NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INDEX

1. BUSINESS OVERVIEW

The terms “we,” “our,” “us” and “Enbridge” as used in this report refer collectively to Enbridge Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context suggests otherwise. These terms are used for convenience only and are not intended as a precise description of any separate legal entity within Enbridge.

 

Enbridge is a publicly traded energy transportation and distribution company. We conduct our business through five business segments: Liquids Pipelines; Gas Transmission and Midstream; Gas Distribution; Green Power and Transmission; and Energy Services. These reporting segments are strategic business units established by senior management to facilitate the achievement of our long-term objectives, to aid in resource allocation decisions and to assess operational performance.

 

LIQUIDS PIPELINES

Liquids Pipelines consists of common carrier and contract pipelines that transport crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL) and refined products and terminals in Canada and the United States, including Canadian Mainline, Lakehead Pipeline System (Lakehead System), Regional Oil Sands System, Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent, Southern Lights Pipeline, Express-Platte System, Bakken System, and Feeder Pipelines and Other.

GAS TRANSMISSION AND MIDSTREAM

Gas Transmission and Midstream consists of investments in natural gas pipelines and gathering and processing facilities in Canada and the United States. Investments in natural gas pipelines include our interests in US Gas Transmission, Canadian Gas Transmission and Midstream, Alliance Pipeline, US Midstream and Other. Investments in natural gas processing include our interest in Aux Sable, a natural gas extraction and fractionation business located near the terminus of the Alliance Pipeline; Canadian Gas Transmission and Midstream assets located in northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta; and DCP Midstream, LLC assets located primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.

 

GAS DISTRIBUTION

Gas Distribution consists of our natural gas utility operations, the core of which are Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (EGD) and Union Gas Limited (Union Gas), which serves residential, commercial and industrial customers, primarily located in Ontario. This business segment also includes natural gas distribution activities in Quebec and New Brunswick and an investment in Noverco Inc. (Noverco).

GREEN POWER AND TRANSMISSION

Green Power and Transmission consists of our investments in renewable energy assets and transmission facilities. Renewable energy assets consist of wind, solar, geothermal and waste heat recovery facilities and are located in Canada primarily in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec and in the United States primarily in Colorado, Texas, Indiana and West Virginia. We also have assets in operation and under development located in Europe.

 

ENERGY SERVICES

The Energy Services businesses in Canada and the United States undertake physical commodity marketing activity and logistical services, oversee refinery supply services and manage our volume commitments on various pipeline systems.

 

ELIMINATIONS AND OTHER

In addition to the segments noted above, Eliminations and Other includes operating and administrative costs and the impact of foreign exchange hedge settlements, which are not allocated to business segments. Also included in Eliminations and Other are new business development activities, general corporate investments and a portion of the synergies achieved thus far related to the integration of corporate functions due to the Merger Transaction, as defined in Acquisition of Spectra Energy Corp .

SPONSORED VEHICLES BUY-IN

In the fourth quarter of 2018, Enbridge completed the buy-ins of our sponsored vehicles: Spectra Energy Partners, LP (SEP), Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (EEP), Enbridge Energy Management, L.L.C. (EEM) and Enbridge Income Fund Holdings Inc. (ENF), (referred to herein collectively as the Sponsored Vehicles) in a series of combination transactions, through which we acquired all of the outstanding equity securities of the Sponsored Vehicles not beneficially owned by us (collectively, the Sponsored Vehicles buy-in). Please refer to Note 20 - Noncontrolling Interests for further discussion of the transactions.

ACQUISITION OF SPECTRA ENERGY CORP

On February 27, 2017, Enbridge and Spectra Energy Corp (Spectra Energy) combined in a stock-for-stock merger transaction (the Merger Transaction) for a purchase price of $37.5 billion . Under the terms of the Merger Transaction, Spectra Energy shareholders received 0.984 shares of Enbridge common stock for each share of Spectra Energy common stock that they owned, resulting in us acquiring 100% ownership of Spectra Energy. Please refer to Note 8 - Acquisitions and Dispositions for further discussion of the transaction.

