ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions except where noted)
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") explains the results of operations and general financial condition of the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA"). The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and TVA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 (the "Annual Report").
Executive Overview
TVA's operating revenues were $2.5 billion and $7.4 billion for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared with operating revenues of $2.3 billion and $7.4 billion for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020. Operating revenues were relatively flat for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily as a result of higher energy sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the prior year, partially offset by lower effective rates. Lower effective rates resulted primarily from the Pandemic Relief Credit that the TVA Board approved in August 2020, which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's local power company customers ("LPCs"), their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA's directly served customers. For the nine months ended June 30, 2021, these credits accounted for $156 million of a decrease to operating revenue.
Total operating expenses decreased $163 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2020, primarily as a result of a $286 million decrease in Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in depreciation expense as a result of the decision in 2019 to accelerate the retirements of Bull Run Fossil Plant ("Bull Run") and Paradise Fossil Plant ("Paradise"). Partially offsetting this decrease, Operating and maintenance expense increased $92 million and fuel and purchased power expense increased $48 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increase in Operating and maintenance expense was primarily due to an increase in contract labor driven by operational needs and work to support the company's strategic priorities and an increase in payroll and benefit costs. The increase in fuel and purchased power expense was primarily due to higher effective fuel rates from higher natural gas prices and higher market rates of purchased power, as well as an increase in volume due to higher demand.
TVA continues to closely monitor developments associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts from variants. Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact on TVA's base revenue from changes in sales volume for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. At this time, TVA does not anticipate revenue will be materially impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond, except for credits granted through customer pandemic initiatives. In addition, operations and delivery of energy to customers have not been materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. See Key Initiatives and Challenges - COVID-19 Pandemic for an expanded discussion of the impact to TVA and related initiatives.
TVA continues to maintain 99.999 percent reliability in delivering energy to its customers. TVA's reliability, competitive rates, and economic development efforts continue to attract and encourage the expansion of business and industries in the Tennessee Valley, with over $7.8 billion in investments and more than 65,300 jobs created or retained through the third quarter of 2021.
Results of Operations
Sales of Electricity
Sales of electricity, which accounted for nearly all of TVA's operating revenues, were 37,175 million and 34,272 million of kWh for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Sales of electricity for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, were 113,606 million and 108,396 million of kWh, respectively. TVA sells power at wholesale rates to LPCs that then resell the power to their customers at retail rates. TVA also sells power to directly served customers, consisting primarily of federal agencies and customers with large or nonstandard loads. In addition, power exceeding TVA's system needs is sold under exchange power arrangements with certain other power systems.
The following charts compare TVA's sales of electricity by customer type for the periods indicated:
The following charts show a breakdown of TVA's energy load:
Note
Information included in the charts above was derived from energy usage of directly served customers and customers served by LPCs during calendar year 2020, and these graphs will continue to be updated on a calendar year basis.
Weather affects both the demand for TVA power and the price for that power. TVA uses degree days to measure the impact of weather on its power operations. Degree days measure the extent to which the TVA system 23-station average temperatures vary from 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Degree Days
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|
Variation from Normal
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Variation from Prior Period
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2021
|
|
Normal
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Percent Change
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2020
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|
Normal
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Percent Change
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Percent Change
|
Heating Degree Days
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|
Three Months Ended June 30
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263
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|
|
191
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37.7
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%
|
|
305
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|
|
191
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|
|
59.7
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%
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|
(13.8)
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%
|
Nine Months Ended June 30
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3,207
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|
|
3,350
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(4.3)
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%
|
|
3,039
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|
|
3,350
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(9.3)
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%
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|
5.5
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%
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Cooling Degree Days
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Three Months Ended June 30
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502
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565
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(11.2)
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%
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|
473
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|
565
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(16.3)
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%
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6.1
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%
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Nine Months Ended June 30
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549
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|
|
617
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(11.0)
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%
|
|
586
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|
617
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(5.0)
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%
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(6.3)
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%
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Sales of electricity increased eight percent for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increased sales volume was primarily due to lower energy sales for the three months ended June 30, 2020, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to over 75 percent of the change in sales of electricity for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Sales of electricity increased five percent for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to lower energy sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2020, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, sales of electricity from industries directly served increased as a result of certain customers shifting maintenance outages from December 2020 to the summer of 2020, while businesses were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Results
The following table compares operating results for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020:
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Summary Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in millions)
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|
Three Months Ended June 30
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Nine Months Ended June 30
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|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Percent Change
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2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Percent Change
|
Operating revenues
|
$
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2,527
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|
|
$
|
2,251
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|
12.3
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%
|
|
$
|
7,403
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|
|
$
|
7,350
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|
|
0.7
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%
|
Operating expenses
|
1,937
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|
|
1,716
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|
|
12.9
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%
|
|
5,513
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|
|
5,676
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|
|
(2.9)
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%
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Operating income
|
590
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|
|
535
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|
|
10.3
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%
|
|
1,890
|
|
|
1,674
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|
|
12.9
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%
|
Other income (expense), net
|
11
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|
16
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(31.3)
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%
|
|
37
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|
|
27
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|
|
37.0
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%
|
Other net periodic benefit cost
|
65
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|
|
63
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|
|
3.2
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%
|
|
194
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|
|
190
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|
|
2.1
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%
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Interest expense
|
267
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|
|
283
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|
|
(5.7)
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%
|
|
824
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|
|
859
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|
|
(4.1)
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%
|
Net income (loss)
|
$
|
269
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|
|
$
|
205
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|
|
31.2
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%
|
|
$
|
909
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|
|
$
|
652
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|
|
39.4
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%
|
Operating Revenues. Operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, were $2.5 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. Operating revenues were $7.4 billion for the both the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and the nine months ended June 30, 2020. The following charts compare TVA's operating revenues for the periods indicated:
TVA's two largest LPCs — Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division ("MLGW") and Nashville Electric Service ("NES") — have contracts with a five-year and a 20-year termination notice period, respectively. Sales to MLGW and NES each accounted for eight percent of TVA's total operating revenues during the nine months ended June 30, 2021. Sales to MLGW and NES accounted for nine percent and eight percent, respectively, of TVA's total operating revenues during the nine months ended June 30, 2020. Certain LPCs, including MLGW, are evaluating options for future energy choices. In addition, in January 2021, four LPCs accounting for four percent of TVA's total operating revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, filed a complaint and petition with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") asking FERC to order TVA to provide transmission and interconnection service to the LPCs or other suppliers that want to serve them. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Challenge to Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment.
TVA's rate structure uses pricing signals to indicate seasons and hours of higher cost to serve its customers and to capture a portion of TVA's fixed costs in fixed charges. The structure includes three base revenue components: time of use demand charges, time of use energy charges, and a grid access charge ("GAC"). The demand charges are based upon the customer's peak monthly usage and increase as the peak increases. The energy charges are based on time differentiated kWh used by the customer. Both of these components can be significantly impacted by weather. The GAC captures a portion of fixed costs and is offset by a corresponding reduction to the energy rates. The GAC also reduces the impact of weather variability to the overall rate structure.
In 2019, the TVA Board approved a Partnership Agreement option that better aligns the length of LPC power contracts with TVA's long-term commitments. Under the partnership arrangement, the LPC power contracts have a 20-year termination notice provision that renews each year after their initial effective date, contingent upon certain circumstances, including limited rate increases going forward. Participating LPCs receive benefits including a 3.1 percent wholesale bill credit in exchange for their long-term commitment, which enables TVA to recover its long-term financial commitments over a commensurate period. As of August 2, 2021, 143 LPCs had signed the 20-year Partnership Agreement with TVA.
In 2020, the TVA Board approved a Pandemic Relief Credit which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's LPCs, their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA directly served customers.
In addition to base revenues, the rate structure includes a separate fuel rate that includes the costs of natural gas, fuel oil, purchased power, coal, emission allowances, nuclear fuel, and other fuel-related commodities; realized gains and losses on derivatives purchased to hedge the costs of such commodities; and payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes ("tax equivalents") associated with the fuel cost adjustments.
The changes in revenue components for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, are summarized below:
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Changes in Revenue Components
(in millions)
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|
Three Months Ended June 30
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|
Nine Months Ended June 30
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|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Change
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Change
|
Base revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy revenue
|
$
|
1,086
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|
|
$
|
1,011
|
|
|
$
|
75
|
|
|
$
|
3,341
|
|
|
$
|
3,190
|
|
|
$
|
151
|
|
Demand revenue
|
844
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|
|
750
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|
|
94
|
|
|
2,454
|
|
|
2,427
|
|
|
27
|
|
Grid access charge
|
149
|
|
|
149
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
447
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|
|
448
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|
|
(1)
|
|
Long-term partnership credits for LPCs
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(43)
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|
|
(38)
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|
|
(5)
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|
|
(133)
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|
|
(108)
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|
|
(25)
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|
Pandemic relief credit
|
(52)
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|
|
—
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|
|
(52)
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|
|
(156)
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|
|
—
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|
|
(156)
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|
Other charges and credits(1)
|
(151)
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|
|
(137)
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|
|
(14)
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|
|
(467)
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|
|
(447)
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|
|
(20)
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|
Total base revenue
|
1,833
|
|
|
1,735
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|
|
98
|
|
|
5,486
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|
|
5,510
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|
|
(24)
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|
Fuel cost recovery
|
657
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|
|
480
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|
|
177
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|
|
1,803
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|
|
1,724
|
|
|
79
|
|
Off-system sales
|
1
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
2
|
|
Revenue from sales of electricity
|
2,491
|
|
|
2,216
|
|
|
275
|
|
|
7,294
|
|
|
7,237
|
|
|
57
|
|
Other revenue
|
36
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
109
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|
|
113
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|
|
(4)
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
$
|
2,527
|
|
|
$
|
2,251
|
|
|
$
|
276
|
|
|
$
|
7,403
|
|
|
$
|
7,350
|
|
|
$
|
53
|
|
Note
(1) Includes economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley, hydro preference credits for residential customers of LPCs, and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. See Note 15 — Revenue.
Operating revenues increased $276 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to a $177 million increase in fuel cost recovery revenue and a $98 million increase in base
revenue. The $177 million increase in fuel cost recovery revenue was driven by a $137 million increase attributable to higher fuel rates and a $40 million increase attributable to higher energy sales during the quarter. The $98 million increase in base revenue was driven by an increase of $142 million attributable to higher sales volume partially offset by a decrease of $44 million attributable to lower effective rates. Higher sales volume was primarily due to lower energy sales for the three months ended June 30, 2020, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the current period. Lower effective rates resulted primarily from the Pandemic Relief Credits that began in 2021, totaling $52 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Operating revenues increased $53 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to a $79 million increase in fuel cost recovery revenue partially offset by a $24 million decrease in base revenue. The $79 million increase in fuel cost recovery revenue was driven by an $83 million increase attributable to higher energy sales during the nine months ended June 30, 2021 partially offset by a $4 million decrease attributable to lower fuel rates. The $24 million decrease in base revenue was driven by a decrease of $180 million attributable to lower effective rates partially offset by an increase of $157 million attributable to higher sales volume. Lower effective rates resulted primarily from the Pandemic Relief Credits that began in 2021, totaling $156 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. Higher sales volume was primarily due to the lower energy sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2020, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Operating Expenses. Operating expense components as a percentage of total operating expenses for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, consisted of the following:
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
(in millions)
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30
|
|
Nine Months Ended June 30
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Change
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Change
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fuel
|
$
|
428
|
|
|
$
|
312
|
|
|
$
|
116
|
|
|
$
|
1,210
|
|
|
$
|
1,164
|
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
Purchased power
|
251
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
682
|
|
|
680
|
|
|
2
|
|
Operating and maintenance
|
747
|
|
|
681
|
|
|
66
|
|
|
2,106
|
|
|
2,014
|
|
|
92
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
385
|
|
|
389
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
|
1,144
|
|
|
1,430
|
|
|
(286)
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|
Tax equivalents
|
126
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
371
|
|
|
388
|
|
|
(17)
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|
Total operating expenses
|
$
|
1,937
|
|
|
$
|
1,716
|
|
|
$
|
221
|
|
|
$
|
5,513
|
|
|
$
|
5,676
|
|
|
$
|
(163)
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021, Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Fuel expense increased $116 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher effective fuel rates of $76 million due to higher natural gas prices, as well as an increase in fuel volume of $23 million due to higher demand primarily met by TVA-owned generation. Additionally, there was an increase in fuel cost recovery of $17 million to recognize deferred fuel costs resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets related to the winter storm in February 2021.
Purchased power expense increased $42 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to an increase in volume of $28 million, as well as an increase in the effective rate of purchased power of $6 million resulting from higher market prices. Additionally, there was an increase in fuel cost recovery of $8 million to recognize deferred fuel costs resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets related to the winter storm in February 2021.
Operating and maintenance expense increased $66 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to a $26 million increase in contract labor driven by operational needs and work to support the company's strategic priorities and a $19 million increase in payroll and benefit costs primarily due to labor escalation for cost of living increases.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily driven by a $24 million decrease of amortization expense of decommissioning costs recovered in rates. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase due to depreciation of additions to completed plant.
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021, Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020
Fuel expense increased $46 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher effective fuel rates of $61 million due to higher natural gas prices, as well as an increase in fuel volume of $55 million due to higher demand primarily met by TVA-owned generation. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in fuel cost recovery of $70 million resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets in both the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.
