following table, Enterprise GP Holdings had four interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 2008 that were accounted for as cash flow hedges.

 
Number
Period Covered
Termination
Variable to
Notional
 
Hedged Variable Rate Debt
of Swaps
by Swap
Date of Swap
Fixed Rate (1)
Value
 
Parent Company variable-rate borrowings
2
Aug. 2007 to Aug. 2009
Aug. 2009
4.32%  to 5.01%
$250.0 million
 
Parent Company variable-rate borrowings
2
Sep. 2007 to Aug. 2011
Aug. 2011
4.32%  to 4.82%
$250.0 million
 
             
 
(1)   Amounts receivable from or payable to the swap counterparties are settled every three months (the “settlement period”).

At December 31, 2008, the aggregate fair value of Enterprise GP Holdings’ interest rate swaps was a liability of $26.5 million.

Enterprise Products Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners’ interest rate exposure results from variable and fixed rate borrowings under various debt agreements.

Enterprise Products Partners manages a portion of its interest rate exposure by utilizing interest rate swaps and similar arrangements, which allows it to convert a portion of fixed rate debt into variable rate debt or a portion of variable rate debt into fixed rate debt. At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had four interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $400.0 million that were accounted for as fair value hedges.  The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps

 
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at December 31, 2008, was $46.7 million (an asset), with an offsetting increase in the fair value of the underlying debt.

Duncan Energy Partners. At December 31, 2008, Duncan Energy Partners had interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $175.0 million.  These swaps were accounted for as cash flow hedges.  The purpose of these financial instruments is to reduce the sensitivity of Duncan Energy Partners’ earnings to the variable interest rates charged under its revolving credit facility.  The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps at December 31, 2008 was a liability of $9.8 million.

TEPPCO.  TEPPCO’s interest rate exposure results from variable and fixed rate borrowings under various debt agreements.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO had interest rate swap agreements outstanding having an aggregate notional value of $200.0 million and a fair value (an asset) of $0.3 million.   These swap agreements settled in January 2008, and there are currently no swap agreements outstanding.  These swaps were accounted for as cash flow hedges.

TEPPCO also utilizes treasury locks to hedge underlying U.S. treasury rates related to its anticipated issuances of debt.   TEPPCO terminated its outstanding treasury lock financial instruments during 2008.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had no treasury lock financial instruments outstanding.

Commodity Risk Hedging Portfolio

Our commodity risk hedging portfolio was impacted by a significant decline in natural gas and crude oil prices during the second half of 2008.   As a result of the global recession, commodity prices have continued to be volatile during the first quarter of 2009.  We may experience additional losses related to our commodity risk hedging portfolio in 2009.

Enterprise Products Partners.  The prices of natural gas, NGLs and certain petrochemical products are subject to fluctuations in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond the control of Enterprise Products Partners.  In order to manage the price risks associated with such products, Enterprise Products Partners may enter into commodity financial instruments.

The primary purpose of Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity risk management activities is to reduce its exposure to price risks associated with (i) natural gas purchases, (ii) the value of NGL production and inventories, (iii) related firm commitments, (iv) fluctuations in transportation revenues where the underlying fees are based on natural gas index prices and (v) certain anticipated transactions involving either natural gas, NGLs or certain petrochemical products.  From time to time, Enterprise Products Partners injects natural gas into storage and may utilize hedging instruments to lock in the value of its inventory positions.  The commodity financial instruments utilized by Enterprise Products Partners are settled in cash.

We have segregated Enterprise Products Partners’ commodity financial instruments portfolio between those financial instruments utilized in connection with its natural gas marketing activities and those used in connection with its NGL and petrochemical operations.

A significant number of the financial instruments in this portfolio hedge the purchase of physical natural gas.  If natural gas prices fall below the price stipulated in such financial instruments, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes a liability for the difference; however, if prices partially or fully recover, this liability would be reduced or eliminated, as appropriate.  Enterprise Products Partners’ restricted cash balance at December 31, 2008 was $203.8 million in order to meet commodity exchange deposit requirements and the negative change in the fair value of its natural gas hedge positions.




 
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Natural gas marketing activities

At December 31, 2008, the aggregate fair value of those financial instruments utilized in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ natural gas marketing activities was an asset of $6.5 million.   Almost all of the financial instruments within this portion of the commodity financial instruments portfolio are accounted for using mark-to-market accounting, with a small number accounted for as cash flow hedges.  Enterprise Products Partners did not have any cash flow hedges outstanding related to its natural gas marketing activities at December 31, 2008.

NGL and petrochemical operations

At December 31, 2008, the aggregate fair value of those financial instruments utilized in connection with Enterprise Products Partners’ NGL and petrochemical operations was a liability of $102.1 million.  Almost all of the financial instruments within this portion of the commodity financial instruments portfolio are accounted for as cash flow hedges, with a small number accounted for using mark-to-market accounting.

Enterprise Products Partners has employed a program to economically hedge a portion of its earnings from natural gas processing in the Rocky Mountain region.  This program consists of (i) the forward sale of a portion of Enterprise Products Partners’ expected equity NGL production volumes at fixed prices through 2009 and (ii) the purchase, using commodity financial instruments, of the amount of natural gas expected to be consumed as plant thermal reduction (“PTR”) in the production of such equity NGL volumes. The objective of this strategy is to hedge a level of gross margins (i.e., NGL sales revenues less actual costs for PTR and the gain or loss on the PTR hedge) associated with the forward sales contracts by fixing the cost of natural gas used for PTR, through the use of commodity financial instruments.  At December 31, 2008, this hedging program had hedged future expected gross margins (before plant operating expenses) of $483.9 million on 22.5 million barrels of forecasted NGL forward sales transactions extending through 2009.

Our NGL forward sales contracts are not accounted for as financial instruments under SFAS 133 since they meet normal purchase and sale exception criteria; therefore, changes in the aggregate economic value of these sales contracts are not reflected in net income and other comprehensive income until the volumes are delivered to customers.  On the other hand, the commodity financial instruments used to purchase the related quantities of PTR (i.e., “PTR hedges”) are accounted for as cash flow hedges; therefore, changes in the aggregate fair value of the PTR hedges are presented in other comprehensive income.  Once the forecasted NGL forward sales transactions occur, any realized gains and losses on the cash flow hedges would be reclassified into net income in that period.

Prior to actual settlement, if the market price of natural gas is less than the price stipulated in a commodity financial instrument, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income (loss) for the excess of the natural gas price stated in the hedge over the market price.  To the extent that Enterprise Products Partners realizes such financial losses upon settlement of the instrument, the losses are added to the actual cost it has to pay for PTR, which would then be based on the lower market price.  Conversely, if the market price of natural gas is greater than the price stipulated in such hedges, Enterprise Products Partners recognizes an unrealized gain in other comprehensive income (loss) for the excess of the market price over the natural gas price stated in the PTR hedge.   If realized, the gains on the financial instrument would serve to reduce the actual cost paid for PTR, which would then be based on the higher market price.  The net effect of these hedging relationships is that Enterprise Products Partners’ total cost of natural gas used for PTR approximates the amount originally hedged under this program.

TEPPCO. As part of its crude oil marketing business, TEPPCO enters into financial instruments such as crude oil swaps.  The purpose of such hedging activity is to either balance TEPPCO’s inventory position or to lock in a profit margin. The fair value of the open positions at December 31, 2008 was an asset of $3 thousand.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had no commodity financial instruments that were
 

 
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accounted for as cash flow hedges.  TEPPCO has some commodity financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting.
 
Foreign Currency Hedging Program – Enterprise Products Partners

Enterprise Products Partners is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk through a Canadian NGL marketing subsidiary.  As a result, Enterprise Products Partners could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar.  Enterprise Products Partners attempts to hedge this risk using foreign exchange purchase contracts to fix the exchange rate.  Mark-to-market accounting is utilized for these contracts, which typically have a duration of one month.

In addition, Enterprise Products Partners is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk through its Japanese Yen Term Loan Agreement (“Yen Term Loan”) that EPO entered into in November 2008.  As a result, Enterprise Products Partners could be adversely affected by fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen.  Enterprise Products Partners hedged this risk by entering into a foreign exchange purchase contract to fix the exchange rate.  This purchase contract was designated as a cash flow hedge.  At December 31, 2008, the fair value of this contract was $9.3 million (an asset).  This contract will be settled in March 2009 upon repayment of the Yen Term Loan.

Fair Value Information

Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash), accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are carried at amounts which reasonably approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.  The estimated fair values of our fixed rate debt are based on quoted market prices for such debt or debt of similar terms and maturities.  The carrying amounts of our variable rate debt obligations reasonably approximate their fair values due to their variable interest rates.  The fair values associated with our commodity, foreign currency and interest rate hedging portfolios were developed using available market information and appropriate valuation techniques.

The following table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2008:
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
Financial Instruments
 
Value
   
Value
 
Financial assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash
  $ 260,645     $ 260,645  
Accounts receivable
    2,028,630       2,028,630  
Commodity financial instruments (1)
    201,473       201,473  
Foreign currency hedging financial instruments (2)
    9,284       9,284  
Interest rate hedging financial instruments (3)
    46,719       46,719  
Financial liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    2,507,883       2,507,883  
Fixed-rate debt (principal amount) (4)
    9,704,296       8,192,172  
Variable-rate debt
    2,935,403       2,935,403  
Commodity financial instruments (1)
    297,083       297,083  
Foreign currency hedging financial instruments (2)
    109       109  
Interest rate hedging financial instruments (3)
    36,336       36,336  
                 
(1)   Represent commodity financial instrument transactions that either have not settled or have settled and not been invoiced. Settled and invoiced transactions are reflected in either accounts receivable or accounts payable depending on the outcome of the transaction.
(2)   Relates to the hedging of Enterprise Products Partners’ exposure to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar.
(3)   Represent interest rate hedging financial instrument transactions that have not settled. Settled transactions are reflected in either accounts receivable or accounts payable depending on the outcome of the transaction.
(4)   Due to the distress in the capital markets following the collapse of several major financial entities and uncertainty in the credit markets during 2008, corporate debt securities were trading at significant discounts.
 
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Adoption of SFAS 157 - Fair Value Measurements.  On January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 that apply to financial assets and liabilities. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 that apply to nonfinancial assets and liabilities on January 1, 2009.  SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a specified measurement date.

Our fair value estimates are based on either (i) actual market data or (ii) assumptions that other market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.   These assumptions include estimates of risk. Recognized valuation techniques employ inputs such as product prices, operating costs, discount factors and business growth rates.   These inputs may be either readily observable, corroborated by market data or generally unobservable.  In developing our estimates of fair value, we endeavor to utilize the best information available and apply market-based data to the extent possible.  Accordingly, we utilize valuation techniques (such as the market approach) that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

SFAS 157 established a three-tier hierarchy that classifies fair value amounts recognized or disclosed in the financial statements based on the observability of inputs used to estimate such fair values.  The hierarchy considers fair value amounts based on observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) to be more reliable and predictable than those based primarily on unobservable inputs (Level 3). At each balance sheet reporting date, we categorize our financial assets and liabilities using this hierarchy.  The characteristics of fair value amounts classified within each level of the SFAS 157 hierarchy are described as follows:

§  
Level 1 fair values are based on quoted prices, which are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date.  Active markets are defined as those in which transactions for identical assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency so as to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis (e.g., the NYSE or NYMEX).  Level 1 primarily consists of financial assets and liabilities such as exchange-traded financial instruments, publicly-traded equity securities and U.S. government treasury securities.

§  
Level 2 fair values are based on pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets (as reflected in Level 1 fair values) and are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date.  Level 2 fair values include instruments that are valued using financial models or other appropriate valuation methodologies.  Such financial models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value of money, volatility factors for stocks and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.  Substantially all of these assumptions are (i) observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, (ii) can be derived from observable data or (iii) are validated by inputs other than quoted prices (e.g., interest rate and yield curves at commonly quoted intervals).  Level 2 includes non-exchange-traded instruments such as over-the-counter forward contracts, options and repurchase agreements.

§  
Level 3 fair values are based on unobservable inputs.  Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own ideas about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).  Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances, which might include the reporting entity’s internally-developed data.  The reporting entity must not ignore information about market participant assumptions that is reasonably available without undue cost and effort.  Level 3 inputs are typically used in connection with internally developed valuation methodologies where management makes its best estimate of an instrument’s fair value.  Level 3 generally includes specialized or unique financial instruments that are tailored to meet a customer’s specific needs.  At December 31, 2008, our Level 3 financial assets consisted largely of ethane based contracts with a range of two to twelve months in term.  This classification is

 
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primarily due to our reliance on broker quotes for this product due to the forward ethane markets being less than highly active.

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2008.  These financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial assets:
                       
Commodity financial instruments
  $ 4,030     $ 164,668     $ 32,775     $ 201,473  
Foreign currency financial instruments
    --       9,284       --       9,284  
Interest rate financial instruments
    --       46,719       --       46,719  
Total
  $ 4,030     $ 220,671     $ 32,775     $ 257,476  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Commodity financial instruments
  $ 7,137     $ 289,576     $ 370     $ 297,083  
Foreign currency financial instruments
    --       109       --       109  
Interest rate financial instruments
    --       36,336       --       36,336  
Total
  $ 7,137     $ 326,021     $ 370     $ 333,528  
Net financial assets, Level 3
                  $ 32,405          

Fair values associated with our interest rate, commodity and foreign currency financial instrument portfolios were developed using available market information and appropriate valuation techniques in accordance with SFAS 157.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of our Level 3 financial assets and liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2008:

Balance, January 1, 2008
  $ (5,054 )
Total gains (losses) included in:
       
Net income
    (34,560 )
Other comprehensive loss
    37,212  
Purchases, issuances, settlements
    34,807  
Balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 32,405  




















 
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Note 8.  Inventories

Our inventory amounts by business segment were as follows at December 31, 2008:

Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
     
   Working inventory (1)
  $ 200,439  
   Forward sales inventory (2)
    162,376  
      Subtotal
    362,815  
Investment in TEPPCO:
       
   Working inventory (3)
    13,617  
   Forward sales inventory (4)
    30,709  
      Subtotal
    44,326  
      Eliminations
    (2,136 )
      Total inventory
  $ 405,005  
         
(1)   Working inventory is comprised of inventories of natural gas, NGLs and certain petrochemical products that are either available-for-sale or used in the provision for services.
(2)   Forward sales inventory consists of identified NGL and natural gas volumes dedicated to the fulfillment of forward sales contracts.
(3)   Working inventory is comprised of inventories of crude oil, refined products, LPGs, lubrication oils, and specialty chemicals that are either available-for-sale or used in the provision for services.
(4)   Forward sales inventory primarily consists of identified crude oil volumes dedicated to the fulfillment of forward sales contracts.
 

Our inventory values reflect payments for product purchases, freight charges associated with such purchase volumes, terminal and storage fees, vessel inspection costs, demurrage charges and other related costs.  Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market.

In addition to cash purchases, Enterprise Products Partners takes ownership of volumes through percent-of-liquids contracts and similar arrangements.  These volumes are recorded as inventory at market-related values in the month of acquisition.   Enterprise Products Partners capitalizes as a component of inventory those ancillary costs (e.g. freight-in, handling and processing charges) incurred in connection with such volumes.

Due to fluctuating commodity prices, we recognize lower of cost or market (“LCM”) adjustments when the carrying value of inventories exceeds their net realizable value.




















 
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Note 9.  Property, Plant and Equipment

Our property, plant and equipment amounts by business segment were as follows at December 31, 2008:

   
Estimated
       
   
Useful Life
       
   
In Years
       
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
           
   Plants, pipelines, buildings and related assets (1)
 
3-40 (5)
    $ 12,284,921  
   Storage facilities (2)
 
5-35 (6)
      900,664  
   Offshore platforms and related facilities (3)
 
20-31
      634,761  
   Transportation equipment (4)
 
3-10
      38,771  
   Land
          54,627  
   Construction in progress
          1,695,298  
      Total historical cost
          15,609,042  
      Less accumulated depreciation
          2,374,987  
      Total carrying value, net
          13,234,055  
Investment in TEPPCO:
             
   Plants, pipelines, buildings and related assets (1)
 
5-40 (5)
      2,972,503  
   Storage facilities (2)
 
5-40 (6)
      303,174  
   Transportation equipment (4)
 
5-10
      12,140  
   Marine vessels (7)
 
20-30
      453,041  
   Land
          199,944  
   Construction in progress
          319,368  
      Total historical cost
          4,260,170  
      Less accumulated depreciation
          770,825  
      Total carrying value, net
          3,489,345  
      Total property, plant and equipment, net
        $ 16,723,400  
               
(1)   Includes processing plants; NGL, crude oil, natural gas and other pipelines; terminal loading and unloading facilities; buildings; office furniture and equipment; laboratory and shop equipment; and related assets.
(2)   Includes underground product storage caverns, above ground storage tanks, water wells and related assets.
(3)   Includes offshore platforms and related facilities and assets.
(4)   Includes vehicles and similar assets used in our operations.
(5)   In general, the estimated useful lives of major components of this category approximate the following: processing plants, 20-35 years; pipelines and related equipment, 5-40 years; terminal facilities, 10-35 years; delivery facilities, 20-40 years; buildings, 20-40 years; office furniture and equipment, 3-20 years; and laboratory and shop equipment, 5-35 years.
(6)   In general, the estimated useful lives of major components of this category approximate the following: underground storage facilities, 5-35 years; storage tanks 10-40 years; and water wells, 5-35 years.
(7)   See Note 11 for additional information regarding the acquisition of marine services businesses by TEPPCO in February 2008.
 

