Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Background and Nature of Operations
Avangrid, Inc. (AVANGRID, we or the Company) is an energy services holding company engaged in the regulated energy transmission and distribution business through its principal subsidiary Avangrid Networks, Inc. (Networks), and in the renewable energy generation business through its principal subsidiary, Avangrid Renewables Holding, Inc. (ARHI). ARHI in turn holds subsidiaries including Avangrid Renewables, LLC (Renewables). Iberdrola, S.A. (Iberdrola), a corporation organized under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain, owns 81.6% of the outstanding common stock of AVANGRID. The remaining outstanding shares are owned by various shareholders with approximately 18.4% of AVANGRID's outstanding shares publicly-traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Proposed Merger with PNMR
On October 20, 2020, AVANGRID, PNM Resources, Inc., a New Mexico corporation (PNMR) and NM Green Holdings, Inc., a New Mexico corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of AVANGRID (Merger Sub), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (Merger Agreement), pursuant to which Merger Sub was expected to merge with and into PNMR, with PNMR surviving the Merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of AVANGRID (Merger). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each issued and outstanding share of the common stock of PNMR (PNMR common stock) (other than (i) the issued shares of PNMR common stock that are owned by AVANGRID, Merger Sub, PNMR or any wholly-owned subsidiary of AVANGRID or PNMR, which will be automatically cancelled at the time the Merger is consummated and (ii) shares of PNMR common stock held by a holder who has not voted in favor of, or consented in writing to, the Merger who is entitled to, and who has demanded, payment for fair value of such shares) will be converted, at the time the Merger is consummated, into the right to receive $50.30 in cash (Merger Consideration).
Consummation of the Merger (Closing) is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions, including, without limitation, the approval of the Merger Agreement by the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of PNMR common stock entitled to vote thereon, the absence of any material adverse effect on PNMR, the receipt of certain required regulatory approvals (including approvals from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR)), the Four Corners Divestiture Agreements (as defined below) being in full force and effect and all applicable regulatory filings associated therewith being made, as well as holders of no more than 15% of the outstanding shares of PNMR common stock validly exercising their dissenters’ rights. On February 12, 2021, the shareholders of PNMR approved the proposed Merger. As of November 1, 2021, the Merger had obtained all regulatory approvals other than from the NMPRC. On November 1, 2021, after public hearing and briefing on the matter, the hearing examiner in the Merger proceeding at the NMPRC issued an unfavorable recommendation related to the amended stipulated agreement entered into by PNMR's subsidiary, Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), AVANGRID and a number of interveners in the NMPRC proceeding with respect to consideration of the joint Merger application. On December 8, 2021, the NMPRC issued an order rejecting the amended stipulated agreement. On January 3, 2022, AVANGRID and PNM filed a notice of appeal of the December 8, 2021 decision of the NMPRC with the New Mexico Supreme Court. The Statement of Issues was filed on February 2, 2022 and the Brief in Chief was filed on April 7, 2022. On June 14, 2022, the NMPRC filed its Answer Brief. On June 13, 2022, New Energy Economy, an intervener in the Merger proceeding, filed its Answer Brief. AVANGRID's Reply Brief was filed on August 5, 2022. On February 24, 2022, the FCC granted an extension to its approval to transfer operating licenses in connection with the Merger, which was further extended on August 9, 2022. On May 20, 2022, the NRC issued an order extending the effectiveness of its approval until May 25, 2023. On September 21, 2022, New Energy Economy filed a motion to show cause with the NMPRC alleging that AVANGRID and PNM have engaged in a misleading joint advertising and sponsorship strategy and requesting an investigation. AVANGRID and PNM filed a reply to the motion to show cause on October 11, 2022. On December 14, 2022, the NMPRC issued an order denying the motion.
In addition, on January 3, 2022, AVANGRID, PNMR and Merger Sub entered into an Amendment to the Merger Agreement (the Amendment), pursuant to which AVANGRID, PNMR and Merger Sub each agreed to extend the “End Date” for consummation of the Merger until April 20, 2023. The parties acknowledged in the Amendment that the required regulatory approval from the NMPRC had not been obtained and that the parties reasonably determined that such outstanding approval would not be obtained by April 20, 2022. In light of this outstanding approval, the parties determined to approve the Amendment. As amended, the Merger Agreement may be terminated by each of AVANGRID and PNMR under certain circumstances, including if the Merger is not consummated by April 20, 2023 (subject to a three-month extension by AVANGRID and PNMR by mutual consent if all of the conditions to the closing, other than the conditions related to obtaining
regulatory approvals, have been satisfied or waived). During the pendency of the appeal described above, certain required regulatory approvals and consents may expire and AVANGRID and PNMR will reapply and/or apply for extensions of such approvals, as the case may be. For example, AVANGRID and PNMR are preparing new filings under HSR. We cannot predict the outcome of these re-applications or requests for extensions of such approvals.
The Merger Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of PNMR, AVANGRID and Merger Sub, which are customary for transactions of this type. In addition, among other things, the Merger Agreement contains a covenant requiring PNMR to, prior to the closing, enter into agreements (Four Corners Divestiture Agreements) providing for, and to make filings required to, exit from all ownership interests in the Four Corners Power Plant, all with the objective of having the closing date for such exit be no later than December 31, 2024.
The Merger Agreement (as amended) provides for certain customary termination rights including the right of either party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger is not completed on or before April 20, 2023 (subject to a three-month extension by AVANGRID and PNMR by mutual consent if all of the conditions to the closing, other than the conditions related to obtaining regulatory approvals, have been satisfied or waived). The Merger Agreement further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances (including if AVANGRID terminates the Merger Agreement due to a change in recommendation of the board of directors of PNMR or if PNMR terminates the Merger Agreement to accept a superior proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement)), PNMR will be required to pay AVANGRID a termination fee of $130 million. In addition, the Merger Agreement provides that (i) if the Merger Agreement is terminated by either party due to a failure of a regulatory closing condition and such failure is the result of AVANGRID’s breach of its regulatory covenants, or (ii) AVANGRID fails to effect the Closing when all closing conditions have been satisfied and it is otherwise obligated to do so under the Merger Agreement, then, in either such case, upon termination of the Merger Agreement, AVANGRID will be required to pay PNMR a termination fee of $184 million as the sole and exclusive remedy. Upon the termination of the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances involving a breach of the Merger Agreement, either PNMR or AVANGRID will be required to reimburse the other party’s reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses up to $10 million (which amount will be credited toward, and offset against, the payment of any applicable termination fee).
In connection with the Merger, Iberdrola has provided AVANGRID a commitment letter (Iberdrola Funding Commitment Letter), pursuant to which Iberdrola has unilaterally agreed to provide to AVANGRID, or arrange the provision to AVANGRID of, funds to the extent necessary for AVANGRID to consummate the Merger, up to a maximum aggregate amount of approximately $4,300 million, including the payment of the aggregate Merger Consideration.
On April 15, 2021, AVANGRID entered into a side letter agreement with Iberdrola, which set forth certain terms and conditions relating to the Iberdrola Funding Commitment Letter (the Side Letter Agreement). The Side Letter Agreement provides that any drawing in the form of indebtedness made by the Corporation pursuant to the Funding Commitment Letter shall bear interest at an interest rate equal to 3-month LIBOR plus 0.75% per annum calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed and, commencing on the date of the Funding Commitment Letter, AVANGRID shall pay Iberdrola a facility fee equal to 0.12% per annum on the undrawn portion of the funding commitment set forth in the Funding Commitment Letter.
On May 18, 2021, we issued 77,821,012 shares of common stock in two private placements. Iberdrola purchased 63,424,125 shares and Hyde Member LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority, purchased 14,396,887 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at the purchase price of $51.40 per share, which was the closing price of the shares of our common stock on the NYSE as of May 11, 2021. Proceeds of the private placements were approximately $4,000 million. $3,000 million of the proceeds were used to repay the Iberdrola Loan. After the effect of the private placements, Iberdrola retained its 81.6% ownership interest in AVANGRID.
Note 2. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are presented on a consolidated basis, and therefore include the accounts of AVANGRID and its consolidated subsidiaries, Networks and ARHI. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation in all periods presented.
Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, New Accounting Pronouncements and Use of Estimates
Significant Accounting Policies
We consider the following policies to be the most significant in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements:
(a) Principles of consolidation
We consolidate the entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, after the elimination of intercompany transactions. We account for investments in common stock where we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, using the equity method of accounting.
(b) Revenue recognition
We recognize revenues when we transfer control of promised goods or services to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Refer to Note 4 for further details.
(c) Regulatory accounting
We account for our regulated utilities' operations in accordance with the authoritative guidance applicable to entities with regulated operations that meet the following criteria: (i) rates are established or approved by an independent, third-party regulator; (ii) rates are designed to recover the entity’s specific costs of providing the regulated services or products and; (iii) there is a reasonable expectation that rates are set at levels that will recover the entity’s costs and can be collected from customers. Regulatory assets primarily represent incurred costs that have been deferred because of their probable future recovery from customers through regulated rates. Regulatory liabilities represent: (i) the excess recovery of costs or accrued credits that have been deferred because it is probable such amounts will be returned to customers through future regulated rates; or (ii) billings in advance of expenditures for approved regulatory programs.
We amortize regulatory assets and liabilities and recognize the related expense or revenue in our consolidated statements of income consistent with the recovery or refund included in customer rates. We believe it is probable that our currently recorded regulatory assets and liabilities will be recovered or settled in future rates.
(d) Business combinations and assets acquisitions (disposals)
We apply the acquisition method of accounting to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for an acquisition is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred, including contingent consideration, and the equity interests issued by the acquirer. We measure identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. We record as goodwill the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. We recognize adjustments to provisional amounts relating to a business combination that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. For business combinations, we expense acquisition-related costs as incurred.
In contrast to a business combination (disposal), we classify a transaction as an asset acquisition (disposal) when substantially all the fair value of the gross assets acquired (disposed) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets or otherwise does not meet the definition of a business. For asset acquisitions, we capitalize acquisition-related costs as a component of the cost of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
(e) Noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling interests represent the portion of our net income (loss), comprehensive income (loss) and net assets that is not allocable to us and is calculated based on our ownership percentage. For holdings where the economic allocations are not based pro rata on ownership percentages, we use the balance sheet-oriented hypothetical liquidation at book value (HLBV) method, to reflect the substantive profit sharing arrangement.
Under the HLBV method, the amounts we report as "Noncontrolling interests" and "Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests" in our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income represent the amounts the noncontrolling interest would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet reporting date under the liquidation provisions of each holding’s ownership agreement assuming we were to liquidate the net assets of the projects at recorded amounts determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and distribute those amounts to the investors. We determine the noncontrolling interest in our statements of income and comprehensive income as the difference in noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheets at the start, or at inception of the noncontrolling interest if applicable, and end of each reporting period, after taking into account any capital transactions between the holdings and the third party. We report the noncontrolling interest balances in the holdings as a component of equity on our consolidated balance sheets.
(f) Equity method investments
We account for joint ventures and other equity investments that do not meet consolidation criteria using the equity method. We reflect earnings (losses) recognized under the equity method in the consolidated statements of income as "Earnings (losses) from equity method investments." We recognize dividends received from equity method investments as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment and not as dividend income. When an equity method investee executes derivative
transactions that have cash flow hedge accounting treatment, we recognize our share of the OCI in our consolidated balance sheet. We assess and record an impairment of our equity method investments in earnings for a decline in value that we determine to be other than temporary.
(g) Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the fair value of any noncontrolling interest and the acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to an assessment for impairment performed in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned below its carrying amount. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment and is the level at which we test goodwill for impairment. In assessing goodwill for impairment, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether a quantitative assessment is necessary. If we determine, based on qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount, no further testing is required. If we bypass the qualitative assessment, or perform the qualitative assessment but determine it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount, we perform a quantitative test to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we record an impairment loss as a reduction to goodwill and a charge to operating expenses, but the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
Intangible assets acquired separately are measured on initial recognition at cost. The cost of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is their fair value at the date of acquisition. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and impairment losses. The useful lives of intangible assets are assessed as either finite or indefinite.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful economic life, which ranges from four to forty years, and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired. The amortization expense on intangible assets with finite lives is recognized in our consolidated statements of income within the expense category that is consistent with the function of the intangible assets.
(h) Property, plant and equipment
We account for property, plant and equipment at historical cost. In cases where we are required to dismantle installations or to recondition the site on which they are located, we record the estimated cost of removal or reconditioning as an asset retirement obligation (ARO) and add an equal amount to the carrying amount of the asset.
Development and construction of our various facilities are carried out in stages. We expense project costs during early stage development activities. Once we achieve certain development milestones and it is probable that we can obtain future economic benefits from a project, we capitalize salaries and wages for persons directly involved in the project, and engineering, permits, licenses, wind measurement and insurance costs. We periodically review development projects in construction for any indications of impairment.
We transfer assets from “Construction work in progress” to “Property, plant and equipment” when they are available for service.