Purchased power expense increased $2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to an increase in the effective rate of purchased power of $22 million resulting from higher market prices, as well as an increase in volume of $12 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in fuel cost recovery of $32 million resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets in both the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.
Operating and maintenance expense increased $92 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to a $52 million increase in contract labor driven by operational needs and work to support the company's strategic priorities and a $40 million increase in payroll and benefit costs primarily due to labor escalation for cost of living increases. Partially offsetting these increases was a reduction related to TVA's capital spare program of $15 million.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $286 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily driven by a net decrease in depreciation expense of $264 million related to the decision in 2019 to accelerate the retirements of Bull Run and Paradise. Paradise was fully depreciated in the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, amortization expense of decommissioning costs recovered in rates decreased $72 million. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase due to depreciation of additions to completed plant.
Tax equivalents expense decreased $17 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same
period of the prior year. The change was primarily driven by a decrease in TVA's revenue from sales of electricity in 2020, which is used as the basis for calculating tax equivalent expense. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in tax equivalents collected in the fuel cost recovery.
The following table shows TVA's generation and purchased power by generating source as a percentage of all electrical power generated and purchased (based on kWh) for the periods indicated:
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Power Supply by Generating Source
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
kWh
(millions)
|
|
Percent of Power Supply
|
|
kWh
(millions)
|
|
Percent of Power Supply
|
|
Change
|
|
Percentage Change
|
Coal-fired
|
|
6,515
|
|
|
17
|
%
|
|
2,835
|
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
3,680
|
|
|
130
|
%
|
Nuclear
|
|
16,113
|
|
|
43
|
%
|
|
15,223
|
|
|
44
|
%
|
|
890
|
|
|
6
|
%
|
Hydroelectric
|
|
2,899
|
|
|
8
|
%
|
|
4,273
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
(1,374)
|
|
|
(32)
|
%
|
Natural gas and/or oil-fired
|
|
7,011
|
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
7,929
|
|
|
23
|
%
|
|
(918)
|
|
|
(12)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total TVA-operated generation facilities(1)
|
|
32,538
|
|
|
86
|
%
|
|
30,260
|
|
|
87
|
%
|
|
2,278
|
|
|
8
|
%
|
Purchased power (non-renewable)(2)
|
|
3,278
|
|
|
9
|
%
|
|
2,360
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
918
|
|
|
39
|
%
|
Purchased power (renewable)(3)
|
|
1,924
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
2,232
|
|
|
6
|
%
|
|
(308)
|
|
|
(14)
|
%
|
Total purchased power
|
|
5,202
|
|
|
14
|
%
|
|
4,592
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
610
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
Total power supply
|
|
37,740
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
34,852
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
2,888
|
|
|
8
|
%
|
Notes
(1) Generation from TVA-owned renewable resources (non-hydroelectric) is less than one percent for all periods shown and therefore is not represented in the table above.
(2) Purchased power (non-renewable) includes generation from Caledonia Combined Cycle Plant ("Caledonia CC"), which is currently a leased facility operated by TVA. Generation from Caledonia CC was 1,080 million kWh and 1,013 million kWh for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3) Purchased power (renewable) includes purchased power from the following renewable sources: hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, and cogeneration.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Power Supply by Generating Source
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended June 30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
kWh
(millions)
|
|
Percent of Power Supply
|
|
kWh
(millions)
|
|
Percent of Power Supply
|
|
Change
|
|
Percentage Change
|
Coal-fired
|
|
15,656
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
11,767
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
3,889
|
|
|
33
|
%
|
Nuclear
|
|
49,365
|
|
|
43
|
%
|
|
47,740
|
|
|
43
|
%
|
|
1,625
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
Hydroelectric
|
|
12,202
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
12,869
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
(667)
|
|
|
(5)
|
%
|
Natural gas and/or oil-fired
|
|
23,768
|
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
23,791
|
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
(23)
|
|
|
—
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total TVA-operated generation facilities(1)
|
|
100,991
|
|
|
88
|
%
|
|
96,167
|
|
|
87
|
%
|
|
4,824
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
Purchased power (non-renewable)(2)
|
|
8,590
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
7,565
|
|
|
7
|
%
|
|
1,025
|
|
|
14
|
%
|
Purchased power (renewable)(3)
|
|
5,773
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
6,531
|
|
|
6
|
%
|
|
(758)
|
|
|
(12)
|
%
|
Total purchased power
|
|
14,363
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
14,096
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
267
|
|
|
2
|
%
|
Total power supply
|
|
115,354
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
110,263
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
5,091
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
Notes
(1) Generation from TVA-owned renewable resources (non-hydroelectric) is less than one percent for all periods shown and therefore is not represented in the table above.
(2) Purchased power (non-renewable) includes generation from Caledonia Combined Cycle Plant ("Caledonia CC"), which is currently a leased facility operated by TVA. Generation from Caledonia CC was 3,039 million kWh and 2,932 million kWh for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3) Purchased power (renewable) includes purchased power from the following renewable sources: hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, and cogeneration.
In addition to power supply sources included here, TVA offers energy efficiency programs that effectively reduce energy needs. TVA estimates energy needs could be reduced by 2,500 million kWh in 2021 due to TVA's energy efficiency programs.
Interest Expense. Interest expense and interest rates for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Expense and Rates
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30
|
|
Nine Months Ended June 30
|
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Percent
Change
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
Percent
Change
|
|
Interest expense(1)
|
$
|
267
|
|
|
$
|
283
|
|
|
(5.7)
|
%
|
|
$
|
824
|
|
|
$
|
859
|
|
|
(4.1)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average blended debt balance(2)
|
20,746
|
|
|
22,159
|
|
|
(6.4)
|
%
|
|
20,990
|
|
|
22,079
|
|
|
(4.9)
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average blended interest rate(3)
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
4.96
|
%
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
5.10
|
%
|
|
5.04
|
%
|
|
1.2
|
%
|
|
Notes
(1) Includes amortization of debt discounts, issuance, and reacquisition costs, net.
(2) Includes average balances of long-term power bonds, debt of VIE, and discount notes.
(3) Includes interest on long-term power bonds, debt of VIE, and discount notes.
Total interest expense decreased $16 million and $35 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. These decreases were primarily driven by lower average debt balances.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
TVA depends on various sources of liquidity to meet cash needs and contingencies. TVA's primary sources of liquidity are cash from operations and proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt in the form of discount notes, along with periodic issuances of long-term debt. TVA's balance of short-term debt typically changes frequently as TVA issues discount notes to meet short-term cash needs and pay scheduled maturities of discount notes and long-term debt. The periodic amounts of short-term debt issued are determined by near-term expectations for cash receipts, cash expenditures, and funding needs, while seeking to maintain a target range of cash and cash equivalents on hand.
In addition to cash from operations and proceeds from the issuance of short-term and long-term debt, TVA's sources of liquidity include a $150 million credit facility with the United States Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury"), four long-term revolving credit facilities totaling approximately $2.7 billion, and proceeds from other financings. See Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations — Credit Facility Agreements. Other financing arrangements may include sales of receivables, loans, or other assets.
The TVA Act authorizes TVA to issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness (collectively, "Bonds") in an amount not to exceed $30.0 billion outstanding at any time. Power bonds outstanding, excluding unamortized discounts and premiums and net exchange gains from foreign currency transactions, at June 30, 2021, were $19.8 billion (including current maturities). The balance of Bonds outstanding directly affects TVA's capacity to meet operational liquidity needs and to strategically use Bonds to fund certain capital investments as management and the TVA Board may deem desirable. Other options for financing not subject to the limit on Bonds, including lease financings (see Lease Financings below and Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities), could provide supplementary funding if needed. Currently, TVA expects to have adequate capability to fund its ongoing operational liquidity needs and make planned capital investments over the next decade. See Lease Financings below, Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities, and Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations for additional information.
TVA may from time to time seek to retire or purchase its outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, TVA's liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
Due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents beginning in March 2020. TVA may continue to hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility. TVA has maintained continued debt market access since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Debt Securities. TVA's Bonds are not obligations of the U.S., and the U.S. does not guarantee the payments of principal or interest on Bonds. TVA's Bonds consist of power bonds and discount notes. Power bonds have maturities of between one and 50 years. At June 30, 2021, the average maturity of long-term power bonds was 16.10 years, and the average interest rate was 4.59 percent. Discount notes have maturities of less than one year. Power bonds and discount notes have a first priority and equal claim of payment out of net power proceeds. Net power proceeds are defined as the remainder of TVA's gross power revenues after deducting the costs of operating, maintaining, and administering its power properties and payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes, but before deducting depreciation accruals or other charges representing the amortization
of capital expenditures, plus the net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any power facility or interest therein. In addition to power bonds and discount notes, TVA had long-term debt associated with certain VIEs outstanding at June 30, 2021. See Lease Financings below, Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities, and Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations for additional information.
The following table provides additional information regarding TVA's short-term borrowings:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Borrowing Table
|
|
|
At June 30, 2021
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
|
|
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021
|
|
At June 30, 2020
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
|
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020
|
|
Gross Amount Outstanding (at End of Period) or Average Gross Amount Outstanding (During Period)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount Notes
|
$
|
1,598
|
|
|
$
|
1,258
|
|
|
$
|
743
|
|
|
$
|
777
|
|
|
$
|
1,152
|
|
$
|
909
|
|
|
Maximum Month-End Gross Amount Outstanding (During Period)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount Notes
|
N/A
|
|
$
|
1,598
|
|
|
$
|
1,598
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
$
|
1,800
|
|
$
|
1,875
|
|
|
Weighted Average Interest Rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discount Notes
|
0.02
|
%
|
|
0.01
|
%
|
|
0.02
|
%
|
|
0.11
|
%
|
|
0.19
|
%
|
0.90
|
%
|
|
Lease Financings. TVA has entered into certain leasing transactions with special purpose entities ("SPEs") to obtain third-party financing for its facilities. These SPEs are sometimes identified as VIEs of which TVA is determined to be the primary beneficiary. TVA is required to account for these VIEs on a consolidated basis. See Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities and Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations for information about TVA's lease financing activities. During 2017 and 2016, TVA acquired 100 percent of the equity interests in certain SPEs created for the purpose of facilitating lease financing. TVA may seek to enter into similar arrangements in the future. In 2019, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight CTs and terminated these transactions. In 2020, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight additional CTs and anticipate these transactions will be terminated in 2021. TVA will continue making rent payments under the remaining lease/leaseback transactions through 2022.
Summary Cash Flows
A major source of TVA's liquidity is operating cash flows resulting from the generation and sale of electricity. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash were $519 million at June 30, 2021, compared to $823 million at June 30, 2020. A summary of cash flow components for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, follows:
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating Activities. TVA's cash flows from operations are primarily driven by sales of electricity, fuel expense, and operating and maintenance expense. The timing and level of cash flows from operations can be affected by the weather, changes in working capital, commodity price fluctuations, outages, and other project expenses.
Net cash flows provided by operating activities decreased $269 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to reduced revenue collections from lower effective rates as a result of the Pandemic Relief Credit and timing of fuel cost recovery revenue. In addition, cash used for ARO settlements increased as compared to the same period of the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by lower payments on discretionary spend to mitigate COVID-19 financial impacts and decreased inventory purchases.
Investing Activities. The majority of TVA's investing cash flows are due to investments to acquire, upgrade, or maintain
generating and transmission assets, including environmental projects and the purchase of nuclear fuel. Nuclear fuel
expenditures vary depending on the number of outages and the prices and timing of purchases of uranium and enrichment
services.
Net cash flows used in investing activities increased $231 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year driven by an increase in capacity expansion projects primarily related to two combustion turbine gas facilities at TVA's Paradise and Colbert Fossil Plant ("Colbert") sites, the Johnsonville aeroderivative combustion turbine project, and nuclear fleet improvement projects. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in expenditures for the Pickwick South Embankment remediation project nearing completion.
Financing Activities. TVA's cash flows provided by or used in financing activities are primarily driven by the timing and level of cash flows provided by operating activities, cash flows used in investing activities, and net issuance and redemption of debt instruments to maintain a strategic balance of cash on hand.
Net cash used in financing activities increased $3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to TVA holding higher Cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2020 as a result of higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, payments on leaseback transactions were higher for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in net debt redemptions.
Impact of COVID-19 to Liquidity
Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact on TVA's base revenue from changes in sales volume for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. To support LPCs and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA created initiatives such as the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program, Back-to-Business Credit Program, Community Care Fund, and Pandemic Relief Credit. TVA has also provided regulatory flexibility for LPCs to halt disconnection of services. At this time, TVA does not anticipate revenue will be materially impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond, except for credits granted through customer pandemic initiatives discussed above. See Key Initiatives and Challenges — COVID-19 Pandemic for an expanded discussion of these initiatives and the impact to TVA.
Contractual Obligations
TVA has certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts. During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, there were no material changes in TVA's contractual obligations outside of the ordinary course of business. TVA's contractual obligations are discussed in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 21 — Benefit Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Key Initiatives and Challenges
COVID-19 Pandemic
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported. As this strain continued to spread across the globe, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In 2020, TVA performed risk analyses across the company to determine potential impacts, and TVA has continued to monitor risk and potential impacts throughout the situation, including impacts from variants. TVA implemented a company-wide pandemic plan to address specific aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pandemic plan continually evolves based on medical guidance and federal, regional, and local requirements and guidelines.