The following table summarizes our capitalized interest amounts by segment for the year ended December 31, 2008:

Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
     
   Capitalized interest (1)
  $ 71,584  
Investment in TEPPCO:
       
   Capitalized interest (1)
    19,117  
(1)   Capitalized interest increases the carrying value of the associated asset and reduces interest expense during the period it is recorded.
 

Enterprise Products Partners reviewed assumptions underlying the estimated remaining useful lives of certain of its assets during the first quarter of 2008. As a result of this review, effective January 1,

 
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2008, Enterprise Products Partners revised the remaining useful lives of these assets, most notably the assets that constitute its Texas Intrastate System.  This revision increased the remaining useful life of such assets to incorporate recent data showing that proved natural gas reserves supporting throughput and processing volumes for these assets have changed since Enterprise Products Partners’ original determination made in September 2004.  These revisions will prospectively reduce Enterprise Products Partners’ depreciation expense by approximately $20.0 million annually on assets having carrying values totaling $2.72 billion as of January 1, 2008.  On average, we extended the life of these assets by 3.1 years.

Asset retirement obligations

We have recorded AROs related to legal requirements to perform retirement activities as specified in contractual arrangements and/or governmental regulations. On a consolidated basis, our property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2008 includes $11.7 million of asset retirement costs capitalized as an increase in the associated long-lived asset.

The following table summarizes amounts recognized in connection with AROs by segment since December 31, 2007:

   
Investment in
             
   
Enterprise
             
   
Products
   
Investment in
       
   
Partners
   
TEPPCO
   
Total
 
ARO liability balance, December 31, 2007
  $ 40,614     $ 1,610     $ 42,224  
Liabilities incurred
    1,064       --       1,064  
Liabilities settled
    (7,229 )     (1,012 )     (8,241 )
Revisions in estimated cash flows
    1,163       3,589       4,752  
Accretion expense
    2,114       326       2,440  
ARO liability balance, December 31, 2008
  $ 37,726     $ 4,513     $ 42,239  

Enterprise Products Partners.  The liabilities associated with Enterprise Products Partners’ AROs primarily relate to (i) right-of-way agreements associated with its pipeline operations, (ii) leases of plant sites and (iii) regulatory requirements triggered by the abandonment or retirement of certain underground storage assets and offshore facilities.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners’ AROs may result from the renovation or demolition of certain assets containing hazardous substances such as asbestos.

TEPPCO.  In general, the liabilities associated with TEPPCO’s AROs primarily relate to (i) right-of-way agreements for its pipeline operations and (ii) leases of plant sites and office space.



















 
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Note 10.  Investments In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliates

We own interests in a number of related businesses that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.  Our investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates are grouped according to the business segment to which they relate.  See Note 4 for a general discussion of our business segments.  The following table shows our investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates by segment at December 31, 2008:

   
Ownership
       
   
Percentage
       
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
           
Venice Energy Service Company, L.L.C. (“VESCO”)
 
13.1%
    $ 37,673  
K/D/S Promix, L.L.C. (“Promix”)
 
50.0%
      46,383  
Baton Rouge Fractionators LLC (“BRF”)
 
32.2%
      24,160  
White River Hub, LLC (“White River Hub”)
 
50.0%
      21,387  
Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (“Skelly-Belvieu”)
 
49.0%
      35,969  
Evangeline (1)
 
49.5%
      4,528  
Poseidon Oil Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (“Poseidon”)
 
36.0%
      60,233  
Cameron Highway Oil Pipeline Company (“Cameron Highway”)
 
50.0%
      250,833  
Deepwater Gateway, L.L.C. (“Deepwater Gateway”)
 
50.0%
      104,785  
Neptune
 
25.7%
      52,671  
Nemo
 
33.9%
      432  
Baton Rouge Propylene Concentrator LLC (“BRPC”)
 
30.0%
      12,633  
Other
 
50.0%
      3,887  
   Total Investment in Enterprise Products Partners
          655,574  
Investment in TEPPCO:
             
Seaway Crude Pipeline Company (“Seaway”)
 
50.0%
      186,224  
Centennial Pipeline LLC (“Centennial”)
 
50.0%
      69,696  
Other
 
25.0%
      332  
   Total Investment in TEPPCO
          256,252  
Investment in Energy Transfer Equity:
             
Energy Transfer Equity
 
17.5%
      1,587,115  
LE GP
 
34.9%
      11,761  
Total Investment in Energy Transfer Equity
          1,598,876  
            Total consolidated
        $ 2,510,702  
               
(1)   Refers to ownership interests in Evangeline Gas Pipeline Company, L.P. and Evangeline Gas Corp., collectively.
 

On occasion, the price we pay to acquire a non-controlling ownership interest in a company exceeds the underlying book value of the net assets we acquire.  Such excess cost amounts are included within the carrying values of our investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates.  That portion of excess cost attributable to fixed assets or amortizable intangible assets is amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset(s) as a reduction in equity earnings from the entity.  That portion of excess cost attributable to goodwill or indefinite life intangible assets is not subject to amortization.  Equity method investments, including their associated excess cost amounts, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that there is a loss in value of the investment which is other than temporary.











 
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The following table summarizes our excess cost information at the dates indicated by business segment:

   
Investment in
         
Investment in
       
   
Enterprise
         
Energy
       
   
Products
   
Investment in
   
Transfer
       
   
Partners
   
TEPPCO
   
Equity
   
Total
 
Initial excess cost amounts attributable to:
                       
Fixed Assets
  $ 51,476     $ 30,277     $ 576,626     $ 658,379  
Goodwill
    --       --       335,758       335,758  
Intangibles – finite life
    --       30,021       244,695       274,716  
Intangibles – indefinite life
    --       --       513,508       513,508  
Total
  $ 51,476     $ 60,298     $ 1,670,587     $ 1,782,361  
                                 
Excess cost amounts, net of amortization at:
                               
December 31, 2008
  $ 34,272     $ 28,350     $ 1,609,575     $ 1,672,197  

As shown in the preceding table, Enterprise GP Holdings’ initial investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP exceeded its share of the historical cost of the underlying net assets of such investees by $1.67 billion.  At December 31, 2008, this basis differential decreased to $1.61 billion (after taking into account related amortization amounts) and consisted of the following:

§  
$537.6 million attributed to fixed assets;

§  
$513.5 million attributed to the IDRs (an indefinite-life intangible asset) held by Energy Transfer Equity in the cash flows of ETP;

§  
$222.7 million attributed to amortizable intangible assets;

§  
and $335.8 million attributed to equity method goodwill.

The basis differential amounts attributed to fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets represent Enterprise GP Holdings’ pro rata share of the excess of the fair values determined for such assets over the investee’s historical carrying values for such assets at the date Enterprise GP Holdings acquired its investments in Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP. These excess cost amounts are being amortized over the estimated useful life of the underlying assets.  We estimate such non-cash amortization expense to be $36.6 million for each of the years 2009 through 2011, $36.3 million in 2012 and $36.1 million for 2013.

The $513.5 million of excess cost attributed to ETP’s IDRs represents Enterprise GP Holdings’ pro rata share of the fair value of the incentive distribution rights held by Energy Transfer Equity in ETP’s cash distributions.  The $335.8 million of equity method goodwill is attributed to our view of the future financial performance of Energy Transfer Equity and LE GP based upon their underlying assets and industry relationships.  Excess cost amounts attributed to the ETP IDRs and the equity method goodwill are not amortized; however, such amounts are subject to impairment testing.

We monitor the underlying business fundamentals of our investments in unconsolidated affiliates and test such investments for impairment when impairment indicators are present. As a result of our reviews for the year ended December 31, 2008, no impairment charges were required. We have the intent and ability to hold our equity method investments, which are integral to our operations.









 
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Investment in Enterprise Products Partners

The combined balance sheet information of this segment’s current unconsolidated affiliates at December 31, 2008 is summarized below.

Balance Sheet Data:
     
   Current assets
  $ 196,634  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
    1,565,913  
   Other assets
    23,102  
      Total assets
  $ 1,785,649  
   Current liabilities
  $ 139,189  
   Other liabilities
    162,439  
   Combined equity
    1,484,021  
      Total liabilities and combined equity
  $ 1,785,649  

At December 31, 2008, our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners segment included the following unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method:

VESCO. Enterprise Products Partners owns a 13.1% interest in VESCO, which owns a natural gas processing facility and related assets located in south Louisiana.

Promix.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in Promix, which owns an NGL fractionation facility and related storage and pipeline assets located in south Louisiana.

BRF.  Enterprise Products Partners owns an approximate 32.3% interest in BRF, which owns an NGL fractionation facility located in south Louisiana.

Evangeline. Duncan Energy Partners owns an approximate 49.5% aggregate interest in Evangeline, which owns a natural gas pipeline located in south Louisiana.  See Note 13 for information regarding the debt obligations of this unconsolidated affiliate.

White River Hub.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in White River Hub, which owns a natural gas hub located in northwest Colorado.  The hub was completed in December 2008.

Skelly-Belvieu.  In December 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired a 49.0% interest in Skelly-Belvieu for $36.0 million.  Skelly-Belvieu owns a 570-mile pipeline that transports mixed NGLs to markets in southeast Texas.

Poseidon.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 36.0% interest in Poseidon, which owns a crude oil pipeline that gathers production from the outer continental shelf and deepwater areas of the Gulf of Mexico for delivery to onshore locations in south Louisiana.  See Note 13 for information regarding the debt obligations of this unconsolidated affiliate.

Cameron Highway. Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in Cameron Highway, which owns a crude oil pipeline that gathers production from deepwater areas of the Gulf of Mexico, primarily the South Green Canyon area, for delivery to refineries and terminals in southeast Texas.

Cameron Highway repaid its $365.0 million Series A notes and $50.0 million Series B notes in 2007 using cash contributions from its partners.  Enterprise Products Partners funded its 50% share of the capital contributions using borrowings under EPO’s Revolver.  Cameron Highway incurred a $14.1 million make-whole premium in connection with the repayment of its Series A notes.

Deepwater Gateway.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 50.0% interest in Deepwater Gateway, which owns the Marco Polo platform located in the Gulf of Mexico.  The Marco Polo platform processes crude oil and natural gas production from the Marco Polo, K2, K2 North and Ghengis Khan fields located in the South Green Canyon area of the Gulf of Mexico.

 
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Neptune.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 25.7% interest in Neptune, which owns the Manta Ray Offshore Gathering and Nautilus Systems, which are natural gas pipelines located in the Gulf of Mexico.

Nemo.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 33.9% interest in Nemo, which owns the Nemo Gathering System, which is a natural gas pipeline located in the Gulf of Mexico.

BRPC.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 30.0% interest in BRPC, which owns a propylene fractionation facility located in south Louisiana.

Investment in TEPPCO

The combined balance sheet information of this segment’s current unconsolidated affiliates (i.e. Seaway and Centennial) at December 31, 2008 is summarized below.

Balance Sheet Data:
     
   Current assets
  $ 44,161  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
    487,426  
   Other assets
    (4 )
      Total assets
  $ 531,583  
   Current liabilities
  $ 26,798  
   Other liabilities
    120,380  
   Combined equity
    384,405  
      Total liabilities and combined equity
  $ 531,583  

At December 31, 2008, our Investment in TEPPCO segment included the following unconsolidated affiliates accounted for using the equity method:

Seaway.  TEPPCO owns a 50% interest in Seaway, which owns a pipeline that transports crude oil from a marine terminal located at Freeport, Texas, to Cushing, Oklahoma, and from a marine terminal located at Texas City, Texas, to refineries in the Texas City and Houston, Texas areas.

Centennial.  TEPPCO owns a 50% interest in Centennial, which owns an interstate refined petroleum products pipeline extending from the upper Texas Gulf Coast to central Illinois.  Prior to April 2002, TEPPCO’s mainline pipeline was bottlenecked between Beaumont, Texas and El Dorado, Arkansas, which limited TEPPCO’s ability to transport refined products and LPGs during peak periods.  When the Centennial pipeline commenced operations in 2002, it effectively looped TEPPCO’s mainline, thus providing TEPPCO incremental transportation capacity into Mid-continent markets.   Centennial is a key investment of TEPPCO.

Investment in Energy Transfer Equity

This segment reflects Enterprise GP Holdings’ non-controlling ownership interests in Energy Transfer Equity and its general partner, LE GP, both of which are accounted for using the equity method.  In May 2007, Enterprise GP Holdings paid $1.65 billion to acquire 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity and approximately 34.9% of the membership interests of LE GP.  On January 22, 2009, Enterprise GP Holdings acquired an additional 5.7% membership interest in LE GP for $0.8 million, which increased our total ownership in LE GP to 40.6%.

LE GP.  The business purpose of LE GP is to manage the affairs and operations of Energy Transfer Equity.  LE GP has no separate business activities outside of those conducted by Energy Transfer Equity.  LE GP owns a 0.31% general partner interest in Energy Transfer Equity and has no IDR’s in the quarterly cash distributions of Energy Transfer Equity.

 
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Energy Transfer Equity. Energy Transfer Equity currently has no separate operating activities apart from those of ETP.  Energy Transfer Equity’s principal sources of distributable cash flow are its investments in the limited and general partner interests of ETP as follows:

§  
Direct ownership of 62,500,797 ETP limited partner units representing approximately 46.0% of the total outstanding ETP units.

§  
Indirect ownership of the 2% general partner interest of ETP and all associated IDRs held by ETP’s general partner, of which Energy Transfer Equity owns 100% of the membership interests.  Currently, the quarterly general partner and associated IDR thresholds of ETP’s general partner are as follows:

§  
2% of quarterly cash distributions up to $0.275 per unit paid by ETP;

§  
15% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.275 per unit up to $0.3175 per unit paid by ETP;

§  
25% of quarterly cash distributions from $0.3175 per unit up to $0.4125 per unit paid by ETP; and

§  
50% of quarterly cash distributions that exceed $0.4125 per unit paid by ETP.

ETP’s partnership agreement requires that it distribute all of its Available Cash (as defined in such agreement) within 45 days following the end of each fiscal quarter.

ETP is a publicly traded partnership owning and operating a diversified portfolio of energy assets. ETP has pipeline operations in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Utah, and owns the largest intrastate pipeline system in Texas. ETP’s natural gas operations include intrastate natural gas gathering and transportation pipelines, natural gas treating and processing assets and three natural gas storage facilities located in Texas. ETP is also one of the three largest retail marketers of propane in the United States, serving more than one million customers across the country.

The balance sheet information for Energy Transfer Equity at December 31, 2008 is summarized below.

Balance Sheet Data:
     
   Current assets
  $ 1,180,995  
   Property, plant and equipment, net
    8,702,534  
   Other assets
    1,186,373  
      Total assets
  $ 11,069,902  
   Current liabilities
  $ 1,208,921  
   Other liabilities
    9,944,413  
   Partners’ equity
    (83,432 )
      Total liabilities and partners’ equity
  $ 11,069,902  

For the year ended December 31, 2008, Energy Transfer Equity received $546.2 million in cash distributions from ETP, which consisted of $236.3 million from limited partner interests, $17.9 million from its general partner interest and $305.1 million in distributions from the ETP IDRs. Energy Transfer Equity, in turn, paid $435.9 million in distributions to its partners with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008.

At December 31, 2008, the market value of the 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity was approximately $631.8 million.   We evaluated the near and long-term prospects of our investment in Energy Transfer Equity common units and concluded that this investment was not impaired at December 31, 2008.   Our management believes that Energy Transfer Equity has significant growth prospects in the future that will enable Enterprise GP Holdings to more than fully recover its investment.   Enterprise GP Holdings has the intent and ability to hold this investment for the long-term.

 
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Note 11.  Business Combinations

Our expenditures for business combinations during the year ended December 31, 2008 were $553.5 million and primarily reflect the acquisitions described below.

Great Divide Gathering System Acquisition.  In December 2008, Enterprise Products Partners purchased a 100.0% membership interest in Great Divide Gathering, LLC (“Great Divide”) for cash consideration of $125.2 million.  Great Divide was wholly owned by EnCana Oil & Gas (“EnCana”).

The assets of Great Divide consist of a 31-mile natural gas gathering system, the Great Divide Gathering System, located in the Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado.  The Great Divide Gathering System extends from the southern portion of the Piceance Basin, including production from EnCana’s Mamm Creek field, to a pipeline interconnection with Enterprise Products Partners’ Piceance Basin Gathering System.  Volumes of natural gas originating on the Great Divide Gathering System are transported through Enterprise Products Partners’ Piceance Creek Gathering System to its 1.5 Bcf/d Meeker natural gas treating and processing complex.  A significant portion of these volumes are produced by EnCana, one of the largest natural gas producers in the region, and are dedicated the Great Divide and Piceance Creek Gathering Systems for the life of the associated lease holdings.

Tri-States and Belle Rose Acquisitions. In October 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired additional 16.7% membership interests in both Tri-States NGL Pipeline, L.L.C. (“Tri-States”) and Belle Rose NGL Pipeline, L.L.C. (“Belle Rose”) for total cash consideration of $19.9 million.  As a result of this transaction, Enterprise Products Partners’ ownership interest in Tri-States increased to 83.3%.  Enterprise Products Partners now owns 100.0% of the membership interests in Belle Rose. 

Tri-States owns a 194-mile NGL pipeline located along the Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana Gulf Coast.  Belle Rose owns a 48-mile NGL pipeline located in Louisiana.  These systems, in conjunction with the Wilprise pipeline, transport mixed NGLs to the BRF, Norco and Promix NGL fractionators located in south Louisiana.