DISPOSITIONS

During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we have disposed of a number of our non-core assets. Please refer to Note 8 - Acquisitions and Dispositions for further discussion of these transactions.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). Amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. As a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registrant, we are permitted to use U.S. GAAP for purposes of meeting both our Canadian and United States continuous disclosure requirements.

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to: carrying values of regulatory assets and liabilities (Note 7) ; purchase price allocations (Note 8) ; unbilled revenues; depreciation rates and carrying value of property, plant and equipment (Note 11) ; amortization rates of intangible assets (Note 15) ; measurement of goodwill (Note 16) ; fair value of asset retirement obligations (ARO) (Note 19) ; valuation of stock-based compensation (Note 22) ; fair value of financial instruments (Note 24) ; provisions for income taxes (Note 25) ; assumptions used to measure retirement and other postretirement benefit obligations (OPEB) (Note 26) ; commitments and contingencies (Note 29) ; and estimates of losses related to environmental remediation obligations (Note 29) . Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Certain comparative figures in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Effective September 30, 2017, we combined Cash and cash equivalents and amounts previously presented as Bank indebtedness where the corresponding bank accounts are subject to cash pooling arrangements. Net cash provided by financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 have decreased by $0.3 billion to reflect this change.

 

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and accounts of our subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. A VIE is a legal entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or is

structured such that equity investors lack the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights or do not substantively participate in the gains and losses of the entity. Upon inception of a contractual agreement, we perform an assessment to determine whether the arrangement contains a variable interest in a legal entity and whether that legal entity is a VIE. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Where we conclude that we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the accounts of that VIE. We assess all variable interests in the entity and use our judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary. Other qualitative factors that are considered include decision-making responsibilities, the VIE capital structure, risk and rewards sharing, contractual agreements with the VIE, voting rights and level of involvement of other parties. We assess the primary beneficiary determination for a VIE on an ongoing basis, if there are changes in the facts and circumstances related to a VIE. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of any limited partnerships where we represent the general partner and, based on all facts and circumstances, control such limited partnerships, unless the limited partner has substantive participating rights or substantive kick-out rights. For certain investments where we retain an undivided interest in assets and liabilities, we record our proportionate share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. If an entity is determined to not be a VIE, the voting interest entity model is applied, where an investor holding the majority voting rights consolidates the entity.  

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. Ownership interests in subsidiaries represented by other parties that do not control the entity are presented in the consolidated financial statements as activities and balances attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests. Investments and entities over which we exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.

As a result of the Canadian Restructuring Plan, ECT, our subsidiary, determines its equity investment earnings from EIPLP using the Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value (HLBV) method. ECT applies the HLBV method to its equity method investments where cash distributions, including both preference and residual distributions, are not based on the investor’s ownership percentages. Under the HLBV method, a calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that ECT would receive if EIPLP were to liquidate all of its assets, as valued in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and distribute that cash to the investors. The difference between the calculated liquidation distribution amounts at the beginning and the end of the reporting period, after adjusting for capital contributions and distributions, is ECT’s share of the earnings or losses from the equity investment for the period.

While ECT and EIPLP are both consolidated in these financial statements, the use of the HLBV method by ECT impacts the earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests reported on Enbridge’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings for comparative periods. Redeemable noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at December 31, 2017 are recognized at the maximum redemption value of the trust units held by third parties, which references the market price of ENF common shares.

REGULATION

Certain parts of our businesses are subject to regulation by various authorities including, but not limited to, the National Energy Board (NEB), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Alberta Energy Regulator, the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (NBEUB), the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and La Régie de l’Energie du Québec. Regulatory bodies exercise statutory authority over matters such as construction, rates and ratemaking and agreements with customers. To recognize the economic effects of the actions of the regulator, the timing of recognition of certain revenues and expenses in these operations may differ from that otherwise expected under U.S. GAAP for non rate-regulated entities.