Based on ongoing monitoring, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant risk in the U.S. and in the Tennessee Valley region, and as a result TVA has extended the timeframe for workforce reintegration and continues to limit non-essential travel. Mandatory telework has been implemented for those employees who do not have to be physically present at a TVA facility or office building to provide mission-essential activities or produce safe, reliable power. TVA continues to implement strong physical and cybersecurity measures to ensure that systems remain functional to keep employees, customers, and communities safe and enable TVA to continue achieving its mission to serve the people of the Valley. In addition to measures to protect its workforce, stakeholders, and critical operations, TVA is actively monitoring generation, transmission, and distribution functions. Operations and delivery of energy to customers have not been materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. All TVA recreation areas that had initially closed to slow the spread of the virus have now reopened. Visitor centers at TVA dams remain closed for public and staff safety.
Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact on TVA's base revenue from changes in sales volume for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. At this time, TVA does not anticipate revenue will be materially impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond, except for credits granted through customer pandemic initiatives. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TVA's financial condition depends on factors beyond TVA's
knowledge or control, including the duration and severity, actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its effects, and broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country and region's economy. See Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Financial Results — Operating Revenues.
TVA also continues to assess potential supplier performance risks, including procurement of fuel, parts, and services. If suppliers are unable to perform under TVA's existing contracts or if TVA is unable to obtain similar services from other vendors, TVA could experience delays, disruptions, additional costs, or other operational outcomes that may impact generation, maintenance, and capital programs. TVA has experienced minimal impacts due to force majeure events, with the exception of a manufacturing delay for a major turbine component. A mitigation strategy was developed by TVA and the vendor which reduced impacts to TVA's outage schedule. TVA will continue to monitor the supply base and remain in contact with suppliers to identify potential risks, including impacts on workforce availability due to recently announced special protocols for unvaccinated federal government employees and contractors.
Customer Pandemic Initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic uncertainty for TVA's customers and the communities they serve. To support and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA announced the following initiatives:
Regulatory Flexibility. TVA continues to provide regulatory flexibility for LPCs to halt disconnection of services and respond to the local needs of their customers and communities.
Program Flexibility. In 2020, TVA established flexibility provisions for certain economic development programs for participating customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions were made available through the December 2020 application period, which could provide flexibility to customers through 2021. TVA also offered deferral options for EnergyRight® program loan payments, through October 31, 2020, for customers experiencing financial hardship. All EnergyRight® loans approved for the deferral period resumed payments in the second quarter of 2021. See Note 6 — Other Long-Term Assets, Note 9 — Other Long-Term Liabilities, and Note 15 — Revenue.
Financial Support. In 2020, the TVA Board approved the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program. Through this program, TVA offered up to $1.0 billion of credit support to LPCs that demonstrated the need for temporary financial relief, through the deferral of a portion of LPCs' wholesale power payments owed to TVA. The program ended December 31, 2020, with a total of $1 million of credit support approved under the program. The $1 million was fully repaid in the second quarter of 2021.
Back-to-Business Credit Program. TVA created the Back-to-Business Credit Program to enable TVA and LPCs to provide relief to certain large customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing certain credits when returning to operations. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had provided approximately $13 million in Back-to-Business credits under this program since its inception, with over $3 million provided for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. This program is available through 2021.
Community Care Fund. TVA also continues to partner with LPCs through the Community Care Fund by making available over $4 million in TVA matching funds to support local initiatives that address hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 30, 2021, approximately $4 million in matching funds had been provided by TVA, with over $1 million provided for the nine months ended June 30, 2021.
Pandemic Relief Credit. In August 2020, the TVA Board approved a Pandemic Relief Credit which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's LPCs, their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA directly served customers. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had provided approximately $156 million in Pandemic Relief Credits.
These actions show TVA's commitment to support the financial integrity of LPCs along with communities and customers across the Tennessee Valley during these challenging economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation that may lead to extended disruption of economic activity and an adverse impact on TVA's results of operations. TVA continues to closely monitor developments and will adjust its response as necessary to ensure reliable service while protecting the safety and health of its workforce.
Distributed Energy Resources
Consumer desire for energy choice, among other things, is driving the expectation for flexible options in the electric industry. TVA and LPCs are working together to leverage the strengths of the Tennessee Valley public power model to provide distributed energy solutions that are economical, sustainable, and flexible. TVA will focus on the safety and reliability impacts of these resources as they are interconnected to the grid and will ensure that the pricing of electricity remains as low as feasible. Additional regulatory considerations and analysis may be required as the DER market, technologies, and programs evolve.
Fiber Optic Network. In 2017, the TVA Board authorized up to $300 million to be spent over the next 10 years, subject to annual budget availability and necessary environmental reviews, to build an enhanced fiber optic network that will better connect TVA's operational assets. Fiber is a vital part of TVA's modern communication infrastructure. The new fiber optic lines will improve the reliability and resiliency of the generation and transmission system while enabling the system to better accommodate DER as they enter the market. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent $144 million on installation of the fiber optic lines and expects to spend an additional $156 million.
Electric Vehicles. TVA is partnering with LPCs and others to support the electrification of transportation in the Valley in a multi-year electric vehicle ("EV") initiative. The initiative focuses on reducing or eliminating EV market barriers by setting EV policies, improving charging infrastructure availability, and exploring EV programs, including consumer education and awareness. In November 2020, the TVA Board approved new policies and an optional wholesale EV rate aimed at encouraging the development of charging infrastructure in the Valley. The updated policies enable LPC investment in public charging infrastructure and allow for the conditional resale of electricity, for transportation purposes only, by any charging developer on a kWh basis. The optional wholesale rate was developed with high power EV charging in mind and provides a stable option for those developing charging infrastructure.
TVA is also working with state agencies, LPCs, and third-party charging developers to create a network of public fast charging stations along major travel routes in its seven-state region. In February 2021, TVA began a partnership with the State of Tennessee to develop funding programs for a statewide EV fast charging network with plans for fast charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee's interstates and major highways. In March 2021, TVA and five other major utilities formed the Electric Highway Coalition to develop a network of fast charging stations along all major highway routes within their service territories. Since formation, the Electric Highway Coalition has gained additional members committed to coordination on the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the central U.S.
Changing Customer Preferences
As more consumers and businesses are demanding cleaner energy, the utility industry is evolving to meet those needs. As TVA also evolves, it will see impacts to the way it does business through the pricing of products, transmission of energy, and development of new products and services for its customers in support of changing customer preferences and its economic development efforts. End-use customers are becoming more technologically sophisticated and want greater control over their energy usage. Many companies are focusing on sustainability and requiring more energy efficiency and renewable energy options. The continuing challenge for TVA and others is finding ways to meet the needs and preferences of customers while successfully developing flexible pricing models to accommodate the evolving markets.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program. Through the Home Uplift Program, TVA is partnering with LPCs, state and local governments, non-profit agencies, energy efficiency advocates, and the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association to complete home evaluations and make high-impact home energy upgrades for qualifying homeowners. In addition, TVA and LPCs conduct workshops to educate homeowners about low and no-cost energy efficiency upgrades that improve their quality of life.
Renewable Power Purchase Agreements. In order to meet customer preferences and requirements for cleaner energy, TVA has entered into certain power purchase agreements ("PPAs") with renewable resource providers, which are summarized in the chart below:
Notes
(1) The 2017 request for proposal ("RFP") consists of four solar PPAs. Of these four projects, one is expected to come online in 2021, one in 2022, and one in 2023. The fourth project is not moving forward, and the PPA for that project has been terminated.
(2) The 2019 RFP consists of six solar PPAs, expected to come online in 2023.
(3) The 2020 RFP consists of seven solar PPAs, expected to come online in 2023.
(4) In addition, the 2019 RFP includes 50 MW of battery storage and the 2020 RFP includes 130 MW of battery storage that are not included in the chart above.
TVA anticipates making any remaining selections related to the 2020 RFP in the fourth quarter of 2021. TVA also issued an additional request for proposal during the third quarter of 2021 for up to 200 MW of new renewable energy and anticipates making selections in 2022. TVA will procure the renewable energy and sell the resulting Renewable Energy Certificates ("RECs") to specific customers, allowing TVA to increase its renewable energy portfolio without additional costs to other Tennessee Valley customers. These agreements help to align the core values of TVA and the public power model with the desire of TVA's customers for renewable energy.
Renewable Power Solutions. TVA encourages renewable power through various current offerings. Offerings include the Green Switch Program that allows customers to support wind, solar, and biomass renewable resources through purchasing renewable energy generated in the Tennessee Valley, sold in 200 kWh blocks. The Green Flex Program gives commercial and industrial customers the ability to meet sustainability goals and to make renewable energy claims through RECs from wind generation located outside TVA's service area. TVA also offers a utility-scale program and a mid-scale flexibility option that better equip TVA and LPCs with the flexibility to meet changing end-use customer needs. The utility-scale program, Green Invest, matches customer demand with renewable supply through a Green Invest Agreement. The goal of the Green Invest program is to meet the long-term sustainability needs of customers at scale. TVA will procure the needed renewable supply through a diversified approach, which could include a competitive procurement process, strategic partnerships, or TVA constructing its own renewable facilities to meet these needs. The mid-scale option, also known as the Flexibility Research Project, was a joint project with LPCs to enable solutions for situations where the end-use consumer needs onsite renewable or distributed generation. The Flexibility Research Project ceased accepting new applications in January 2021. Generation Flexibility, a solution available to long-term LPC partners, supports the deployment of up to 2,000 MW of distributed solar to provide clean, local generation. See Ratemaking below. In addition, TVA launched the Green Connect Program in January 2021 to connect residential customers interested in on-site solar installations with qualified solar installers.
Automated Energy Exchange Platform
TVA and other utilities across the southeastern United States are exploring the creation of an automated energy exchange platform across the region, to facilitate more short-term power exchanges. The energy exchange would be an enhancement to the existing bilateral market. The creation of this energy exchange platform requires approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates the transmission and wholesale sale of electricity in interstate commerce. The utilities under full FERC jurisdiction filed for approval of the energy exchange on February 12, 2021, and although not subject to FERC’s jurisdiction with respect to the energy exchange, TVA intervened in support of the FERC proceeding and joined with the other utilities in answering comments offered by interested parties. On May 4, 2021, FERC issued a deficiency letter in which it requested more detail on several aspects of the Southeast Energy Exchange Market ("SEEM"). The utilities under full jurisdiction filed a response on June 7, 2021, in which they provided the detail that FERC requested and also offered several improvements to SEEM. TVA’s participation would be subject to TVA Board approval and the completion of appropriate environmental reviews. These discussions demonstrate TVA's commitment to seeking new ways to continue to deliver low-cost power to the Tennessee Valley.
Sustainability Reports
Sustainability has been a critical part of TVA’s mission since the TVA Act was signed in 1933 and continues to be a focus in TVA's mission to deliver affordable and reliable energy, steward the environment, and create sustainable economic growth. TVA issued its first Corporate Sustainability Report in 2020, which highlighted the energy, environmental, economic and societal impacts of TVA’s everyday activities. In 2021, TVA continued to highlight its sustainability efforts with issuances of its next Corporate Sustainability Report and a supplemental Carbon Report. TVA also anticipates issuing an Edison Electric Institute Environmental, Social, Governance and Sustainability Report, among others, in 2021.
Strategic Financial Plan
In 2019, the TVA Board approved an annual budget that reflects the first year of a new Strategic Financial Plan. The Strategic Financial Plan, which extends from 2020 through 2030, is flexible in aligning customer preferences and TVA's mission while at the same time establishing a long-term forecast of financial results. Key focus areas of the Strategic Financial Plan include maintaining rates as low as feasible; establishing better alignment between the length of LPC contracts and TVA's long-term commitments; stabilizing debt, assuming 100 percent long-term partner participation; maintaining a target cash balance of $300 million; and pursuing operational efficiencies. As TVA executes the plan, key assumptions and performance may change estimated debt and cash balances. For example, TVA is continuing to evaluate its long-term asset needs. In addition, due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents in 2020. TVA may continue to hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility.
In 2021, TVA retained Lazard Frères & Co. LLC ("Lazard"), an international financial advisory and asset management firm, to evaluate TVA’s financial performance from 2014 through 2020 against TVA’s 2014 long range financial plan ("2014 Plan"). Further, Lazard also reassessed whether the public power model and TVA’s existing business structure are reasonable approaches to support TVA’s mission, consistent with the scope of analysis and findings from Lazard’s 2014 Strategic Assessment Report ("2014 Lazard Report"). In the 2021 report, Lazard concluded that TVA’s financial performance from 2014 through 2020 has been strong when measured against the financial performance objectives as set forth in TVA’s 2014 Plan and the performance of other large utility companies. Lazard also concluded that TVA’s performance in recent years and current positioning suggest that the public power model is a reasonable approach to support TVA’s mission. In addition, the 2021 report reaffirmed that Lazard’s previous conclusions from the 2014 Lazard Report with respect to the benefits and considerations of the public power model compared against alternative business models are still valid today.
Generation Resources
Extreme Flooding Preparedness. Updates to the TVA analytical hydrology model completed in 2009 indicated that under "probable maximum flood" conditions, some of TVA's dams might not have been capable of regulating the higher flood waters. A "probable maximum flood" is an extremely unlikely event; however, TVA has a responsibility to provide protection for its nuclear plants against such events. As a result, TVA installed a series of modifications at four dams.