Acquisition of Remaining Interest in Dixie. In August 2008, Enterprise Products Partners acquired the remaining 25.8% ownership interest in Dixie for $57.1 million.  As a result of this transaction, Enterprise Products Partners owns 100% of Dixie, which owns a 1,371-mile pipeline system that delivers NGLs (primarily propane, and other chemical feedstock) to customers along the U.S. Gulf Coast and southeastern United States.

TEPPCO Marine Services Businesses. On February 1, 2008, TEPPCO entered the marine transportation business for refined products, crude oil and condensate through the purchase of assets from Cenac Towing Co., Inc., Cenac Offshore, L.L.C., and Mr. Arlen B. Cenac, Jr. (collectively “Cenac”). The aggregate value of total consideration TEPPCO paid or issued to complete this business combination was $444.7 million, which consisted of $258.2 million in cash and approximately 4.9 million of TEPPCO’s newly issued common units.  Additionally, TEPPCO assumed approximately $63.2 million of Cenac’s debt in the transaction.  TEPPCO acquired 42 tow boats, 89 tank barges and the economic benefit of certain related commercial agreements.  TEPPCO’s new business line serves refineries and storage terminals along the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway between Texas and Florida.  These assets also gather crude oil from production facilities and platforms along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. TEPPCO used its short-term credit facility to finance the cash portion of the acquisition.  TEPPCO repaid the $63.2 million of debt assumed in this transaction using borrowings under its short-term credit facility.

On February 29, 2008, TEPPCO purchased related marine assets from Horizon Maritime, L.L.C. (“Horizon”), a privately-held Houston-based company and an affiliate of Mr. Cenac, for $80.8 million in cash. TEPPCO acquired 7 tow boats, 17 tank barges, rights to two tow boats under construction and the economic benefit of certain related commercial agreements.  In April 2008, TEPPCO paid an additional $3.0 million to Horizon pursuant to the purchase agreement upon delivery of one of the tow boats under construction, and in June 2008, TEPPCO paid an additional $3.8 million upon delivery of the second tow

 
41

 

boat.  These vessels transport asphalt, heavy fuel oil and other heated oil products to storage facilities and refineries along the Mississippi, Illinois and Ohio Rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway.  TEPPCO’s short-term credit facility was used to finance this acquisition.

Purchase Price Allocations.  We accounted for our business combinations completed during 2008 using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, such costs have been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated preliminary fair values.  Such preliminary values have been developed using recognized business valuation techniques and are subject to change pending a final valuation analysis.

   
Cenac
   
Horizon
   
Great
                   
   
Acquisition
   
Acquisition
   
Divide
   
Dixie
   
Other (1)
   
Total
 
Assets acquired in business combination:
                                   
Current assets
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ 4,021     $ 2,510     $ 6,531  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    362,872       72,196       70,643       33,727       10,122       549,560  
Intangible assets
    63,500       6,500       9,760       --       12,747       92,507  
Other assets
    --       --       --       382       46       428  
Total assets acquired
    426,372       78,696       80,403       38,130       25,425       649,026  
Liabilities assumed in business combination:
                                               
Current liabilities
    --       --       --       (2,581 )     (649 )     (3,230 )
Long-term debt
    --       --       --       (2,582 )     --       (2,582 )
Other long-term liabilities
    (63,157 )     --       (81 )     (46,265 )     (4 )     (109,507 )
Total liabilities assumed
    (63,157 )     --       (81 )     (51,428 )     (653 )     (115,319 )
Total assets acquired plus liabilities assumed
    363,215       78,696       80,322       (13,298 )     24,772       533,707  
Fair value of 4,854,899 TEPPCO common units
    186,558       --       --       --       --       186,558  
Total cash used for business combinations
    258,183       87,582       125,175       57,089       25,457       553,486  
Goodwill
  $ 81,526     $ 8,886     $ 44,853     $ 70,387     $ 685     $ 206,337  
                                                 
(1)   Primarily represents (i) non-cash reclassification adjustments to Enterprise Products Partners’ December 2007 preliminary fair value estimates for assets acquired in its South Monoco natural gas pipeline acquisition, (ii) TEPPCO’s purchase of lubrication and other fuel assets in August 2008 and (iii) Enterprise Products’ purchase of additional interests in Tri-States and Belle Rose in October 2008.
 

As a result of Enterprise Products Partners’ 100% ownership interest in Dixie, Enterprise Products Partners used push-down accounting to record this business combination.  In doing so, a temporary tax difference was created between the assets and liabilities of Dixie for financial reporting and tax purposes. Dixie recorded a deferred income tax liability of $45.1 million attributable to the temporary tax difference.


Note 12.  Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Identifiable Intangible Assets

The following tables summarize our intangible assets at December 31, 2008:

   
Gross
   
Accum.
   
Carrying
 
   
Value
   
Amort.
   
Value
 
Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
                 
     Customer relationship intangibles
  $ 858,354     $ (272,918 )   $ 585,436  
     Contract-based intangibles
    409,283       (156,603 )     252,680  
           Subtotal
    1,267,637       (429,521 )     838,116  
Investment in TEPPCO:
                       
     Incentive distribution rights
    606,926       --       606,926  
 Customer relationship intangibles
    52,381       (3,506 )     48,875  
     Gas gathering agreements
    462,449       (212,610 )     249,839  
     Other contract-based intangibles
    74,515       (29,224 )     45,291  
           Subtotal
    1,196,271       (245,340 )     950,931  
           Total
  $ 2,463,908     $ (674,861 )   $ 1,789,047  


 
42

 

In general, our amortizable intangible assets fall within two categories – contract-based intangible assets and customer relationships. The values assigned to such intangible assets are amortized to earnings using either (i) a straight-line approach or (ii) other methods that closely resemble the pattern in which the economic benefits of associated resource bases are estimated to be consumed or otherwise used, as appropriate.

Customer relationship intangible assets.  Customer relationship intangible assets represent the estimated economic value assigned to certain relationships acquired in connection with business combinations and asset purchases whereby (i) we acquired information about or access to customers and now have regular contact with them and (ii) the customers now have the ability to make direct contact with us. Customer relationships may arise from contractual arrangements (such as supplier contracts and service contracts) and through means other than contracts, such as through regular contact by sales or service representatives.

At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of Enterprise Products Partners’ customer relationship intangible assets was $585.4 million.  The carrying value of TEPPCO’s customer relationship intangible assets was $48.9 million. The following information summarizes the significant components of this category of intangible assets:

§  
San Juan Gathering System customer relationships – Enterprise Products Partners acquired these customer relationships in connection with the GulfTerra Merger, which was completed on September 30, 2004.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this group of intangible assets was $238.8 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings over their estimated economic life of 35 years through 2039.  Amortization expense is recorded using a method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefits of the underlying natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used.

§  
Offshore Pipeline & Platform customer relationships – Enterprise Products Partners acquired these customer relationships in connection with the GulfTerra Merger.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this group of intangible assets was $115.2 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings over their estimated economic life of 33 years through 2037.  Amortization expense is recorded using a method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefits of the underlying crude oil and natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used.

§  
Encinal natural gas processing customer relationship – Enterprise Products Partners acquired this customer relationship in connection with its Encinal acquisition in 2006.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this intangible asset was $99.1 million.  This intangible asset is being amortized to earnings over its estimated economic life of 20 years through 2026.  Amortization expense is recorded using a method that closely resembles the pattern in which the economic benefit of the underlying natural gas resource bases are expected to be consumed or otherwise used.

Contract-based intangible assets.  Contract-based intangible assets represent specific commercial rights we acquired in connection with business combinations or asset purchases.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of Enterprise Products Partners’ contract-based intangible assets was $252.7 million.   The carrying value of TEPPCO’s contract-based intangible assets was $295.1 million. The following information summarizes the significant components of this category of intangible assets:

§  
Jonah natural gas gathering agreements – These intangible assets represent the value attributed to certain of Jonah’s natural gas gathering contracts that existed at February 24, 2005, which was the date that private company affiliates of EPCO first acquired their ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this group of intangible assets was $136.0 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings using a units-of-production method based on throughput volumes on the Jonah system.

 
43

 

§  
Val Verde natural gas gathering agreements – These intangible assets represent the value attributed to certain natural gas gathering agreements associated with TEPPCO’s Val Verde Gathering System that existed at February 24, 2005, which was the date that private company affiliates of EPCO first acquired their ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of these intangible assets was $113.8 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings using a units-of-production method based on throughput volumes on the Val Verde Gathering System.

§  
Shell Processing Agreement – This margin-band/keepwhole processing agreement grants Enterprise Products Partners the right to process Shell Oil Company’s (or its assignee’s) current and future natural gas production of within the state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Enterprise Products Partners acquired the Shell Processing Agreement in connection with its 1999 purchase of certain of Shell’s midstream energy assets located along the U.S. Gulf Coast.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of this intangible asset was $116.9 million.  This intangible asset is being amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over its estimated economic life of 20 years through 2019.

§  
Mississippi natural gas storage contracts – These intangible assets represent the value assigned by Enterprise Products Partners to certain natural gas storage contracts associated with its Petal and Hattiesburg, Mississippi storage facilities.   These facilities were acquired in connection with the GulfTerra Merger.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of these intangible assets was $64.0 million.  These intangible assets are being amortized to earnings on a straight-line basis over the remainder of their respective contract terms, which range from eight to 18 years (i.e. 2012 through 2022).

Incentive distribution rights.  Enterprise GP Holdings recorded an indefinite-life intangible asset valued at $606.9 million in connection with the receipt of the TEPPCO IDRs from DFIGP in May 2007.  This amount represents DFIGP’s historical carrying value and characterization of such asset.  This intangible asset is not subject to amortization, but it subject to periodic testing for recoverability in a manner similar to goodwill.

The IDRs represent contractual rights to the incentive cash distributions paid by TEPPCO.  Such rights were granted to TEPPCO GP under the terms of TEPPCO’s partnership agreement.  In accordance with TEPPCO’s partnership agreement, TEPPCO GP may separate and sell the IDRs independent of its other residual general partner and limited partner interests in TEPPCO.  TEPPCO GP is entitled to 2% of the cash distributions paid by TEPPCO as well as the associated IDRs of TEPPCO.  TEPPCO GP is the sole general partner of, and thereby controls, TEPPCO.  As an incentive, TEPPCO GP’s percentage interest in TEPPCO’s quarterly cash distributions is increased after certain specified target levels of distribution rates are met by TEPPCO.

We consider the IDRs to be an indefinite-life intangible asset.  Our determination of an indefinite-life is based upon our expectation that TEPPCO will continue to pay incentive distributions under the terms of its partnership agreement to TEPPCO GP indefinitely. TEPPCO’s partnership agreement contains renewal provisions that provide for TEPPCO to continue as a going concern beyond the initial term of its partnership agreement, which ends in December 2084.

We test the carrying value of the IDRs for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value.  This test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  If the estimated fair value of this intangible asset is less its carrying value, a charge to earnings is required to reduce the asset’s carrying value to its implied fair value.    In addition, we review this asset annually to determine whether events or circumstances continue to support an indefinite life.




 
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Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction.  Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is subject to annual impairment testing.  The following table summarizes our goodwill amounts by business segment at December 31, 2008:

Investment in Enterprise Products Partners:
     
   GulfTerra Merger
  $ 385,945  
   Encinal acquisition
    95,272  
   Acquisition of additional interests in Dixie
    80,279  
   Great Divide acquisition
    44,853  
   Other
    100,535  
Investment in TEPPCO:
       
   TEPPCO acquisition
    197,645  
   Marine services acquisition
    90,412  
   Other
    18,976  
      Total
  $ 1,013,917  

In 2008, our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners business segment recorded goodwill of $70.4 million in connection with the acquisition of the remaining third party interest in Dixie and $44.9 million in connection with the acquisition of Great Divide.  The remaining ownership interests in Dixie were acquired from Amoco Pipeline Holding Company in August 2008.  Management attributes this goodwill to future earnings growth on the Dixie Pipeline.  Specifically, a 100.0% ownership interest in the Dixie Pipeline will increase Enterprise Products Partners’ flexibility to pursue future opportunities.

Great Divide was acquired from EnCana in December 2008.  Goodwill for this acquisition is attributable to management’s expectations of future benefits derived from incremental natural gas processing margins and other downstream activities.  For additional information regarding these acquisitions see Note 11.

In addition, our Investment in Enterprise Products Partners business segment includes goodwill amounts recorded in connection with the GulfTerra Merger.  The value associated with such goodwill amounts can be attributed to our belief (at the time the merger was consummated) that the combined partnerships would benefit from the strategic asset locations and industry relationships that each partnership possessed.  In addition, we expected that various operating synergies could develop (such as reduced general and administrative costs and interest savings) that would result in improved financial results for the merged entity.

Management attributes goodwill amounts recorded in connection with the Encinal acquisition to potential future benefits Enterprise Products Partners may realize from its other south Texas natural gas processing and NGL businesses.  Specifically, Enterprise Products Partners’ acquisition of long-term dedication rights associated with the Encinal business is expected to add value to its south Texas processing facilities and related NGL businesses due to increased volumes.

In 2008, our Investment in TEPPCO business segment recorded goodwill of $90.4 million in connection with its marine services acquisitions.  Management attributes the value of this goodwill to potential future benefits TEPPCO expects to realize as a result of acquiring these assets.  For additional information regarding this acquisitions see Note 11.

In addition, our Investment in TEPPCO business segment includes goodwill amounts recorded in connection with DFIGP’s contribution of ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP to Enterprise GP Holdings on May 7, 2007.  At December 31, 2008, the TEPPCO business segment included $197.6 million of such goodwill amounts.

 
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Goodwill associated with DFIGP’s contribution of ownership interests in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP to Enterprise GP Holdings represents DFIGP’s historical carrying value and characterization of such asset. Management attributes this goodwill to the future benefits we may realize from our investments in TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP.  Specifically, we will benefit from the cash distributions paid by TEPPCO with respect to TEPPCO GP’s 2% general partner interest in TEPPCO and ownership of 4,400,000 of its common units.


Note 13.  Debt Obligations

The following table summarizes the significant components of our consolidated debt obligations at December 31, 2008:

Principal amount of debt obligations of Enterprise GP Holdings
  $ 1,077,000  
Principal amount of debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners:
       
   Senior debt obligations
    7,813,346  
   Subordinated debt obligations
    1,232,700  
      Total principal amount of debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
    9,046,046  
Principal amount of debt obligations of TEPPCO:
       
   Senior debt obligations
    2,216,653  
   Subordinated debt obligations
    300,000  
      Total principal amount of debt obligations of TEPPCO
    2,516,653  
      Total principal amount of consolidated debt obligations
    12,639,699  
Other, non-principal amounts:
       
   Changes in fair value of debt-related financial instruments
    51,935  
   Unamortized discounts, net of premiums
    (12,549 )
   Unamortized deferred gains related to terminated interest rate swaps
    35,843  
      Total other, non-principal amounts
    75,229  
      Total consolidated debt obligations
  $ 12,714,928  
         
Standby letters of credit outstanding:
       
   Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 1,000  
      Total standby letters of credit
  $ 1,000  

Debt Obligations of Enterprise GP Holdings

Enterprise GP Holdings consolidates the debt obligations of both Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO; however, Enterprise GP Holdings does not have the obligation to make interest or debt payments with respect to the consolidated debt obligations of either Enterprise Product Partners or TEPPCO.

The following table summarizes the debt obligations of Enterprise GP Holdings at December 31, 2008:

EPE Revolver, variable rate, due September 2012
  $ 102,000  
$125.0 million Term Loan A, variable rate, due September 2012
    125,000  
$850.0 million Term Loan B, variable rate, due November 2014 (1)
    850,000  
     Total debt obligations of Enterprise GP Holdings
  $ 1,077,000  
         
(1)   In accordance with SFAS 6, "Classification of Short-Term Obligations Expected to be Refinanced," long-term and current maturities of debt reflects the classification of such obligations at December 31, 2008.  With respect to the $17.0 million due under Term Loan B in 2009, Enterprise GP Holdings has the ability to use available credit capacity under its revolving credit facility to fund repayment of these amounts.
 

EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement.  The $1.2 billion EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement provided for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the “EPE Revolver”), a $125.0 million term loan

 
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(“Term Loan A”), and an $850.0 million term loan (the “Term Loan A-2”).  The EPE Revolver replaced the $200.0 million EPE Bridge Revolving Credit Facility.  Amounts borrowed under the August 2007 Revolver mature in September 2012.  Term Loan A and Term Loan A-2 refinanced amounts then outstanding under the Term Loan (Debt Bridge).  Amounts borrowed under Term Loan A mature in September 2012.  Amounts borrowed under Term Loan A-2 were refinanced in November 2007 with proceeds from a term loan due November 2014.

Borrowings under the EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement are secured by Enterprise GP Holdings’ ownership of (i) 13,454,498 common units of Enterprise Products Partners, (ii) 100% of the membership interests in EPGP, (iii) 38,976,090 common units of Energy Transfer Equity, (iv) 4,400,000 common units of TEPPCO and (v) 100% of the membership interests in TEPPCO GP.

The EPE Revolver may be used by Enterprise GP Holdings to fund working capital and other capital requirements and for general partnership purposes.  The EPE 2007 Revolver offers secured ABR loans (“ABR Loans”) and Eurodollar loans (“Eurodollar Loans”) each having different interest requirements.