 

Regulatory assets represent amounts that are expected to be recovered from customers in future periods through rates. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers in

future periods through rates or expected to be paid to cover future abandonment costs in relation to the NEB’s Land Matters Consultation Initiative (LMCI). Long-term regulatory assets are recorded in Deferred amounts and other assets and current regulatory assets are recorded in Accounts receivable and other. Long-term regulatory liabilities are included in Other long-term liabilities and current regulatory liabilities are recorded in Accounts payable and other. Regulatory assets are assessed for impairment if we identify an event indicative of possible impairment. The recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities is based on the actions, or expected future actions, of the regulator. To the extent that the regulator’s actions differ from our expectations, the timing and amount of recovery or settlement of regulatory balances could differ significantly from those recorded. In the absence of rate regulation, we would generally not recognize regulatory assets or liabilities and the earnings impact would be recorded in the period the expenses are incurred or revenues are earned. A regulatory asset or liability is recognized in respect of deferred income taxes when it is expected the amounts will be recovered or settled through future regulator-approved rates.

 

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) is included in the cost of property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over future periods as part of the total cost of the related asset. AFUDC includes both an interest component and, if approved by the regulator, a cost of equity component, which are both capitalized based on rates set out in a regulatory agreement. In the absence of rate regulation, we would capitalize interest using a capitalization rate based on its cost of borrowing, whereas the capitalized equity component, the corresponding earnings during the construction phase and the subsequent depreciation would not be recognized.

 

For certain regulated operations to which U.S. GAAP guidance for phase-in plans applies, negotiated depreciation rates recovered in transportation tolls may be less than the depreciation expense calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP in early years of long-term contracts but recovered in future periods when tolls exceed depreciation. Depreciation expense on such assets is recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP and no deferred regulatory asset is recorded (Note 7) .

With the approval of the applicable regulator, EGD, Union Gas and certain distribution operations capitalize a percentage of specified operating costs. These operations are authorized to charge depreciation and earn a return on the net book value of such capitalized costs in future years. To the extent that the regulator’s actions differ from our expectations, the timing and amount of recovery or settlement of capitalized costs could differ significantly from those recorded. In the absence of rate regulation, a portion of such costs may be charged to current period earnings.

 

REVENUE RECOGNITION

For businesses that are not rate-regulated, revenues are recorded when products have been delivered or services have been performed, the amount of revenue can be reliably measured and collectability is reasonably assured. Customer credit worthiness is assessed prior to agreement signing, as well as throughout the contract duration. Certain revenues from liquids and gas pipeline businesses are recognized under the terms of committed delivery contracts rather than the cash tolls received.

 

Long-term take-or-pay contracts, under which shippers are obligated to pay fixed amounts rateably over the contract period regardless of volumes shipped, may contain make-up rights. Make-up rights are earned by shippers when minimum volume commitments are not utilized during the period but under certain circumstances can be used to offset overages in future periods, subject to expiry periods. We recognize revenues associated with make-up rights at the earlier of when the make-up volume is shipped, the make-up right expires or when it is determined that the likelihood that the shipper will utilize the make-up right is remote.

Certain offshore pipeline transportation contracts require Enbridge to provide transportation services for the life of the underlying producing fields. Under these arrangements, shippers pay Enbridge a fixed monthly toll for a defined period of time which may be shorter than the estimated reserve life of the underlying producing fields, resulting in a contract period which extends past the period of cash collection.

Fixed monthly toll revenues are recognized ratably over the committed volume made available to shippers throughout the contract period, regardless of when cash is received. For the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , cash received net of revenue recognized for contracts under make-up rights and similar deferred revenue arrangements was $208 million , $196 million , and $249 million , respectively.

 

For rate-regulated businesses, revenues are recognized in a manner that is consistent with the underlying agreements as approved by the regulators. Natural gas utilities revenues are recorded on the basis of regular meter readings and estimates of customer usage from the last meter reading to the end of the reporting period. Estimates are based on historical consumption patterns and heating degree days experienced. Heating degree days is a measure of coldness that is indicative of volumetric requirements for natural gas utilized for heating purposes in our distribution franchise area. Since July 1, 2011, Canadian Mainline (excluding Lines 8 and 9) earnings are governed by the Competitive Toll Settlement (CTS), under which revenues are recorded when services are performed. Effective on that date, we prospectively discontinued the application of rate-regulated accounting for those assets with the exception of flow-through income taxes covered by specific rate orders.