Since 2009, TVA has performed further hydrology modeling of portions of the TVA watershed using updated modeling tools. The revised hydrology models were reviewed and approved by the NRC for Watts Bar Units 1 and 2. However, TVA identified an error in the modeling that will require the models for Watts Bar Units 1 and 2 to be resubmitted. TVA plans to resubmit models for Watts Bar Units 1 and 2 by the end of the fourth quarter of 2021. In addition, TVA submitted models for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant ("Sequoyah") Units 1 and 2 in 2020. TVA will subsequently address conditions at Browns Ferry as needed. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent $155 million on the modifications and improvements related to extreme flooding preparedness. TVA is deferring the decision on the need for additional modifications until after the modeling work is complete.
Mitigation of Beyond-Design-Basis Events. NRC rulemaking has been developed to codify the requirements promulgated by orders related to beyond-design-basis events. The NRC Commissioners approved the final rule in 2019. TVA plans to implement the requirements for Sequoyah and Watts Bar by 2022 and for Browns Ferry by 2023. A gap review of the revised rule has been performed, and no new gaps to compliance were identified.
Work Environment at Nuclear Plants. In 2016, the NRC issued a Chilling Effect Letter ("CEL") to TVA regarding work environment concerns identified at Watts Bar. In the mid-cycle assessment letter issued in 2018, the NRC issued a Cross Cutting Issue in safety conscious work environment ("CCI") and outlined the closure criteria for both the CEL and CCI. In October 2019, TVA informed the NRC of its CEL and CCI closure criteria readiness, and the NRC completed its inspection, resulting in no additional findings with progress noted as documented in its December 2019 inspection report. In March 2020, the NRC issued its Annual Assessment Letter for Watts Bar noting TVA's progress in addressing the CEL and CCI while stating that the NRC continues to monitor TVA's activities as they deliberate on the appropriate time to close the CEL and CCI. In February 2021, the NRC issued a letter to TVA closing the CEL. In the March 2021 Annual Assessment Letter for Watts Bar, the NRC also closed the CCI.
Apparent Violations of NRC Regulations. On March 2, 2020, the NRC issued a letter to TVA identifying four apparent violations of NRC regulations that prohibit licensees from retaliating against employees for their having raised protected nuclear safety concerns. In June 2020, TVA participated in a pre-decisional enforcement conference before the NRC, and in August 2020, the NRC issued violations to TVA and a notice of proposed imposition of civil penalties in an amount less than $1 million. TVA submitted a written response to the NRC that denied the violations and opposed the imposition of civil penalties. In October 2020, the NRC issued an order imposing civil penalties in an amount less than $1 million. In November 2020, TVA responded to the NRC, opposing the order and civil penalty and requesting an evidentiary hearing before the NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board. The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for October 2021.
On March 9, 2020, the NRC issued a letter to TVA identifying twelve apparent violations of NRC regulations: six relating
to operational activities and six relating to NRC regulations governing the completeness and accuracy of information. TVA
participated in a pre-decisional enforcement conference before the NRC in July 2020, and in November 2020, the NRC
issued five violations to TVA and a notice of proposed imposition of civil penalties in an amount less than $1 million. TVA submitted a written response to the NRC violations in December 2020, accepting the violations in part and denying them in part, and requesting a reduction of the civil penalties consistent with the denial. On July 23, 2021, the NRC issued final determinations imposing reduced civil penalties in an amount less than $1 million.
Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rods. TVA was a cooperating agency in the 2016 Department of Energy ("DOE") Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Production of Tritium in a Commercial Light Water Reactor. In 2017, due to an anticipated need for more tritium-producing burnable absorber rods ("TPBARs"), the DOE announced its preferred alternative for irradiation services, which included use of an additional reactor. As a result of TVA's assessment of and concurrence with the DOE's alternative, TVA submitted a license amendment request to the NRC to authorize the irradiation of TPBARs in Watts Bar Unit 2. The NRC approved the request in 2019, and TVA began tritium production in Watts Bar Unit 2 in November 2020. The DOE's decision also allows for irradiation of TPBARs at Sequoyah in the future; however, TVA does not have plans to employ Sequoyah units for tritium production in the near term.
Extended Power Uprate. TVA has undertaken an extended power uprate ("EPU") project at Browns Ferry to increase the amount of electrical generation capacity of its reactors. The license for each reactor was amended to allow reactor operation at the higher power level. The Browns Ferry EPU license amendments were approved by the NRC in 2017, following a nearly two-year review.
The project involved extensive engineering analyses and modification and replacement of certain existing plant components to enable the units to produce the additional power requested by the license amendments. Physical work on all units was completed in 2019. The generating capacity was validated through operation of all units for four seasons, completion
of additional testing, and issuance of related engineering memos. The project had a total cost of $457 million and increased nuclear summer net capability by approximately 353 MW.
Watts Bar Unit 2. During the refueling outage in the first quarter of 2021, TVA identified degraded steam generator conditions on Watts Bar Unit 2. Based on a continued operation assessment, TVA submitted a License Amendment Request that supports unit operation until September 2021, which was approved by the NRC in June 2021. A project team is in place to ensure operational assessments, analysis work, and regulatory interface occur to allow for a safe and efficient mid-cycle steam generator inspection. Watts Bar Unit 2 will remain at 90 percent of rated output until assessments are completed, defining the conditions required to operate the unit until the mid-cycle outage in the September 2021 timeframe. The mid-cycle outage will focus on an inspection protocol with multiple contingency repair strategies such that safe and reliable operation can be assured until the permanent steam generator replacement occurs, which is projected for March 2022.
Plant Closures. Results of assessments performed at Paradise and Bull Run were presented to the TVA Board at its February 2019 meeting. The TVA Board approved the retirement of Paradise Unit 3 by December 2020 and Bull Run by December 2023. Subsequent to the TVA Board approval, TVA determined that Paradise would not be restarted after January 2020 due to the plant's material condition. Paradise Unit 3 was taken offline on February 1, 2020, effectively retiring the plant. See Note 5 — Plant Closures.
Optimum Energy Portfolio. TVA must continuously evaluate all generating assets to ensure an optimal energy portfolio that provides safe, clean, and reliable power while maintaining flexibility and fiscal responsibility to the people of the Tennessee Valley. During 2019, the TVA Board approved the Integrated Resource Plan, which recommended an action to evaluate the engineering end-of-life of aging fossil units. These assessments consider material condition, plant performance, system flexibility needs, environmental impacts, grid support, and other factors. TVA is also considering plans for additional generating facilities to replace retiring or expiring capacity and to support a low cost, reliable, flexible, and increasingly clean power system. TVA will prepare environmental reviews pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") prior to retiring or building a plant. Environmental reviews evaluating the potential retirement of the Cumberland Fossil Plant ("Cumberland") and Kingston Fossil Plant ("Kingston") and replacement with other generation are now underway.
Natural Gas-Fired Units. During 2019, the TVA Board approved an expansion of approximately 1,500 MW of peaking gas replacement capacity at two combustion turbine gas facilities to coincide with the retirement of Allen combustion turbine units 1-20 and Johnsonville combustion turbine units 1-16, contingent on the successful completion of environmental reviews under NEPA and other applicable laws. In 2020, detailed design and engineering work began at TVA’s Paradise and Colbert sites to further scope out the projects and supply information needed for the NEPA review. In July 2021, environmental reviews under NEPA and other applicable laws were complete. Each project is expected to increase combustion turbine generation capacity by 750 MW at a cost not to exceed approximately $503 million per project. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $246 million on these expansions for the design and engineering work and for long lead time equipment that could be used at any site. TVA expects to spend an additional $760 million on these expansions and for both projects to enter commercial operations by the end of CY 2023.
During 2019, the TVA Board approved approximately 500 MW for an aeroderivative combustion turbine project, at a cost not to exceed $499 million, contingent on the successful completion of environmental reviews under NEPA and other applicable laws. In 2020, detailed design and engineering work began at TVA’s Johnsonville site to further scope out the project and supply information needed for the NEPA review. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $59 million on the design and engineering work and for long lead time equipment that could be used at any site. TVA expects to spend an additional $440 million on these expansions and for the project to enter commercial operations by the end of CY 2024.
Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities. TVA has committed to a programmatic approach for the elimination of wet storage of coal combustion residuals ("CCR") within the TVA service area. Under this program ("CCR Program"), TVA performed stability remediation, completed the conversion of all operational coal-fired plants to dry CCR storage, and is now closing all remaining wet storage facilities.
Dry generation and dewatering projects. Conversion of coal plant CCR wet processes to dry generation or dewatering is complete at Bull Run, Shawnee Fossil Plant ("Shawnee"), and Kingston. Construction at Gallatin Fossil Plant ("Gallatin") was completed during 2020. Construction of dewatering and dry generation facilities at Cumberland was completed in the second quarter of 2021.
Landfills. TVA has made strategic decisions to build and maintain lined and permitted dry storage facilities on TVA-owned property at some TVA locations, allowing these facilities to operate beyond existing dry storage capacity. Lined and permitted landfills are completed and operational at Bull Run, Kingston, Gallatin, and Shawnee; construction of a lined and permitted landfill at Cumberland is expected to start in 2022; and TVA is designing and permitting a lateral expansion of the existing landfill at Gallatin. TVA has withdrawn its permit applications for a new lined landfill at Bull Run and has stopped construction of a permitted lined landfill expansion at Kingston until TVA can determine its need for these landfills with certainty. Construction of additional lined and dry storage facilities may occur to support future business requirements.
Wet CCR impoundment closures. TVA is working to close wet CCR impoundments in accordance with federal and state requirements. Closure project schedules and costs are driven by the selected closure methodology (such as closure-in-place or closure-by-removal). Closure initiation dates are driven by environmental regulations. TVA's predominant closure methodology is closure-in-place, with exceptions at certain facilities. TVA issued an environmental impact statement ("EIS") in June 2016 that addresses the closure of CCR impoundments at TVA's coal-fired plants. TVA issued its associated Record of Decision in July 2016. Although the EIS was designed to be programmatic in order to address the mode of impoundment closures, it specifically addressed closure methods at 10 impoundments. TVA subsequently decided to close those impoundments. The method of final closure for each of these facilities will depend on various factors, including approval by appropriate state regulators. Additional site-specific NEPA studies will be conducted as other facilities are designated for closure. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
Groundwater monitoring. Compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA's") CCR rule ("CCR Rule") required implementation of a groundwater monitoring program, additional engineering, and ongoing analysis. As further analyses are performed, including evaluation of monitoring results, there is the potential for additional costs for investigation and/or remediation. These costs cannot reasonably be predicted until a final remedy is selected, if necessary.
The final Part A revision to the CCR rule became effective September 28, 2020. Among other things, the final Part A rule requires unlined CCR surface impoundments to stop receiving CCR and non-CCR wastestreams and to initiate closure or retrofit by no later than April 11, 2021. TVA ceased sending CCR and non-CCR wastestreams to unlined CCR surface impoundments by the specified deadline.
In compliance with the CCR Rule, TVA published the results of 2020 groundwater testing at its CCR facilities during the second quarter of 2021. The results included values above groundwater protection standards for some constituents at certain CCR units. TVA previously identified several CCR units with constituents at statistically significant levels above site-specific groundwater protection standards. TVA has completed an assessment of corrective measures (“ACM”), which analyzes the effectiveness of potential corrective actions, and has published ACM reports to its CCR Rule Compliance Data and Information website. Based on the results of the ACM, TVA is required to select a remedy as soon as feasible. TVA continues to investigate and evaluate remedies and will continue posting semi-annual progress reports on the status of remedy selection until the final remedy is selected.
As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $2.2 billion on its CCR Program. TVA expects to spend an additional $800 million on the CCR Program through 2025. These estimates may change depending on the final closure method selected for each facility. While the conversion portion of the CCR Program is completed, TVA will continue to undertake CCR closure and storage projects, including building new landfill cells under existing permits and closing existing cells once they reach capacity.
TVA was involved in two lawsuits concerning the CCR facilities at Gallatin. One of these cases was decided in TVA's favor by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the other case was resolved by the entry of a consent order that became effective July 24, 2019. Under the consent order, TVA agreed to close the existing wet ash impoundments by removal, either to an onsite landfill or to an offsite facility. TVA may also consider options for beneficial reuse of the CCR. TVA has submitted the removal plan to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation ("TDEC") and other applicable parties pursuant to the consent order. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
In October 2019, TDEC released amendments to its regulations which govern solid waste disposal facilities, including TVA's active CCR facilities covered by a solid waste disposal permit and those which closed pursuant to a TDEC approved closure plan. Such facilities are generally subject to a 30-year post-closure care period during which the owner or operator must undertake certain activities, including monitoring and maintaining the facility. The amendments, among other things, add an additional 50-year period after the end of the post-closure care period, require TVA to submit recommendations as to what activities must be performed during this 50-year period to protect human health and the environment, and require TVA to submit revised closure plans every 10 years.