ABR Loans bear interest at an alternative base rate (the “Alternative Base Rate”) plus an applicable rate (the “Applicable Rate”).  The Alternative Base Rate is a rate per annum equal to the greater of:  (i) the annual interest rate publicly announced by Citibank, N.A. as its base rate in effect at its principal office in New York, New York (the “Prime Rate”) in effect on such day and (ii) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%.  The Applicable Rate for ABR Loans will be increased by an applicable margin ranging from 0% to 1.0% per annum.  The Eurodollar Loans bear interest at a “LIBOR rate” (as defined in the August 2007 Credit Agreement) plus the Applicable Rate.  The Applicable Rate for Eurodollar Loans will be increased by an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.50% per annum.

All borrowings outstanding under Term Loan A will, at Enterprise GP Holdings’ option, be made and maintained as ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans, or a combination thereof.  Prior to being refinanced in November 2007, borrowings outstanding under Term Loan A-2 were charged interest at the LIBOR rate plus 1.75%. Any amount repaid under the Term Loan A may not be reborrowed.

  In November 2007, Enterprise GP Holdings executed a seven-year, $850 million senior secured term loan (“Term Loan B”) in the institutional leveraged loan market. Proceeds from the Term Loan B were used to permanently refinance borrowings outstanding under the partnership’s $850 million Term Loan A-2 that had a maturity date in May 2008. The Term Loan B, which was priced at a discount of 1.0 percent, generally bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25 percent and is scheduled to mature on November 8, 2014. The Term Loan B is callable for up to one year by the partnership at 101 percent of the principal, and at par thereafter.

The EPE August 2007 Credit Agreement contains various covenants related to Enterprise GP Holdings’ ability to incur certain indebtedness, grant certain liens, make fundamental structural changes, make distributions following an event of default and enter into certain restricted agreements.  The credit agreement also requires Enterprise GP Holdings to satisfy certain quarterly financial covenants.













 
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Consolidated Debt Obligations of Enterprise Products Partners

The following table summarizes the principal amount of consolidated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners at December 31, 2008:

Senior debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners:
     
   EPO Revolver, variable rate, due November 2012
  $ 800,000  
   EPO Senior Notes B, 7.50% fixed-rate, due February 2011
    450,000  
   EPO Senior Notes C, 6.375% fixed-rate, due February 2013
    350,000  
   EPO Senior Notes D, 6.875% fixed-rate, due March 2033
    500,000  
   EPO Senior Notes F, 4.625% fixed-rate, due October 2009 (1)
    500,000  
   EPO Senior Notes G, 5.60% fixed-rate, due October 2014
    650,000  
   EPO Senior Notes H, 6.65% fixed-rate, due October 2034
    350,000  
   EPO Senior Notes I, 5.00% fixed-rate, due March 2015
    250,000  
   EPO Senior Notes J, 5.75% fixed-rate, due March 2035
    250,000  
   EPO Senior Notes K, 4.950% fixed-rate, due June 2010
    500,000  
   EPO Senior Notes L, 6.30%, fixed-rate, due September 2017
    800,000  
   EPO Senior Notes M, 5.65%, fixed-rate, due April 2013
    400,000  
   EPO Senior Notes N, 6.50%, fixed-rate, due January 2019
    700,000  
   EPO Senior Notes O, 9.75% fixed-rate, due January 2014
    500,000  
   EPO Yen Term Loan, 4.93% fixed-rate, due March 2009 (1)
    217,596  
   Petal GO Zone Bonds, variable rate, due August 2037
    57,500  
   Pascagoula MBFC Loan, 8.70% fixed-rate, due March 2010
    54,000  
   Dixie Revolver, variable rate, due June 2010 (2)
    --  
   Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver, variable rate, due February 2011
    202,000  
   Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement, variable rate, due December 2011
    282,250  
      Total senior debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
    7,813,346  
Subordinated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners:
       
   EPO Junior Notes A, fixed/variable rates, due August 2066
    550,000  
   EPO Junior Notes B, fixed/variable rates, due January 2068
    682,700  
      Total subordinated debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
    1,232,700  
      Total principal amount of debt obligations of Enterprise Products Partners
  $ 9,046,046  
         
(1)   In accordance with SFAS 6, "Classification of Short-Term Obligations Expected to be Refinanced," long-term and current maturities of debt reflects the classification of such obligations at December 31, 2008.  With respect to the EPO Yen Term Loan due March 2009 and EPO Senior Notes F due October 2009, EPO has the ability to use available credit capacity under the EPO Revolver to fund repayment of these amounts.
(2)   The Dixie Revolver was terminated in January 2009.
 

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. acts as guarantor of the consolidated debt obligations of EPO with the exception of Duncan Energy Partners’ revolving credit facility and Term Loan Agreement.  If EPO were to default on any of its guaranteed debt, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. would be responsible for full repayment of that obligation.  EPO’s debt obligations are non-recourse to Enterprise GP Holdings and EPGP.

Letters of credit. At December 31, 2008, there was $1.0 million in standby letters outstanding under Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver.

EPO Revolver.  This unsecured revolving credit facility currently has a borrowing capacity of $1.75 billion, which replaced an existing $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit agreement.  Amounts borrowed under the amended and restated credit agreement mature in November 2012, although EPO is permitted, on the maturity date, to convert the principal balance of the revolving loans then outstanding into a non-revolving, one-year term loan (the “term-out option”).  There is no limit on the amount of standby letters of credit that can be outstanding under the amended facility.

As defined by the credit agreement, variable interest rates charged under this facility bear interest at a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin.  In addition, EPO is required to pay a quarterly facility fee on each lender’s commitment irrespective of commitment usage.
    

 
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EPO may increase the amount that may be borrowed under the facility, without the consent of the lenders, by an amount not exceeding $500.0 million by adding to the facility one or more new lenders and/or requesting that the commitments of existing lenders be increased, although none of the existing lenders has agreed to or is obligated to increase its existing commitment. EPO may request unlimited one-year extensions of the maturity date by delivering a written request to the administrative agent, but any such extension shall be effective only if consented to by the required lenders in their sole discretion.
     
The revolving credit agreement contains various covenants related to EPO’s ability to incur certain indebtedness; grant certain liens; enter into certain merger or consolidation transactions; and make certain investments. The loan agreement also requires EPO to satisfy certain financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter.  The credit agreement also restricts EPO’s ability to pay cash distributions to Enterprise Products Partners if a default or an event of default (as defined in the credit agreement) has occurred and is continuing at the time such distribution is scheduled to be paid.

EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility.  In November 2008, EPO executed a 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement (“EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility”) in the amount of $375.0 million.  EPO’s obligations under its 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility are not secured by any collateral; however, the obligations are guaranteed by Enterprise Products Partners L.P. pursuant to a guaranty agreement.  The EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility will mature on November 16, 2009.  As of December 31, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.

The EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility offers the following loans, each having different interest requirements: (i) LIBOR loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus the applicable LIBOR margin and (ii) Base Rate loans bear interest each day at a rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the rate of interest announced by the administrative agent as its prime rate, (b) 0.5% per annum above the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such date , and (c) 1.0% per annum above LIBOR in effect on such date plus, in each case, the applicable Base Rate margin.

The commitments may be increased by an amount not to exceed $1.0 billion by adding one or more new lenders to the facility or increasing the commitments of existing lenders, although none of the existing lenders has agreed to or is obligated to increase its existing commitment. With certain exceptions and after certain time periods, if EPO issues debt with a maturity of more than three years, the lenders’ commitments under the EPO 364-Day Revolving Credit Facility will be reduced to the extent of any debt proceeds, and any outstanding loans in excess of such reduced commitments must be repaid.

EPO Senior Notes B through L. These fixed-rate notes are unsecured obligations of EPO and rank equally with its existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any future subordinated indebtedness.  EPO’s borrowings under these notes are non-recourse to EPGP.  Enterprise Products Partners has guaranteed repayment of amounts due under these notes through an unsecured and unsubordinated guarantee.  The Senior Notes are subject to make-whole redemption rights and were issued under indentures containing certain covenants, which generally restrict EPO’s ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions.

EPO Senior Notes M and N.  In April 2008, EPO issued $400.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior unsecured notes (“EPO Senior Notes M”) and $700.0 million in principal amount of 10-year senior unsecured notes (“EPO Senior Notes N”) under its universal registration statement.  Senior Notes M were issued at 99.906% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 5.65% and mature in April 2013.  Senior Notes N were issued at 99.866% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 6.50% and mature in January 2019.

 EPO Senior Notes M pay interest semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year.  EPO Senior Notes N pay interest semi-annually in arrears on January 31 and July 31 of each year.  Net proceeds from the issuance of EPO Senior Notes M and N were used to temporarily reduce indebtedness outstanding under the EPO Revolver.

 
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EPO Senior Notes M and N rank equal with EPO’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness of EPO.  EPO’s borrowings under these notes are non-recourse to EPGP.  EPO Senior Notes M and N are subject to make-whole redemption rights and were issued under indentures containing certain covenants, which generally restrict EPO’s ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions.

EPO Senior Notes O. In December 2008, EPO issued $500.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior unsecured notes (“EPO Senior Notes O”) under its universal registration statement.  EPO Senior Notes O were issued at 100.0% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 9.75% and mature in January 2014.

EPO Senior Notes O pay interest semi-annually in arrears on January 31 and July 31 of each year, commencing January 31, 2009.  Net proceeds from the issuance of EPO Senior Notes O were used to temporarily reduce indebtedness outstanding under the EPO Revolver.

EPO Senior Notes O rank equal with EPO’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any existing and future subordinated indebtedness of EPO.  EPO’s borrowings under these notes are non-recourse to EPGP.  EPO Senior Notes O are subject to make-whole redemption rights and were issued under indentures containing certain covenants, which generally restrict EPO’s ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions.

EPO Japanese Yen Term Loan. In November 2008, EPO executed the Yen Term Loan in the amount of approximately 20.7 billion yen (approximately $217.6 million U.S. Dollar equivalent on the closing date).  EPO’s obligations under the Yen Term Loan are not secured by any collateral; however, the obligations are guaranteed by Enterprise Products Partners L.P. pursuant to a guaranty agreement.  The Yen Term Loan will mature on March 30, 2009.

Under the Yen Term Loan, interest accrues on the loan at the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate (“TIBOR”) plus 2.0%.  EPO entered into foreign exchange currency swaps that effectively convert the TIBOR loan into a U.S. Dollar loan with a fixed interest rate (including the cost of the swaps) through maturity of approximately 4.93%.  As a result, EPO received US$217.6 million net from this transaction.  In addition, EPO executed a forward purchase exchange (yen principal and interest due) for March 30, 2009 at an exchange rate of 94.515 to eliminate foreign exchange risk, resulting in a payment of US$221.6 million on March 30, 2009.  See Note 7 for additional information regarding this forward purchase exchange.

Petal MBFC Loan.  In August 2007, Petal Gas Storage L.L.C. (“Petal”), a wholly owned subsidiary of EPO, entered into a loan agreement and a promissory note with the MBFC under which Petal may borrow up to $29.5 million.  On the same date, the MBFC issued taxable bonds to EPO in the maximum amount of $29.5 million.  As of December 31, 2008, there was $8.9 million outstanding under the loan and the bonds.  EPO will make advances on the bonds to the MBFC and the MBFC will in turn make identical advances to Petal under the promissory note. The promissory note and the taxable bonds have identical terms including fixed interest rates of 5.90% and maturities of fifteen years.  The bonds and the associated tax incentives are authorized under the Mississippi Business Finance Act.  Petal may prepay on the promissory note without penalty, and thus cause the bonds to be redeemed, any time after one year from their date of issue.  The loan and bonds are netted in preparing our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The interest income and expenses are netted in preparing our Statements of Consolidated Operations.

Petal GO Zone Bonds. In August 2007, Petal borrowed $57.5 million from the MBFC pursuant to a loan agreement and promissory note between Petal and the MBFC to pay a portion of the costs of certain natural gas storage facilities located in Petal, Mississippi.  The promissory note between Petal and MBFC is guaranteed by EPO and supported by a letter of credit issued under the EPO Revolver.  On the same date, the MBFC issued $57.5 million in Gulf Opportunity Zone Tax-Exempt (“GO Zone”) bonds to various third parties.  A portion of the GO Zone bond proceeds were being held by a third party trustee and reflected as a

 
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component of other assets on our balance sheet.  During 2008, virtually all proceeds from the GO Zone bonds were released by the trustee to fund construction costs associated with the expansion of Enterprise Products Partners’ Petal, Mississippi storage facility. The promissory note and the GO Zone bonds have identical terms including floating interest rates and maturities of 30 years.  The bonds and the associated tax incentives are authorized under the Mississippi Business Finance Act and the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. 

Pascagoula MBFC Loan.  In connection with the construction of a natural gas processing plant located in Mississippi in 2000, EPO entered into a ten-year fixed-rate loan with the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation (“MBFC”).  This loan is subject to a make-whole redemption right.  The Pascagoula MBFC Loan contains certain covenants including the maintenance of appropriate levels of insurance on the processing plant.

The indenture agreement for this loan contains an acceleration clause whereby if EPO’s credit rating by Moody’s declines below Baa3 in combination with Enterprise Products Partners’ credit rating at Standard & Poor’s declining below BBB-, the $54.0 million principal balance of this loan, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, would become immediately due and payable 120 days following such event.  If such an event occurred, EPO would have to either redeem the Pascagoula MBFC Loan or provide an alternative credit agreement to support our obligation under this loan.

Dixie Revolver.   Dixie’s debt obligation consisted of a senior, unsecured revolving credit facility having a borrowing capacity of $28.0 million.  As of December 31, 2008, there were no debt obligations outstanding under the Dixie Revolver.  This credit facility was terminated in January 2009.  EPO consolidated the debt of Dixie.

Variable interest rates charged under this facility generally bore interest, at Dixie’s election at the time of each borrowing, at either (i) a Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin or (ii) the greater of (a) the prime rate or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%.

Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver.  In February 2007, Duncan Energy Partners entered into a $300.0 million revolving credit facility, all of which may be used for letters of credit, with a $30.0 million sublimit for Swingline loans (as defined in the credit agreement).  Letters of credit outstanding under this credit facility reduce the amount available for borrowing.  The $300.0 million borrowing capacity under this agreement may be increased to $450.0 million under certain conditions.  The maturity date of this credit facility is February 2011; however, Duncan Energy Partners may request up to two one-year extensions of the maturity date (subject to certain conditions).

EPO consolidates the debt of Duncan Energy Partners; however, EPO does not have the obligation to make interest or debt payments with respect to Duncan Energy Partners’ debt.  At the closing of its initial public offering in February 2007, Duncan Energy Partners borrowed $200.0 million under this credit facility to fund a $198.9 million cash distribution to EPO and the remainder to pay debt issuance costs.

Variable interest rates charged under this facility generally bear interest, at Duncan Energy Partners’ election at the time of each borrowing, at either (i) a Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin (as defined in the credit agreement) or (ii) the greater of (a) the lender’s base rate as defined in the agreement or (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%.

The revolving credit agreement contains various covenants related to Duncan Energy Partners’ ability to, among other things, incur certain indebtedness; grant certain liens; enter into certain merger or consolidation transactions; and make certain investments.  In addition, the revolving credit agreement restricts Duncan Energy Partners’ ability to pay cash distributions to EPO and its public unitholders if a default or an event of default (as defined in the credit agreement) has occurred and is continuing at the time such distribution is scheduled to be paid.  Duncan Energy Partners must also satisfy certain financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter.

 
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Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement.  In April 2008, Duncan Energy Partners entered into a standby term loan agreement with certain lenders consisting of commitments for up to a $300.0 million senior unsecured term loan (the “Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement”).  Subsequently, commitments under this agreement decreased to $282.3 million due to bankruptcy of one of the lenders. In December 2008, Duncan Energy Partners borrowed the full amount available under this loan agreement to fund cash consideration due Enterprise Products Partners in connection with an asset dropdown transaction.

Loans under the term loan agreement are due and payable on December 8, 2011. Duncan Energy Partners may also prepay loans under the term loan agreement at any time, subject to prior notice in accordance with the credit agreement. Loans may also be payable earlier in connection with an event of default.

Loans under the term loan agreement bear interest of the type specified in the applicable borrowing request, and consist of either Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) loans or Eurodollar loans.  The term loan agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants.

EPO Junior Notes A.  In the third quarter of 2006, EPO issued $550.0 million in principal amount of fixed/floating subordinated notes due August 2066 (“EPO Junior Notes A”).  Proceeds from this debt offering were used to temporarily reduce borrowings outstanding under the EPO Revolver and for general partnership purposes.  These notes are unsecured obligations of EPO and are subordinated to its existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness.  EPO’s payment obligations under the Junior Notes are subordinated to all of its current and future senior indebtedness (as defined in the related indenture agreement).

The indenture agreement governing the Junior Notes allows EPO to defer interest payments on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years, subject to certain conditions.  The indenture agreement also provides that, unless (i) all deferred interest on the Junior Notes has been paid in full as of the most recent applicable interest payment dates, (ii) no event of default under the indenture agreement has occurred and is continuing and (iii) Enterprise Products Partners is not in default of its obligations under related guarantee agreements, neither Enterprise Products Partners nor EPO may declare or make any distributions to any of their respective equity security holders or make any payments on indebtedness or other obligations that rank pari passu with or are subordinated to the Junior Notes .

In connection with the issuance of EPO Junior Notes A, EPO entered into a Replacement Capital Covenant in favor of the covered debt holders (as defined in the underlying documents) pursuant to which EPO agreed for the benefit of such debt holders that it would not redeem or repurchase such Junior Notes unless such redemption or repurchase is made using proceeds from the issuance of certain securities.