We capitalize wind turbine and related equipment costs, other project construction costs and interest costs related to the project during the construction period through substantial completion. We record AROs at the date projects achieve commercial operation.
We depreciate the cost of plant and equipment in use on a straight-line basis, less any estimated residual value. The main asset categories are depreciated over the following estimated useful lives:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Major class | | Asset Category | | Estimated Useful Life (years) |
Plant | | Combined cycle plants | | 35-75 |
| | Hydroelectric power stations | | 45-90 |
| | Wind power stations | | 25-40 |
| | Solar power stations | | 30 |
| | Transmission and transport facilities | | 41-80 |
| | Distribution facilities | | 4-80 |
Equipment | | Conventional meters and measuring devices | | 7-85 |
| | Computer software | | 3-37 |
Other | | Buildings | | 30-82 |
| | Operations offices | | 3-75 |
Networks determines depreciation expense using the straight-line method, based on the average service lives of groups of depreciable property, which include estimated cost of removal, in service at each operating company. Networks charges the original cost of utility plant retired or otherwise disposed to accumulated depreciation. Networks' composite rate of depreciation was 2.8% of average depreciable property for both 2022 and 2021.
We charge repairs and minor replacements to operating expenses, and capitalize renewals and betterments, including certain indirect costs.
Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC), applicable to Networks' entities that apply regulatory accounting, is a noncash item that represents the allowed cost of capital, including a return on equity (ROE), used to finance construction projects. We record the portion of AFUDC attributable to borrowed funds as a reduction of interest expense and record the remainder as other income.
(i) Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. We classify a lease as a finance lease if it meets any one of specified criteria that in essence transfers ownership of the underlying asset to us by the end of the lease term. If a lease does not meet any of those criteria, we classify it as an operating lease. On our consolidated balance sheets, we include, for operating leases: "Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets" and "Operating lease liabilities (current and non-current)"; and for finance leases: finance lease ROU assets in "Other assets" and liabilities in "Other current liabilities" and "Other liabilities."
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. We recognize lease ROU assets and liabilities at commencement of an arrangement based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, so we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of future payments. A lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made at or before commencement date, minus any lease incentives received, and includes initial direct costs incurred. We do not record leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on the balance sheet for all classes of underlying assets, and we recognize lease expense for those leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We include variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate in the ROU asset and lease liability measurement based on the index or rate at the commencement date, or upon a modification. We do not include variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate in the ROU asset and lease liability measurement. A lease term includes an option to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. We recognize lease (rent) expense for operating lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term, or for our regulated companies we recognize the amount eligible for recovery under their rate plans, such as actual amounts paid. We amortize finance lease ROU assets on a straight-line basis over the lease term and recognize interest expense based on the outstanding lease liability.
We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and account for lease components and associated non-lease components together as a single lease component, for all classes of underlying assets.
(j) Impairment of long-lived assets
We evaluate property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment evaluation is based on undiscounted cash flow analysis at the lowest level to which cash flows of the long-lived assets or asset groups are largely independent of the cash
flows of other assets and liabilities. We are required to recognize an impairment loss if the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flows associated with that asset.
The impairment loss to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds the asset’s fair value. Depending on the asset, fair value may be determined by use of a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, with assumptions consistent with a market participant’s view of the exit price of the asset.
(k) Fair value measurement
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place in either the principal market for the asset or liability, or, in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest. A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset according to its highest and best use, or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset according to its highest and best use.
We use valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy based on the transparency of input to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date.
The three input levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
•Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
•Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the contract.
•Level 3 - one or more inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable or cannot be corroborated with market data.
Categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Certain investments are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy. These investments are measured based on the fair value of the underlying investments but may not be readily redeemable at that fair value.
(l) Equity investments with readily determinable fair values
We measure equity investments with readily determinable fair values at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income.
(m) Derivatives and hedge accounting
Derivatives are recognized on our consolidated balance sheets at their fair value, except for certain electricity commodity purchases and sales contracts for both capacity and energy (physical contracts) that qualify for, and are elected under, the normal purchases and normal sales exception. To be a derivative under the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging, an agreement would need to have a notional and an underlying, require little or no initial net investment and could be net settled. We recognize changes in the fair value of a derivative contract in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
Certain derivatives hedge specific cash flows that qualify and are designated for hedge accounting are classified as cash flow hedges. We report the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) and later reclassify amounts into earnings when the underlying transaction occurs, which we present in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item. Certain interest rate derivatives hedge a liability (i.e. debt) that qualify and are designated for hedge accounting are classified as fair value hedges. Changes in the fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as a fair value hedge and the offsetting changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged exposure (i.e. debt) are recorded in Interest expense. For all designated and qualifying hedges, we maintain formal documentation of the hedge and effectiveness testing in accordance with the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. If we determine that the derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge, we will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. For cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions, we estimate the future cash flows of the forecasted transactions and evaluate the probability of the
occurrence and timing of such transactions. If we determine it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, we immediately recognize in earnings hedge gains and losses previously recorded in OCI.
Changes in conditions or the occurrence of unforeseen events could require discontinuance of the hedge accounting or could affect the timing of the reclassification of gains or losses on cash flow hedges from OCI into earnings. For our regulated operations, we record changes in the fair value of electric and natural gas hedge contracts derivative assets or liabilities with an offset to regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities.
We offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.
(n) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, bank accounts and other highly-liquid short-term investments. We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents and include those investments in “Cash and cash equivalents.” Restricted cash represents cash legally set aside for a specified purpose or as part of an agreement with a third party. Restricted cash is included in “Other non-current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. We classify book overdrafts representing outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit as “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. We report changes in book overdrafts in the operating activities section of our consolidated statements of cash flows.
(o) Trade receivables and unbilled revenues, net of allowance for credit losses
We record trade receivables at amounts billed to customers and we record unbilled revenues based on an estimate of energy delivered or services provided to customers. Certain trade receivables and payables related to our wholesale activities associated with generation and delivery of electric energy and associated environmental attributes, origination and marketing, natural gas storage, hub services and energy management, are subject to master netting agreements with counterparties, whereby we have the legal right to offset the balances and they are settled on a net basis. We present receivables and payables subject to such agreements on a net basis on our consolidated balance sheets.
Trade receivables include amounts due under Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPA). A DPA allows the account balance to be paid in installments over an extended period without interest, which generally exceeds one year, by negotiating mutually acceptable payment terms. The utility companies generally must continue to serve a customer who cannot pay an account balance in full if the customer (i) pays a reasonable portion of the balance; (ii) agrees to pay the balance in installments; and (iii) agrees to pay future bills within 30 days until the DPA is paid in full. Failure to make payments on a DPA results in the full amount of a receivable under a DPA being due. These accounts are part of the regular operating cycle and we classify them as short term. Due to COVID-19, the UIL companies’ regulators required them to offer to customers a 24-month repayment plan through June 30, 2022.
We establish our allowance for credit losses, including for unbilled revenue (also referred to as contract assets), by using both historical average loss percentages to project future losses, and by establishing a specific allowance for known credit issues or for specific items not considered in the historical average calculation. We consider whether we need to adjust historical loss rates to reflect the effects of current conditions and forecasted changes considering various economic indicators (e.g., Gross Domestic Product, Personal Income, Consumer Price Index, Unemployment Rate) over the contractual life of the trade receivables. We write off amounts when we have exhausted reasonable collection efforts.
(p) Variable interest entities
An entity is considered to be a variable interest entity (VIE) when its total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or its equity investors, as a group, lack the characteristics of having a controlling financial interest. A reporting company is required to consolidate a VIE as its primary beneficiary when it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses of or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We evaluate whether an entity is a VIE whenever reconsideration events occur as defined by the accounting guidance (See Note 20).
We have undertaken several structured institutional partnership investment transactions that bring in external investors in certain of our wind farms in exchange for cash. Following an analysis of the economic substance of these transactions, we classify the consideration received at the inception of the arrangement as noncontrolling interests on our consolidated balance sheets. Subsequently, we use the HLBV method to allocate earnings to the noncontrolling interest, taking into consideration the cash and tax benefits provided to the tax equity investors.
(q) Debentures, bonds and bank borrowings
We record bonds, debentures and bank borrowings as a liability equal to the proceeds of the borrowings. We treat the difference between the proceeds and the face amount of the issued liability as discount or premium and accrete the amounts as interest expense or income over the life of the instrument. We defer incremental costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments and amortize them over the same period as debt discount or premium. We present bonds, debentures and bank borrowings net of unamortized discount, premium and debt issuance costs on our consolidated balance sheets.
(r) Inventory
Inventory comprises fuel and gas in storage and materials and supplies. Through our gas operations, we own natural gas that is stored in third-party owned underground storage facilities, which we record as inventory. We price injections of inventory into storage at the market purchase cost at the time of injection, and price withdrawals of working gas from storage at the weighted-average cost in storage. We continuously monitor the weighted-average cost of gas value to ensure it remains at the lower of cost and net realizable value. We report inventories to support gas operations on our consolidated balance sheets within “Fuel and gas in storage.”
We also have materials and supplies inventories that we use for construction of new facilities and repairs of existing facilities. These inventories are carried and withdrawn at the lower of cost and net realizable value and reported on our consolidated balance sheets within “Materials and supplies.”
In addition, stand-alone renewable energy credits that are generated or purchased and held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value and are reported on our consolidated balance sheets within “Materials and supplies.”
(s) Government grants
Our unregulated subsidiaries record government grants related to depreciable assets within deferred income and subsequently amortize them to earnings as an offset to depreciation and amortization expense over the useful life of the related asset. Our regulated subsidiaries record government grants as a reduction to the related utility plant to be recovered through rate base, in accordance with the prescribed FERC accounting.
In accounting for government grants related to operating and maintenance costs, we recognize amounts receivable as an offset to expenses in our consolidated statements of income in the period in which we incur the expenses.
(t) Deferred income
Apart from government grants, we occasionally receive revenues from transactions in advance of the resulting performance obligations arising from the transaction. It is our policy to defer such revenues on our consolidated balance sheets and amortize them into earnings when revenue recognition criteria are met.
(u) Asset retirement obligations
We record the fair value of the liability for an ARO and a conditional ARO in the period in which it is incurred, capitalizing the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The ARO is associated with our long-lived assets and primarily consists of obligations related to removal or retirement of asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated equipment, gas pipeline, cast iron gas mains and electricity generation facilities. We adjust the liability periodically to reflect revisions to either the timing or amount of the original estimated undiscounted cash flows over time. The liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement, we will either settle the obligation at its recorded amount or incur a gain or a loss. Our regulated utilities defer any timing differences between rate recovery and depreciation expense and accretion as either a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability.
The term conditional ARO refers to an entity’s legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the entity’s control. If an entity has sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of the liability for a conditional ARO, it must recognize that liability at the time the liability is incurred.
We record AROs for the decommissioning of the wind and solar farms and thermal facilities. Projected removal costs are based on engineering estimates which are updated on an annual basis based on the relevant inflation and discount rate factors.
Our regulated utilities meet the requirements concerning accounting for regulated operations and we recognize a regulatory liability for the difference between removal costs collected in rates and actual costs incurred. We classify these as accrued removal obligations.
(v) Environmental remediation liability
In recording our liabilities for environmental remediation costs the amount of liability for a site is the best estimate, when determinable; otherwise it is based on the minimum liability or the lower end of the range when there is a range of estimated losses. We record our environmental liabilities on an undiscounted basis.
(w) Post-employment and other employee benefits
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover eligible employees. We also provide health care and life insurance benefits through various postretirement plans for eligible retirees.
We evaluate our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and consider changes based on market conditions and other factors. All of our qualified defined benefit plans are funded in amounts calculated by independent actuaries, based on actuarial assumptions proposed by management.
We account for defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans, recognizing an asset or liability for the overfunded or underfunded plan status. For a pension plan, the asset or liability is the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets and the projected benefit obligation. For any other postretirement benefit plan, the asset or liability is the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Our utility operations generally reflect all unrecognized prior service costs and credits and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses as regulatory assets rather than in other comprehensive income, as management believes it is probable that such items will be recoverable through the ratemaking process. If a plan meets settlement or curtailment criteria, we recognize a regulatory asset of liability if these costs are probable of recovery from ratepayers. Certain nonqualified plan expenses are not recoverable through the ratemaking process and we present the unrecognized prior service costs and credits and unrecognized actuarial gains and losses in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. We use a December 31st measurement date for our benefits plans.
We amortize prior service costs for both the pension and other postretirement benefits plans on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of participants expected to receive benefits. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses related to the pension and other postretirement benefits plans are amortized over the average remaining service period or 10 years, considering any requirement by the regulators for our Networks subsidiaries. Our policy is to calculate the expected return on plan assets using the market related value of assets. That value is determined by recognizing the difference between actual returns and expected returns over a five-year period.