Potential Liability Associated with Workers' Exposure to CCR Materials. In response to the 2008 ash spill at Kingston, TVA hired Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. ("Jacobs") to oversee certain aspects of the cleanup. After the cleanup was completed, Jacobs was sued in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee ("Eastern District") by employees of a contractor involved in the cleanup and family members of some of the employees. The plaintiffs alleged that Jacobs had failed to take or provide proper health precautions and misled workers about the health risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash, which is a CCR material. The plaintiffs alleged that exposure to the fly ash caused a variety of significant health issues and illnesses, including in some cases death. The case was split into two phases, with the first phase considering, among other issues, general causation and the second determining specific causation and damages. On November 7, 2018, a jury hearing the first phase returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, including determinations that Jacobs failed to adhere to its contract with TVA or the Site Wide Safety and Health Plan; Jacobs failed to provide reasonable care to the plaintiffs; and Jacobs's failures were capable of causing a list of medical conditions, ranging from hypertension to cancer. On January 11, 2019, the Eastern District referred the parties to mediation. Mediation has concluded, but the parties did not resolve the matter. The litigation will now proceed to the second phase on the question of whether Jacobs's breaches were the specific medical cause of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages.
Other contractor employees and family members have filed lawsuits against Jacobs that are pending in the Eastern District. These pending lawsuits are stayed and raise similar claims to those being litigated in the case referenced above.
While TVA is not a party to any of these lawsuits, TVA may potentially have an indemnity obligation to reimburse Jacobs for some amounts that Jacobs is required to pay. TVA will continue monitoring the litigation to determine whether these or similar cases could have broader implications for the utility industry. TVA does not expect any potential liability to have a material adverse impact on its results of operations or financial condition. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Contingencies.
River Management. Rainfall and runoff in the Tennessee Valley through the third quarter of 2021 were 110 percent and 113 percent of normal, respectively. Above normal rainfall and runoff have continued to help TVA meet its river system commitments, including managing minimum river flows and minimum depths for navigation, generating low-cost hydroelectric power, maintaining flows that support habitat for fish and other aquatic species, maintaining water supply, and providing recreational opportunities for the Tennessee Valley. In addition, having cool water available helps TVA to meet thermal compliance and support normal operation of TVA's nuclear and fossil-fueled plants, while oxygenating water helps fish species remain healthy. Despite below normal rainfall in April, more normal conditions returned during May and June, which helped boost overall rainfall and runoff for the third quarter of 2021 to near normal levels. Rainfall and runoff in the Tennessee Valley during the third quarter of 2021 were 92 percent and 96 percent of normal, respectively.
Aquatic Vegetation. In July 2020, the unprecedented growth and breakaway of aquatic vegetation in Wheeler Lake challenged the Browns Ferry intake structures and impacted the source of cooling water for the plant. Two units were removed from operation and power was reduced on the third unit to accommodate the decreased capability of the cooling systems. Nuclear safety was not challenged during the event. Interim and permanent mitigation solutions have been identified to eliminate marine biofouling of the plant intake system. A permanent design solution is expected to be implemented by the end of CY 2025.
Small Modular Reactors. In 2015, the DOE entered into an Interagency Agreement with TVA to support site characterization activities and the development of an Early Site Permit Application ("ESPA") for a generic small modular reactor ("SMR"). The ESPA is based on the potential construction and operation of two or more SMR units at TVA's Clinch River Site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. TVA submitted the ESPA for review by the NRC in 2016. NRC staff concluded their review and the permit was issued by the NRC in December 2019. The permit is valid through 2039 and therefore provides TVA a great deal of flexibility to make new nuclear decisions based on energy needs and economic factors.
TVA is in the process of evaluating new nuclear technology options and potential deployment scenarios. TVA is exploring advanced reactor designs that would lead to economically viable, clean generating options that can compete with other generation alternatives in the 2030s and beyond. In addition, TVA has partnerships in place through memorandums of understanding that allow for collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, and other organizations. In the second quarter of 2021, TVA initiated a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to address the potential environmental effects associated with the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an advanced nuclear reactor technology park at the Clinch River Site. TVA plans to evaluate a variety of alternatives. Any decision to construct an SMR would require approval by the TVA Board and authorization from the NRC. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent $88 million on work regarding SMRs, including work to complete the ESPA for the Clinch River Site, of which the DOE had reimbursed TVA $29 million. Additional expenditures will be determined based on future project development.
System Operations Center. A new system operations center has been approved for $255 million. The new secured facility is being built to accommodate a new energy management system and to adapt to new regulatory requirements. The facility is expected to be constructed by the third quarter of 2023 and fully operational by 2024. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $70 million on the project and expects to spend an additional $185 million.
Dam Safety and Remediation Initiatives
Assurance Initiatives. TVA has an established dam safety program, which includes procedures based on the Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety, with the objective of reducing the risk of a dam safety event. The program analyzes, evaluates, and manages risks through a systematic and thorough process that facilitates decision making for the safety of a structure, identifying necessary actions to reduce risk, including remediation projects, and prioritization of actions for TVA's river dams. Prioritization is driven by reducing risk to the public and asset preservation. TVA also continues to provide routine care of the dams as part of the dam safety program through inspections, monitoring, and maintenance, among other activities.
Boone Dam Remediation. In 2015, a sinkhole was discovered near the base of the earthen embankment at Boone Dam, and a small amount of water and sediment was found seeping from the river bank below the dam. TVA identified underground pathways contributing to the seepage and prepared a plan to repair the dam, which consists of the construction of a composite seepage barrier wall in the dam's earthen embankment. TVA has completed grouting, construction of an upstream and downstream buttress, installation of the concrete cut-off wall, and raising of the reservoir for fluctuation testing of the repair. TVA plans to begin constructing a floodwall to return the embankment to its original height in 2021, with completion estimated in 2022.
As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent $293 million related to this project and expects to spend an additional $142 million through 2023. TVA expects the reservoir to return to normal operations in 2022 and is continuing to work with the community to help mitigate local impacts of the extended drawdown.
Pickwick South Embankment Remediation. Reassessments of Pickwick Landing Dam ("Pickwick") found low safety factors for post-earthquake stability indicating that the dam is at significant risk for slope stability failure following a seismic event in portions of the south embankment. Slope stability failure could lead to a breach of the south embankment and loss of the reservoir, resulting in loss of life and damage to property downstream, disruption to navigation, and loss of generation and recreation.
TVA is nearing completion on constructing berms on the upstream and downstream slopes to upgrade the south embankment. TVA is also currently working on projects with the local water utility to relocate an affected water intake system, which will allow for completion of the remaining berms. This work is estimated to be complete in 2022. As of June 30, 2021, TVA had spent $118 million related to this project and expects to spend an additional $14 million through 2022.
Real Property Portfolio
TVA continues to study its real property portfolio as part of the Strategic Real Estate Plan, which is aimed at reducing cost, right-sizing the portfolio and aligning real estate holdings with TVA's strategic direction. In addition, as TVA continues to implement mandatory telework for those who do not have to be physically present during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also assessing and reviewing the pandemic's long-term impacts to real estate.
Regional Consolidations. TVA completed consolidation of its Knoxville area employees into the West Tower of the Knoxville Office Complex and Greenway Drive Transmission Service Center in 2020. Consolidation of the centralized field offices in Norris, Tennessee and additional consolidations from the Greenway Area Office are expected to be completed in early 2022.
Regulatory Compliance
Steam-Electric Effluent Guidelines. In 2015, the EPA published a final rule revising the existing steam-electric effluent limitation guidelines ("ELGs"). The ELGs updated the existing technology-based water discharge limitations for power plants. Compliance with new requirements was required in the 2018-2023 timeframe and necessitated major upgrades to wastewater treatment systems at all coal-fired plants. Dry fly ash handling was mandated by the rule. The rule also required either dry bottom ash handling systems or "no discharge" recycle of bottom ash transport waters, and new technology-based limits on flue gas desulfurization ("FGD") (scrubber) wastewater required primary physical/chemical treatment and secondary biological treatment to meet extremely low limits for arsenic, mercury, and selenium.
The EPA published a rule in 2017, postponing certain compliance/applicability dates to provide the EPA time to review and revise, as necessary, the 2015 ELGs for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water. The EPA delayed the compliance dates for these two waste streams from the 2018-2023 timeframe to 2020-2023. However, the 2018-2023 applicability dates and the accompanying requirements for fly ash transport water, flue gas mercury control wastewater, and gasification wastewater remain unchanged. While the EPA was reconsidering the limits for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water, states issued National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permits for all of TVA's active coal facilities based on the 2015 ELGs, recognizing that the permits may need to be reopened to incorporate modifications to those ELGs.
In October 2020, the EPA issued final revised ELGs for bottom ash transport water and FGD wastewater. The primary impact of these regulations for TVA is on the operation of existing coal-fired generation facilities. The revised ELGs could impact long-term investment decisions being made relative to the long-term compliance and operability of these plants. The revisions may require TVA to install additional wastewater treatment systems for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water, and TVA could incur substantial costs to comply with the new rule. In addition, the revised ELGs could cause TVA to reduce utilization of its coal-fired generation facilities or even close such facilities. The revision also includes a subcategory for which Cumberland would qualify that provides TVA greater flexibility in meeting the ELGs. The revision includes two additional subcategories for low utilization units and units that cease coal combustion by the end of 2028. TVA will evaluate the applicability of those subcategories to its plants as appropriate. Petitions for judicial review of the October 2020 ELG rule were filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (the "Fourth Circuit") and have been consolidated in the Fourth Circuit in the case Appalachian Voices, et al. v. EPA.
Allen Groundwater Investigation. The CCR Rule required TVA to implement a comprehensive groundwater monitoring program at units subject to the rule. As a result of this groundwater monitoring program, TVA reported to TDEC in 2017 elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and fluoride in groundwater samples collected from two shallow-aquifer groundwater monitoring wells around the Allen East Ash Disposal Area. TVA, under the oversight of TDEC, conducted a remedial investigation into the nature and extent of the contamination. In 2018, TVA submitted a draft Remedial Investigation Report to TDEC which was revised after discussions with TDEC and additional investigation. TVA submitted the Final Updated Remedial Investigation Report to TDEC in 2019.
The remedial investigation confirmed that the high arsenic, fluoride, and lead concentrations are limited to the shallow alluvial aquifer in the north and south areas of the Allen East Ash Disposal Area. These areas are not adversely impacting the Memphis aquifer, which is the source of the public drinking water supply. All samples taken from the Memphis aquifer through TVA production wells were below the EPA drinking water standards. As the result of a pumping test conducted on TVA production wells at the nearby Allen Combined Cycle Plant ("Allen CC") by the United States Geological Survey and the University of Memphis, TVA is committed to not operating these production wells until additional data supports safe use. TVA constructed water tanks on site and is purchasing cooling water from MLGW. The use of water tanks rather than the wells may impose some operational restrictions on the Allen CC due to the lower availability of cooling water.
TVA is taking steps to remediate the groundwater at the East Ash Disposal Area. The Interim Response Action Plan includes a groundwater extraction system and a groundwater treatment system. TVA will also continue to dewater the East Ash Disposal Area and treat the water before it is discharged to the NPDES outfall. A feasibility study to evaluate remedial actions for the site was submitted to TDEC on September 4, 2020. A virtual public meeting to present the Interim Response Action as the Proposed Plan for the site was held on November 17, 2020. The public was invited to review the remediation documents and encouraged to comment on the Proposed Plan during the public comment period. After public comments are considered, TDEC will issue a Record of Decision. TVA has also prepared a Remedial Action Plan ("RAP") to move forward with the remediation at the site. The RAP has been submitted to TDEC for review and approval.
TVA's Remedial Investigation/Interim Response Action Groundwater Monitoring Plan is reviewed and modified annually. The 2021 Remedial Investigation/Interim Response Action Groundwater Monitoring Plan was submitted to TDEC on April 1, 2021. TVA continues to sample the monitoring wells at the site as described by the plan quarterly. TVA prepares a memorandum after each quarterly event and prepares an annual report to evaluate the sampling results. The 2020 Remedial Investigation/Interim Response Action Groundwater Monitoring Report was submitted to TDEC on March 31, 2021.
TVA has evaluated closure options for the Allen East Ash Disposal Area, as well as the nearby West Ash Impoundment, through an EIS pursuant to NEPA. In March 2019, TVA released its public scoping report, which eliminated closure-in-place as an alternative. TVA published the final EIS on March 13, 2020 and its Record of Decision on April 14, 2020, which documents the final decision regarding the closure method for the CCR units at the Allen Fossil Plant. TVA has decided to remove CCR from the above identified areas and transport the CCR to an existing permitted offsite landfill.
Federal Contracting and Hiring Practices. On August 3, 2020, the Trump administration issued an "Executive Order ("EO") on Aligning Federal Contracting and Hiring Practices With the Interests of American Workers." Among other things, the EO directs federal agencies to review contracts awarded in 2018 and 2019 to assess (i) whether temporary foreign labor was used and impacts from such use, and (ii) whether any offshoring occurred and its impacts. The EO also directs agencies to review employment policies for compliance with specific laws. TVA conducted a review and reported a summary of its findings to the Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") in December 2020.
Buy American Executive Order. On January 25, 2021, President Biden issued EO 14005, "Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers." EO 14005 imposes new reporting and procedural requirements, as well as additional executive oversight, for federal agency purchases of foreign goods and services. OMB issued guidance in connection with EO 14005 on June 11, 2021. TVA is evaluating and preparing for any anticipated impacts and continuing to monitor guidance regarding the new requirements. In July 2021, TVA submitted a report in response.
Ratemaking
TVA, LPCs, and directly served industries have worked collaboratively in recent years to develop changes to rates that focus on TVA's long-term pricing efforts and the changing needs of customers in the Tennessee Valley. These changes have improved pricing by better aligning rates with underlying cost drivers and by sending improved pricing signals, while maintaining competitive industrial rates and keeping residential rates affordable.