The EPO Junior Notes A bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 8.375% from July 2006 to August 2016, payable semi-annually in commencing in February 2007.  After August 2016, the notes will bear variable rate interest based on the 3-month LIBOR for the related interest period plus 3.708%, payable quarterly commencing in November 2016.  Interest payments may be deferred on a cumulative basis for up to ten consecutive years, subject to the certain provisions.  The EPO Junior Notes A mature in August 2066 and are not redeemable by EPO prior to August 2016 without payment of a make-whole premium.

 EPO Junior Notes B.  EPO issued $700.0 million in principal amount of fixed/floating, unsecured, long-term subordinated notes due January 2068 (“EPO Junior Notes B”) during the second quarter of 2007.  EPO used the proceeds from this subordinated debt to temporarily reduce borrowings outstanding under its Revolver and for general partnership purposes.  EPO’s payment obligations under EPO Junior Notes B are subordinated to all of its current and future senior indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture Agreement).  Enterprise Products Partners has guaranteed repayment of amounts due under EPO Junior Notes B through an unsecured and subordinated guarantee.

The indenture agreement governing EPO Junior Notes B allows EPO to defer interest payments on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years subject to certain conditions.  During any period in which interest payments are deferred and subject to certain exceptions, neither Enterprise Products Partners
 
 
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nor EPO can declare or make any distributions to any of its respective equity securities or make any payments on indebtedness or other obligations that rank pari passu with or are subordinated to the EPO Junior Notes B.  EPO Junior Notes B rank pari passu with the Junior Subordinated Notes A due August 2066.

The EPO Junior Notes B will bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.034% from May 2007 to January 2018, payable semi-annually in arrears in January and July of each year, which commenced in January 2008.  After January 2018, the EPO Junior Notes B will bear variable rate interest at the greater of (1) the sum of the 3-month LIBOR for the related interest period plus a spread of 268 basis points or (2) 7.034% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears in January, April, July and October of each year commencing in April 2018.  Interest payments may be deferred on a cumulative basis for up to ten consecutive years, subject to certain provisions.  The EPO Junior Notes B mature in January 2068 and are not redeemable by EPO prior to January 2018 without payment of a make-whole premium.

In connection with the issuance of EPO Junior Notes B, EPO entered into a Replacement Capital Covenant in favor of the covered debt holders (as named therein) pursuant to which EPO agreed for the benefit of such debt holders that it would not redeem or repurchase such junior notes on or before January 15, 2038 unless such redemption or repurchase is made from the proceeds of issuance of certain securities.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, EPO retired $17.3 million of its Junior Notes B for $10.2 million.  The $7.1 million gain on extinguishment of debt is included in “Other, net” on our Condensed Statement of Consolidated Operations for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Canadian Revolver.  In May 2007, Canadian Enterprise Gas Products, Ltd. (“Canadian Enterprise”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of EPO, entered into a $30.0 million Canadian revolving credit facility (“Canadian Revolver”) with The Bank of Nova Scotia.  The Canadian Revolver, which includes the issuance of letters of credit, matures in October 2011.  Letters of credit outstanding under this facility reduce the amount available for borrowings.

Borrowings may be made in Canadian or U.S. dollars.  Canadian denominated borrowings may be comprised of Canadian Prime Rate (“CPR”) loans or Bankers’ Acceptances and U.S. denominated borrowings may be comprised of ABR or Eurodollar loans, each having different interest rate requirements.  CPR loans bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate.  ABR loans bear interest at a rate determined by reference to an alternative base rate as defined in the credit agreement.  Eurodollar loans bear interest at a rate determined by the LIBOR plus an applicable rate as defined in the credit agreement.  Bankers’ Acceptances carry interest at the rate for Canadian bankers’ acceptances plus an applicable rate as defined in the credit agreement.

The Canadian Revolver contains customary covenants and events of default.  The restrictive covenants limit Canadian Enterprise from materially changing the nature of its business or operations, dissolving, or completing mergers.  A continuing event of default would accelerate the maturity of amounts borrowed under the credit facility.  The obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by EPO.  As of December 31, 2008 there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.












 
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Consolidated Debt Obligations of TEPPCO

The following table summarizes the principal amount of consolidated debt obligations of TEPPCO at December 31, 2008:

Senior debt obligations of TEPPCO:
     
   TEPPCO Revolver, variable rate, due December 2012
  $ 516,653  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 7.625% fixed rate, due February 2012
    500,000  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 6.125% fixed rate, due February 2013
    200,000  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 5.90% fixed rate, due April 2013
    250,000  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 6.65% fixed rate, due April 2018
    350,000  
   TEPPCO Senior Notes, 7.55% fixed rate, due April 2038
    400,000  
      Total senior debt obligations of TEPPCO
    2,216,653  
Subordinated debt obligations of TEPPCO:
       
   TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes, fixed/variable rates, due June 2067
    300,000  
     Total principal amount of debt obligations of TEPPCO
  $ 2,516,653  

TE Products Pipeline Company, LLC (“TE Products”), TCTM, L.P., TEPPCO Midstream Companies, LLC, and Val Verde Gas Gathering Company, L.P. (collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) act as guarantors of TEPPCO’s senior notes and revolver.  The Subsidiary Guarantors also act as guarantors, on a junior subordinated basis, of TEPPCO’s junior subordinated notes. TEPPCO’s debt obligations are non-recourse to Enterprise GP Holdings and TEPPCO GP.

TEPPCO Revolver. This unsecured revolving credit facility has a borrowing capacity of $950.0 million.  In July 2008, commitments under TEPPCO’s facility were increased from $700.0 million to $950.0 million.  This credit facility matures in December 2012, but TEPPCO may request unlimited extensions of the maturity date subject to certain conditions.  There is no limit on the total amount of standby letters of credit that can be outstanding under this credit facility.

Variable interest rates charged under this facility generally bear interest, at TEPPCO’s election at the time of each borrowing, at either (i) a LIBOR plus an applicable margin (as defined in the credit agreement) or (ii) the lender’s base rate as defined in the agreement.

The revolving credit agreement contains various covenants related to TEPPCO’s ability to, among other things, incur certain indebtedness; grant certain liens; make certain distributions; engage in specified transactions with affiliates; and enter into certain merger or consolidation transactions.  TEPPCO must also satisfy certain financial covenants at the end of each fiscal quarter.

TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility.  At December 31, 2007, TEPPCO had in place an unsecured short term credit agreement (the “TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility”) with a borrowing capacity of $1.00 billion.  During the first quarter of 2008, TEPPCO borrowed $1.00 billion under this credit agreement to finance the retirement of the TE Products’ senior notes, the acquisition of two marine service businesses and for other general partnership purposes.  In March 2008, TEPPCO repaid amounts borrowed under this credit agreement, using proceeds from its senior notes offering, and terminated the facility.










 
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The following table summarizes TEPPCO’s borrowing and repayment activity under this credit agreement during the first quarter of 2008:

Borrowings, January 2008 (1)
  $ 355,000  
Borrowings, February 2008 (2)
    645,000  
Repayments, March 2008
    (1,000,000 )
Balance, March 27, 2008 (3)
  $ --  
         
(1)   Funds borrowed to finance the retirement of TE Products’ senior notes.
(2)   Funds borrowed to finance TEPPCO’s marine services acquisitions and for general partnership purposes.
(3)   TEPPCO’s Short Term Credit Facility was terminated on March 27, 2008 upon full repayment of borrowings thereunder.
 

TEPPCO Senior Notes.  In February 2002 and January 2003, TEPPCO issued its 7.625% Senior Notes and 6.125% Senior Notes, respectively.  In March 2008, TEPPCO sold $250.0 million in principal amount of 5-year senior unsecured notes, $350.0 million in principal amount of 10-year senior unsecured notes and $400.0 million in principal amount of 30-year senior unsecured notes.  The 5-year senior notes were issued at 99.922% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 5.90%, and mature in April 2013.  The 10-year senior notes were issued at 99.640% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 6.65%, and mature in April 2018.  The 30-year senior notes were issued at 99.451% of their principal amount, have a fixed interest rate of 7.55%, and mature in April 2038.

The senior notes issued in March 2008 pay interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning October 15, 2008.  Net proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used to repay and terminate the TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility.  The notes issued in March 2008 rank pari passu with TEPPCO’s existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.  They are senior to any future subordinated indebtedness of TEPPCO.

The TEPPCO Senior Notes are subject to make-whole redemption rights and are redeemable at any time at TEPPCO’s option. The indenture agreements governing these notes contain certain covenants, including, but not limited to the creation of liens securing indebtedness and sale and leaseback transactions.  However, the indentures do not limit TEPPCO’s ability to incur additional indebtedness.

TE Products Senior Notes. In January 1998, TE Products issued its 6.45% Senior Notes due January 2008 and 7.51% Senior Notes due January 2028.  In January 2008, the 6.45% TE Products Senior Notes matured.  The $180.0 million principal amount was repaid with borrowings under TEPPCO’s Short-Term Credit Facility.  In October 2007 a portion of the 7.51% Senior Notes was redeemed and in January 2008 the remaining $175.0 million was redeemed at a redemption price of 103.755% of the principal amount plus accrued interest and unpaid interest at the date of redemption. The $175.0 million principal amount was repaid with borrowings under TEPPCO’s Short-Term Credit Facility.

TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes.  In May 2007, TEPPCO sold $300.0 million in principal amount of fixed/floating, unsecured, long-term subordinated notes due June 1, 2067 (“TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes”).  TEPPCO used the proceeds from this subordinated debt to temporarily reduce borrowings outstanding under its Revolver and for general partnership purposes.  The payment obligations under the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes are subordinated to all of its current and future senior indebtedness (as defined in the related indenture).

The indenture governing the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes does not limit TEPPCO’s ability to incur additional debt, including debt that ranks senior to or equally with the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes.  The indenture allows TEPPCO to defer interest payments on one or more occasions for up to ten consecutive years, subject to certain conditions.  During any period in which interest payments are deferred and subject to certain exceptions, (i) TEPPCO cannot declare or make any distributions to any of its respective equity securities and (ii) neither TEPPCO nor the Subsidiary Guarantors can make any payments on indebtedness or other obligations that rank pari passu with or are subordinated to the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes.

 
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The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.0% from May 2007 to June 1, 2017, payable semi-annually in arrears.  After June 1, 2017, the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes will bear interest at a variable annual rate equal to the 3-month LIBOR for the related interest period plus 2.7775%, payable quarterly in arrears.  The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes mature in June 2067.  The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes are redeemable in whole or in part prior to June 1, 2017 for a “make-whole” redemption price and thereafter at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.  The TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes are also redeemable prior to June 1, 2017 in whole (but not in part) upon the occurrence of certain tax or rating agency events at specified redemption prices.

In connection with the issuance of the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes, TEPPCO and its Subsidiary Guarantors entered into a Replacement Capital Covenant in favor of holders (as provided therein) pursuant to which TEPPCO and its Subsidiary Guarantors agreed for the benefit of such debt holders that it would not redeem or repurchase the TEPPCO Junior Subordinated Notes on or before June 1, 2037, unless such redemption or repurchase is from proceeds of issuance of certain securities.

Covenants

We were in compliance with the covenants of our consolidated debt agreements at December 31, 2008.

Information regarding variable interest rates paid

The following table presents the range of interest rates and weighted-average interest rates paid on our consolidated variable-rate debt obligations during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 
Range of
Weighted-Average
 
Interest Rates
Interest Rate
 
Paid
Paid
EPE Revolver
2.91% to 6.99%
4.62%
EPE Term Loan A
3.14% to 6.99%
4.57%
EPE Term Loan B
4.02% to 7.49%
5.68%
EPO Revolver
0.97% to 6.00%
3.54%
Dixie Revolver
0.81% to 5.50%
3.20%
Petal GO Zone Bonds
0.78% to 7.90%
2.24%
Duncan Energy Partners’ Revolver
1.30% to 6.20%
4.25%
Duncan Energy Partners’ Term Loan Agreement
2.93% to 2.93%
2.93%
TEPPCO Revolver
1.06% to 2.24%
1.40%
TEPPCO Short-Term Credit Facility
3.59% to 4.96%
4.02%

Consolidated debt maturity table

The following table presents scheduled maturities of our consolidated debt obligations for the next five years, and in total thereafter.

2009
  $ --  
2010
    562,500  
2011
    942,750  
2012
    2,786,749  
2013
    1,208,500  
Thereafter
    7,139,200  
Total scheduled principal payments
  $ 12,639,699  

In accordance with SFAS 6, long-term and current maturities of debt reflect the classification of such obligations at December 31, 2008.


 
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        Debt Obligations of Unconsolidated Affiliates

Enterprise Products Partners has two unconsolidated affiliates with long-term debt obligations and TEPPCO has one unconsolidated affiliate with long-term debt obligations.  The following table shows (i) the ownership interest in each entity at December 31, 2008, (ii) total debt of each unconsolidated affiliate at December 31, 2008 (on a 100% basis to the unconsolidated affiliate) and (iii) the corresponding scheduled maturities of such debt.

               
Scheduled Maturities of Debt
 
   
Ownership
                                       
After
 
   
Interest
   
Total
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2013
 
Poseidon (1)
 
36.0%
    $ 109,000     $ --     $ --     $ 109,000     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Evangeline (1)
 
49.5%
      15,650       5,000       3,150       7,500       --       --       --  
Centennial (2)
 
50.0%
      129,900       9,900       9,100       9,000       8,900       8,600       84,400  
   Total
        $ 254,550     $ 14,900     $ 12,250     $ 125,500     $ 8,900     $ 8,600     $ 84,400  
                                                               
(1)   Denotes an unconsolidated affiliate of Enterprise Products Partners.
(2)   Denotes an unconsolidated affiliate of TEPPCO.
 

The credit agreements of these unconsolidated affiliates include customary covenants, including financial covenants.  These businesses were in compliance with such covenants at December 31, 2008.  The credit agreements of these unconsolidated affiliates restrict their ability to pay cash dividends or distributions if a default or an event of default (as defined in each credit agreement) has occurred and is continuing at the time such dividend or distribution is scheduled to be paid.

The following information summarizes the significant terms of the debt obligations of these unconsolidated affiliates at December 31, 2008:

Poseidon.  Poseidon has a $150.0 million variable-rate revolving credit facility that matures in May 2011.  This credit agreement is secured by substantially all of Poseidon’s assets.  The variable interest rate charged on this debt at December 31, 2008 was 4.31%.

Evangeline.   At December 31, 2008, Evangeline’s debt obligations consisted of (i) $8.2 million of 9.90% fixed-rate Series B senior secured notes due December 2010 and (ii) a $7.5 million subordinated note payable. The Series B senior secured notes are collateralized by Evangeline’s property, plant and equipment; proceeds from a gas sales contract and by a debt service reserve requirement.  Scheduled principal repayments on the Series B notes are $5.0 million in 2009 with a final repayment in 2010 of approximately $3.2 million.

Evangeline incurred the subordinated note payable as a result of its acquisition of a contract-based intangible asset in the early 1990s. This note is subject to a subordination agreement which prevents the repayment of principal and accrued interest on the subordinated note until such time as the Series B noteholders are either fully cash secured through debt service accounts or have been completely repaid.

Variable rate interest accrues on the subordinated note at a Eurodollar rate plus 0.5%.  The variable interest rate charged on this note at December 31, 2008 was 3.20%.  Accrued interest payable related to the subordinated note was $9.8 million at December 31, 2008.

Centennial.   At December 31, 2008, Centennial’s debt obligations consisted of $129.9 million borrowed under a master shelf loan agreement.  Borrowings under the master shelf agreement mature in May 2024 and are collateralized by substantially all of Centennial’s assets and severally guaranteed by Centennial’s owners.

TE Products and its joint venture partner in Centennial have each guaranteed one-half of Centennial’s debt obligations.  If Centennial defaults on its debt obligations, the estimated payment obligation for TE Products is $65.0 million.  At December 31, 2008, TE Products had recognized a liability of $9.0 million for its share of the Centennial debt guaranty.

 
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Note 14.  Equity

At December 31, 2008, member’s equity consisted of the capital account of Dan Duncan LLC, accumulated other comprehensive loss and noncontrolling interest.  Subject to the terms of our limited liability company agreement, we distribute available cash to Dan Duncan LLC within 45 days of the end of each calendar quarter.  No distributions have been made to date.  The capital account balance of Dan Duncan LLC was nominal at December 31, 2008.