Our Energy Services segment enters into commodity purchase and sale arrangements that are recorded gross because the related contracts are not held for trading purposes and we are acting as the principal in the transactions. For our energy marketing contracts, an estimate of revenues and commodity costs for the month of December is included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for each year based on the best available volume and price data for the commodity delivered and received.

 

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING

Non-qualifying Derivatives

Non-qualifying derivative instruments are used primarily to economically hedge foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity price earnings exposure. Non-qualifying derivatives are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings in Transportation and other services revenues, Commodity costs, Operating and administrative expense, Other income/(expense) and Interest expense.

Derivatives in Qualifying Hedging Relationships

We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, interest rates and certain compensation tied to our share price. Hedge accounting is optional and requires Enbridge to document the hedging relationship and test the hedging item’s effectiveness in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged item on an ongoing basis. We present the earnings effects of hedging items with the hedged transaction. Derivatives in qualifying hedging relationships are categorized as cash flow hedges, fair value hedges or net investment hedges.

Cash Flow Hedges

We use cash flow hedges to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, interest rates and certain compensation tied to our share price. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of a cash flow hedging instrument is recorded in Other comprehensive income/(loss) (OCI) and is reclassified to earnings when the hedged item impacts earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in current period earnings.

If a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge ceases to be effective or is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued and the gain or loss at that date is deferred in OCI and recognized concurrently with the related transaction. If a hedged anticipated transaction is no longer probable, the gain or loss is recognized immediately in earnings. Subsequent gains and losses from derivative instruments for which hedge accounting has been discontinued are recognized in earnings in the period in which they occur.

Fair Value Hedges

We use fair value hedges to hedge the fair value of debt instruments. The change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is recorded in earnings with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that is designated as part of the hedging relationship. If a fair value hedge is discontinued or ceases to be effective, the hedged asset or liability, otherwise required to be carried at cost or amortized cost, ceases to be remeasured at fair value and the cumulative fair value adjustment to the carrying value of the hedged item is recognized in earnings over the remaining life of the hedged item.

Net Investment Hedges

Gains and losses arising from translation of net investment in foreign operations from their functional currencies to Enbridge’s Canadian dollar presentation currency are included in cumulative translation adjustments (CTA). We designate foreign currency derivatives and United States dollar denominated debt as hedges of net investments in United States dollar denominated foreign operations. As a result, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the foreign currency derivatives as well as the translation of United States dollar denominated debt are reflected in OCI and any ineffectiveness is reflected in current period earnings. Amounts recognized previously in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI) are reclassified to earnings when there is a reduction of the hedged net investment resulting from disposal of a foreign operation.

Classification of Derivatives

We recognize the fair market value of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as current and non-current assets or liabilities depending on the timing of the settlements and the resulting cash flows associated with the instruments. Fair value amounts related to cash flows occurring beyond one year are classified as non-current.

Cash inflows and outflows related to derivative instruments are classified as Operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Balance Sheet Offset

Assets and liabilities arising from derivative instruments may be offset in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position when we have the legal right and intention to settle them on a net basis.

Transaction Costs

Transaction costs are incremental costs directly related to the acquisition of a financial asset or the issuance of a financial liability. We incur transaction costs primarily from the issuance of debt and account for these costs as a deduction from Long-term debt on the Statements of Financial Position. These costs are amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the related debt instrument and are recorded in Interest expense.

 

EQUITY INVESTMENTS

Equity investments over which we exercise significant influence, but do not have controlling financial interests, are accounted for using the equity method. Equity investments are initially measured at cost and are adjusted for our proportionate share of undistributed equity earnings or loss. Equity investments are increased for contributions made to and decreased for distributions received from the investees. To the extent an equity investee undertakes activities necessary to commence its planned principal operations, we capitalize interest costs associated with its investment during such period.