TVA and LPCs continue to work together to meet the changing needs of consumers around the Tennessee Valley. In 2019, the TVA Board approved a Partnership Agreement option that better aligns the length of LPC power contracts with TVA's long-term commitments. Under the partnership arrangement, the LPC power contracts have a 20-year termination notice provision that renews each year after their initial effective date, contingent upon certain circumstances, including limited rate increases going forward. Participating LPCs receive benefits including a 3.1 percent wholesale bill credit in exchange for their long-term commitment, which enables TVA to recover its long-term financial commitments over a commensurate period. In June 2020, TVA provided participating LPCs a flexibility option that allows them to locally generate up to approximately five percent of average total hourly energy sales over the prior five years in order to meet their individual customers' needs. As of August 2, 2021, 143 LPCs had signed the 20-year Partnership Agreement with TVA, and 71 LPCs had signed a Flexibility Agreement.
Safeguarding Assets
Physical Security — Non-Nuclear Asset Protection. TVA utilizes a variety of security technologies, security awareness activities, and security personnel to prevent sabotage, vandalism, and thefts. Any of these activities could negatively impact the ability of TVA to generate, transmit, and deliver power to its customers. TVA's Police and Emergency Management personnel are active participants with numerous professional and peer physical security organizations in both the electric industry and law enforcement communities.
Physical attacks on transmission facilities across the country have heightened awareness of the need to physically protect facilities. TVA continues to work with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ("NERC"), the SERC Reliability Corporation, the North American Transmission Forum, and other utilities to implement industry approved recommendations and standards.
Nuclear Security. Nuclear security is carried out in accordance with federal regulations as set forth by the NRC. These regulations are designed for the protection of TVA's nuclear power plants, the public, and employees from the threat of radiological sabotage and other nuclear-related terrorist threats. TVA has security forces to guard against such threats.
Cybersecurity. TVA operates in a highly regulated environment with respect to cybersecurity. TVA's cybersecurity program aligns or complies with the Federal Information Security Management Act, the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection requirements, and the NRC requirements for cybersecurity, as well as industry best practices. As part of the U.S. government, TVA coordinates with and works closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ("CISA") and the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team ("US-CERT"). CISA serves as the agency assisting other federal entities in defending against threats and securing critical infrastructure. US-CERT functions as a liaison between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the public and private sectors to coordinate responses to security threats.
The risk of cybersecurity events such as malicious code attacks, unauthorized access attempts, and social engineering attempts continues to intensify across all industries, including the energy sector. Over the last few years, TVA has observed a significant increase in malicious activity including phishing campaigns, malicious websites, distributed denial of service attacks, and activity specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. These types of malicious activity have also been observed by TVA's external vendors, stakeholders, and partners. This activity has caused the need for heightened awareness and preparedness.
In December 2020, TVA was notified of the SolarWinds breach by multiple sources including CISA. TVA cybersecurity personnel immediately responded to determine any impact and took measures intended to protect TVA from potential risks from the compromised software. TVA evaluated all information received regarding the event and continues to take the necessary actions to protect the computing environment. This event did not have a significant or material impact on business or operations.
In May 2021, TVA was notified of the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. TVA cybersecurity personnel immediately began monitoring and evaluating the situation. There were no direct attacks to TVA related to this event.
On May 12, 2021, President Biden signed EO 14028, "Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity." This EO is intended to improve the nation's cybersecurity posture and protect federal government networks by improving information-sharing between the U.S. government and the private sector on cyber issues and strengthening the United States' ability to respond to incidents when they occur. This EO is focused on specific goals and requirements including actions for zero trust architectures; cloud services; FedRAMP programs; supply chain and contracts; secure software development; endpoint detection and response, standardized vulnerability, and incident response operational plans; threat and vulnerability analysis; assessment and threat-hunting; event logging, monitoring, and retention; and information sharing. In alignment with the requirements of the EO, TVA is evaluating the order and preparing TVA's overall response plan.
TVA is leveraging federal and other partners to better identify, detect, protect, and respond to these potential attacks. While TVA and its third-party vendors and service providers have been, and will likely continue to be, subjected to such attacks and attempts to disrupt operations, to date the attacks have not had a significant or material impact on business or operations and have not impacted TVA's ability to operate as planned. See Item 1A, Risk Factors — Cybersecurity Risks — TVA's facilities and information infrastructure may not operate as planned due to cyber threats to TVA's assets and operations in the Annual Report.
Transmission Assets. In addition to physical and cybersecurity attacks, TVA's transmission assets are vulnerable to various types of electrically charged energy disruptions such as those from geomagnetic disturbances ("GMDs") and electromagnetic pulses ("EMPs"). In September 2016, FERC approved a new standard to address GMD events, and in March 2020, FERC approved a revision to the standard. TVA has met the requirements of the original standard and subsequent revisions, and has evaluated the effects of solar storms ranging from NERC's reference case to possible extreme levels. TVA continues as an active participant with NERC in this field. The most serious threats from EMP are those caused by high-altitude nuclear explosions. Like others in the industry, TVA is coordinating with federal and state authorities, NERC, Electric Power Research Institute, and other grid owners and operators to address this concern.
Bulk-Power System Assets. On May 1, 2020, the Trump administration issued EO 13920, "Securing the United States Bulk-Power System." Among other things, the EO prohibits the acquisition or installation of any bulk-power system electric equipment where the transaction (1) involves any property in which any foreign country or a national thereof has any interest and (2) poses an undue risk to the bulk-power system in, or national security of, the United States. On December 17, 2020, DOE issued a Prohibition Order Securing Critical Defense Facilities, which was suspended and then revoked. EO 13920 has expired and is no longer in effect. EO 13990, "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis," directs DOE and OMB to consider whether to recommend the issuance of a replacement EO to EO 13920. DOE issued a Request for Information on April 22, 2021, to help inform any recommendation that it may make for a replacement EO. At this time, it is uncertain to what extent a future EO that may potentially address risks associated with the bulk-power system may impact TVA's operations.
Environmental Matters
TVA's activities, particularly its power generation activities, are subject to comprehensive regulation under environmental laws and regulations relating to air pollution, water pollution, and management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, among other matters. Emissions from all TVA-owned and operated units (including small combustion turbine units of less than 25 MW) have been reduced from historic peaks. Emissions of nitrogen oxide ("NOx") have been reduced by 97 percent below peak 1995 levels and emissions of sulfur dioxide ("SO2") have been reduced by 99 percent below 1977 levels through CY 2020. For CY 2020, TVA's emission of carbon dioxide ("CO2") from its owned and operated units was 38 million tons, a 64 percent reduction from 2005 levels. This amount includes 49 tons from units rated at less than 25 MW. For CY 2020, TVA’s emissions of CO2 with the addition of purchased power, including REC retirements, were 43 million tons, a 63 percent reduction from 2005 levels. To remain consistent and to align with the EPA's reporting requirements, TVA intends to continue reporting CO2 emissions on a calendar year basis.
Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act ("CAA") establishes a comprehensive program to protect and improve the nation's air quality and control sources of air pollution. The major CAA programs that affect TVA's power generation activities are described below.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The CAA requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS") for certain air pollutants. The EPA has done this for ozone, particulate matter ("PM"), SO2, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. Over the years, the EPA has made the NAAQS more stringent. Each state must develop a plan to be approved by the EPA for achieving and maintaining NAAQS within its borders. These plans impose limits on emissions from pollution sources, including TVA fossil fuel-fired plants. Areas meeting a NAAQS are designated as attainment areas. Areas not meeting a NAAQS are designated as non-attainment areas, and more stringent requirements apply in those areas, including stricter controls on industrial facilities and more complicated permitting processes. TVA fossil fuel-fired plants can be impacted by these requirements. All TVA generating units are located in areas designated as in attainment with NAAQS.
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. The EPA issued the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") in July 2011 requiring several states in the eastern U.S. to improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to pollution in other states. In 2016, the EPA issued an update to CSAPR to address cross-state air pollution (the "CSAPR Update Rule"). The EPA subsequently issued an additional rule to resolve any remaining cross-state air pollutant issues ("CSAPR Close-Out Rule"). The D.C. Circuit remanded a portion of the CSAPR Update Rule back to the EPA to address its failure to require upwind states to eliminate substantial contributions to downwind non-attainment areas by the statutory deadline. The D.C. Circuit also vacated the CSAPR Close-Out Rule. On March 15, 2021, the EPA Administrator signed the final revisions to the CSAPR Update Rule. The revisions address the defects identified by the D.C. Circuit and took effect on June 29, 2021. In this final action, the EPA reduced ozone-season NOx allowances for a group of 12 states, including Kentucky, and required sources in those states to surrender most of their banked allowances. TVA’s Shawnee facility is affected by these revisions, and TVA is in the process of analyzing the impacts.
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Electric Utility Units. In April 2020, the EPA issued a final rule which revokes the agency's earlier finding that regulation of hazardous air pollutants ("HAP") emitted from steam electric utilities is appropriate and necessary. The rule does not remove electric generating units from the source categories listed under Section 112 of the CAA nor does it rescind the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS") requirements. Additionally, the EPA determined that further restrictions on HAP emissions are not warranted based on a residual risk and technology review ("RTR") for this source category. TVA does not anticipate that the final rule will change TVA's MATS compliance requirements or strategy. Certain states and environmental groups filed petitions in the D.C. Circuit challenging the "appropriate and necessary" finding and the RTR finding. On February 16, 2021, the EPA filed a motion requesting the D.C. Circuit to hold the cases in abeyance pending the agency's review of the final rule under EO 13990, which, among other things, requires the EPA to reconsider the final rule by August 2021. TVA cannot predict the outcome of these judicial petitions at this time.
Environmental Agreements. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Agreements for a discussion of the Environmental Agreements, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.
Acid Rain Program. The Acid Rain Program is intended to help reduce emissions of SO2 and NOx, which are the primary pollutants implicated in the formation of acid rain. The program includes a cap-and-trade emission reduction program for SO2 emissions from power plants. TVA continues to reduce SO2 and NOx emissions from its coal-fired plants, and the SO2 allowances allocated to TVA under the Acid Rain Program are sufficient to cover the operation of its coal-fired plants. In the TVA service area, the limitations imposed on SO2 and NOx emissions by the CSAPR program are more stringent than the Acid Rain Program. Therefore, TVA does not anticipate that the Acid Rain Program will impose any additional material requirements on TVA.
Regional Haze Program. The EPA issued the Clean Air Visibility Rule, which required certain older sources to install best available retrofit technology. No additional controls or lower operating limits are required for any TVA units to meet best available retrofit technology requirements. In 2017, the EPA published the final rule that changed some of the requirements for Regional Haze State Implementation Plans ("SIPs"). Specific impacts cannot be determined until future Regional Haze SIPs are developed for the next decennial review under the visibility haze provisions of the CAA. States were required to submit their Regional Haze SIPs to the EPA by July 31, 2021. In response to requests from state air pollution control agencies in Tennessee and Kentucky, TVA submitted regional haze analyses for Cumberland and Shawnee. The reports evaluate SO2 emission reduction options for these facilities and will be used by these state agencies in preparing their Regional Haze SIPs.
Opacity. Opacity, or visible emissions, measures the denseness (or color) of power plant plumes and has traditionally been used by states as a means of monitoring good maintenance and operation of particulate control equipment. Under some conditions, retrofitting a unit with additional equipment to better control SO2 and NOx emissions can adversely affect opacity performance, and TVA and other utilities have addressed this issue. The evaluation of utilities' compliance with opacity requirements is coming under increased scrutiny, especially during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction. Historically, SIPs developed under the CAA typically excluded periods of startup, shutdowns, and malfunctions, but in June 2015, the EPA finalized a rule to eliminate such exclusions. The EPA rule required states to modify their implementation plans by November 2016. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi submitted implementation plans, but Alabama has not. Environmental petitioners and several states filed petitions for judicial review of the EPA final rule before the D.C. Circuit. In April 2017, the D.C. Circuit, at the request of the new EPA Administrator, ordered this litigation to be suspended pending the EPA's review to determine whether to reconsider all or part of the rule. On October 9, 2020, the EPA issued a guidance memorandum that supersedes and replaces policy statements outlined in the EPA's June 2015 rule. TVA does not expect significant impacts from these rule changes at the state level.
New York Petition to Address Impacts from Upwind High Emitting Sources. In March 2018, the State of New York filed a petition with the EPA under Section 126(b) of the CAA to address ozone impacts on New York from the NOx emissions from sources emitting at least 400 tons of NOx in CY 2017 from nine states including Kentucky. The New York petition requests that the EPA require daily NOx limits for utility units with selective catalytic reduction systems ("SCRs") such as Shawnee Units 1 and 4 and emission reductions from utility units without SCRs such as Shawnee Units 2, 3 and 5-9. Kentucky utility unit NOx emissions are already limited by the CSAPR Update Rule and are declining, and current EPA modeling projects no additional requirements to reduce Kentucky NOx emissions are necessary. In September 2019, the EPA finalized its denial of New York's petition because the state did not demonstrate, and the EPA could not independently establish, that sources in the states listed in the petition contribute to exceedances of the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS in New York. The State of New York filed a petition in the D.C. Circuit for judicial review of the EPA's denial of the petition. In July 2020, the D.C. Circuit vacated the EPA's denial of the petition and remanded the petition to the EPA for reconsideration. In its recently published Unified Regulatory Agenda, the EPA indicated that it will respond to the D.C. Circuit's decision by providing a revised response to New York's Section 126(b) petition. Specific impacts to TVA cannot be determined until the EPA takes further action on the petition.