Noncontrolling Interest

As presented in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, noncontrolling interest represents third-party and affiliate ownership interests in the net assets of our consolidated subsidiaries.  For financial reporting purposes, the assets and liabilities of our controlled subsidiaries are consolidated with those of EPE Holdings, with any third-party and affiliate ownership in such amounts presented as noncontrolling interest. The following table presents the components of noncontrolling interest as presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008:

Limited partners of Enterprise Products Partners:
     
     Third-party owners of Enterprise Products Partners (1)
  $ 5,010,595  
     Related party owners of Enterprise Products Partners (2)
    347,720  
Limited partners of Enterprise GP Holdings:
       
     Third-party owners of Enterprise GP Holdings (1)
    1,017,303  
     Related party owners of Enterprise GP Holdings (2)
    1,013,823  
Limited partners of Duncan Energy Partners:
       
     Third-party owners of Duncan Energy Partners (1)
    281,071  
Limited partners of TEPPCO:
       
     Third-party owners of TEPPCO (1)
    1,733,518  
     Related party owners of TEPPCO (2)
    (16,048 )
Joint venture partners (3)
    148,148  
AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest (4)
    (185,823 )
         Total noncontrolling interest on consolidated balance sheet
  $ 9,350,307  
         
(1)   Consists of non-affiliate public unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners, Enterprise GP Holdings, Duncan Energy Partners and TEPPCO.
(2)   Consists of unitholders of Enterprise Products Partners, Enterprise GP Holdings and TEPPCO that are related party affiliates of EPE Holdings. This group is primarily comprised of EPCO and certain of its private company consolidated subsidiaries.
(3)   Represents third-party ownership interests in joint ventures that we consolidate, including Seminole, Tri-States Pipeline L.L.C. (“Tri-States”), Independence Hub LLC (“Independence Hub”), Wilprise Pipeline Company LLC (“Wilprise”) and the Texas Offshore Port System (see Note 4).
(4)   Represents the amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss allocated to noncontrolling interest based on the provisions of SFAS 160.
 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss primarily includes the effective portion of the gain or loss on financial instruments designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, foreign currency adjustments and Dixie’s minimum pension liability adjustments.  Amounts accumulated in other comprehensive loss from cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same period(s) in which the hedged forecasted transactions (such as a forecasted forward sale of NGLs) affect earnings.  If it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, the net gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss must be immediately reclassified.   See Note 7 for additional information regarding our financial instruments and related hedging activities.






 
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The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2008:

Commodity financial instruments (1)
  $ (114,087 )
Interest rate financial instruments (1)
    (66,560 )
Foreign currency cash flow hedges (1)
    10,594  
Foreign currency translation adjustment (2)
    (1,301 )
Pension and postretirement benefit plans (3)
    (751 )
Proportionate share of other comprehensive loss of
       
unconsolidated affiliates, primarily Energy Transfer Equity
    (13,723 )
    Subtotal
    (185,828 )
Amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (4)
    185,823  
    Total accumulated other comprehensive loss in member’s equity
  $ (5 )
         
(1)   See Note 7 for additional information regarding these components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(2)   Relates to transactions of Enterprise Products Partners’ Canadian NGL marketing subsidiary.
(3)   See Note 6 for additional information regarding Dixie’s pension and postretirement benefit plans.
(4)   Represents the amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss allocated to noncontrolling interest based on the provisions of SFAS 160.
 


Note 15.  Related Party Transactions

The following table summarizes our accounts receivable and accounts payable with related parties as of December 31, 2008:

Accounts receivable - related parties
     
EPCO and affiliates
  $ 172  
Total
  $ 172  
         
Accounts payable - related parties
       
EPCO and affiliates
  $ 14,154  
Cenac and affiliates
    3,430  
Total
  $ 17,584  
         
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates (1)
       
Energy Transfer Equity and affiliates
  $ 34,851  
Other unconsolidated affiliates
    (279 )
Total
  $ 34,572  
         
(1)   Net accounts receivable (payable) with unconsolidated affiliates is reclassified to "Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 

We believe that the terms and provisions of our related party agreements are fair to us; however, such agreements and transactions may not be as favorable to us as we could have obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

Relationship with EPCO and affiliates

We have an extensive and ongoing relationship with EPCO and its affiliates, which includes the following significant entities that are not part of our consolidated group of companies:

§  
EPCO and its consolidated private company subsidiaries; and

§  
the Employee Partnerships (see Note 5).

 
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EPCO is a private company controlled by Dan L. Duncan, who is also a director and Chairman of EPE Holdings and EPGP.  At December 31, 2008, EPCO and its private company affiliates beneficially owned 108,287,968 (or 77.8%) of Enterprise GP Holdings’ outstanding units and 100% of its general partner, EPE Holdings.  In addition, at December 31, 2008, EPCO and its affiliates beneficially owned 152,506,527 (or 34.5%) of Enterprise Products Partners’ common units, including 13,670,925 common units owned by Enterprise GP Holdings.  At December 31, 2008, EPCO and its affiliates beneficially owned 17,073,315 (or 16.3%) of TEPPCO’s common units, including the 4,400,000 common units owned by Enterprise GP Holdings.  Enterprise GP Holdings owns all of the membership interests of EPGP and TEPPCO GP.  The principal business activity of EPGP is to act as the sole managing partner of Enterprise Products Partners.  The principal business activity of TEPPCO GP is to act as the sole general partner of TEPPCO.  The executive officers and certain of the directors of EPGP, TEPPCO GP, and EPE Holdings are employees of EPCO.

Enterprise GP Holdings, EPE Holdings, TEPPCO, TEPPCO GP, Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP are separate legal entities apart from each other and apart from EPCO and its other affiliates, with assets and liabilities that are separate from those of EPCO and its other affiliates.  EPCO and its private company subsidiaries depend on the cash distributions they receive from Enterprise GP Holdings, TEPPCO, Enterprise Products Partners and other investments to fund their other operations and to meet their debt obligations.  EPCO and its private company affiliates received directly from us $439.8 million in cash distributions during the year ended December 31, 2008.

The ownership interests in Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO that are owned or controlled by Enterprise GP Holdings are pledged as security under its credit facility.  In addition, the ownership interests in Enterprise GP Holdings, Enterprise Products Partners, and TEPPCO that are owned or controlled by EPCO and its affiliates, other than those interests owned by Enterprise GP Holdings, Dan Duncan LLC and certain trusts affiliated with Dan L. Duncan, are pledged as security under the credit facility of a private company affiliate of EPCO.  This credit facility contains customary and other events of default relating to EPCO and certain affiliates, including Enterprise GP Holdings, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO.

An affiliate of EPCO provides us trucking services for the transportation of NGLs and other products. In addition, we lease office space in various buildings from affiliates of EPCO.  The rental rates in these lease agreements approximate market rates.

EPCO Administrative Services Agreement.  We have no employees.  All of our operating functions and general and administrative support services are provided by employees of EPCO pursuant to the ASA.  Enterprise Products Partners and its general partner, Enterprise GP Holdings and EPE Holdings, Duncan Energy Partners and its general partner, and TEPPCO and its general partner, among other affiliates, are parties to the ASA.  The Audit Conflicts and Governance Committees of each general partner have approved the ASA.  The significant terms of the ASA are as follows:

§  
EPCO will provide selling, general and administrative services, and management and operating services, as may be necessary to manage and operate our business, properties and assets (in accordance with prudent industry practices).  EPCO will employ or otherwise retain the services of such personnel as may be necessary to provide such services.

§  
We are required to reimburse EPCO for its services in an amount equal to the sum of all costs and expenses incurred by EPCO which are directly or indirectly related to our business or activities (including expenses reasonably allocated to us by EPCO).  In addition, we have agreed to pay all sales, use, and excise, value added or similar taxes, if any, that may be applicable from time to time in respect of the services provided to us by EPCO.

§  
EPCO will allow us to participate as a named insured in its overall insurance program with the associated premiums and other costs being allocated to us.

 
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Under the ASA, EPCO subleases to Enterprise Products Partners (for $1 per year) certain equipment which it holds pursuant to operating leases and has assigned to Enterprise Products Partners its purchase option under such leases (the “retained leases”).  EPCO remains liable for the actual cash lease payments associated with these agreements.  Enterprise Products Partners records the full value of these payments made by EPCO on Enterprise Products Partners’ behalf as a non-cash related party operating lease expense, with the offset to partners’ equity accounted for as a general contribution to its partnership.  Enterprise Products Partners exercised its election under the retained leases to purchase a cogeneration unit in December 2008 for $2.3 million.  Should Enterprise Products Partners decide to exercise the purchase option associated with the remaining agreement, it would pay the original lessor $3.1 million in June 2016.

Since the vast majority of such expenses are charged to us on an actual basis (i.e. no mark-up or subsidy is charged or received by EPCO), we believe that such expenses are representative of what the amounts would have been on a stand alone basis.  With respect to allocated costs, we believe that the proportional direct allocation method employed by EPCO is reasonable and reflective of the estimated level of costs we would have incurred on a standalone basis.

The ASA also addresses potential conflicts that may arise among parties to the agreement, including (i) Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP; (ii) Duncan Energy Partners and DEP GP; (iii) Enterprise GP Holdings and EPE Holdings; and (iv) the EPCO Group, which includes EPCO and its affiliates (but does not include the aforementioned entities and their controlled affiliates). The ASA provides, among other things, that:

§  
If a business opportunity to acquire “equity securities” (as defined) is presented to the EPCO Group; Enterprise Products Partners and EPGP; Duncan Energy Partners and DEP GP; or Enterprise GP Holdings and EPE Holdings, then Enterprise GP Holdings will have the first right to pursue such opportunity.  The term “equity securities” is defined to include:

§  
general partner interests (or securities which have characteristics similar to general partner interests) and IDRs or similar rights in publicly traded partnerships or interests in persons that own or control such general partner or similar interests (collectively, “GP Interests”) and securities convertible, exercisable, exchangeable or otherwise representing ownership or control of such GP Interests; and

§  
IDRs and limited partner interests (or securities which have characteristics similar to IDRs or limited partner interests) in publicly traded partnerships or interest in “persons” that own or control such limited partner or similar interests (collectively, “non-GP Interests”); provided that such non-GP Interests are associated with GP Interests and are owned by the owners of GP Interests or their respective affiliates.
 
 
Enterprise GP Holdings will be presumed to desire to acquire the equity securities until such time as EPE Holdings advises the EPCO Group, EPGP and DEP GP that Enterprise GP Holdings has abandoned the pursuit of such business opportunity.  In the event that the purchase price of the equity securities is reasonably likely to equal or exceed $100.0 million, the decision to decline the acquisition will be made by the chief executive officer of EPE Holdings after consultation with and subject to the approval of the Audit, Conflicts and Governance (“ACG”) Committee of EPE Holdings.  If the purchase price is reasonably likely to be less than such threshold amount, the chief executive officer of EPE Holdings may make the determination to decline the acquisition without consulting the ACG Committee of EPE Holdings.
 
In the event that Enterprise GP Holdings abandons the acquisition and so notifies the EPCO Group, EPGP and DEP GP, Enterprise Products Partners will have the second right to pursue such acquisition either for it or, if desired by Enterprise Products Partners in its sole discretion, for the benefit of Duncan Energy Partners.  In the event that Enterprise Products Partners affirmatively directs the opportunity to Duncan Energy Partners, Duncan Energy Partners may pursue such acquisition.  Enterprise Products Partners will be presumed to desire to acquire the equity securities until such time as EPGP advises the EPCO Group and DEP GP that Enterprise Products

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Partners has abandoned the pursuit of such acquisition.  In determining whether or not to pursue the acquisition of the equity securities, Enterprise Products Partners will follow the same procedures applicable to Enterprise GP Holdings, as described above but utilizing EPGP’s chief executive officer and ACG Committee.  In the event Enterprise Products Partners abandons the acquisition opportunity for the equity securities and so notifies the EPCO Group and DEP GP, the EPCO Group may pursue the acquisition or offer the opportunity to TEPPCO, TEPPCO GP or their controlled affiliates, in either case, without any further obligation to any other party or offer such opportunity to other affiliates.
 
§  
If any business opportunity not covered by the preceding bullet point (i.e. not involving equity securities) is presented to the EPCO Group, EPGP, EPE Holdings or Enterprise GP Holdings, then Enterprise Products Partners will have the first right to pursue such opportunity or, if desired by Enterprise Products Partners in its sole discretion, for the benefit of Duncan Energy Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners will be presumed to desire to pursue the business opportunity until such time as EPGP advises the EPCO Group, EPE Holdings and DEP GP that Enterprise Products Partners has abandoned the pursuit of such business opportunity.
 
In the event the purchase price or cost associated with the business opportunity is reasonably likely to equal or exceed $100.0 million, any decision to decline the business opportunity will be made by the chief executive officer of EPGP after consultation with and subject to the approval of the ACG Committee of EPGP.  If the purchase price or cost is reasonably likely to be less than such threshold amount, the chief executive officer of EPGP may make the determination to decline the business opportunity without consulting EPGP’s ACG Committee.  In the event that Enterprise Products Partners affirmatively directs the business opportunity to Duncan Energy Partners, Duncan Energy Partners may pursue such business opportunity.  In the event that Enterprise Products Partners abandons the business opportunity for itself and for Duncan Energy Partners and so notifies the EPCO Group, EPE Holdings and DEP GP, Enterprise GP Holdings will have the second right to pursue such business opportunity, and will be presumed to desire to do so, until such time as EPE Holdings shall have determined to abandon the pursuit of such opportunity in accordance with the procedures described above, and shall have advised the EPCO Group that we have abandoned the pursuit of such acquisition.

In the event that Enterprise GP Holdings abandons the acquisition and so notifies the EPCO Group, the EPCO Group may either pursue the business opportunity or offer the business opportunity to a private company affiliate of EPCO or TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP without any further obligation to any other party or offer such opportunity to other affiliates.
 
None of the EPCO Group, EPGP, Enterprise Product Partners, DEP GP, Duncan Energy Partners, EPE Holdings or Enterprise GP Holdings have any obligation to present business opportunities to TEPPCO or TEPPCO GP.  Likewise, TEPPCO and TEPPCO GP have no obligation to present business opportunities to the EPCO Group, EPGP, Enterprise Products Partners, DEP GP, Duncan Energy Partners, EPE Holdings or Enterprise GP Holdings.

The ASA was amended on January 30, 2009 to provide for the cash reimbursement by TEPPCO, Enterprise Products Partners, Duncan Energy Partners and Enterprise GP Holdings to EPCO of distributions of cash or securities, if any, made by TEPPCO Unit II or EPCO Unit to their respective Class B limited partners.  The ASA amendment also extended the term under which EPCO provides services to the partnership entities from December 2010 to December 2013 and made other updating and conforming changes.

Employee Partnerships. EPCO formed the Employee Partnerships to serve as an incentive arrangement for key employees of EPCO by providing them a “profits interest” in such partnerships.  Certain EPCO employees who work on behalf of us and EPCO were issued Class B limited partner interests and admitted as Class B limited partners without any capital contribution.  The profits interest awards (i.e., the Class B limited partner interests) in the Employee Partnerships entitles each holder to participate in the appreciation in value of Enterprise GP Holdings’ units, Enterprise Products Partners’
 
 
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common units and TEPPCO’s common units.  See Note 5 for additional information regarding the Employee Partnerships.

Relationships with Unconsolidated Affiliates

Many of our unconsolidated affiliates perform supporting or complementary roles to our other business operations.  Since we and our affiliates hold ownership interests in these entities and directly or indirectly benefit from our related party transactions with such entities, they are presented here.

The following information summarizes significant related party transactions with our current unconsolidated affiliates:

§  
Enterprise Products Partners sells natural gas to Evangeline, which, in turn, uses the natural gas to satisfy supply commitments it has with a major Louisiana utility.  In addition, Duncan Energy Partners furnished $1.0 million in letters of credit on behalf of Evangeline at December 31, 2008.

§  
Enterprise Products Partners pays Promix for the transportation, storage and fractionation of NGLs.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners sells natural gas to Promix for its plant fuel requirements.

§  
We perform management services for certain of our unconsolidated affiliates.

§  
TEPPCO’s significant related party revenues and expense transactions with unconsolidated affiliates consist of management, rental and other revenues, transportation expense related to movements on Centennial and Seaway and rental expense related to the lease of pipeline capacity on Centennial.

§  
Enterprise Products Partners has a long-term sales contract with a consolidated subsidiary of ETP.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners and another subsidiary of ETP transport natural gas on each other’s systems and share operating expenses on certain pipelines.  A subsidiary of ETP also sells natural gas to Enterprise Products Partners.

Relationship with Duncan Energy Partners

In September 2006, Duncan Energy Partners, a consolidated subsidiary of Enterprise Products Partners, was formed to acquire, own, and operate a diversified portfolio of midstream energy assets and to support the growth objectives of EPO.  On February 5, 2007, Duncan Energy Partners completed its initial public offering of 14,950,000 common units at $21.00 per unit, which generated net proceeds to Duncan Energy Partners of approximately $291.0 million.  On this same date, Enterprise Products Partners contributed 66.0% of its equity interests in certain of its subsidiaries to Duncan Energy Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners retained the remaining 34.0% equity interests in the subsidiaries.  As consideration for assets contributed and reimbursement for capital expenditures related to these assets, Duncan Energy Partners distributed $260.6 million of net proceeds from its initial public offering to Enterprise Products Partners (along with $198.9 million in borrowings under its credit facility and a final amount of 5,351,571 common units of Duncan Energy Partners).

On December 8, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners contributed additional equity interests in certain of its subsidiaries to Duncan Energy Partners.  As consideration for the contribution, Enterprise Products Partners received $280.5 million in cash and 37,333,887 Class B units of Duncan Energy Partners, having a market value of $449.5 million.  The Class B units automatically converted on a one-to-one basis to common units of Duncan Energy Partners on February 1, 2009.

At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners owned 74.1% of Duncan Energy Partners’ limited partner interests and all of its general partner interest.

 
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Enterprise Products Partners has continued involvement with all of the subsidiaries of Duncan Energy Partners, including the following types of transactions: (i) it utilizes storage services to support its Mont Belvieu fractionation and other businesses; (ii) it buys natural gas from and sells natural gas in connection with its normal business activities; and (iii) it is currently the sole shipper on an NGL pipeline system located in south Texas.

EPCO and its affiliates, including Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO, may contribute or sell other equity interests and assets to Duncan Energy Partners.  EPCO and its affiliates have no obligation or commitment to make such contributions or sales to Duncan Energy Partners.