(x) Income taxes
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the expected future tax consequences, based on enacted tax laws, of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. In accordance with U.S. GAAP for regulated industries, certain of our regulated subsidiaries have established regulatory assets and liabilities for the net revenue requirements to be recovered from or refunded to customers for the related future tax expense or benefit associated with certain of these temporary differences. We defer the investment tax credits (ITCs) when earned and amortize them over the estimated lives of the related assets. We also recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the expected tax rate for the period in which the asset or liability will be realized or settled, based on legislation enacted as of the balance sheet date. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. Our tax positions are evaluated under a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold before they are recognized for financial reporting purposes. We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that we will not realize all or a portion of a tax benefit. We consider the effect of the corporate alternative minimum tax system in determining the need for a valuation allowance for deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted and classified as non-current on our consolidated balance sheets.
We record the excess of state franchise tax computed as the higher of a tax based on income or a tax based on capital in “Taxes other than income taxes” and “Taxes accrued” in our consolidated financial statements.
Positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns, including the decision to exclude certain income or transactions from a return, are recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the tax position can be sustained based solely on the technical merits of the position. The amount of a tax return position that is not recognized in the financial statements is disclosed as an unrecognized tax benefit. Changes in assumptions on tax benefits may also impact interest expense or interest income and may result in the recognition of tax penalties. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded within “Interest expense, net of capitalization” and “Other income and (expense)” in our consolidated statements of income.
Uncertain tax positions have been classified as non-current unless expected to be paid within one year. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Federal production tax credits applicable to our renewable energy facilities, that are not part of a tax equity financing arrangement, are recognized as a reduction in income tax expense with a corresponding reduction in deferred income tax liabilities.
Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax components of the financial statements.
(y) Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation represents costs related to stock-based awards granted to employees. We account for stock-based payment transactions based on the estimated fair value of awards reflecting forfeitures when they occur. The recognition period for these costs begins at either the applicable service inception date or grant date and continues throughout the requisite service period, or until the employee becomes retirement eligible, if earlier.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
(a) Facilitation of the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting, and subsequent scope clarification
In March 2020, the FASB issued amendments for recognizing the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting, from the cessation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions to contract modifications, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR, subject to meeting certain criteria. Our adoption of reference rate reform did not materially affect our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
(b) Disclosures by business entities about government assistance
In November 2021, the FASB issued guidance that requires an entity to provide certain annual disclosures about government assistance received and accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy. As the guidance is disclosure only, it did not have an impact to the consolidated financial results.
Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted
The following are new accounting pronouncements not yet adopted that we have evaluated or are evaluating to determine their effect on our consolidated financial statements.
(a) Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations
In September 2022, the FASB issued new disclosure requirements for supplier finance programs. These requirements include key terms of the program, the amount of obligations that remain unpaid at the end of an accounting period, a description of where those obligations are presented in the balance sheet and a roll forward of those obligations during the annual period. The guidance is effective for disclosures starting in 2023, including interim periods, except for the roll forward information, which is effective for annual periods starting in 2024. Our adoption of the guidance on January 1, 2023 will not materially affect our disclosures.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to: (1) allowance for credit losses and unbilled revenues; (2) asset impairments, including goodwill; (3) investments in equity instruments; (4) depreciable lives of assets; (5) income tax valuation allowances; (6) uncertain tax positions; (7) reserves for professional, workers’ compensation and comprehensive general insurance liability risks; (8) contingency and litigation reserves; (9) fair value measurements; (10) earnings sharing mechanisms; (11) environmental remediation liabilities; (12) AROs; (13) pension and other postretirement employee benefits and (14) noncontrolling interest balances derived from HLBV (hypothetical liquidation at book value) accounting. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty; accordingly, our accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. The accounting estimates we use in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as our operating environment changes.
We evaluate and update our assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may employ outside specialists to assist in our evaluations, as necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Union collective bargaining agreements
We have approximately 46.0% of our employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement. There are no union contracts that are scheduled to expire in 2023.
Note 4. Revenue
We recognize revenue when we have satisfied our obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer, which generally occurs when the control of promised goods or services transfers to the customer. We measure revenue as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing those goods or services. Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such contracts, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers. Certain revenues are not within the scope of ASC 606, such as revenues from leasing, derivatives, other revenues that are not from contracts with customers and other contractual rights or obligations, and we account for such revenues in accordance with the applicable accounting standards. We exclude from revenue amounts collected on behalf of third parties, including any such taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. We do not have any significant payment terms that are material because we receive payment at or shortly after the point of sale.
The following describes the principal activities, by reportable segment, from which we generate revenue. For more detailed information about our reportable segments, refer to Note 24.
Networks Segment
Networks derives its revenue primarily from tariff-based sales of electricity and natural gas service to customers in New York, Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts with no defined contractual term. For such revenues, we recognize revenues in an amount derived from the commodities delivered to customers. Other major sources of revenue are electricity transmission and wholesale sales of electricity and natural gas.
Tariff-based sales are subject to the corresponding state regulatory authorities, which determine prices and other terms of service through the ratemaking process. The applicable tariffs are based on the cost of providing service. The utilities’ approved base rates are designed to recover their allowable operating costs, including energy costs, finance costs, and the costs of equity, the last of which reflect our capital ratio and a reasonable return on equity. We traditionally invoice our customers by applying approved base rates to usage. Maine state law prohibits the utility from providing the electricity commodity to customers. In New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts, customers have the option to obtain the electricity or natural gas commodity directly from the utility or from another supplier. For customers that receive their commodity from another supplier, the utility acts as an agent and delivers the electricity or natural gas provided by that supplier. Revenue in those cases is only for providing the service of delivery of the commodity. Networks entities calculate revenue earned but not yet billed based on the number of days not billed in the month, the estimated amount of energy delivered during those days and the estimated average price per customer class for that month. Differences between actual and estimated unbilled revenue are immaterial.
Transmission revenue results from others’ use of the utility’s transmission system to transmit electricity and is subject to FERC regulation, which establishes the prices and other terms of service. Long-term wholesale sales of electricity are based on individual bilateral contracts. Short-term wholesale sales of electricity are generally on a daily basis based on market prices and are administered by the Independent System Operator-New England (ISO-NE) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) or PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM), as applicable. Wholesale sales of natural gas are generally short-term based on market prices through contracts with the specific customer.
The performance obligation in all arrangements is satisfied over time because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as Networks delivers or sells the electricity or natural gas or provides the delivery or transmission service. We record revenue for all of such sales based upon the regulatory-approved tariff and the volume delivered or transmitted, which corresponds to the amount that we have a right to invoice. There are no material initial incremental costs of obtaining a contract in any of the arrangements. Networks does not adjust the promised consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if it expects, at contract inception, that the time between the delivery of promised goods or service and customer payment will be one year or less. For its New York and Connecticut utilities, Networks assesses its DPAs at each balance sheet date for the existence of significant financing components, but has had no material adjustments as a result.
Certain Networks entities record revenue from Alternative Revenue Programs (ARPs), which is not ASC 606 revenue. Such programs represent contracts between the utilities and their regulators. The Networks ARPs include revenue decoupling mechanisms (RDMs), other ratemaking mechanisms, annual revenue requirement reconciliations and other demand side
management programs. The Networks entities recognize and record only the initial recognition of “originating” ARP revenues (when the regulatory-specified conditions for recognition have been met). When they subsequently include those amounts in the price of utility service billed to customers, they record such amounts as a recovery of the associated regulatory asset or liability. When they owe amounts to customers in connection with ARPs, they evaluate those amounts on a quarterly basis and include them in the price of utility service billed to customers and do not reduce ARP revenues.
Networks also has various other sources of revenue including billing, collection, other administrative charges, sundry billings, rent of utility property and miscellaneous revenue. It classifies such revenues as other ASC 606 revenues to the extent they are not related to revenue generating activities from leasing, derivatives or ARPs.
Renewables Segment
Renewables derives its revenue primarily from the sale of energy, transmission, capacity and other related charges from its renewable wind, solar and thermal energy generating sources. For such revenues, we will recognize revenues in an amount derived from the commodities delivered and from services as they are made available. Renewables has bundled power purchase agreements consisting of electric energy, transmission, capacity and/or renewable energy credits (RECs). The related contracts are generally long-term with no stated contract amount, that is, the customer is entitled to all or a percentage of the unit’s output. Renewables also has unbundled sales of electric energy and capacity, RECs and natural gas, which are generally for periods of less than a year. The performance obligations in substantially all of both bundled and unbundled arrangements for electricity and natural gas are satisfied over time, for which we record revenue based on the amount invoiced to the customer for the actual energy delivered. The performance obligation for stand-alone RECs is satisfied at a point in time, for which we record revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied upon delivery of the REC. There are no material initial incremental costs of obtaining a contract or significant financing elements in any of the arrangements.
Renewables classifies certain contracts for the sale of electricity as derivatives, in accordance with the applicable accounting standards. Renewables also has revenue from its energy trading operations, which it generally classifies as derivative revenue. However, trading contracts not classified as derivatives are within the scope of ASC 606, with the performance obligation of the delivery of energy (electricity, natural gas) and settlement of the contracts satisfied at a point in time at which time we recognize the revenue. Renewables also has other ASC 606 revenue, which we recognize based on the amount invoiced to the customer.
Certain customers may receive cash credits, which we account for as variable consideration. Renewables estimates those amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduces revenues recognized. We believe that there will not be significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration.
Other
Other, which does not represent a segment, includes miscellaneous Corporate revenues and intersegment eliminations.
Contract Costs, Contract Liabilities and Practical Expedient
We recognize an asset for incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer when we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have contract assets for costs from development success fees, which we paid during the solar asset development period in 2018, and will amortize ratably into expense over the 15-year life of the power purchase agreement (PPA), expected to commence in December 2022 upon commercial operation. Contract assets totaled $9 million as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, and are presented in "Other non-current assets" on our consolidated balance sheets.
We have contract liabilities for revenue from transmission congestion contract (TCC) auctions, for which we receive payment at the beginning of an auction period and amortize ratably each month into revenue over the applicable auction period. The auction periods range from six months to two years. TCC contract liabilities totaled $33 million and $16 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are presented in "Other current liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. We recognized $33 million, $22 million and $21 million as revenue related to contract liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
We apply a practical expedient to expense as incurred costs to obtain a contract when the amortization period is one year or less. We record costs incurred to obtain a contract within operating expenses, including amortization of capitalized costs.
Revenues disaggregated by major source for our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| | Networks | | Renewables | | Other (b) | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Regulated operations – electricity | | $ | 4,610 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,610 | |
Regulated operations – natural gas | | 1,931 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,931 | |
Nonregulated operations – wind | | — | | | 947 | | | — | | | 947 | |
Nonregulated operations – solar | | — | | | 36 | | | — | | | 36 | |
Nonregulated operations – thermal | | — | | | 96 | | | — | | | 96 | |
Other (a) | | 117 | | | 48 | | | — | | | 165 | |
Revenue from contracts with customers | | 6,658 | | | 1,127 | | | — | | | 7,785 | |
Leasing revenue | | 8 | | | — | | | — | | | 8 | |
Derivative revenue | | — | | | 4 | | | — | | | 4 | |
Alternative revenue programs | | 68 | | | — | | | — | | | 68 | |
Other revenue | | 48 | | | 10 | | | — | | | 58 | |
Total operating revenues | | $ | 6,782 | | | $ | 1,141 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7,923 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2021 |
| | Networks | | Renewables | | Other (b) | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Regulated operations – electricity | | $ | 4,015 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 4,015 | |
Regulated operations – natural gas | | 1,516 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,516 | |
Nonregulated operations – wind | | — | | | 1028 | | | — | | | 1028 | |
Nonregulated operations – solar | | — | | | 20 | | | — | | | 20 | |
Nonregulated operations – thermal | | — | | | 63 | | | — | | | 63 | |
Other (a) | | 67 | | | 84 | | | — | | | 151 | |
Revenue from contracts with customers | | 5,598 | | | 1195 | | | — | | | 6,793 | |
Leasing revenue | | 7 | | | — | | | — | | | 7 | |
Derivative revenue | | — | | | 3 | | | — | | | 3 | |
Alternative revenue programs | | 115 | | | — | | | — | | | 115 | |
Other revenue | | 34 | | | 22 | | | — | | | 56 | |
Total operating revenues | | $ | 5,754 | | | $ | 1,220 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,974 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2020 |
| | Networks | | Renewables | | Other (b) | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Regulated operations – electricity | | $ | 3,642 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,642 | |
Regulated operations – natural gas | | 1,311 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,311 | |
Nonregulated operations – wind | | — | | | 822 | | | — | | | 822 | |
Nonregulated operations – solar | | — | | | 19 | | | — | | | 19 | |
Nonregulated operations – thermal | | — | | | 39 | | | — | | | 39 | |
Other (a) | | 58 | | | 101 | | | — | | | 159 | |
Revenue from contracts with customers | | 5,011 | | | 981 | | | — | | | 5,992 | |
Leasing revenue | | 6 | | | — | | | — | | | 6 | |
Derivative revenue | | — | | | 136 | | | — | | | 136 | |
Alternative revenue programs | | 157 | | | — | | | — | | | 157 | |
Other revenue | | 14 | | | 15 | | | — | | | 29 | |
Total operating revenues | | $ | 5,188 | | | $ | 1,132 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6,320 | |
(a)Primarily includes certain intra-month trading activities, billing, collection and administrative charges, sundry billings
and other miscellaneous revenue.