Affordable Clean Energy Rule. In 2019, the EPA finalized the final Affordable Clean Energy ("ACE") rule and repealed the EPA's previous regulation addressing greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired units. The ACE rule established guidelines for GHG emissions from existing coal-fired units based on efficiency improvements that can be achieved at those units at reasonable cost. Several industry, environmental, and state and local petitioners filed for judicial review of the ACE rule. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated and remanded the ACE rule, holding, among other things, that the ACE rule rests on the erroneous legal premise that the text of the CAA expressly foreclosed consideration of emission reduction measures other than those that apply to the individual source. The court's order specifies that the mandate will not issue with regard to the portion of the ACE rule that repeals the Clean Power Plan until after the EPA develops a replacement for the ACE rule. On April 29, 2021, a coalition of states asked the Supreme Court to reverse the D.C. Circuit's decision to vacate and remand the ACE rule. TVA is unable to predict the future course of this litigation on appeal, nor the direction that the EPA may take in the future to regulate GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired units.
New Source Performance Standards. In 2018, the EPA proposed revisions to the GHG emission standards for new, modified, and reconstructed electric utility generating units that were finalized by the EPA in 2015. For coal-fired units, the EPA proposes to revise the current new source standards such that carbon capture and sequestration technology is no longer necessary to meet the standards of performance that reflect the best system of emission reduction. The resulting limits are less stringent than limits under the current rule and can be met by modern coal-fired units (e.g., supercritical steam generators) in combination with best operating practices, but without carbon capture and sequestration. The EPA is not proposing to revise the new source performance standard for GHG emission from gas-fired units. If finalized as proposed, the revisions are not expected to significantly impact TVA since TVA does not currently plan to construct, modify, or reconstruct any coal-fired units.
Climate Change
Executive Actions. In 2017, the Trump administration issued Executive Order ("EO") 13783, "Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth." The EO reversed or altered many actions taken by the federal government in the last four years of the Obama Administration to address climate change and mandated that federal agencies review existing regulations and actions that potentially burden energy development and use. EO 13783 did not, however, mandate that the EPA reconsider its finding under the CAA that GHG emissions cause climate change and therefore endanger public health and the environment.
In 2018, EO 13834, "Efficient Federal Operations," was signed. EO 13834 emphasized meeting statutory requirements and gave agencies greater flexibility and discretion to decide how best to improve operations in order to "optimize energy and environmental performance, reduce waste, and cut costs." It called on the White House Council on Environmental Quality to streamline pre-existing environmental orders by "refocusing agencies on cost-effectively meeting mandates and goals" established by law. The order sought to consolidate requirements related to energy and water efficiency, high performance buildings, renewable energy consumption, and federal vehicle fleet management. TVA consistently seeks to improve its operations in order to optimize energy and environmental performance and did not experience any significant changes in its planning or operations as a result of the EO.
On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued EO 13990, "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis." EO 13990 revoked EO 13783 and most provisions of EO 13834, including the provisions discussed above, and directs federal agencies to review and revise regulations consistent with broad policy goals to improve public health and the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritize environmental justice. On March 8, 2021, a coalition of 12 states filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri challenging President Biden's authority to establish interim values for the social cost of greenhouse gases under EO 13990. EO 13990 also requires the EPA to review several environmental regulations to determine their consistency with the goals and policies prescribed in the EO. Specific impacts to TVA of EO 13990 and the related lawsuit cannot be determined at this time.
In addition, on January 27, 2021, President Biden issued EO 14008, "Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad." Among other things, EO 14008 expresses the following policies of the federal government: (1) to organize and deploy the full capacity of its agencies to combat the climate crisis to implement a government-wide approach that reduces climate pollution in every sector of the economy, (2) to align the management of federal procurement and real property, public lands and waters, and financial programs to support robust climate action, (3) to use all available procurement authorities to achieve or facilitate (a) a carbon pollution-free electricity sector no later than 2035 and (b) clean and zero-emission vehicles for federal, state, local, and tribal government fleets, (4) to put the U.S. on a path to achieve net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by no later than 2050, (5) to accelerate the deployment of clean energy and transmission projects in an environmentally stable manner, (6) to ensure that, to the extent consistent with applicable law, federal funding is not directly subsidizing fossil fuels, (7) to promote the flow of capital toward climate-aligned investments and away from high-carbon investments, (8) improve air and water quality, and (9) secure an equitable economic future by making environmental justice part of an agency's mission. TVA is closely monitoring these developments, including the Justice40 Initiative, the Department of Treasury effort to establish a carbon market, establishment and development of the Civilian Climate Corps, and establishment of several White House comprehensive plans. In addition, EO 14008 created the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and called for an early Leaders' Climate Summit aimed at raising climate ambition and making a positive contribution to the 26th United Nations Climate Change and beyond. EO 14008 also stated the United States would reconvene the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, beginning with the Leader's Climate Summit. Federal agencies were directed to update their Climate Change Action Plans, and TVA submitted its draft plan in May 2021 per the Executive Order. TVA anticipates submitting its final plan in August 2021. Aside from the directive to update TVA’s Climate Change Action Plan, specific impacts of EO 14008 on TVA cannot be determined at this time.
International Accords. In September 2016, the U.S. formally accepted the Paris Agreement. The agreement met the threshold of at least 55 countries that account for at least 55 percent of global GHG emissions and formally entered into force in November 2016. On November 4, 2019, the U.S. formally notified the United Nations that it would withdraw from the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the effective date for the withdrawal was November 4, 2020. On January 20, 2021, President Biden formally accepted the Paris Agreement on behalf of the U.S. The metric for tracking emissions targets under the Paris Agreement is nationally determined contributions ("NDCs"). Each party to the treaty is asked to prepare successive NDCs that it plans to achieve. On April 22, 2021, the Biden Administration announced its greenhouse gas NDCs for 2030 under the Paris Agreement, and these NDCs establish a new target for the U.S. to achieve a 50 to 52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030. Specific impacts to TVA cannot be determined at this time.
In response to the Trump administration's Paris withdrawal announcement, 25 states have formed the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to reducing GHG emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. North Carolina and Virginia are the only states in the TVA region that are U.S. Climate Alliance members. Among other commitments, each state commits to implement policies that advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce GHG emissions by at least 26-28 percent below CY 2005 levels by CY 2025 and to accelerate new and existing policies to reduce carbon pollution and promote clean energy deployment at the state and federal level. In 2017, U.S. states, cities, and businesses representing more than half of the U.S. economy made a pledge to meet the GHG reduction targets of the Paris Agreement, called "America's Pledge." In September 2020, America's Pledge released its second economy-wide policy analysis
with recommendations of how states, cities, businesses, and other stakeholders can influence U.S. decarbonization. It is premature to determine potential impacts to TVA.
Litigation. In addition to legislative activity, climate change issues have been the subject of a number of lawsuits, including lawsuits against TVA. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings for additional information.
Indirect Consequences of Regulation or Business Trends. Legal, technological, political, and scientific developments regarding climate change may create new opportunities and risks. The potential indirect consequences could include an increase or decrease in electricity demand, increased demand for clean generation from alternative energy sources, and subsequent impacts to business reputation and public opinion.
Physical Impacts of Climate Change. TVA has a Climate Change Action Plan which it is currently updating per Executive Order 14008. TVA submitted its draft Climate Change Action Plan in May 2021 and anticipates submitting its final plan in August 2021. The goal of the action planning process is to ensure TVA continues to achieve its mission and program goals and to operate in a secure, effective, and efficient manner in a changing climate by integrating climate change adaptation efforts in coordination with state and local partners, tribal governments, and private stakeholders. TVA manages the potential effects of climate change on its mission, programs, and operations within its environmental management processes.
Actions Taken by TVA to Reduce GHG Emissions. TVA has reduced GHG emissions from both its generation facilities and its operations. TVA Board actions have focused on TVA's plan to balance its coal-fired generation by increasing its nuclear capacity, modernizing its hydroelectric generation system, increasing natural gas-fired generation, installing emission control equipment on certain of its coal-fired units, increasing its purchases of renewable energy, building solar facilities, and investing in energy efficiency initiatives to reduce energy use in the Tennessee Valley. Additionally, TVA has invested to increase energy efficiency in its operations. The combination of more stringent environmental regulations, lower natural gas prices, and lower demand for energy across the Tennessee Valley has reduced the utilization of coal-fired generation. These factors have resulted in lower CO2 emissions from the TVA system, as previously discussed in this section. As TVA evolves its generation portfolio, and after appropriate environmental review under NEPA, the TVA Board could make decisions about the timing, retirement and replacement of aging fossil units or other expiring capacity, which may further TVA’s CO2 and other emissions reductions.
Renewable/Clean Energy Standards
Thirty states and the District of Columbia have established enforceable or mandatory requirements for electric utilities to generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources. One state within the TVA service area, North Carolina, has a mandatory renewable standard that, while not applying directly to TVA, does apply to TVA's LPCs serving retail customers in that state. TVA's policy is to provide compliance assistance to any distributor of TVA power, and TVA is providing assistance to the covered LPCs that sell TVA power in North Carolina. In 2020, Virginia signed into law the Clean Economy Act. The Act establishes a mandatory requirement for utilities to generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources. At this time, TVA is not impacted by the legislation due to the relatively small amount of electricity that TVA provides in Virginia compared to other utilities. Likewise, the Mississippi Public Service Commission adopted an energy efficiency rule applying to electric and natural gas providers in the state, and TVA is supplying information on participation in TVA's energy efficiency programs to support the covered Mississippi LPCs.
Water Quality Control Developments
Waters of the United States. In April 2020, the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA issued the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (“NWPR”), which established a new regulatory definition of waters of the United States (“WOTUS”) and replaced the definition set forth in the 2015 WOTUS Rule. The NWPR establishes four categories of waters considered jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act: (1) territorial seas and traditional navigable waters, (2) perennial and intermittent tributaries to those waters, (3) certain lakes and ponds, and impoundments of jurisdictional waters, and (4) wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. The rule excludes twelve categories of waters, including ephemerals, groundwater, many ditches, and waste treatment systems. The NWPR reduces the jurisdictional reach of the Clean Water Act and potentially reduces permitting and mitigation requirements for TVA projects that impact waters that were previously considered jurisdictional under the 2015 WOTUS Rule. The NWPR has been challenged in multiple courts. In addition, on June 9, 2021, the EPA and the Department of the Army announced their intention to initiate a new rulemaking process to restore the definition of WOTUS that was in place prior to the 2015 WOTUS Rule and to develop a new rule to establish a new definition of WOTUS. The impact of the rulemaking process and the litigation challenging the NWPR cannot be ascertained fully at this time.
Cooling Water Intake Structures. In 2014, the EPA released a final rule under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act relating to cooling water intake structures ("CWIS") for existing power generating facilities. The rule requires changes in CWIS used to cool the vast majority of coal, gas, and nuclear steam-electric generating plants and a wide range of manufacturing and industrial facilities in the U.S. The final rule requires CWIS to reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts, primarily by reducing the amount of fish and shellfish that are impinged or entrained at a cooling water intake structure. These new requirements will potentially affect a number of TVA's fossil- and nuclear-fueled facilities and will likely require capital upgrades to ensure compliance. Most TVA facilities are projected to require retrofit of CWIS with "fish-friendly" screens and fish return systems to achieve compliance with the new rule. The rule is being implemented through
permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") in Section 402 of the Clean Water Act. State agencies administer the NPDES permit program in most states including those in which TVA's facilities are located. In addition, the responsible state agencies must provide all permit applications to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a 60-day review prior to public notice and an opportunity to comment during the public notice. As a result, the permit may include requirements for additional studies of threatened and endangered species arising from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service comments and may require additional measures be taken to protect threatened and endangered species and critical habitats directly or indirectly related to the plant cooling water intake. TVA's review of the final rule indicates that the rule offers adequate flexibility for cost-effective compliance. The required compliance timeframe is linked to plant specific NPDES permit renewal cycles (i.e., technology retrofits), and compliance is expected to be required beginning in the CY 2022-2024 timeframe.
The EPA has never applied the requirements under Section 316(b) to hydroelectric facilities. However, two EPA regions that do not cover TVA's activities are proposing to include Section 316(b) requirements in NPDES permits for hydroelectric facilities in those regions that withdraw water used for cooling purposes. It is not clear whether the requirements will be adopted nationwide or, given the unique features of hydroelectric facilities and the manner in which they withdraw water for cooling purposes, how the best technology available standard would be applied to TVA's hydroelectric facilities. The specific impacts to TVA from this potential policy change cannot be determined at this time.
Hydrothermal Discharges. The EPA and many states continue to focus regulatory attention on potential effects of hydrothermal discharges. Many TVA plants have variances from thermal standards under Section 316(a) of the Clean Water Act that are subject to review as NPDES permits are renewed. Specific data requirements in the future will be determined based on negotiations between TVA and state regulators. If plant thermal limits are made more stringent, TVA may have to install cooling towers at some of its plants and operate installed cooling towers more often. This could result in a substantial cost to TVA.