Relationship with Cenac

In connection with TEPPCO’s marine services acquisition in February 2008, Cenac and affiliates became a related party of TEPPCO due to its ownership of TEPPCO common units and other considerations.  TEPPCO entered into a transitional operating agreement with Cenac in which TEPPCO’s fleet of acquired tow boats and tank barges will continue to be operated by employees of Cenac for a period of up to two years following the acquisition.  Under this agreement, TEPPCO pays Cenac a monthly operating fee and reimburses Cenac for personnel salaries and related employee benefit expenses, certain repairs and maintenance expenses and insurance premiums on the equipment.


Note 16.  Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes relates primarily to federal and state income taxes of Seminole and Dixie, our two largest corporations subject to such income taxes.  In addition, with the amendment of the Texas Margin Tax in 2006, we have become a taxable entity in the state of Texas.  Significant components of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:

Deferred tax assets:
     
 Net operating loss carryovers
  $ 26,311  
 Property, plant and equipment
    753  
 Credit carryover
    26  
 Charitable contribution carryover
    20  
 Employee benefit plans
    2,631  
 Deferred revenue
    964  
 Reserve for legal fees and damages
    289  
 Equity investment in partnerships
    596  
 AROs
    76  
 Accruals and other
    900  
  Total deferred tax assets
    32,566  
     Valuation allowance
    (3,932 )
  Net deferred tax assets
    28,634  
Deferred tax liabilities:
       
    Property, plant and equipment
    92,899  
    Other
    52  
  Total deferred tax liabilities
    92,951  
          Total net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (64,317 )
         
Current portion of total net deferred tax assets
  $ 1,397  
Long-term portion of total net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (65,714 )

We had net operating loss carryovers of $26.3 million at December 31, 2008.  These losses expire in various years between 2009 and 2028 and are subject to limitations on their utilization.  We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized.  The valuation allowance was $3.9 million at December 31, 2008, and serves to reduce the recognized tax benefit associated with carryovers of our corporate entities to an amount that

 
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will, more likely than not, be realized.  We have deferred tax liabilities on property plant and equipment of $92.9 million at December 31, 2008.

On May 18, 2006, the State of Texas enacted House Bill 3 which revised the pre-existing state franchise tax.  In general, legal entities that conduct business in Texas are subject to the Revised Texas Franchise Tax, including previously non-taxable entities such as limited liability companies, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships.  The tax is assessed on Texas sourced taxable margin which is defined as the lesser of (i) 70.0% of total revenue or (ii) total revenue less (a) cost of goods sold or (b) compensation and benefits.

Although the bill states that the Revised Texas Franchise Tax is not an income tax, it has the characteristics of an income tax since it is determined by applying a tax rate to a base that considers both revenues and expenses.  Due to the enactment of the Revised Texas Franchise Tax, we recorded a net deferred tax liability of $0.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2008.


Note 17.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

On occasion, we or our unconsolidated affiliates are named as defendants in litigation relating to our normal business activities, including regulatory and environmental matters.  Although we are insured against various business risks to the extent we believe it is prudent, there is no assurance that the nature and amount of such insurance will be adequate, in every case, to indemnify us against liabilities arising from future legal proceedings as a result of our ordinary business activities.  We are not aware of any significant litigation, pending or threatened, that could have a significant adverse effect on our financial position.

Parent Company matters.  In February 2008, Joel A. Gerber, a purported unitholder of Enterprise GP Holdings, filed a derivative complaint on behalf of Enterprise GP Holdings in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.  The complaint names as defendants EPE Holdings; the Board of Directors of EPE Holdings; EPCO; and Dan L. Duncan and certain of his affiliates.  Enterprise GP Holdings is named as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the defendants, in breach of their fiduciary duties to Enterprise GP Holdings and its unitholders, caused Enterprise GP Holdings to purchase in May 2007 the TEPPCO GP membership interests and TEPPCO common units from Mr. Duncan’s affiliates at an unfair price.  The complaint also alleges that Charles E. McMahen, Edwin E. Smith and Thurmon Andress, constituting the three members of EPE Holdings’ ACG Committee, cannot be considered independent because of their relationships with Mr. Duncan.  The complaint seeks relief (i) awarding damages for profits allegedly obtained by the defendants as a result of the alleged wrongdoings in the complaint and (ii) awarding plaintiff costs of the action, including fees and expenses of his attorneys and experts.  Management believes this lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.  For information regarding our relationship with Mr. Duncan and his affiliates, see Note 15.

Enterprise Products Partners’ matters.  In February 2007, EPO received a letter from the Environment and Natural Resources Division (“ENRD”) of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) related to an ammonia release in Kingman County, Kansas in October 2004 from a pressurized anhydrous ammonia pipeline owned by a third party, Magellan Ammonia Pipeline, L.P. (“Magellan”) and a previous release of ammonia in September 2004 from the same pipeline. EPO was the operator of this pipeline until July 1, 2008. The ENRD has indicated that it may pursue civil damages against EPO and Magellan as a result of these incidents.  Based on this correspondence from the ENRD, the statutory maximum amount of civil fines that could be assessed against EPO and Magellan is up to $17.4 million in the aggregate.  EPO is cooperating with the DOJ and is hopeful that an expeditious resolution of this civil matter acceptable to all parties will be reached in the near future.  Magellan has agreed to indemnify EPO for the civil matter.  At this time, we do not believe that a final resolution of the civil claims by the ENRD will have a material impact on Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated financial position.

 
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In October 2006, a rupture in the Magellan Ammonia Pipeline resulted in the release of ammonia near Clay Center, Kansas.  The pipeline has been repaired and environmental remediation tasks related to this incident have been completed.  At this time, we do not believe that this incident will have a material impact on Enterprise Products Partners’ consolidated financial position.

            Several lawsuits have been filed by municipalities and other water suppliers against a number of manufacturers of reformulated gasoline containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (“MTBE”).  In general, such suits have not named manufacturers of MTBE as defendants, and there have been no such lawsuits filed against Enterprise Products Partners’ subsidiary that owns an octane-additive production facility.  It is possible, however, that former MTBE manufacturers, such as Enterprise Products Partners’ subsidiary, could ultimately be added as defendants in such lawsuits or in new lawsuits.

The Attorney General of Colorado on behalf of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment filed suit against Enterprise Products Partners and others in April 2008 in connection with the construction of a pipeline near Parachute, Colorado.  The State sought a temporary restraining order and an injunction to halt construction activities since it alleged that the defendants failed to install measures to minimize damage to the environment and to follow requirements for the pipeline’s stormwater permit and appropriate stormwater plan.  The State’s complaint also seeks penalties for the above alleged failures.  Defendants and the State agreed to certain stipulations that, among other things, require Enterprise Products Partners to install specified environmental protection measures in the disturbed pipeline right-of-way to comply with regulations.  Enterprise Products Partners has complied with the stipulations and the State has dismissed the portions of the compliant seeking the temporary restraining order and injunction.  The State has not yet assessed penalties and we are unable to predict the amount of penalties that may be assessed. At this time, we do not believe that this incident will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position.

In January 2009, the State of New Mexico filed suit in District Court in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, under the New Mexico Air Quality Control Act.  The lawsuit arose out of a February 27, 2008 Notice Of Violation issued to Marathon as operator of the Indian Basin natural gas processing facility located in Eddy County, New Mexico.  Enterprise Products Partners owns a 40.0% undivided interest in the assets comprising the Indian Basin facility.  The State alleges violations of its air laws, and Marathon believes there has been no adverse impact to public health or the environment, having implemented voluntary emission reduction measures over the years.  The State seeks penalties above $100,000.  Marathon continues to work with the State to determine if resolution of the case is possible.

TEPPCO matters. In September 2006, Peter Brinckerhoff, a purported unitholder of TEPPCO, filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery of New Castle County in the State of Delaware, in his individual capacity, as a putative class action on behalf of other unitholders of TEPPCO and derivatively on behalf of TEPPCO, concerning, among other things, certain transactions involving TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners or its affiliates. In July 2007, Mr. Brinkerhoff filed an amended complaint.  The amended complaint names as defendants (i) TEPPCO, its current and certain former directors, and certain of its affiliates; (ii) Enterprise Products Partners and certain of its affiliates; (iii) EPCO; and (iv) Dan L. Duncan.

The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants caused TEPPCO to enter into certain transactions that were unfair to TEPPCO or otherwise unfairly favored Enterprise Products Partners or its affiliates over TEPPCO.  These transactions are alleged to include: (i) the joint venture to further expand the Jonah system entered into by TEPPCO and Enterprise Products Partners in August 2006; (ii) the sale by TEPPCO of its Pioneer natural gas processing plant to Enterprise Products Partners in March 2006; and (iii) certain amendments to TEPPCO’s partnership agreement, including a reduction in the maximum tier of TEPPCO’s IDRs in exchange for TEPPCO common units.  The amended complaint seeks (i) rescission of the amendments to TEPPCO’s partnership agreement; (ii) damages for profits and special benefits allegedly obtained by defendants as a result of the alleged wrongdoings in the amended complaint; and (iii) awarding plaintiff costs of the action, including fees and expenses of his attorneys and experts.  Pre-trial discovery in this proceeding is underway. We believe that the outcome of this lawsuit will not have a material effect on TEPPCO’s financial position.

 
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Energy Transfer Equity matters.  In July 2007, ETP announced that it was under investigation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) with respect to whether ETP engaged in manipulation or improper trading activities in the Houston Ship Channel market around the time of the hurricanes in the fall of 2005 and other prior periods in order to benefit financially from commodity financial instrument positions and from certain index-priced physical gas purchases in the Houston Ship Channel market.  In March 2008, ETP entered into a consent order with the CFTC.  Pursuant to this consent order, ETP agreed to pay the CFTC $10.0 million and the CFTC agreed to release ETP and its affiliates, directors and employees from all claims or causes of action asserted by the CFTC in this proceeding.  ETP neither admitted nor denied the allegations made by the CFTC in this proceeding. The settlement was paid in March 2008.

In July 2007, ETP announced that it was also under investigation by the FERC for the same matters noted in the CFTC proceeding described above.  The FERC is also investigating certain of ETP’s intrastate transportation activities.  The FERC’s actions against ETP also included allegations related to its Oasis pipeline, which is an intrastate pipeline that transports natural gas between the Waha and Katy hubs in Texas.  The Oasis pipeline transports interstate natural gas pursuant to NGPA Section 311 authority, and is subject to FERC-approved rates, terms and conditions of service.  The allegations related to the Oasis pipeline included claims that the pipeline violated NGPA regulations from January 2004 through June 2006 by granting undue preference to ETP’s affiliates for interstate NGPA Section 311 pipeline service to the detriment of similarly situated non-affiliated shippers and by charging in excess of the FERC-approved maximum lawful rate for interstate NGPA Section 311 transportation.

In July 2007, the FERC announced that it was taking preliminary action against ETP and proposed civil penalties of $97.5 million and disgorgement of profits, plus interest, of $70.1 million.  In October 2007, ETP filed a response with the FERC refuting the FERC’s claims as being fundamentally flawed and requested a dismissal of the FERC’s proceedings.  In February 2008, the FERC staff recommended an increase in the proposed civil penalties of $25.0 million and disgorgement of profits of $7.3 million. The total amount of civil penalties and disgorgement of profits sought by the FERC is approximately $200.0 million.  In March 2008, ETP responded to the FERC staff regarding the recommended increase in the proposed civil penalties.  In April 2008, the FERC staff filed an answer to ETP’s March 2008 pleading.  The FERC has not taken any actions related to the recommendations of its staff with respect to the proposed increase in civil penalties.  In May 2008, the FERC ordered hearings to be conducted by FERC administrative law judges with respect to the FERC’s intrastate transportation claims and market manipulation claims.  The hearing related to the intrastate transportation claims involving the Oasis pipeline was scheduled to commence in December 2008 with the administrative law judge’s initial decision due in May 2009; however, as discussed below, ETP entered into a settlement agreement with FERC Enforcement Staff and that agreement was approved by the FERC in its entirety and without modification on February 27, 2009.  The hearing related to the market manipulation claims is scheduled to commence in June 2009 with the administrative law judge’s initial decision due in December 2009.  The FERC denied ETP’s request for dismissal of the proceeding and has ordered that, following completion of the hearings, the administrative law judge make recommendations with respect to whether ETP engaged in market manipulation in violation of the Natural Gas Act and FERC regulations, and, whether ETP violated the Natural Gas Policy Act (“NGPA”) and FERC regulations related to ETP’s intrastate transportation activities.  The FERC reserved for itself the issues of possible civil penalties, revocation of ETP’s blanket market certificate, method by which ETP would disgorge any unjust profits and whether any conditions should be placed on ETP’s NGPA Section 311 authorization.  Following the issuance of each of the administrative law judges’ initial decisions, the FERC would then issue an order with respect to each of these matters.  ETP management has stated that it expects that the FERC will require a payment in order to conclude these investigations on a negotiated settlement basis.

In November 2008, the administrative law judge presiding over the Oasis claims granted ETP’s motion for summary disposition of the claim that Oasis unduly discriminated in favor of affiliates regarding the provision of Section 311(a)(2) interstate transportation service.  Oasis subsequently entered into an agreement with the Enforcement Staff to settle all claims related to Oasis.  In January 2009, this agreement was submitted under seal to the FERC by the presiding administrative law judge for the FERC’s approval as an uncontested settlement of all Oasis claims.  On February 27, 2009, the settlement agreement was

 
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approved by the FERC in its entirety and without modification and the terms of the settlement were made public.  If no person seeks rehearing of the order approving the settlement within thirty days of such order, the FERC’s order will become final and non-appealable.  ETP has stated that it does not believe the Oasis settlement, as approved by the FERC, will have a material adverse effect on it business or financial position.

In addition to the CFTC and FERC, third parties have asserted claims, and may assert additional claims, against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP for damages related to the aforementioned matters.  Several natural gas producers and a natural gas marketing company have initiated legal proceedings against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP in Texas state courts for claims related to the FERC claims.  These suits contain contract and tort claims relating to the alleged manipulation of natural gas prices at the Houston Ship Channel and the Waha Hub in West Texas, as well as the natural gas price indices related to these markets and the Permian Basin natural gas price index during the period from December 2003 through December 2006, and seek unspecified direct, indirect, consequential and exemplary damages.  Energy Transfer Equity and ETP are seeking to compel arbitration in several of these suits on the grounds that the claims are subject to arbitration agreements, and one suit is pending before the Texas Supreme Court on issues of arbitrability.  One of the suits against Energy Transfer Equity and ETP contains an additional allegation that the defendants transported natural gas in a manner that favored their affiliates and discriminated against the plaintiff, and otherwise artificially affected the market price of natural gas to other parties in the market.  ETP has moved to compel arbitration and/or contested subject-matter jurisdiction in some of these cases.  One such case currently is on appeal before the Texas Supreme Court on, among other things, the issue of whether the dispute is arbitrable.

ETP has also been served with a complaint from an owner of royalty interests in natural gas producing properties, individually and on behalf of a putative class of similarly situated royalty owners, working interest owners and producers/operators, seeking arbitration to recover damages based on alleged manipulation of natural gas prices at the Houston Ship Channel.  ETP filed an original action in Harris County, Texas seeking a stay of the arbitration on the grounds that the action is not arbitrable, and the state court granted ETP their motion for summary judgment on that issue.  The claimants have filed a motion of appeal.
 
A consolidated class action complaint has been filed against ETP and certain affiliates in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This action alleges that ETP engaged in intentional and unlawful manipulation of the price of natural gas futures and options contracts on the NYMEX in violation of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). It is further alleged that during the class period December 2003 to December 2005, ETP had the market power to manipulate index prices, and that ETP used this market power to artificially depress the index prices at major natural gas trading hubs, including the Houston Ship Channel, in order to benefit its natural gas physical and financial trading positions and intentionally submitted price and volume trade information to trade publications. This complaint also alleges that ETP also violated the CEA because ETP knowingly aided and abetted violations of the CEA. This action alleges that the unlawful depression of index prices by ETP manipulated the NYMEX prices for natural gas futures and options contracts to artificial levels during the period stipulated in the complaint, causing unspecified damages to the plaintiff and all other members of the putative class who purchased and/or sold natural gas futures and options contracts on the NYMEX during the period. This class action complaint consolidated two class actions which were pending against ETP.  Following the consolidation order, the plaintiffs who had filed these two earlier class actions filed a consolidated complaint.  They have requested certification of their suit as a class action, unspecified damages, court costs and other appropriate relief.  In January 2008, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this suit on the grounds of failure to allege facts sufficient to state a claim.  In March 2008, the plaintiffs filed a second consolidated class action complaint.  In response to this new pleading, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this second consolidated complaint in May 2008.  In June 2008, the plaintiffs filed a response opposing ETP’s motion to dismiss.  ETP filed a reply in support of its motion in July 2008.

In March 2008, another class action complaint was filed against ETP in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.  This action alleges that ETP engaged in unlawful restraint of trade and intentional monopolization and attempted monopolization of the market for fixed-price natural

 
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gas baseload transactions at the Houston Ship Channel from December 2003 through December 2005 in violation of federal antitrust law.  The complaint further alleges that during this period ETP exerted monopolistic power to suppress the price of these transactions to non-competitive levels in order to benefit from its own physical natural gas positions.  The plaintiff has, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated sellers of physical natural gas, requested certification of its suit as a class action and seeks unspecified treble damages, court costs and other appropriate relief.  In May 2008, ETP filed a motion to dismiss this complaint.  In July 2008, the plaintiffs filed a response opposing ETP’s motion to dismiss.  ETP filed a reply in support of its motion in August 2008.
 