RESTRICTED LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

Long-term investments that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage, for the purposes of the NEB’s LMCI, are presented as Restricted long-term investments on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

 

OTHER INVESTMENTS

Generally, we classify equity investments in entities over which we do not exercise significant influence and that do not have readily determinable fair values as other investments measured at fair value

measurement alternative and recorded at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. Investments in equity securities measured using the fair value measurement alternative are reviewed for impairment each reporting period. Equity investments with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value through net income. Dividends received from investments in equity securities are recognized in earnings when the right to receive payment is established.

Investments in debt securities are classified either as available for sale securities measured at fair value through OCI or as held to maturity securities measured at amortized cost.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Noncontrolling interests represent ownership interests attributable to third parties in certain consolidated subsidiaries. The portion of equity not owned by us in such entities is reflected as Noncontrolling interests within the equity section of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and, in the case of redeemable noncontrolling interests as at December 31, 2017, within the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position between long-term liabilities and equity.

Enbridge Income Fund (The Fund)'s noncontrolling interest holders had the option to redeem the Fund trust units for cash, subject to certain limitations. Redeemable noncontrolling interests as at December 31, 2017 are recognized at the maximum redemption value of the trust units held by third parties, which references the market price of ENF common shares. On a quarterly basis and up until redeemable noncontrolling interest repurchase date, changes in estimated redemption values are reflected as a charge or credit to retained earnings.

The use of the HLBV method by ECT impacts the earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests reported on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings for comparative periods.

INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying values for accounting purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rate that is expected to apply when the temporary differences reverse. For our regulated operations, a deferred income tax liability or asset is recognized with a corresponding regulatory asset or liability, respectively, to the extent taxes can be recovered through rates. Any interest and/or penalty incurred related to tax is reflected in income taxes.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSLATION

Foreign currency transactions are those transactions whose terms are denominated in a currency other than the currency of the primary economic environment in which Enbridge or a reporting subsidiary operates, referred to as the functional currency. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency using the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains and losses resulting from translation of monetary assets and liabilities are included in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period in which they arise.

Gains and losses arising from translation of foreign operations’ functional currencies to our Canadian dollar presentation currency are included in the CTA component of AOCI and are recognized in earnings upon sale of the foreign operation. Asset and liability accounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments with a term to maturity of three months or less when purchased.

RESTRICTED CASH

Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage, in accordance with specific commercial arrangements, are presented as Restricted cash on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

LOANS AND RECEIVABLES

Affiliate long-term notes receivable are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method, net of any impairment losses recognized. Accounts receivable and other are measured at cost.

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on collection history. When we have determined that further collection efforts are unlikely to be successful, amounts charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts are applied against the impaired accounts receivable.

NATURAL GAS IMBALANCES

The Consolidated Statements of Financial Position include in-kind balances as a result of differences in gas volumes received and delivered for customers. Since settlement of certain imbalances is in-kind, changes in the balances do not have an effect on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Most natural gas volumes owed to or by us are valued at natural gas market index prices as at the balance sheet dates.

INVENTORY

Inventory is comprised of natural gas in storage held in EGD and Union Gas, and crude oil and natural gas held primarily by energy services businesses in the Energy Services segment. Natural gas in storage in EGD and Union Gas is recorded at the quarterly prices approved by the OEB in the determination of distribution rates. The actual price of gas purchased may differ from the OEB approved price. The difference between the approved price and the actual cost of the gas purchased is deferred as a liability for future refund or as an asset for collection as approved by the OEB. Other commodities inventory is recorded at the lower of cost, as determined on a weighted average basis, or market value. Upon disposition, other commodities inventory is recorded to Commodity costs on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings at the weighted average cost of inventory, including any adjustments recorded to reduce inventory to market value.

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at historical cost. Expenditures for construction, expansion, major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures for project development are capitalized if they are expected to have future benefit. We capitalize interest incurred during construction for non-rate-regulated assets. For rate-regulated assets, AFUDC is included in the cost of property, plant and equipment and is depreciated over future periods as part of the total cost of the related asset. AFUDC includes both an interest component and, if approved by the regulator, a cost of equity component.