(b)Does not represent a segment. Includes Corporate and intersegment eliminations.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, accounts receivable balances related to contracts with customers were approximately $1,622 million and $1,220 million, respectively, including unbilled revenues of $541 million and $405 million, which are included in “Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net” on our consolidated balance sheets.
As of December 31, 2022, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2026 | | 2027 | | Thereafter | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenue expected to be recognized on multiyear retail energy sales contracts in place | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2 | |
Revenue expected to be recognized on multiyear renewable energy credit sale contracts | | 46 | | | 45 | | | 17 | | | 5 | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 116 | |
Revenue expected to be recognized on multiyear capacity and carbon-free energy sale contracts | | 81 | | | 34 | | | 12 | | | 10 | | | 7 | | | 60 | | | 204 | |
Total operating revenues | | $ | 128 | | | $ | 80 | | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 62 | | | $ | 322 | |
We do not disclose information about remaining performance obligations for contracts for which we recognize revenue in the amount to which we have the right to invoice (e.g., usage-based pricing terms).
Note 5. Industry Regulation
Electricity and Natural Gas Distribution – Maine, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts
Each of Networks’ eight regulated utility companies must comply with regulatory procedures that differ in form but in all cases conform to the basic framework outlined below. Generally, tariff reviews cover various years and provide for a reasonable ROE, protection from, and automatic adjustments for, exceptional costs incurred and efficiency incentives. The distribution rates and allowed ROEs for Networks’ regulated utilities in New York are subject to regulation by the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC), in Maine by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), in Connecticut by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and in Massachusetts by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
The revenues of Networks companies are essentially regulated, being based on tariffs established in accordance with administrative procedures set by the various regulatory bodies. The tariffs applied to the Networks companies are approved by the regulatory commissions of the different states and are based on the cost of providing service. The revenues of each of the Networks companies are set to be sufficient to cover its operating costs, including energy costs, finance costs and the costs of equity, the last of which reflects our capital ratio and a reasonable ROE.
Energy costs that are incurred in the New York and New England wholesale markets are passed on to consumers. The difference between energy costs that are budgeted and those that are actually incurred by the utilities is offset by applying compensation procedures that result in either immediate or deferred tariff adjustments. These procedures apply to other costs, which are in most cases exceptional, such as the effects of extreme weather conditions, environmental factors, regulatory and accounting changes, and treatment of vulnerable customers, that are offset in the tariff process. Any New York and Connecticut revenues that allow a utility to exceed target returns, usually the result of better than expected cost efficiency, are generally shared between the utility and its customers, resulting in future tariff reductions.
The NYSEG and RG&E rate plans, the Maine distribution rate plan and associated proceedings, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Transmission Return on Equity (ROE) case, the Connecticut rate plans, Reforming Energy Vision (REV), the storm proceedings in New York and the Tax Act are some of the most important specific regulatory processes that currently affect Networks.
CMP Distribution Rate Case
In an order issued on February 19, 2020, the MPUC authorized an increase in CMP's distribution revenue requirement of $17 million, or approximately 7.00%, based on an allowed ROE of 9.25% and a 50.00% equity ratio. The rate increase was effective March 1, 2020. Commencing on March 1, 2020, the MPUC also imposed a 1.00% ROE reduction (to 8.25%) for management efficiency associated with CMP’s customer service performance following the implementation of its new billing system in 2017 which would be removed after demonstrating satisfactory customer service performance. In September 2021,
CMP met the 18-month required rolling average satisfactory customer service benchmarks and filed with the MPUC a request for removal of the management efficiency adjustment, which was approved by the MPUC effective as of its February 18, 2022 order.
The order provided additional funding for staffing increases, vegetation management programs and storm restoration costs, while retaining the basic tiered structure for storm cost recovery implemented in the 2014 stipulation. The MPUC order also retained the RDM implemented in 2014. The order denied CMP’s request to increase rates for higher costs associated with services provided by its affiliates and ordered the initiation of a management audit to evaluate whether CMP's current management structure, and the management and other services from its affiliates, are appropriate and in the interest of Maine customers. The management audit was commenced in July 2020 by the MPUC's consultants and culminated with a report issued by the MPUC’s consultants in July 2021. On February 18, 2022, the MPUC opened a narrowly tailored follow-on investigation examining how CMP and its customers are affected by decisions made at the CMP corporate parent level about earnings, capital budgeting, and planning. In this context, the investigation will also examine regulatory approaches and structures including ratemaking and performance mechanisms. We cannot predict the outcome of this investigation.
In accordance with Chapter 120 of MPUC Rules, on May 26, 2022, CMP filed a nonbinding notice of intent to file a distribution rate case on or after sixty days from the issuance of the letter. In the notice, CMP signaled its intent to propose a three-year rate plan, which includes a multi-year capital investment plan to fund investments needed to improve reliability and resiliency, as well as to continue to improve the customer experience and cost-effectively advance clean energy transformation. CMP’s notice estimated a revenue change in the range of $45 to $50 million in the first year of the rate plan followed by increases in the range of $25 to $30 million in the second year and $20 to $25 million in the third year. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
On August 11, 2022, CMP filed a three-year rate plan, with adjustments to the distribution revenue requirement in each year. In its filing, CMP has set the three rate years as May 10, 2023 to May 9, 2024 (“Rate Year 1”); May 10, 2024 to May 9, 2025 (“Rate Year 2”); and May 10, 2025 to May 9, 2026 (“Rate Year 3”). The requested Rate Year revenue requirement increases for the rate years are $48 million, $28 million and $23 million, respectively. The revenue requirement adjustments are based on a test year ending December 31, 2021. The requested revenue changes for each rate year of the proposal are subject to four adjustment mechanisms: (1) a yearly review of plant additions with potential downward reconciliation in the event of an underspend, (2) a capital adjustment mechanism for certain incremental pole replacements, broadband work, electric vehicle work, energy storage projects, and metering system upgrades, (3) a symmetrical inflation reconciliation adjustment, and (4) reconciliation of the benefits associated with the tax basis repair deduction. Other parties filed direct testimony in this proceeding on December 2, 2022 and CMP filed rebuttal testimony on February 7, 2023. New rates are expected to take effect on or around August 2023. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
NYSEG and RG&E Rate Plans
2016 Joint Proposal
On June 15, 2016, the NYPSC approved NYSEG's and RG&E's 2016 Joint Proposal for a three-year rate plan for electric and gas service which balanced the varied interests of the signatory parties including but not limited to maintaining the companies’ credit quality and mitigating the rate impacts to customers. The 2016 Joint Proposal reflected many customer benefits including: acceleration of the companies’ natural gas leak prone main replacement programs and increased funding for electric vegetation management to provide continued safe and reliable service. The delivery rate increases for the last year of the 2016 Joint Proposal can be summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | May 1, 2018 |
| | | | | | | | | | Rate Increase | | Delivery Rate Increase |
Utility | | | | | | | | | | (Millions) | | % |
NYSEG Electric | | | | | | | | | | $ | 30 | | | 4.10 | % |
NYSEG Gas | | | | | | | | | | $ | 15 | | | 7.30 | % |
RG&E Electric | | | | | | | | | | $ | 26 | | | 5.70 | % |
RG&E Gas | | | | | | | | | | $ | 10 | | | 5.20 | % |
The allowed rate of return on common equity for NYSEG Electric, NYSEG Gas, RG&E Electric and RG&E Gas was 9.00%. The equity ratio for each company was 48%; however, the equity ratio was set at the actual up to 50% for earnings sharing calculation purposes. The customer share of any earnings above allowed levels increased as the ROE increased, with customers receiving 50%, 75% and 90% of earnings in rate year three (May 1, 2018 – April 30, 2019) above 9.75%, 10.25% and 10.75% ROE, respectively. The rate plans also included the implementation of a rate adjustment mechanism (RAM) designed to return or collect certain defined reconciled revenues and costs, new depreciation rates and continuation of the existing RDM for each
business. The 2016 Joint Proposal reflected the recovery of deferred NYSEG Electric storm costs of approximately $262 million, of which $123 million is being amortized over ten years and the remaining $139 million is being amortized over five years. The proposal also continues reserve accounting for qualifying Major Storms ($26 million annually for NYSEG Electric and $3 million annually for RG&E Electric). Incremental maintenance costs incurred to restore service in qualifying divisions will be chargeable to the Major Storm Reserve provided they meet certain thresholds.
The 2016 Joint Proposal maintained NYSEG’s and RG&E’s current electric reliability performance measures (and associated potential negative revenue adjustments for failing to meet established performance levels) which include the system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI) and the customer average interruption duration index (CAIDI). The 2016 Joint Proposal also modified certain gas safety performance measures at the companies, including those relating to the replacement of leak prone mains, leak backlog management, emergency response and damage prevention. The proposal established threshold performance levels for designated aspects of customer service quality and continued and expanded NYSEG’s and RG&E’s bill reduction and arrears forgiveness Low Income Programs with increased funding levels. The 2016 Joint Proposal provided for the implementation of NYSEG’s Energy Smart Community (ESC) Project in the Ithaca region which serves as a test-bed for implementation and deployment of Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiatives. The ESC Project is supported by NYSEG’s planned Distribution Automation upgrades and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) implementation for customers on circuits in the Ithaca region. The companies also are pursuing Non-Wires Alternative projects as described in the proposal. Other REV-related incremental costs and fees were included in the RAM to the extent cost recovery is not provided for elsewhere. Under the proposal, the RAM was applicable to all customers and serves to return or collect RAM Eligible Deferrals and Costs, including: (1) property taxes; (2) Major Storm deferral balances; (3) gas leak prone pipe replacement; (4) REV costs and fees which are not covered by other recovery mechanisms; and (5) NYSEG Electric Pole Attachment revenues. RG&E implemented a RAM in July 2018 since certain eligibility thresholds were exceeded.
The 2016 Joint Proposal provided for partial or full reconciliation of certain expenses including, but not limited to: pensions and other postretirement benefits; property taxes; variable rate debt and new fixed rate debt; gas research and development; environmental remediation costs; major storms; nuclear electric insurance limited credits; economic development; and low income programs. The 2016 Joint Proposal also included a downward-only Net Plant reconciliation. In addition, the 2016 Joint Proposal included downward-only reconciliations for the costs of electric distribution and gas vegetation management, pipeline integrity and incremental maintenance. The 2016 Joint Proposal provided that NYSEG and RG&E continue their electric RDMs on a total revenue per class basis and their gas RDMs on a revenue per customer basis.
2020 Joint Proposal
On November 19, 2020, the NYPSC approved a new three-year rate plan for NYSEG & RG&E (2020 Joint Proposal), with modifications to the rate increases at the two electric businesses. The effective date of new tariffs was December 1, 2020 with a make-whole provision back to April 17, 2020. The proposed rates facilitate the companies’ transition to a cleaner energy future while allowing for important initiatives such as COVID-19 relief for customers and additional funding for vegetation management, hardening/resiliency and emergency preparedness. The rate plans continue the RAM designed to return or collect certain defined reconciled revenues and costs, have new depreciation rates and continue existing RDMs for each business. The 2020 Joint Proposal bases delivery revenues on an 8.80% ROE and 48.00% equity ratio; however, for the proposed ESM, the equity ratio is the lower of the actual equity ratio or 50.00%. The below table provides a summary of the approved delivery rate increases and delivery rate percentages, including rate levelization and excluding energy efficiency, which is a pass-through, for all four businesses. Rate years two and three commence on May 1, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year 1 | | Year 2 | | Year 3 |
| | Rate Increase | | Delivery Rate Increase | | Rate Increase | | Delivery Rate Increase | | Rate Increase | | Delivery Rate Increase |
Utility | | (Millions) | | % | | (Millions) | | % | | (Millions) | | % |
NYSEG Electric | | $ | 34 | | | 4.6 | % | | $ | 46 | | | 5.9 | % | | $ | 36 | | | 4.2 | % |
NYSEG Gas | | $ | — | | | — | % | | $ | 2 | | | 0.8 | % | | $ | 3 | | | 1.6 | % |
RG&E Electric | | $ | 17 | | | 3.8 | % | | $ | 14 | | | 3.2 | % | | $ | 16 | | | 3.3 | % |
RG&E Gas | | $ | — | | | — | % | | $ | — | | | — | % | | $ | 2 | | | 1.3 | % |
On May 26, 2022, NYSEG and RG&E filed for a new rate plan with the NYPSC. The rate filings are based on test year 2021 financial results adjusted to the rate year May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024. Since these rate filings were submitted on May 26, 2022, the effective date of new rates, assuming an approximately 11-month approval period, will be May 1, 2023. NYSEG and RG&E filed for a one-year rate plan but expressed interest in exploring a multi-year plan during the pendency of the case (as is
the custom in New York). On August 12, 2022, NYSEG and RG&E filed an update to its rate plan filing called for in the litigation schedule. In their filings, the following revenue changes were requested:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Requested Revenue Change |
| | May 26, 2022 | | August 12, 2022 | | Difference |
Utility | | (Millions) | | (Millions) | | (Millions) |
NYSEG Electric | | $ | 274 | | $ | 274 | | $ | — |
NYSEG Gas | | $ | 43 | | $ | 30 | | $ | (13) |
RG&E Electric | | $ | 94 | | $ | 93 | | $ | (1) |
RG&E Gas | | $ | 38 | | $ | 32 | | $ | (6) |
On September 16, 2022, the NYPSC suspended new tariffs and rates through April 21, 2023. On October 19, 2022, consistent with the Administrative Law Judge’s’ July 1, 2022 Ruling on Schedule and Party Status, NYSEG and RG&E voluntarily agreed to 60-day extension of maximum suspension period through June 20, 2023, subject to a make-whole provision. On December 21, 2022, NYSEG and RG&E voluntarily agreed to further 60-day extension of maximum suspension period to postpone through August 19, 2023, subject to a make-whole provision. During this time, the parties have conducted multi-party rate case settlement negotiations. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.