Steam-Electric Effluent Guidelines. In 2015, the EPA revised existing steam-electric effluent limitation guidelines ("ELGs"), which regulate water discharge pollutants and require the application of certain pollutant control technologies. The 2015 ELGs established more stringent performance standards for existing and new sources and required major upgrades to wastewater treatment options at all coal-fired plants. Compliance with new requirements was originally required in the CYs 2018-2023 timeframe, but the EPA delayed the compliance dates for flue gas desulfurization ("FGD") wastewater and bottom ash transport water until CYs 2020-2023 to allow the EPA time to review and potentially revise the ELGs with regard to these waste streams.
In October 2020, the EPA issued final revised ELGs for bottom ash transport water and FGD wastewater. The primary impact for TVA is on the operation of existing coal-fired generation facilities. The revised ELGs could impact long-term investment decisions being made relative to the long-term compliance and operability of these plants. The revisions may require TVA to install additional wastewater treatment systems for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water, and TVA could incur substantial costs to comply with the new rule. In addition, the revised ELGs could cause TVA to reduce utilization of its coal-fired generation facilities or even close such facilities. The revision also includes a subcategory for which Cumberland would qualify that provides TVA greater flexibility in meeting the ELGs. The revision includes two additional subcategories for low utilization units and units that cease coal combustion by the end of 2028. TVA will evaluate the applicability of those subcategories to its plants as appropriate. Petitions for judicial review of the October 2020 ELG rule were filed in the D.C. Circuit and the Fourth Circuit and have been consolidated in the Fourth Circuit in the case Appalachian Voices, et al. v. EPA. On January 8, 2021, TVA submitted requests to state regulatory authorities to modify NPDES permits for Kingston, Cumberland, Bull Run, Shawnee, and Gallatin to incorporate into the permits limitations in the revised ELGs. The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection released a draft permit for Shawnee in the third quarter of 2021, and TVA anticipates TDEC will issue draft permits for Kingston, Cumberland, Bull Run, and Gallatin by December 2021.
Other Clean Water Act Requirements. As is the case in other industrial sectors, TVA and other utilities are also facing more stringent requirements related to the protection of wetlands, reductions in storm water impacts from construction activities, new water quality criteria for nutrients and other pollutants, new wastewater analytical methods, and changes in regulation of pesticide application.
Recent Clean Water Act Decisions
On April 15, 2020, in Northern Plains Resource Council v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana ("District Court of Montana") vacated the Nationwide Permit ("NWP") 12, which authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S., and enjoined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from authorizing projects nationwide under the permit. The District Court of Montana's decision was subsequently amended and the injunction was limited to the Keystone XL pipeline. As a result, the decision has no immediate effect on TVA. However, unless the District Court of Montana's decision is reversed on appeal, there remains a risk that NWP 12 will not be available to authorize impacts to waters of the U.S. for TVA projects in the future. On January 13, 2021, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published notice of a final rule in the Federal Register for the reissuance and modification of NWPs, including NWP 12. The final rule limits the applicability of NWP 12 to oil and natural gas pipelines, modifies certain pre-construction notification requirements, and creates new NWPs for certain utility line activities. The final rule is unlikely to have a material impact on TVA, but the impact cannot be evaluated fully until any legal challenges to the rule are resolved.
On April 23, 2020, in County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund, the Supreme Court held that the Clean Water Act requires a permit when there is a direct discharge of pollutants from a point source to waters of the U.S. and when there is the "functional equivalent" of a direct discharge to such waters. The Court suggested seven factors for determining when such a discharge is the functional equivalent of a direct discharge and acknowledged that the new test would be somewhat difficult to apply, potentially requiring evaluation of multiple factors. The Court noted that "time and distance" of pollutant migration often will be the most important factor but that other relevant factors may include, for example, the nature of the material through which the pollutant travels and the extent to which the pollutant is diluted or chemically changed as it travels. TVA is evaluating what potential impact the decision and application of the test could have on its operations.
Cleanup of Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Liability for releases and cleanup of hazardous substances is imposed under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and other federal and parallel state statutes. In a manner similar to many other industries and power systems, TVA has generated or used hazardous substances over the years.
TVA Sites. TVA historical operations at certain facilities have resulted in releases of contaminants that TVA is addressing, including at TVA's Environmental Research Center at Muscle Shoals, Alabama. TVA has completed several removal, remedial, and characterization actions at the site, as required by a permit issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. At June 30, 2021, TVA's estimated liability for required cleanup and similar environmental work for those sites for which sufficient information was available to develop a cost estimate is approximately $14 million and was included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. TVA is currently applying for a renewal of the RCRA permit, which may include additional mandates for further remedial activities. TVA is evaluating the potential impact that the permit renewal could have on its operations but does not have sufficient information at this time to fully evaluate the impacts and requirements. In addition, the Environmental Research Center has an active groundwater monitoring program as part of a permitted corrective action plan.
Non-TVA Sites. TVA is aware of alleged hazardous-substance releases at certain non-TVA areas for which it may have some liability. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Environmental Matters.
Coal Combustion Residuals. The EPA published its final rule governing CCR in 2015. The rule regulates CCR as nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the RCRA. While states may adopt the rule's requirements into their regulatory programs, the rule does not require states to adopt the requirements. The initial version of the rule provided for self-implementation by utilities and allows enforcement through citizen suits in federal court. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act ("WIIN Act") subsequently allowed state or federal-based permitting to implement the CCR Rule as an alternative to self-implementation and citizen suits. See Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Initiatives and Challenges — Generation Resources — Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities in the Annual Report for a discussion of the impact on TVA's operations, including the cost and timing estimates of related projects.
In July 2018, the EPA issued a final CCR rule which provided additional flexibility and an extension of certain deadlines. In March 2019, the D.C. Circuit granted the EPA's request to remand the final rule to allow the EPA to reconsider the amendments. The remand also allowed the EPA time to complete a new rulemaking to establish revised timelines for unlined impoundments to initiate closure and to reexamine the October 2020 deadline for closing some unlined impoundments. In August 2019, the EPA issued a proposed rule to amend portions of the CCR Rule regarding beneficial use, temporary piles, and public access to information.
On November 4, 2019, the EPA announced a proposed rule that will revise portions of the CCR Rule requiring closure of unlined surface impoundments. The final Part A rule was published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2020, and became effective September 28, 2020. Among other things, the final Part A rule requires all unlined CCR surface impoundments to stop receiving CCR and non-CCR wastestreams and to initiate closure or retrofit by no later than April 11, 2021, and TVA ceased doing so by the specified deadline. Additionally, the final rule provides a process for a utility to seek site-specific approval from the EPA to continue to use the unlined CCR surface impoundment until October 15, 2023, and possibly longer under certain circumstances. The final rule also includes requirements that enhance the public's access to groundwater monitoring and corrective action reports. TVA does not currently anticipate the final rule will have a significant impact because TVA initiated closure of its unlined CCR surface impoundments by the regulatory deadline and already makes groundwater monitoring and corrective action reports publicly available. A separate final Part B rule was published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2020. This rule provides an alternative liner demonstration procedure for utilities with clay lined units which are being forced to close under the Part A rule. However, TVA does not have any units which qualify for this demonstration.
In August 2015, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation ("TDEC") issued an order that (1) established a process for TDEC to oversee TVA's implementation of the EPA's CCR rule and to ensure coordination and compliance with Tennessee laws and regulations that govern the management of CCR and (2) required TVA to investigate and assess CCR contamination risks at seven of TVA's eight coal-fired plants in Tennessee and to remediate any unacceptable
risks. The TDEC order does not allege that TVA is violating any CCR regulatory requirements nor does it assess TVA penalties. The TDEC order sets out an iterative process through which TVA and TDEC will identify and evaluate any CCR contamination risks and, if necessary, respond to such risks. Currently, TVA is conducting environmental investigations of the seven sites in accordance with the TDEC-approved Environmental Investigation Plans for each site. Upon the completion of the investigations, TVA will submit an environmental assessment report for each site.
Groundwater Contamination. Environmental groups and state regulatory agencies are increasing their attention on alleged groundwater contamination associated with CCR management activities. As a result, TVA may have to change how it manages CCR at some of its plants, potentially resulting in higher costs. See Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Initiatives and Challenges — Generation Resources — Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities and — Regulatory Compliance — Allen Groundwater Investigation and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
Environmental Investments
From 1970 to 2020, TVA spent approximately $6.8 billion on controls to reduce emissions from its coal-fired power plants. In addition, TVA has reduced emissions by idling or retiring coal-fired units and relying more on cleaner energy resources including natural gas and nuclear generation.
TVA currently anticipates spending significant amounts on environmental projects in the future, including investments in new clean energy generation including renewables to reduce TVA's overall environmental footprint. TVA environmental project expenditures also result from coal-fired plant decommissioning and from effective ash management modernization. Based on TVA's decisions regarding certain coal-fired units, the amount and timing of expenditures could change.
SO2 Emissions and NOx Emissions. To reduce SO2 emissions, TVA operates scrubbers on 18 of its coal-fired units and switched to lower-sulfur coal at certain coal-fired units. To reduce NOx emissions, TVA operates SCRs on 18 coal-fired units, operates low-NOx burners or low-NOx combustion systems on 21 units, optimized combustion on all 25 units, and operates NOx control equipment year round when units are operating (except during start-up, shutdown, and maintenance periods). TVA has also retired 34 of 59 coal-fired units. Except for seven units at Shawnee, the remaining coal-fired units in the TVA fleet have scrubbers and SCRs.
Particulate Emissions. To reduce particulate emissions of air pollutants, TVA has equipped all of its coal-fired units with scrubbers, mechanical collectors, electrostatic precipitators, and/or bag houses.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions. There could be additional material costs if further reductions of GHGs, including CO2, are mandated by legislative, executive, regulatory, or judicial actions and if more stringent emission reduction requirements for conventional pollutants are established. These costs cannot reasonably be predicted at this time because of the uncertainty of these actions. The EPA may issue regulations establishing more stringent air, water, and waste requirements, and these requirements could result in significant changes in the structure of the U.S. power industry, especially in the eastern half of the country.
Estimated Required Environmental Expenditures
The following table contains information about TVA's current estimates on projects related to environmental laws and regulations:
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Estimated Potential Environmental Expenditures(1)(2)
At June 30, 2021
(in millions)
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Remaining 2021
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2022
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Thereafter(3)(4)
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Total
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Coal Combustion Residual Program(5)
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$
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165
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$
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224
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$
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411
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$
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800
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Clean Air Act control projects(6)
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13
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45
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81
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139
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Clean Water Act requirements(7)
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8
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77
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71
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156
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Notes
(1) These estimates are subject to change as additional information becomes available and as regulations change.
(2) These estimates include $61 million, $134 million, and $121 million for the remainder of 2021, 2022, and thereafter, respectively, in capital expenditures.
(3) See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Contingencies.
(4) These estimates include expenditures expected to be incurred during 2023, 2024, and 2025.
(5) Includes costs associated with the closure of facilities and landfill activities. TVA is continuing to evaluate the rules and their impact on its operations, including the cost and timing estimates of related projects. See Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Initiatives and Challenges — Generation Resources — Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.
(6) Includes air quality projects that TVA is currently performing to comply with existing air quality regulations, but does not include any projects that may be required to comply with potential GHG regulations or transmission upgrades.
(7) Includes projects that TVA is currently planning to comply with revised rules under the CWA (regarding CWIS and ELGs for steam electric power plants).
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, TVA is party to or otherwise involved in lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations, and other legal matters ("Legal Proceedings") that have arisen in the ordinary course of conducting its activities, as a result of catastrophic events or otherwise. At June 30, 2021, TVA had accrued $14 million with respect to Legal Proceedings. In addition, TVA believes that it is reasonably possible that it may incur additional losses, in an amount expected not to exceed $30 million, in connection with current Legal Proceedings. No assurance can be given that TVA will not be subject to significant additional claims and liabilities. If actual liabilities significantly exceed the estimates made, TVA's results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
For a discussion of certain current material Legal Proceedings, see Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings, which discussions are incorporated into this Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At June 30, 2021, TVA had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires TVA to estimate the effects of various matters that are inherently uncertain as of the date of the financial statements. Although the financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., TVA is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported during the reporting period. Each of these estimates varies in regard to the level of judgment involved and its potential impact on TVA's financial results. Estimates are deemed critical either when a different estimate could have reasonably been used, or where changes in the estimate are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, and such use or change would materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. TVA's critical accounting policies are discussed in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates and Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
New Accounting Standards and Interpretations
For a discussion of new accounting standards and interpretations, see Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, which discussion is incorporated into this Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Legislative and Regulatory Matters
TVA continues to monitor how regulatory agencies are interpreting and implementing the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was enacted in July 2010. As a result, TVA has become subject to
recordkeeping, reporting, and reconciliation requirements related to its derivative transactions. In addition, depending on how regulatory agencies interpret and implement the provisions, TVA's hedging costs may increase, and TVA may have to post additional collateral and margin in connection with its derivative transactions.
TVA does not engage, and does not control any entity that is engaged, in any activity listed under Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), which requires certain issuers to disclose certain activities relating to Iran involving the issuer and its affiliates. Based on information supplied by each such person, none of TVA's directors and executive officers are involved in any such activities. While TVA is an agency and instrumentality of the U.S., TVA does not believe its disclosure obligations, if any, under Section 13(r) extend to the activities of any other departments, divisions, or agencies of the U.S.