 

Two primary methods of depreciation are utilized. For distinct assets, depreciation is generally provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets commencing when the asset is placed in service. For largely homogeneous groups of assets with comparable useful lives, the pool method of accounting for property, plant and equipment is followed whereby similar assets are grouped and depreciated as a pool. When group assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, gains and losses are generally not reflected in earnings but are booked as an adjustment to accumulated depreciation.

 

DEFERRED AMOUNTS AND OTHER ASSETS

Deferred amounts and other assets primarily include: costs which regulatory authorities have permitted, or are expected to permit, to be recovered through future rates including deferred income taxes; contractual receivables under the terms of long-term delivery contracts; and derivative financial instruments.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consist primarily of certain software costs, customer relationships and emission allowances. We capitalize costs incurred during the application development stage of internal use software projects . Customer relationships represent the underlying relationship from long-term agreements with customers that are capitalized upon acquisition. From January 1, 2017 through July 3, 2018, emission allowances, which are recorded at their original cost, were purchased in order to meet greenhouse gas (GHG) compliance obligations. Intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected lives, commencing when the asset is available for use, with the exception of emission allowances, which are not amortized as they will be used to satisfy compliance obligations as they come due.

GOODWILL

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets on acquisition of a business. The carrying value of goodwill, which is not amortized, is assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances arise that suggest the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired. We perform our annual review of the goodwill balance on April 1.

We perform our annual review for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is identified by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete information is available, whether segment management regularly reviews the operating results of those components and whether the economic and regulatory characteristics are similar. We determined that our reporting units are equivalent to our reportable segments, with the exception of the gas transmission and gas midstream reportable segment which is divided at the component level into two reporting units. We have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative goodwill impairment test involves determining the fair value of our reporting units and comparing those values to the carrying value of each reporting unit. If the carrying value of a reporting unit, including allocated goodwill, exceeds its fair value, goodwill impairment is measured at the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. This amount should not exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

The allocation of goodwill to held for sale and disposed businesses is based on the relative fair value of businesses included in the particular reporting unit. Fair value of our reporting unit is estimated using a combination of discounted cash flow model and earnings multiples techniques. The determination of fair value using the discounted cash flow model technique requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to discount rates, projected operating income, terminal value growth rates, capital expenditures and working capital levels. The cash flow projections included significant judgments and assumptions relating to revenue growth rates and expected future capital expenditure. The determination of fair value using the earnings multiples technique requires assumptions to be made in relation to maintainable earnings and earnings multipliers for reporting units.

IMPAIRMENT

We review the carrying values of our long-lived assets as events or changes in circumstances warrant. If it is determined that the carrying value of an asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows expected from the asset, we calculate fair value based on the discounted cash flows and write the assets down to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value.

With respect to investments in debt securities, we assess at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired by completing a quantitative or qualitative analysis of factors impacting the investment. If there is objective evidence of impairment, we value the expected discounted cash flows using observable market inputs and determine whether the decline below carrying value is other than temporary. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in earnings with an offsetting reduction to the carrying value of the asset.

With respect to other financial assets, we assess the assets for impairment when there is no longer reasonable assurance of timely collection. If evidence of impairment is noted, we reduce the value of the financial asset to its estimated realizable amount, determined using discounted expected future cash flows.

 

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

ARO associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are measured at fair value and recognized as Accounts payable and other or Other long-term liabilities in the period in which they can be reasonably determined. The fair value approximates the cost a third party would charge to perform the tasks necessary to retire such assets and is recognized at the present value of expected future cash flows. ARO are added to the carrying value of the associated asset and depreciated over the asset’s useful life. The corresponding liability is accreted over time through charges to earnings and is reduced by actual costs of decommissioning and reclamation. Our estimates of retirement costs could change as a result of changes in cost estimates and regulatory requirements.

RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

We maintain pension plans which provide defined benefit and defined contribution pension benefits.