UI, CNG, SCG and BGC Rate Plans
Under Connecticut law, The United Illuminating Company’s (UI) retail electricity customers are able to choose their electricity supplier while UI remains their electric distribution company. UI purchases power for those of its customers under standard service rates who do not choose a retail electric supplier and have a maximum demand of less than 500 kilowatts and its customers under supplier of last resort service for those who are not eligible for standard service and who do not choose to purchase electric generation service from a retail electric supplier. The cost of the power is a “pass-through” to those customers through the Generation Service Charge on their bills.
UI has wholesale power supply agreements in place for its entire standard service load for the first half of 2023, 70% of the second half of 2023, and 20% of the first half of 2024. Supplier of last resort service is procured on a quarterly basis and UI is self-managing the last resort service for the first quarter of 2023 and has a wholesale power supply agreement in place for second quarter of 2023.
In 2016, PURA approved new distribution rate schedules for UI for three years, which became effective January 1, 2017 and, among other things, provide for annual tariff increases and an ROE of 9.10% based on a 50.00% equity ratio, continued UI’s existing ESM pursuant to which UI and its customers share on a 50/50 basis all distribution earnings above the allowed ROE in a calendar year, continued the existing decoupling mechanism and approved the continuation of the requested storm reserve. Any dollars due to customers from the ESM continue to be first applied against any storm regulatory asset balance (if one exists at that time) or refunded to customers through a bill credit if such storm regulatory asset balance does not exist.
On September 9, 2022, UI filed a distribution revenue requirement case. UI’s filing proposes a three-year rate plan commencing September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2026. The filing is based on a test year ending December 31, 2021, for the rate years beginning September 1, 2023 (“UI Rate Year 1”), September 1, 2024 (“UI Rate Year 2”), and September 1, 2025 (“UI Rate Year 3”). UI is requesting that PURA approve new distribution rates to recover an increase in revenue requirements of approximately $102 million in UI Rate Year 1, an incremental approximately $17 million in UI Rate Year 2, and an incremental approximately $17 million in UI Rate Year 3, compared to total revenues that would otherwise be recovered under UI’s current rate schedules. UI’s Rate Plan also includes several measures to moderate the impact of the proposed rate update for all customers, including, without limitation a rate levelization proposal to spread the proposed total rate increase over the three rate years, which would result in a change in revenue in UI Rate Year 1 of approximately $54 million. Other parties filed direct testimony on December 13, 2022 and UI filed its rebuttal testimony on January 6, 2023. Litigation of the case is expected to take approximately one year with new rates expected to go into effect on or around September 2023. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
In 2017, PURA approved new tariffs for the Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG) effective January 1, 2018 for a three-year rate plan with annual rate increases. The new tariffs also include an RDM and Distribution Integrity Management Program (DIMP) mechanism, ESM, the amortization of certain regulatory liabilities (most notably accumulated hardship deferral balances and certain accumulated deferred income taxes) and tariff increases based on an ROE of 9.25% and approximately 52.00% equity level. Any dollars due to customers from the ESM will be first applied against any environmental regulatory asset balance as defined in the settlement agreement (if one exists at that time) or refunded to customers through a bill credit if such environmental regulatory asset balance does not exist.
In December 2018, PURA approved new tariffs for Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) effective January 1, 2019 for a three-year rate plan with annual rate increases. The new tariffs continued the RDM and DIMP mechanism. ESM and tariff increases are based on an ROE of 9.30% and an equity ratio of 54.00% in 2019, 54.50% in 2020 and 55.00% in 2021.
On June 24, 2022, BGC filed a Settlement Agreement with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) for DPU approval. The Settlement Agreement followed BGC’s December 14, 2021 filing of a Notice of Intent to File Rate Schedules. Following that filing, BGC and the AGO negotiated the Settlement Agreement in lieu of a fully litigated rate case before the DPU. The Settlement Agreement allows for agreed-upon adjustments to BGC’s revenue requirement as well as various step increases BGC shall be entitled to on January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024. The Settlement Agreement provides that it shall be void unless approved in its entirety by the DPU by November 1, 2022. It provides for the opportunity to increase BGC’s revenue requirement by as much as $5.6 million over current rates (reflective of a 9.70% ROE and a 54.00% equity ratio as well as other stepped adjustments) through January 1, 2024. The Settlement Agreement was approved in its entirety by the DPU on October 27, 2022, and new rates went into effect January 1, 2023.
REV
In April 2014, the NYPSC commenced a proceeding entitled REV, which is a wide-ranging initiative to reform New York State’s energy industry and regulatory practices. REV has been divided into two tracks, Track 1 for Market Design and Technology, and Track 2 for Regulatory Reform. REV and its related proceedings have and will continue to propose regulatory changes that are intended to promote more efficient use of energy, deeper penetration of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar and wider deployment of distributed energy resources (DER), such as micro grids, on-site power supplies and storage.
REV is also intended to promote greater use of advanced energy management products to enhance demand elasticity and efficiencies. Track 1 of this initiative involves a collaborative process to examine the role of distribution utilities in enabling market-based deployment of DER to promote load management and greater system efficiency, including peak load reductions. NYSEG is participating in the initiative with other New York utilities. The NYPSC issued a 2015 order in Track 1, which acknowledges the utilities’ role as a Distribution System Platform provider, and required the utilities to file an initial Distribution System Implementation Plan (DSIP) by June 30, 2016, followed by bi-annual updates. The companies filed the initial DSIP, which also included information regarding the potential deployment of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) across its entire service territory. In December 2016, the companies filed a petition to the NYPSC requesting approval for cost recovery associated with the full deployment of AMI. A collaborative associated with this petition began in the first quarter of 2017, was suspended in the second quarter of 2017, subsequently resumed in the first quarter of 2018 and then further suspended and was been included in the companies’ May 20, 2019 rate filing. The companies also filed their first bi-annual update of the DSIP on July 31, 2018 and filed their next bi-annual update on June 30, 2020.
Other various proceedings have also been initiated by the NYPSC which are REV related, and each proceeding has its own schedule. These proceedings include the Clean Energy Standard, Value of DER and Net Energy Metering, Demand Response Tariffs and Community Choice Aggregation. As part of the Clean Energy Standard proceeding, all electric utilities were ordered to begin payments to New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for RECs and Zero Emissions Credits beginning in 2017.
Track 2 of the REV initiative is also underway, and through a NYPSC staff whitepaper review process, is examining potential changes in current regulatory, tariff, market design and incentive structures that could better align utility interests with achieving New York state and NYPSC’s policy objectives. New York utilities will also be addressing related regulatory issues in their individual rate cases. A Track 2 order was issued in May 2016, and includes guidance related to the potential for Earnings Adjustment Mechanisms (EAMs), Platform Service Revenues, innovative rate designs and data utilization and security. The companies, in December 2016, filed a proposal for the implementation of EAMs in the areas of System Efficiency, Energy Efficiency, Interconnections and Clean Air. A collaborative process to review the companies’ petition was suspended in 2017. The approved 2020 Joint Proposal includes EAMs.
In March 2017, the NYPSC issued three separate REV-related orders. These orders created a series of filing requirements for NYSEG and RG&E beginning in March 2017 and extending through the end of 2018. The three orders involve: 1) modifications to the electric utilities’ proposed interconnection EAM framework; 2) further DSIP requirements, including filing of an updated DSIP plan by mid-2018 and implementing two energy storage projects at each company by the end of 2018; and 3) Net Energy Metering Transition including implementation of Phase One of the Value of DER. In September 2017, the NYPSC issued another order related to the Value of DER, requiring tariff filings, changes to Standard Interconnection Requirements and planning for the implementation of automated consolidated billing. As of the end of 2018, both NYSEG and RG&E had deployed two energy storage projects each, consistent with the March 2017 NYPSC order requirements. In December 2018, the NYPSC staff submitted whitepapers on standby and buyback service rate design, future value stack compensation and capacity value compensation. The NYPSC ruled on the proposals set forth in the whitepapers on May 16,
2019. NYSEG and RG&E filed proposed standby and buyback rates with the NYPSC in September 2019. On November 25, 2020, DPS Staff, jointly with NYSERDA, issued a whitepaper on further recommendations regarding standby and buyback rates that were based on the electric utilities’ September 23, 2019 filings. Comments on the recommendations in the whitepaper are due February 22, 2021, and reply comments are due March 8, 2021. A final Commission Order is expected in 2022.
On April 18, 2019, the NYPSC issued an order on future value stack compensation and capacity value compensation. The order established a new Community Credit in place of the Market Transition Credit for certain CDG projects in NYSEG’s and RGE’s territories and expanded eligibility for Phase One Net Metering for projects that have a rated capacity of 750 kW AC or lower. The changes became effective on June 1, 2019. The NYPSC also issued an order on value stack compensation for high-capacity-factor Resources on December 12, 2019, modifying the treatment of certain high-capacity-factor DER in the Value Stack compensation framework. The modification per the December 12, 2019 Order became effective February 1, 2020. On March 19, 2020, the Commission issued an additional Order regarding Value Stack Compensation. The Order directs National Grid, NYSEG and RGE to reallocate capacity from closed tranches where available capacity remained due to projects being canceled since the issuance of the VDER Compensation Order, and to assign that capacity to a new Community Credit Tranche with compensation at 2 cents per kWh. The utilities must also continue to reallocate capacity to this new Tranche for the next six months when there are cancellations of projects that have received a Market Transition Credit (MTC) or Community Credit allocation. The new provisions per the March 19, 2020 Order became effective May 1, 2020.
On May 14, 2020, the Commission issued an Order extending and expanding distributed solar incentives. In addition to authorizing the extension of and additional funding for the NY-Sun program, the Commission modified certain program rules related to the NY-Sun program and the VDER policy. As part of the ordered modifications, the Commission directed the electric utilities with VDER tariffs to add tariff language for a Remote Crediting program that will allow Value-Stack-eligible generation resources to distribute the credits they receive for generation injected into the utility system to the utility bills of multiple, separately sited, non-residential customers. The Commission ordered the utilities to submit tariff leaves that implement the modifications associated with the Remote Crediting program to become effective November 1, 2020. Given the complexity of the program changes, the utilities have petitioned the Commission for an extension. Tariffs were filed on August 16, 2021, becoming effective on September 1, 2021.
On July 16, 2020, the Commission issued an Order establishing a net metering successor tariff. The Order continues Phase One NEM for all eligible mass market and commercial projects under 750 kW interconnected after January 1, 2022 and implements a modest customer benefit contribution (CBC) for onsite DERs to address cost recovery of certain public benefit programs. Customers that install DERs interconnected after January 1, 2022 shall be charged a monthly per kW fee based on the nameplate rating of the DER. Draft tariff leaves implementing the Commission’s Order and proposed CBC calculations were filed on November 1, 2020. A final Commission Order was issued on August 13, 2021, implementing the CBC effective January 1, 2022 for new mass market net metering customers.
On April 24, 2018, the NYPSC instituted a proceeding to consider the role of utilities in providing infrastructure and rate design to encourage the expansion electric vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment. The Commission issued an Order on February 2, 2019 to establish a Direct Current Fast Charger incentive program, with subsequent clarifications provided in Orders issued on July 12, 2019 and March 3, 2020. On July 16, 2020, the NYPSC issued an Order approving a $700 million statewide program (NYSEG and RG&E combined share is approximately $118 million). The make-ready program will be funded by investor-owned utilities in New York State and creates a cost-sharing program that incentivizes utilities and charging station developers to site electric vehicle charging infrastructure in places that will provide a maximal benefit to consumers.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act) was signed into law. The Tax Act significantly changed the federal taxation of business entities including, among other things, implementing a federal corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Reductions in accumulated deferred income tax balances due to the reduction in the corporate income tax rates result in amounts previously and currently collected from utility customers for these deferred taxes to be refundable to such customers, generally through reductions in future rates. The NYPSC, MPUC, PURA, DPU and the FERC held separate proceedings in New York, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts and the FERC, respectively, and for the majority of our regulated utilities, authorized the amortization periods for the return of regulatory liabilities and the recovery regulatory assets, including the authorization of sur-credits to return the related benefits to rate payers in certain jurisdictions. With regard to SCG, we expect Tax Act savings to be deferred until they are reflected in tariffs in a future rate case, unless PURA determines otherwise.