At this time, ETE is unable to predict the outcome of these matters; however, it is possible that the amount it becomes obliged to pay as a result of the final resolution of these matters, whether on a negotiated settlement basis or otherwise, will exceed the amount of its existing accrual related to these matters.

ETP disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 that its accrued amounts for contingencies and current litigation matters (excluding environmental matters) aggregated $20.8 million at December 31, 2008.  Since ETP’s accrual amounts are non-cash, any cash payment of an amount in resolution of these matters would likely be made from its operating cash flows or from borrowings. If these payments are substantial, ETP and, ultimately, our investee, Energy Transfer Equity, may experience a material adverse impact on their results of operations, cash available for distribution and liquidity.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our various contractual obligations at December 31, 2008.  A description of each type of contractual obligation follows.

   
Payment or Settlement due by Period
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
2009
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
Thereafter
 
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt
$ 12,639,699     $ --     $ 562,500     $ 942,750     $ 2,786,749     $ 1,208,500     $ 7,139,200  
Estimated cash interest payments
  $ 12,303,887     $ 755,617     $ 731,020     $ 678,136     $ 633,640     $ 503,474     $ 9,002,000  
Operating lease obligations
  $ 388,291     $ 44,901     $ 38,233     $ 37,596     $ 36,169     $ 30,692     $ 200,700  
Purchase obligations:
                                                       
 Product purchase commitments:
                                                       
 Estimated payment obligations:
                                                       
Crude oil
  $ 161,194     $ 161,194     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Refined products
  $ 1,642     $ 1,642     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Natural gas
  $ 5,225,141     $ 323,309     $ 515,102     $ 635,000     $ 660,626     $ 487,984     $ 2,603,120  
NGLs
  $ 1,923,792     $ 969,870     $ 136,422     $ 136,250     $ 136,250     $ 136,250     $ 408,750  
Petrochemicals
  $ 1,746,138     $ 685,643     $ 376,636     $ 247,757     $ 181,650     $ 86,768     $ 167,684  
Other
  $ 66,657     $ 24,221     $ 7,148     $ 7,011     $ 6,699     $ 6,166     $ 15,412  
 Underlying major volume  commitments:
                                                       
Crude oil (in MBbls)
    3,404       3,404       --       --       --       --       --  
Refined products (in MBbls)
    28       28       --       --       --       --       --  
Natural gas (in BBtus)
    981,955       56,650       93,150       115,925       120,780       93,950       501,500  
NGLs (in MBbls)
    56,622       23,576       4,726       4,720       4,720       4,720       14,160  
Petrochemicals (in MBbls)
    67,696       24,949       13,420       10,428       7,906       3,759       7,234  
 Service payment commitments
  $ 534,426     $ 57,289     $ 51,251     $ 49,501     $ 47,025     $ 46,142     $ 283,218  
 Capital expenditure commitments
  $ 786,675     $ 786,675     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  

Scheduled Maturities of Long-Term Debt.  Enterprise GP Holdings, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO have payment obligations under debt agreements.  With respect to this category, amounts shown in the preceding table represent scheduled principal payments due in each period as of December 31, 2008. See Note 13 for information regarding our consolidated debt obligations at December 31, 2008.

Operating Lease Obligations.  We lease certain property, plant and equipment under noncancelable and cancelable operating leases.  Amounts shown in the preceding table represent minimum cash lease payment obligations under our operating leases with terms in excess of one year.

 
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Our significant lease agreements involve (i) the lease of underground caverns for the storage of natural gas and NGLs, (ii) leased office space with an affiliate of EPCO, (iii) a railcar unloading terminal in Mont Belvieu, Texas and (iv) land held pursuant to right-of-way agreements.  In general, our material lease agreements have original terms that range from 2 to 28 years and include renewal options that could extend the agreements for up to an additional 20 years.

Lease expense is charged to operating costs and expenses on a straight line basis over the period of expected economic benefit.  Contingent rental payments are expensed as incurred.  We are generally required to perform routine maintenance on the underlying leased assets.  In addition, certain leases give us the option to make leasehold improvements.  Maintenance and repairs of leased assets resulting from our operations are charged to expense as incurred.  We did not make any significant leasehold improvements during the year ended December 31, 2008.

The operating lease commitments shown in the preceding table exclude the non-cash, related party expense associated with retained leases contributed to Enterprise Products Partners by EPCO at Enterprise Products Partners’ formation.  EPCO remains liable for the actual cash lease payments associated with these agreements, which it accounts for as operating leases.  At December 31, 2008, the retained leases were for approximately 100 railcars.  EPCO’s minimum future rental payments under these leases are $0.7 million for each of the years 2009 through 2015 and $0.3 million for 2016.  Enterprise Products Partners records the full value of these payments made by EPCO on Enterprise Products Partners’ behalf as a non-cash related party operating lease expense, with the offset to partners’ equity accounted for as a general contribution to Enterprise Products Partners’ partnership.

The retained lease agreements contain lessee purchase options, which are at prices that approximate fair value of the underlying leased assets.  EPCO has assigned these purchase options to Enterprise Products Partners.  Enterprise Products Partners has exercised its election under the retained leases to purchase a cogeneration unit in December 2008 for $2.3 million.  Should Enterprise Products Partners decide to exercise the purchase option associated with the remaining agreement, it would pay the original lessor $3.1 million in June 2016.

Purchase Obligations. We define a purchase obligation as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding (unconditional) on us that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions.  We have classified our unconditional purchase obligations into the following categories:

§  
We have long and short-term product purchase obligations for NGLs, certain petrochemicals and natural gas with third-party suppliers.  The prices that we are obligated to pay under these contracts approximate market prices at the time we take delivery of the volumes.  The preceding table shows our volume commitments and estimated payment obligations under these contracts for the periods indicated.  Our estimated future payment obligations are based on the contractual price under each contract for purchases made at December 31, 2008 applied to all future volume commitments.  Actual future payment obligations may vary depending on market prices at the time of delivery.  At December 31, 2008, we do not have any significant product purchase commitments with fixed or minimum pricing provisions with remaining terms in excess of one year.

§  
We have long and short-term commitments to pay third-party providers for services such as equipment maintenance agreements.  Our contractual payment obligations vary by contract.  The preceding table shows our future payment obligations under these service contracts.

§  
We have short-term payment obligations relating to our capital projects and those of our unconsolidated affiliates.  These commitments represent unconditional payment obligations to vendors for services rendered or products purchased.  The preceding table presents our share of such commitments for the periods indicated.

 
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Commitments under equity compensation plans of EPCO

In order to fund its obligations under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP (see Note 5), EPCO may purchase common units of Enterprise Products Partners at fair value either in the open market or directly from Enterprise Products Partners.  When EPCO employees exercise options awarded under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP, Enterprise Products Partners reimburses EPCO for the cash difference between the strike price paid by the employee and the actual purchase price paid by EPCO for the common units.  Such reimbursements totaled $0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2008.

At December 31, 2008, there were 2,168,500 and 795,000 unit options outstanding under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP, respectively, for which Enterprise Products Partners is responsible for reimbursing EPCO for the costs of such awards.  The weighted-average strike price of option awards outstanding at December 31, 2008 was $26.32 and $30.93 per common unit under the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP, respectively.   At December 31, 2008, there were 548,500 unit options immediately exercisable under the EPCO 1998 Plan.  An additional 365,000, 480,000 and 775,000 of these unit options will be exercisable in 2009, 2010 and 2012, respectively under the EPCO 1998 Plan.  The 795,000 unit options outstanding under the EPD 2008 LTIP will become exercisable in 2013.  See Note 5 for additional information regarding the EPCO 1998 Plan and EPD 2008 LTIP.

In order to fund obligations under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP, EPCO may purchase common units of TEPPCO at fair value either in the open market or directly from TEPPCO.  When EPCO employees exercise options awarded under the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP, TEPPCO will reimburse EPCO for the cash difference between the strike price paid by the employee and the actual purchase price paid by EPCO for the common units.  TEPPCO was committed to issue 355,000 of its common units at December 31, 2008, respectively, if all outstanding options awarded under the 2006 LTIP (as of this date) were exercised.  The weighted-average strike price of option awards outstanding at December 31, 2008 was $40.00 per common unit.   There were no options immediately exercisable under the 2006 LTIP at December 31, 2008.  See Note 5 for additional information regarding the TEPPCO 2006 LTIP.

Other Commitments and Claims

Redelivery Commitments.  In our normal business activities, we process, store and transport natural gas, NGLs and other hydrocarbon products for third parties.  These volumes are (i) accrued as product payables on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, (ii) in transit for delivery to our customers or (iii) held at our storage facilities for redelivery to our customers.  We are insured against any physical loss of such volumes due to catastrophic events.  Under terms of our storage agreements, we are generally required to redeliver volumes to the owners on demand.  At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners’ redelivery commitments aggregated 29.6 million barrels (“MMBbls”) of NGL and petrochemical products and 18.5 BBtus of natural gas.  TEPPCO’s redelivery commitments at this date aggregated 16.5 MMBbls of petroleum products.

Other Claims.  As part of our normal business activities with joint venture partners and certain customers and suppliers, we occasionally have claims made against us as a result of disputes related to contractual agreements or similar arrangements.  As of December 31, 2008, claims against us totaled approximately $15.4 million.  These matters are in various stages of assessment and the ultimate outcome of such disputes cannot be reasonably estimated.  However, in our opinion, the likelihood of a material adverse outcome related to the disputes against us is remote.  Accordingly, accruals for loss contingencies related to these matters, if any, that might result from the resolution of such disputes have not been reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Centennial Guarantees. TEPPCO has certain guarantee obligations in connection with its ownership interest in Centennial.  TEPPCO has guaranteed one-half of Centennial’s debt obligations, which obligates TEPPCO to an estimated payment of $65.0 million in the event of default by Centennial.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had a liability of $9.0 million representing the estimated fair value of its share of the Centennial debt guaranty.  See Note 13 for additional information regarding Centennial’s debt obligations.

 
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In lieu of Centennial procuring insurance to satisfy third-party liabilities arising from a catastrophic event, TEPPCO and Centennial’s other joint venture partner have entered a limited cash call agreement.  TEPPCO is obligated to contribute up to a maximum of $50.0 million in proportion to its ownership interest in Centennial in the event of a catastrophic event.  At December 31, 2008, TEPPCO had a liability of $3.9 million representing the estimated fair value of its cash call guaranty.  We insure against catastrophic events.  Cash contributions by TEPPCO to Centennial under the limited cash call agreement may be covered by our insurance depending on the nature of the catastrophic event.


Note 18.  Significant Risks and Uncertainties

Weather-Related Risks

We participate as a named insured in EPCO’s insurance program, which provides us with property damage, business interruption and other coverages, the scope and amounts of which are customary and sufficient for the nature and extent of our operations.  While we believe EPCO maintains adequate insurance coverage on our behalf, insurance will not cover every type of damage or interruption that might occur.  If we were to incur a significant liability for which we were not fully insured, it could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  In addition, the proceeds of any such insurance may not be paid in a timely manner and may be insufficient to reimburse us for our repair costs or lost income. Any event that interrupts the revenues generated by our consolidated operations, or which causes us to make significant expenditures not covered by insurance, could reduce our ability to pay distributions to our partners and, accordingly, adversely affect the market price of our common units.

For windstorm events such as hurricanes and tropical storms, EPCO’s deductible for onshore physical damage is $10.0 million per storm.   For offshore assets, the windstorm deductible is $10.0 million per storm plus a one-time $15.0 million aggregate deductible per policy period.  For non-windstorm events, EPCO’s deductible for onshore and offshore physical damage is $5.0 million per occurrence.  In meeting the deductible amounts, property damage costs are aggregated for EPCO and its affiliates, including us.  Accordingly, our exposure with respect to the deductibles may be equal to or less than the stated amounts depending on whether other EPCO or affiliate assets are also affected by an event.

To qualify for business interruption coverage in connection with a windstorm event, covered assets must be out-of-service in excess of 60 days for onshore assets and 75 days for offshore assets.   To qualify for business interruption coverage in connection with a non-windstorm event, covered onshore and offshore assets must be out-of-service in excess of 60 days.

The following is a discussion of the general status of our insurance claims related to recent significant storm events. To the extent we include any estimate or range of estimates regarding the dollar value of damages, please be aware that a change in our estimates may occur as additional information becomes available.

Hurricane Ivan insurance claims.   During the year ended December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners did not receive any reimbursements from insurance carriers related to property damage claims associated with this storm.

Enterprise Products Partners has submitted business interruption insurance claims for its estimated losses caused by Hurricane Ivan, which struck the eastern U.S. Gulf Coast region in September 2004.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners did not receive and proceeds from these claims.  Enterprise Products Partners is continuing its efforts to collect residual balances from this storm.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita insurance claims.  Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, both significant storms, affected certain of Enterprise Products Partners’ Gulf Coast assets in August and September of 2005, respectively.  With respect to these storms, Enterprise Products Partners has $30.5 million of
 
 
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estimated property damage claims outstanding at December 31, 2008, that it believes are probable of collection during the period 2009.  Enterprise Products Partners continues to pursue collection of its property damage claims related to these named storms.  As of December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners had received all proceeds from its business interruption claims related to these storm events.

Hurricanes Gustav and Ike insurance claims. In the third quarter of 2008, Enterprise Products Partners’ onshore and offshore facilities located along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana were adversely impacted by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.  To a lesser extent, these storms affected the operations of TEPPCO as well.  The disruptions in natural gas, NGL and crude oil production caused by these storms resulted in decreased volumes for some of Enterprise Products Partners’ pipeline systems, natural gas processing plants, NGL fractionators and offshore platforms, which, in turn, caused a decrease in operating income from these operations.  As a result of our allocated share of EPCO’s insurance deductibles for windstorm coverage, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO expensed $47.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, of repair costs for property damage in connection with these two storms.  Enterprise Products Partners’ expects to file property damage insurance claims to the extent repair costs exceed deductible amounts.  Due to the recent nature of these storms, Enterprise Products Partners and TEPPCO are still evaluating the total cost of repairs and the potential for business interruption claims on certain assets.

Proceeds from Business Interruption and Property Damage Claims

The following table summarizes proceeds Enterprise Products Partners received during the year ended December 31, 2008 from business interruption and property damage insurance claims with respect to certain named storms:

Business interruption proceeds:
     
Hurricane Katrina
  501  
Hurricane Rita
    662  
   Total proceeds
    1,163  
Property damage proceeds:
       
Hurricane Katrina
    9,404  
Hurricane Rita
    2,678  
   Total proceeds
    12,082  
      Total
  $ 13,245  

At December 31, 2008, Enterprise Products Partners has $39.0 million of estimated property damage claims outstanding related to these storms that we believe are probable of collection through 2009.  In February 2009, Enterprise Products Partners collected $20.8 million of the amounts outstanding.  To the extent we estimate the dollar value of such damages, please be aware that a change in our estimates may occur as additional information becomes available.

During 2008, we collected $0.2 million of business interruption proceeds that were not related to storm events.

Nature of Operations in Midstream Energy Industry

Our operations are within the midstream energy industry, which includes gathering, transporting, processing, fractionating and storing natural gas, NGLs, certain petrochemicals and crude oil.  We also market natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and other hydrocarbon products.  As such, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows may be affected by changes in the commodity prices of these hydrocarbon products, including changes in the relative price levels among these products (e.g., natural gas processing margins are influenced by the ratio of natural gas prices to crude oil prices).  The prices of hydrocarbon products are subject to fluctuation in response to changes in supply, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control.
 
 
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Our profitability could be impacted by a decline in the volume of hydrocarbon products transported, gathered, processed or stored at our facilities.  A material decrease in natural gas or crude oil production or crude oil refining, for reasons such as depressed commodity prices or a decrease in exploration and development activities, could result in a decline in the volume of natural gas, NGLs, LPGs, refined products and crude oil handled by our facilities.

A reduction in demand for natural gas, crude oil, NGL and other hydrocarbon products by the petrochemical, refining or heating industries, whether because of (i) general economic conditions, (ii) reduced demand by consumers for the end products made using such products, (iii) increased competition from other products due to pricing differences, (iv) adverse weather conditions, (v) government regulations affecting energy commodity prices, production levels of hydrocarbons or the content of motor gasoline or (vi) other reasons, could adversely affect our financial position.

Credit Risk due to Industry Concentrations

 A substantial portion of our revenues are derived from companies in the domestic natural gas, NGL, crude oil and petrochemical industries.  This concentration could affect our overall exposure to credit risk since these customers may be affected by similar economic or other conditions.  We generally do not require collateral for our accounts receivable; however, we do attempt to negotiate offset, prepayment, or automatic debit agreements with customers that are deemed to be credit risks in order to minimize our potential exposure to any defaults.

Enterprise Products Partners’ largest customer for 2008 was LyondellBassell Industries (“LBI”) and its affiliates.  On January 6, 2009, LBI announced that its U.S. operations had voluntarily filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Enterprise Products Partners had approximately $17.3 million of credit exposure to LBI, which was reduced to approximately $10.0 million through remedies provided under certain pipeline tariffs.  In addition, Enterprise Products Partners is seeking to have LBI accept certain contracts and have filed claims pursuant to current Bankruptcy Court Orders that Enterprise Products Partners expects will allow it to recover the majority of the remaining credit exposure.

Counterparty Risk with respect to Financial Instruments

In those situations where we are exposed to credit risk in our financial instrument transactions, we analyze the counterparty’s financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establish credit and/or margin limits and monitor the appropriateness of these limits on an ongoing basis.  Generally, we do not require collateral nor do we anticipate nonperformance by our counterparties.




 
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