Defined benefit pension plan costs are determined using actuarial methods and are funded through contributions determined using the projected benefit method, which incorporates management’s best estimates of future salary levels, other cost escalations, retirement ages of employees and other actuarial factors including discount rates and mortality.

We use mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries in the United States (revised in 2018) and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries tables (revised in 2014) to measure our benefit obligations of our United States pension plan (the United States Plan) and our Canadian pension plans (the Canadian Plans), respectively. We determine discount rates by reference to rates of high-quality long-term corporate bonds with maturities that approximate the timing of future payments we anticipate making under each of the respective plans. Pension cost is charged to earnings and includes:

 

Actuarial gains and losses arise from the difference between the actual and expected rate of return on plan assets for that period or from changes in actuarial assumptions used to determine the accrued benefit obligation, including discount rate, changes in headcount or salary inflation experience.

Pension plan assets are measured at fair value. The expected return on pension plan assets is determined using market related values and assumptions on the specific invested asset mix within the pension plans. The market related values reflect estimated return on investments consistent with long-term historical averages for similar assets.

For defined contribution plans, contributions made by Enbridge are expensed in the period in which the contribution occurs.

We also provide OPEB other than pensions, including group health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees, their spouses and qualified dependents. The cost of such benefits is accrued during the years in which employees render service.

The overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension and OPEB plans is recognized as Deferred amounts and other assets, Accounts payable and other or Other long-term liabilities, on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. A plan’s funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the plan’s projected benefit obligation. Any unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that arise during the period are recognized as a component of OCI, net of tax.

Certain regulated utility operations of Enbridge record regulatory adjustments to reflect the difference between pension expense and OPEB costs for accounting purposes and the pension expense and OPEB costs for ratemaking purposes. Offsetting regulatory assets or liabilities are recorded to the extent pension expense or OPEB costs are expected to be collected from or refunded to customers, respectively, in future rates. In the absence of rate regulation, regulatory balances would not be recorded and pension and OPEB costs would be charged to earnings and OCI on an accrual basis.

 

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Incentive Stock Options (ISO) granted are recorded using the fair value method. Under this method, compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the ISO granted as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton model and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the vesting period or the period to early retirement eligibility, with a corresponding credit to Additional paid-in capital. Balances in Additional paid-in capital are transferred to Share capital when the options are exercised.

 

Restricted Stock Units (RSU) are cash settled awards for which the related liability is remeasured each reporting period. RSUs vest at the completion of a 35 -month term. During the vesting term, compensation expense is recorded based on the number of units outstanding and the current market price of Enbridge’s shares with an offset to Accounts payable and other or to Other long-term liabilities.

 

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

We expense or capitalize, as appropriate, expenditures for ongoing compliance with environmental regulations that relate to past or current operations. We expense costs incurred for remediation of existing environmental contamination caused by past operations that do not benefit future periods by preventing or eliminating future contamination. We record liabilities for environmental matters when assessments indicate that remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of environmental liabilities are based on currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations taking into consideration the likely effects of inflation and other factors. These amounts also consider prior experience in remediating contaminated sites, other companies’ clean-up experience and data released by government organizations. Our estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual costs or new information and are included in Environmental liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at their undiscounted amounts. There is always a potential of incurring additional costs in connection with environmental liabilities due to variations in any or all of the categories described above, including modified or revised requirements from regulatory agencies, in addition to fines and penalties, as well as expenditures associated with litigation and settlement of claims. We evaluate recoveries from insurance coverage separately from the liability and, when recovery is probable, we record and report an asset separately from the associated liability in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Liabilities for other commitments and contingencies are recognized when, after fully analyzing available information, we determine it is either probable that an asset has been impaired, or that a liability has been incurred, and the amount of impairment or loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of probable loss can be estimated, we recognize the most likely amount, or if no amount is more likely than another, the minimum of the range of probable loss is accrued. We expense legal costs associated with loss contingencies as such costs are incurred.

3.   CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There were no changes in accounting policies during the year ended December 31, 2018.