Power Tax Audits
Previously, CMP, NYSEG and RG&E implemented Power Tax software to track and measure their respective deferred tax amounts. In connection with this change, we identified historical updates needed with deferred taxes recognized by CMP,
NYSEG and RG&E and increased our deferred tax liabilities, with a corresponding increase to regulatory assets, to reflect the updated amounts calculated by the Power Tax software. Since 2015, the NYPSC and MPUC accepted certain adjustments to deferred taxes and associated regulatory assets for this item in recent distribution rate cases, resulting in regulatory asset balances of approximately $137 million and $142 million, respectively for this item at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
In 2017, audits of the power tax regulatory assets were commenced by the NYPSC and MPUC. On January 11, 2018, the NYPSC issued an order opening an operations audit on NYSEG and RG&E and certain other New York utilities regarding tax accounting. The NYPSC audit report is expected to be completed during 2023. In January 2018, the MPUC published the Power Tax audit report with respect to CMP, which indicated the auditor was unable to verify the asset “acquisition value” used to calculate the Power Tax regulatory asset. The audit report requires that CMP must provide support for the beginning balance of the regulatory assets or it will be unable to recover the value of the assets, which is approximately $11 million, excluding carrying costs. CMP responded to the audit report in its rate case filing by providing additional acquisition value support and, therefore, requested full recovery of the Power Tax regulatory asset. MPUC staff expressed concerns about the value CMP has attributed to this issue. The MPUC had an outside firm conduct an audit of CMP's filing and acquisition values, and the auditor found CMP's information was reasonable. In September 2019, CMP filed a report in response to the audit report and addressed MPUC staff concerns. On December 17, 2019, CMP filed a stipulation with the MPUC providing for recovery of the Power Tax regulatory asset and adjusting the carrying costs values for the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. The MPUC approved the stipulation on January 21, 2020, which allowed CMP to start collecting the Power Tax Regulatory asset over the next 32.5 years beginning in July 2020.
Minimum Equity Requirements for Regulated Subsidiaries
Our regulated utility subsidiaries of Maine and New York (NYSEG, RG&E, CMP and MNG) are each subject to a minimum equity ratio requirement that is tied to the capital structure assumed in establishing revenue requirements. Pursuant to these requirements, each of NYSEG, RG&E, CMP and MNG must maintain a minimum equity ratio equal to the ratio in its currently effective rate plan or decision measured using a trailing 13-month average. On a monthly basis, each utility must maintain a minimum equity ratio of no less than 300 basis points below the equity ratio used to set rates. The minimum equity ratio requirement has the effect of limiting the amount of dividends that may be paid and may, under certain circumstances, require that the parent contribute equity capital. In addition, NYSEG and RG&E equity distributions that would result in a 13-month average common equity less than the maximum equity ratio utilized for the earnings sharing mechanism, or ESM, are prohibited if the credit rating of NYSEG, RG&E, AVANGRID or Iberdrola are downgraded by a nationally recognized rating agency to the lowest investment grade with a negative watch or downgraded to non-investment grade. These regulated utility subsidiaries are prohibited by regulation from lending to unregulated affiliates. These regulated utility subsidiaries have also agreed to minimum equity ratio requirements in certain borrowing agreements. These requirements are lower than the regulatory requirements.
Pursuant to agreements with the relevant utility commission, UI, SCG, CNG and BGC are restricted from paying dividends if paying such dividend would result in a common equity ratio lower than 300 basis points below the equity percentage used to set rates in the most recent distribution rate proceeding as measured using a trailing 13-month average calculated as of the most recent quarter end. In addition, UI, SCG, CNG and BGC are prohibited from paying dividends to their parent if the utility’s credit rating, as rated by any of the three major credit rating agencies, falls below investment grade, or if the utility’s credit rating, as determined by two of the three major credit rating agencies, falls to the lowest investment grade and there is a negative watch or review downgrade notice.
We had restricted net assets of approximately $6,241 million associated with the minimum equity requirements as of December 31, 2022.
Movement of capital from our wholly owned unregulated subsidiaries is unrestricted.
New Renewable Source Generation
Under Connecticut Public Act (PA) 11-80, Connecticut electric utilities are required to enter into long-term contracts to purchase Connecticut Class I RECs from renewable generators located on customer premises. Under this program, UI was initially required to enter into contracts totaling approximately $200 million in commitments over an approximate 21-year period. The obligations were initially expected to phase in over a six-year solicitation period and peak at an annual commitment level of about $14 million per year after all selected projects are online. PA 17-144, PA 18-50 and PA 19-35 extended the original six-year solicitation period of the program by adding seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth years, and increased the original funding level of this program by adding up to $64 million in additional commitments by UI. Upon purchase, UI accounts for the RECs as inventory. UI expects to partially mitigate the cost of these contracts through the resale of the RECs. PA 11-80 provides that the remaining costs (and any benefits) of these contracts, including any gain or loss resulting from the resale of the RECs, are fully recoverable from (or credited to) customers through electric rates.
In October of 2018, UI entered into five PPAs totaling approximately 50 MW from developers of offshore wind and fuel cell generation pursuant to state law that provides the net costs of the PPAs are recoverable through electric rates. On December 19, 2018, PURA approved the PPAs, and approved UI’s use of the non-bypassable federally mandated congestion charges for all customers to recover the net costs of the PPAs.
In 2019, UI entered into PPAs with 11 projects, totaling approximately 12 million MWh, pursuant to state law that provides that the net costs of the PPAs are recoverable through electric rates.
In 2020, pursuant to Connecticut Act Concerning the Procurement of Energy Derived From Offshore Wind, UI entered into a PPA with Vineyard Wind, an affiliate of UI, to provide 804 MW of offshore wind through the development of its Park City Wind Project. Similar to the case with the zero carbon PPAs discussed above, the net costs of the PPAs are recoverable through electric rates.
Pursuant to Maine law, the MPUC is authorized to conduct periodic requests for proposals seeking long-term supplies of energy, capacity or RECs, from qualifying resources. The MPUC is further authorized to order Maine transmission and distribution utilities to enter into contracts with sellers selected from the MPUC’s competitive solicitation process. Pursuant to a MPUC Order dated October 8, 2009, CMP entered into a 20-year agreement with Evergreen Wind Power III, LLC, on March 31, 2010, to purchase capacity and energy from Evergreen’s 60 Megawatt (MW) Rollins wind farm. CMP’s purchase obligations under the Rollins contract are approximately $7 million per year. Pursuant to a MPUC Order dated December 18, 2017, CMP entered into a 20-year agreement with Dirigo Solar, LLC on September 10, 2018, to purchase capacity and energy from multiple Dirigo solar facilities throughout CMP’s service territory. CMP’s purchase obligations under the Dirigo contract will increase as additional solar facilities are brought on line, eventually reaching a level of approximately $4 million per year. Pursuant to a MPUC Order dated November 6, 2019, CMP entered into a 20-year agreement with Maine Aqua Ventus I GP LLC on December 9, 2019, to purchase capacity and energy from an off-shore wind farm under development near Monhegan Island, Maine. CMP’s purchase obligations under the Maine Aqua Ventus contract will be approximately $12 million per year once the facility begins commercial operation. Pursuant to Maine law, the MPUC conducted two competitive solicitation processes to procure, in the aggregate, an amount of energy or RECs from Class 1A resources that is equal to 14% of retail electricity sales in the State during calendar year 2018, or 1.715 million MWh. Of that 14% total, the MPUC must acquire at least 7%, but not more than 10%. Through contracts approved in December 2020 (Tranche 1), CMP was ordered to execute 13 contracts. In October 2021 CMP executed contracts with 6 additional facilities (Tranche 2). Each of the Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 are for 20-year terms. In accordance with MPUC orders, CMP either sells the purchased energy, or in one case the RECs, from these facilities in the ISO New England markets, through periodic auctions of the purchased output to wholesale buyers in the New England regional market, or through a sale to a third party for the RECs. Under Maine law, CMP is assured recovery of any differences between power purchase costs and achieved market revenues through a reconcilable component of its retail distribution rates. Although the MPUC has conducted multiple requests for proposals under Maine law, and has tentatively accepted long-term proposals from other sellers, these selections have not yet resulted in additional currently effective contracts with CMP.
Connecticut Energy Legislation
On October 7, 2020, the Governor of Connecticut signed into law an energy bill that, among other things, instructs PURA to revise the rate-making structure in Connecticut to adopt performance-based rates for each electric distribution company, increases the maximum civil penalties assessable for failures in emergency preparedness, and provides for certain penalties and reimbursements to customers after storm outages greater than 96 hours and extends rate case timelines.
Pursuant to the legislation, on October 30, 2020, PURA re-opened a docket related to new rate designs and review, expanding the scope to consider (a) the implementation of an interim rate decrease; (b) low-income rates; and (c) economic development rates. Separately, UI was due to make its annual RAM filing on March 8, 2021 for the approval of its RAM Rate Components reconciliations: Generation Services Charges, By-passable Federally Mandated Congestion Costs, System Benefits Charge, Transmission Adjustment Charge and RDM.
On March 9, 2021, UI, jointly with the Office of the CT Attorney General, the Office of CT Consumer Counsel, DEEP and PURA’s Office of Education, Outreach, and Enforcement entered into a settlement agreement and filed a motion to approve the settlement agreement, which addressed issues in both dockets.
In an order dated June 23, 2021, PURA approved the as amended settlement agreement in its entirety and it was executed by the parties. The settlement agreement includes a contribution by UI of $5 million and provides customers rate credits of $50 million while allowing UI to collect $52 million in RAM, all over a 22-month period ending April 2023 and also includes a distribution base rate freeze through April 2023.
Pursuant to the legislation, PURA opened a docket to consider the implementation of the associated customer compensation and reimbursement provisions in emergency events where customers were without power for more than 96 consecutive hours. On June 30, 2021, PURA issued a final decision implementing the legislative mandate to create a program pursuant to which residential customers will receive $25 for each day without power after 96 hours and also receive reimbursement of $250 for spoiled food and medicine. The decision emphasizes that no costs incurred in connection with this program are recoverable from customers. The Company is reviewing the requirements of this program and evaluating next steps.
PURA Investigation of the Preparation for and Response to the Tropical Storm Isaias and Connecticut Storm Reimbursement Legislation
On August 6, 2020, PURA opened a docket to investigate the preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Isaias by the electric distribution companies in Connecticut including UI. Following hearings and the submission of testimony, PURA issued a final decision on April 15, 2021, finding that UI “generally met standards of acceptable performance in its preparation and response to Tropical Storm Isaias," subject to certain exceptions noted in the decision, but ordered a 15-basis point reduction to UI's ROE in its next rate case to incentivize better performance and indicated that penalties could be forthcoming in the penalty phase of the proceedings. On June 11, 2021, UI filed an appeal of PURA’s decision with the Connecticut Superior Court.
On May 6, 2021, in connection with its findings in the Tropical Storm Isaias docket, PURA issued a Notice of Violation to UI for allegedly failing to comply with standards of acceptable performance in emergency preparation or restoration of service in an emergency and with orders of the Authority, and for violations of accident reporting requirements. PURA assessed a civil penalty in the total amount of approximately $2 million. PURA held a hearing on this matter and, in an order dated July 14, 2021, reduced the civil penalty to approximately $1 million. UI filed an appeal of PURA’s decision with the Connecticut Superior Court. This appeal and the appeal of PURA’s decision on the Tropical Storm Isaias docket have been consolidated. Oral arguments were held on October 11, 2022, and on October 17, 2022, the court denied UI’s appeal and affirmed PURA’s decisions in their entirety. UI filed a notice of appeal to Connecticut's Appellate court on November 7, 2022. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.
Note 6. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Pursuant to the requirements concerning accounting for regulated operations, our utilities capitalize as regulatory assets incurred and accrued costs that are probable of recovery in future electric and natural gas rates. We base our assessment of whether recovery is probable on the existence of regulatory orders that allow for recovery of certain costs over a specific period, or allow for reconciliation or deferral of certain costs. When costs are not treated in a specific regulatory order, we use regulatory precedent to determine if recovery is probable. Our operating utilities also record, as regulatory liabilities, obligations to refund previously collected revenue or to spend revenue collected from customers on future costs. The primary items that are not included in rate base or accruing carrying costs are regulatory assets for qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, which reflect unrecognized actuarial gains and losses; debt premium; environmental remediation costs, which are primarily the offset of accrued liabilities for future spending; unfunded future income taxes, which are the offset to the unfunded future deferred income tax liability recorded; asset retirement obligations; hedge losses; and contracts for differences. The total net amount of these items is approximately $977 million.
The regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities shown in the tables below result from various regulatory orders that allow for the deferral and/or reconciliation of specific costs. Regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are classified as current when recovery or refund in the coming year is allowed or required through a specific order or when the rates related to a specific regulatory asset or regulatory liability are subject to automatic annual adjustment.
Regulatory assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits | | $ | 365 | | | $ | 545 | |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits cost deferrals | | 93 | | | 95 | |
Storm costs | | 671 | | | 448 | |
Rate adjustment mechanism | | 41 | | | 68 | |
Revenue decoupling mechanism | | 52 | | | 68 | |
Transmission revenue reconciliation mechanism | | 11 | | | 15 | |
Contracts for differences | | 56 | | | 73 | |
Hardship programs | | 33 | | | 24 | |
Plant decommissioning | | 1 | | | 2 | |
Deferred purchased gas | | 56 | | | 52 | |
Deferred transmission expense | | — | | | 13 | |
Environmental remediation costs | | 248 | | | 256 | |
Debt premium | | 64 | | | 71 | |
Unamortized losses on reacquired debt | | 19 | | | 23 | |
Unfunded future income taxes | | 492 | | | 424 | |
Federal tax depreciation normalization adjustment | | 137 | | | 142 | |
Asset retirement obligation | | 20 | | | 20 | |
Deferred meter replacement costs | | 55 | | | 46 | |
COVID-19 cost recovery and late payment surcharge | | 17 | | | 21 | |
Low income arrears forgiveness | | 31 | | | — | |
Excess generation service charge | | 24 | | | 6 | |
System Expansion | | 21 | | | 12 | |
Non-bypassable charge | | 14 | | | 10 | |
Other | | 247 | | | 213 | |
Total regulatory assets | | 2,768 | | | 2,647 | |
Less: current portion | | 447 | | | 400 | |
Total non-current regulatory assets | | $ | 2,321 | | | $ | 2,247 | |
“Pension and other post-retirement benefits” represent the actuarial losses on the pension and other post-retirement plans that will be reflected in customer rates when they are amortized and recognized in future pension expenses.
“Pension and other post-retirement benefits cost deferrals” include the difference between actual expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits and the amount provided for in rates for certain of our regulated utilities. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases.
“Storm costs” for CMP, NYSEG, RG&E and UI are allowed in rates based on an estimate of the routine costs of service restoration. The companies are also allowed to defer unusually high levels of service restoration costs resulting from major storms when they meet certain criteria for severity and duration. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, and the remaining portion will be determined through future rate cases.
“Rate adjustment mechanism” represents an interim rate change to return or collect certain defined reconciled revenues and costs for NYSEG and RG&E following the approval of the Joint Proposal by the NYPSC. The RAM, when triggered, is implemented in rates on July 1 of each year for return or collection over a twelve-month period.
"Revenue decoupling mechanism" represents the mechanism established to disassociate the utility's profits from its delivery/commodity sales.
"Transmission revenue reconciliation mechanism" reflects differences in actual costs in the rate year from those used to set rates. This mechanism contains the Annual Transmission True up (ATU), which is recovered over the subsequent June to May period.
“Contracts for Differences” represent the deferral of unrealized gains and losses on contracts for differences derivative contracts. The balance fluctuates based upon quarterly market analysis performed on the related derivatives. The amounts, which do not earn a return, are fully offset by a corresponding derivative asset/liability.
“Hardship Programs” represent hardship customer accounts deferred for future recovery to the extent they exceed the amount in rates.
“Plant decommissioning” represents decommissioning and demolition expenses related to closing fossil plant facilities - Beebe & Russell.
“Deferred Purchased Gas” represents the difference between actual gas costs and gas costs collected in rates.
“Deferred Transmission Expense” represents deferred transmission income or expense and fluctuates based upon actual revenues and revenue requirements.
“Environmental remediation costs” includes spending that has occurred and is eligible for future recovery in customer rates. Environmental costs are currently recovered through a reserve mechanism whereby projected spending is included in rates with any variance recorded as a regulatory asset or a regulatory liability. The amortization period will be established in future proceedings and will depend upon the timing of spending for the remediation costs. It also includes the anticipated future rate recovery of costs that are recorded as environmental liabilities since these will be recovered when incurred. Because no funds have yet been expended for the regulatory asset related to future spending, it does not accrue carrying costs and is not included within rate base.
“Debt premium” represents the regulatory asset recorded to offset the fair value adjustment to the regulatory component of the non-current debt of UIL at the acquisition date. This amount is being amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the related outstanding debt instruments.
“Unamortized losses on reacquired debt” represent deferred losses on debt reacquisitions that will be recovered over the remaining original amortization period of the reacquired debt.
“Unfunded future income taxes” represent unrecovered federal and state income taxes primarily resulting from regulatory flow through accounting treatment and are the offset to the unfunded future deferred income tax liability recorded. The income tax benefits or charges for certain plant related timing differences, such as removal costs, are immediately flowed through to, or collected from, customers. This amount is being amortized as the amounts related to temporary differences that give rise to the deferrals are recovered in rates. These amounts are being collected over a period of 46 years, and the NYPSC staff has initiated an audit, as required, of the unfunded future income taxes and other tax assets to verify the balances.
“Federal tax depreciation normalization adjustment” represents the revenue requirement impact of the difference in the deferred income tax expense required to be recorded under the IRS normalization rules and the amount of deferred income tax expense that was included in cost of service for rate years covering 2011 forward. The recovery period in New York is from 25 to 35 years and for CMP 32.5 years beginning in 2020.
“Asset retirement obligations” represents the differences in timing of the recognition of costs associated with our AROs and the collection of such amounts through rates. This amount is being amortized at the related depreciation and accretion amounts of the underlying liability.
“Deferred meter replacement costs” represent the deferral of the book value of retired meters which were replaced or are planned to be replaced by AMI meters. This amount is being amortized over the initial depreciation period of related retired meters.
"COVID-19 cost recovery and late payment surcharge" represents: a) deferred COVID-19-related costs in the state of Connecticut based on the order issued by PURA on April 29, 2020, requiring utilities to track COVID-19-related expenses and lost revenue and create a regulatory asset, and b) deferred lost late payment revenue in the state of New York based on the order issued by the NYPSC on June 17, 2022, approving deferral and surcharge/sur-credit mechanism to recover/return deferred balances starting July 1, 2022.
“Low-income arrears forgiveness” represents deferred bill credits in the state of New York based on the order issued by the NYPSC on June 16, 2022, approving deferral of bill credits for low-income customers and recovery of regulatory asset from all customers over five years for RG&E and three years for NYSEG. Surcharge will start August 1, 2022.
“Excess generation service charge” represents deferred generation-related costs or revenues for future recovery from or return to customers. The amount fluctuates based upon timing differences between revenues collected from rates and actual costs incurred.
“System expansion” represents expenses not covered by system expansion rates related to expanding the natural gas system and converting customers to natural gas.
“Non-bypassable charges” represent non-bypassable federally mandated congestion costs or revenues for future recovery from or return to customers. The amount fluctuates based upon timing differences between revenues collected from rates and actual costs incurred.
“Other” includes post-term amortization deferrals and various items subject to reconciliation including hedge losses and deferred property tax.
Regulatory liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Energy efficiency portfolio standard | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 45 | |
Gas supply charge and deferred natural gas cost | | 15 | | | 7 | |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits cost deferrals | | 117 | | | 73 | |
Carrying costs on deferred income tax bonus depreciation | | 9 | | | 23 | |
Carrying costs on deferred income tax - Mixed Services 263(a) | | 3 | | | 7 | |
2017 Tax Act | | 1,232 | | | 1,327 | |
Rate change levelization | | 25 | | | 99 | |
Revenue decoupling mechanism | | 13 | | | 13 | |
Accrued removal obligations | | 1,178 | | | 1,192 | |
Asset sale gain account | | — | | | 2 | |
Economic development | | 20 | | | 26 | |
Positive benefit adjustment | | 16 | | | 22 | |
Theoretical reserve flow thru impact | | 3 | | | 6 | |
Deferred property tax | | 17 | | | 22 | |
Net plant reconciliation | | 11 | | | 16 | |
Debt rate reconciliation | | 32 | | | 49 | |
Rate refund – FERC ROE proceeding | | 36 | | | 35 | |
Transmission congestion contracts | | 31 | | | 23 | |
Merger-related rate credits | | 10 | | | 12 | |
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | | 22 | | | 24 | |
Asset retirement obligation | | 18 | | | 18 | |
Earning sharing provisions | | 13 | | | 13 | |
Middletown/Norwalk local transmission network service collections | | 17 | | | 17 | |
Low income programs | | 18 | | | 25 | |
Non-firm margin sharing credits | | 27 | | | 15 | |
New York 2018 winter storm settlement | | 1 | | | 5 | |
Hedges gains | | — | | | 19 | |
Non by-passable charges | | 76 | | | 11 | |
Transmission revenue reconciliation mechanism | | 75 | | | 9 | |
Other | | 204 | | | 174 | |
Total regulatory liabilities | | 3,269 | | | 3,329 | |
Less: current portion | | 354 | | | 307 | |
Total non-current regulatory liabilities | | $ | 2,915 | | | $ | 3,022 | |
“Energy efficiency portfolio standard” represents the costs of energy efficiency programs deferred for future recovery to the extent they exceed the amount in rates. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is three years and began in 2020.
"Gas supply charge and deferred natural gas cost" reflects the actual costs of purchasing, transporting and storing of natural gas. Gas supply reconciliation is determined by comparing actual gas supply expenses to the monthly gas cost recoveries in rates. Prior rate year balances are collected/ returned to customers beginning the next calendar year.
“Pension and other postretirement benefits cost deferrals” include the difference between actual expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits and the amount provided for in rates for certain of our regulated utilities. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases.
“Carrying costs on deferred income tax bonus depreciation” represent the carrying costs benefit of increased accumulated deferred income taxes created by the change in tax law allowing bonus depreciation. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is three years and began in 2020.
“Carrying costs on deferred income tax - Mixed Services 263(a)” represent the carrying costs benefit of increased accumulated deferred income taxes created by Section 263 (a) IRC. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is three years and began in 2020.
“2017 Tax Act” represents the impact from remeasurement of deferred income tax balances as a result of the Tax Act enacted by the U.S. federal government on December 22, 2017. Reductions in accumulated deferred income tax balances due to the reduction in the corporate income tax rates from 35% to 21% under the provisions of the Tax Act will result in amounts previously and currently collected from utility customers for these deferred taxes to be refundable to such customers, generally through reductions in future rates. The NYPSC, MPUC, PURA, DPU and the FERC held separate proceedings in New York, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts and the FERC, respectively, and for the majority of our regulated utilities, authorized the amortization periods for the return of regulatory liabilities and the recovery regulatory assets, including the authorization of sur-credits to return the related benefits to rate payers in certain jurisdictions.
“Rate change levelization” adjusts the New York delivery rate increases across the three-year plan to avoid unnecessary spikes and offsetting dips in customer rates. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is five years and began in 2020.
“Revenue decoupling mechanism” represents the mechanism established to disassociate the utility's profits from its delivery/commodity sales.
“Accrued removal obligations” represent the differences between asset removal costs recorded and amounts collected in rates for those costs. The amortization period is dependent upon the asset removal costs of underlying assets and the life of the utility plant.
“Asset sale gain account” represents the net gain on the sale of certain assets that will be used for the future benefit of customers. The amortization period in current rates is three years for NYSEG and two years for RG&E and began in 2020.
“Economic development” represents the economic development program, which enables NYSEG and RG&E to foster economic development through attraction, expansion and retention of businesses within its service territory. If the level of actual expenditures for economic development allocated to NYSEG and RG&E varies in any rate year from the level provided for in rates, the difference is refunded to customers. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is three years and began in 2020.
“Positive benefit adjustment” resulted from Iberdrola’s 2008 acquisition of AVANGRID (formerly Energy East Corporation). This is being used to moderate increases in rates. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is three to five years and began in 2020.
“Theoretical reserve flow thru impact” represents the differences from the rate allowance for applicable federal and state flow through impacts related to the excess depreciation reserve amortization. It also represents the carrying cost on the differences. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is three to five years and began in 2020.
"Deferred property tax" represents the difference between actual expense for property taxes recoverable from customers and the amount provided for in rates. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is five years and began in 2020.
"Net plant reconciliation" represents the reconciliation of the actual electric and gas net plant and book depreciation to the targets set forth in the 2020 Joint Proposal. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is five years and began in 2020.
"Debt rate reconciliation" represents the over/under collection of costs related to debt instruments identified in the rate case. Costs would include interest, commissions and fees versus amounts included in rates.
"Rate refund - FERC ROE proceeding" represents the reserve associated with the FERC proceeding around the base return on equity (ROE) reflected in ISO New England, Inc.’s (ISO-NE) open access transmission tariff (OATT). See Note 14 for more details.
"Transmission congestion contracts" represents deferral of the Nine Mile 2 Nuclear Plant transmission congestion contract at RG&E. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases. The amortization period in current rates is five years and began in 2020.