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-02 to address a specific consequence of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA or United States Tax Reform) enacted by the United States federal government on December 22, 2017. The amendments in this accounting update allowed a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA. The amendments eliminated the stranded tax effects recognized as a result of the reduction of the historical United States federal corporate income tax rate to the newly enacted United States federal corporate income tax rate. The adoption of this accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Clarifying Guidance on the Application of Modification Accounting on Stock Compensation

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2017-09 and applied the standard on a prospective basis. The new standard was issued to clarify the scope of modification accounting. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required for all changes to share-based payment awards, unless all of the following conditions are met: 1) there is no change to the fair value of the award, 2) the vesting conditions have not changed, and 3) the classification of the award as an equity instrument or a debt instrument has not changed. The adoption of this accounting update did not, and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost related to Defined Benefit Plans

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2017-07 which was issued primarily to improve the income statement presentation of the components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost for an entity’s sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. Upon adoption of this accounting update, our Consolidated Statements of Earnings presents the current service cost within Operating and administrative expenses and the other components of net benefit cost within Other income/(expense). Previously, all components of net benefit cost were presented within Operating and administrative expenses. In addition, only the service cost component of net benefit cost will be capitalized on a prospective basis. The adoption of this accounting update did not, and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Clarifying Guidance on Derecognition and Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2017-05 on a modified retrospective basis. The new standard clarifies the scope provisions of nonfinancial assets and how to allocate consideration to each distinct asset, and amends the guidance for derecognition of a distinct nonfinancial asset in partial sale transactions. The adoption of this accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Clarifying the Presentation of Restricted Cash in the Statement of Cash Flows

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-18 on a retrospective basis. The new standard clarifies guidance on the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash and restricted cash

equivalents within the statement of cash flows. The amendments require that changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the opening and closing period amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. For current and comparative periods, we amended the presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents.

Simplifying Cash Flow Classification

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-15 on a retrospective basis. The new standard reduces diversity in practice of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The new guidance addresses eight specific presentation issues. We assessed each of the eight specific presentation issues and the adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01 on a prospective basis. The new standard addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities. Investments in equity securities, excluding equity method and consolidated investments, are no longer classified as trading or available-for-sale securities. All investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as investments at fair value through net income. Investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are measured using the fair value measurement alternative and are recorded at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. Investments in equity securities measured using the fair value measurement alternative are reviewed for indicators of impairment each reporting period. Fair value of financial assets and liabilities is measured using the exit price notion. The adoption of this accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 on a modified retrospective basis to contracts that were not complete at the date of initial application. The new standard was issued with the intent of significantly enhancing consistency and comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities and industries. The new standard establishes a single, principles-based five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers and introduces new and enhanced disclosure requirements. It also requires the use of more estimates and judgments than the previous standards.

In adopting Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, we applied the practical expedient for contract modifications whereby contracts that were modified before January 1, 2018 were not retrospectively restated. Instead, the aggregate effect of all contract modifications occurring before that time has been reflected when identifying satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations.

Revenue was previously recognized for a certain contract within the Liquids Pipelines business unit using a formula-based method. Under the new revenue standard, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement in order to reflect the fulfillment of our performance obligation to provide up to a specified volume of pipeline capacity throughout the term of the contract.

Certain payments received from customers to offset the cost of constructing assets required to provide services to those customers, referred to as Contributions in Aid of Construction (CIACs) were previously recorded as reductions of property, plant and equipment regardless of whether the amounts were imposed by regulation or arose from negotiations with customers. Under the new revenue standard, CIACs which are negotiated as part of an agreement to provide transportation and other services to a customer are deemed to be advance payments for future services and are recognized as revenue when those future services are provided. Accordingly, negotiated CIACs are accounted for as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue over the term of the associated revenue contract. Amounts which are required

to be collected from the customer based on requirements of the regulator continue to be accounted for as reductions of property, plant and equipment.

The below table presents the cumulative, immaterial effect of the adoption of ASC 606 on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at January 1, 2018 on each affected financial statement line item. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the effect of the adoption of ASC 606 on our Consolidated Statement of Earnings was not material.