“Merger-related rate credits” resulted from the acquisition of UIL. This is being used to moderate increases in rates. In both of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, $2 million of rate credits were applied against customer bills.
"Asset retirement obligation" represents the differences in timing of the recognition of costs associated with our AROs and the collection of such amounts through rates. This amount is being amortized at the related depreciation and accretion amounts of the underlying liability.
"Earning sharing provisions" represents the annual earnings over the earnings sharing threshold. A portion of this balance is amortized through current rates, the remaining portion will be refunded in future periods through future rate cases.
"Middletown/Norwalk local transmission network service collections" represents allowance for funds used during construction of the Middletown/Norwalk transmission line, which is being amortized over the useful life of the project.
“Low income programs” represent various hardship and payment plan programs approved for recovery.
“Non-firm margin sharing credits” represents the portion of interruptible and off-system sales revenue set aside to fund gas expansion projects.
“New York 2018 winter storm settlement” represents the settlement amount with the NYPSC following the comprehensive investigation of New York’s major utility companies’ preparation and response to March 2018 storms. The balance is being amortized through current rates over an amortization period of three years, beginning in 2020.
“Hedge gains” represents the deferred fair value gains on electric and gas hedge contracts.
“Other” includes cost of removal being amortized through rates and various items subject to reconciliation.
Note 7. Goodwill and Intangible assets
Goodwill by reportable segment as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Networks | | $ | 2,747 | | | $ | 2,747 | |
Renewables | | 372 | | | 372 | |
Total | | $ | 3,119 | | | $ | 3,119 | |
During 2022, there were no changes in gross amounts and accumulated losses of goodwill for the Networks and Renewables reportable segments.
Goodwill Impairment Assessment
For impairment testing purposes, our reporting units are the same as operating segments, except for Networks, which contains three reporting units, Maine, New York and UIL. Goodwill for the Maine reporting unit is $325 million from the purchase of CMP by Energy East Corporation in 2000. Goodwill for the New York reporting unit is $654 million primarily from the purchase of RG&E by Energy East in 2002. Goodwill for the UIL reporting unit is $1,768 million from the 2015 acquisition of UIL.
We perform our annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter, as of October 1. Our qualitative assessment involves evaluating key events and circumstances that could affect the fair value of our reporting units, as well as other factors. Events and circumstances evaluated include macroeconomic conditions, industry, regulatory and market considerations, cost factors and their effect on earnings and cash flows, overall financial performance as compared with projected results and actual results of relevant prior periods, other relevant entity specific events and events affecting a reporting unit.
Our quantitative assessment utilizes a discounted cash flow model under the income approach and includes critical assumptions, primarily the discount rate and internal estimates of forecasted cash flows. We use a discount rate that is developed using
market participant assumptions, which consider the risk and nature of the respective reporting unit’s cash flows and the rates of return market participants would require in order to invest their capital in our reporting units. We test the reasonableness of the conclusions of our quantitative impairment testing using a range of discount rates and a range of assumptions for long-term cash flows.
For 2022, we utilized a qualitative assessment for the Networks reporting units and a quantitative assessment for the Renewables reporting unit. We had no impairment of goodwill in 2022 and 2021 as a result of our impairment testing.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets include those assets acquired in business acquisitions and intangible assets acquired and developed from external third parties and from affiliated companies. Following is a summary of intangible assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Wind development | | $ | 590 | | | $ | (313) | | | $ | 277 | |
Other | | 22 | | | (18) | | | 4 | |
Total Intangible Assets | | $ | 612 | | | $ | (331) | | | $ | 281 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Wind development | | $ | 592 | | | $ | (301) | | | $ | 291 | |
Other | | 18 | | | (16) | | | 2 | |
Total Intangible Assets | | $ | 610 | | | $ | (317) | | | $ | 293 | |
Wind development costs, with the exception of future ‘pipeline’ development costs, are amortized on a straight-line basis in accordance with the life of the related assets once placed in service. Amortization expense was $14 million, $13 million and $14 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We believe our future cash flows will support the recoverability of our intangible assets.
We expect amortization expense for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2022, to be as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Year ending December 31, | | Amount |
(Millions) | | |
2023 | | $ | 14 | |
2024 | | $ | 14 | |
2025 | | $ | 14 | |
2026 | | $ | 13 | |
2027 | | $ | 13 | |
Note 8. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2022, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | Regulated | | Nonregulated | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Electric generation, distribution, transmission and other | | $ | 18,634 | | | $ | 14,096 | | | $ | 32,730 | |
Natural gas transportation, distribution and other | | 5,392 | | | 14 | | | 5,406 | |
Other common operating property | | — | | | 317 | | | 317 | |
Total Property, Plant and Equipment in Service | | 24,026 | | | 14,427 | | | 38,453 | |
Total accumulated depreciation | | (6,277) | | | (5,265) | | | (11,542) | |
Total Net Property, Plant and Equipment in Service | | 17,749 | | | 9,162 | | | 26,911 | |
Construction work in progress | | 2,225 | | | 1,858 | | | 4,083 | |
Total Property, Plant and Equipment | | $ | 19,974 | | | $ | 11,020 | | | $ | 30,994 | |
Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2021, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | Regulated | | Nonregulated | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Electric generation, distribution, transmission and other | | $ | 17,392 | | | $ | 13,446 | | | $ | 30,838 | |
Natural gas transportation, distribution and other | | 5,032 | | | 13 | | | 5,045 | |
Other common operating property | | — | | | 286 | | | 286 | |
Total Property, Plant and Equipment in Service | | 22,424 | | | 13,745 | | | 36,169 | |
Total accumulated depreciation | | (5,806) | | | (4,783) | | | (10,589) | |
Total Net Property, Plant and Equipment in Service | | 16,618 | | | 8,962 | | | 25,580 | |
Construction work in progress | | 2,064 | | | 1,222 | | | 3,286 | |
Total Property, Plant and Equipment | | $ | 18,682 | | | $ | 10,184 | | | $ | 28,866 | |
Capitalized interest costs were $53 million, $33 million and $51 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Accrued liabilities for property, plant and equipment additions were $481 million, $297 million and $285 million as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
We impaired or wrote off amounts of $11 million, $20 million and $7 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, resulting from reassessment of the economic feasibility of our various Renewables development projects under construction.
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, amounted to $1,071 million, $1,001 million and $973 million, respectively.
In November 2021, Maine voters approved, by virtue of a referendum, L.D. 1295 (I.B. 1) (130th Legis. 2021), “An Act To Require Legislative Approval of Certain Transmission Lines, Require Legislative Approval of Certain Transmission Lines and Facilities and Other Projects on Public Reserved Lands and Prohibit the Construction of Certain Transmission Lines in the Upper Kennebec Region” (the “Initiative”), which per its terms effectively prohibits the construction of the NECEC project. Subsequently, in November 2021, Networks and NECEC Transmission LLC filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Initiative. At December 31, 2021, an indicator of impairment was identified and we performed a test of recoverability using estimated undiscounted expected project cash flows and compared to our estimated project costs and determined no impairment loss was required. In August 2022, the Maine Law Court ruled that the Initiative provisions requiring legislative approval for the construction of any high impact transmission line anywhere in Maine and prohibiting high impact transmission lines in the Upper Kennebec Region would infringe on NECEC’s constitutionally protected vested rights if NECEC Transmission LLC can demonstrate it engaged in substantial construction of the project in good-faith reliance. The case was remanded to the Maine Business & Consumer Court for further proceedings, which are ongoing. The outcome of this ongoing legal proceedings could have an adverse effect on the success of the NECEC project indicating that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. On November 29, 2022, the Maine Law Court vacated the trial court’s prior decision to reverse the Bureau of Public Land’s (BPL) decision to grant the lease over a small area of Maine public lands to house a 0.9-mile section of the NECEC. The Maine Law Court confirmed that BPL acted within its constitutional and statutory authority when granting the lease and the lease was not voided by the Initiative. As a result of these positive developments in 2022, there was no indicator of impairment identified. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we have capitalized approximately $585 million and $546 million, respectively, for the NECEC project.
Note 9. Asset retirement obligations
AROs are intended to meet the costs for dismantling and restoration work that we have committed to carry out at our operational facilities.
The reconciliation of ARO carrying amounts for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | |
(Millions) | | |
As of December 31, 2020 | | $ | 210 | |
Liabilities settled during the year | | (2) | |
Liabilities incurred during the year | | 7 | |
Accretion expense | | 12 | |
Revisions in estimated cash flows (a) | | 26 | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | $ | 253 | |
Liabilities settled during the year | | (1) | |
Liabilities incurred during the year | | 13 | |
Accretion expense | | 14 | |
Revisions in estimated cash flows (a) | | (6) | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | $ | 273 | |
(a)Represents an increase (decrease) in our estimate of expected cash flows required for retirement activities related to our renewable energy facilities.
Several of the wind generation facilities have restricted cash for purposes of settling AROs. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, restricted cash related to AROs was $3 million. These amounts have been included in “Other Assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. Accretion expenses are included in “Operations and maintenance” in our consolidated statements of income.
We have AROs for which a liability has not been recognized because the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated due to indeterminate settlement dates, including for the removal of hydroelectric dams due to structural inadequacy or for decommissioning; the removal of property upon termination of an easement, right-of-way or franchise; and costs for abandonment of certain types of gas mains.
Note 10. Debt
Long-term debt as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | Maturity Dates | | Balances | | Interest Rates | | Balances | | Interest Rates |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
First mortgage bonds - fixed (a) | | 2025-2052 | | $ | 2,882 | | | 1.85%-8.00% | | $ | 2,759 | | | 1.85%-8.00% |
Unsecured pollution control notes - fixed | | 2023-2029 | | 545 | | | 1.40%-4.00% | | 478 | | | 1.40%-4.00% |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other various non-current debt - fixed | | 2023-2052 | | 5,276 | | | 1.95%-6.66% | | 5,110 | | | 1.95%-6.66% |
Unamortized debt issuance costs and discount | | | | (76) | | | | | (53) | | | |
Total Debt | | | | 8,627 | | | | | 8,294 | | | |
Less: debt due within one year, included in current liabilities | | | | 412 | | | | | 372 | | | |
Total Non-current Debt | | | | $ | 8,215 | | | | | $ | 7,922 | | | |
(a)The first mortgage bonds have pledged collateral of substantially all the respective utility’s in service properties of approximately $8,331 million.
2022 Long-Term Debt Issuances
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company | | Issue Date | | Type | | Amount (Millions) | | Interest rate | | Maturity |
UI | | 1/31/2022 | | Unsecured Notes | | $ | 150 | | | 2.25% | | 2032 |
NYSEG | | 4/6/2022 | | Tax Exempt Bond | | $ | 67 | | | 4.00% | | 2028 |
NYSEG | | 12/15/2022 | | Unsecured Notes | | $ | 150 | | | 4.62% | | 2032 |
NYSEG | | 12/15/2022 | | Unsecured Notes | | $ | 125 | | | 4.96% | | 2052 |
RG&E | | 12/15/2022 | | First Mortgage Bonds | | $ | 125 | | | 4.86% | | 2052 |
CMP | | 12/15/2022 | | Green First Mortgage Bonds | | $ | 75 | | | 4.37% | | 2032 |
CMP | | 12/15/2022 | | Green First Mortgage Bonds | | $ | 50 | | | 4.76% | | 2052 |
UI | | 12/15/2022 | | Unsecured Notes | | $ | 50 | | | 4.62% | | 2032 |
Long-term debt maturities, including sinking fund obligations, due over the next five years consist of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2023 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2026 | | 2027 | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
$ | 412 | | | $ | 612 | | | $ | 1,107 | | | $ | 660 | | | $ | 484 | | | $ | 3,275 | |
We make certain standard covenants to lenders in our third-party debt agreements, including, in certain agreements, covenants regarding the ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization. A breach of any covenant in the existing credit facilities or the agreements governing our other indebtedness would result in an event of default. Certain events of default may trigger automatic acceleration. Other events of default may be remedied by the borrower within a specified period or waived by the lenders and, if not remedied or waived, give the lenders the right to accelerate. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries were in breach of covenants or of any obligation that could trigger the early redemption of our debt as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021 and throughout 2022 and 2021.
Fair Value of Debt
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the estimated fair value of long-term debt, was $7,991 million and $9,155 million, respectively. The estimated fair value was determined, in most cases, by discounting the future cash flows at market interest rates. The interest rate curve used to make these calculations takes into account the risks associated with the electricity industry and the credit ratings of the borrowers in each case. The fair value of debt is considered Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Iberdrola Loan
On December 14, 2020, AVANGRID and Iberdrola entered into an intra-group loan agreement which provided AVANGRID with an unsecured subordinated loan in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000 million (the Iberdrola Loan). The Iberdrola Loan was repaid with the proceeds of the common share issuance described in Note 1.
Short-term Debt
AVANGRID had $566 million and $159 million of notes payable as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
AVANGRID has a commercial paper program with a limit of $2 billion which is backstopped by the AVANGRID credit facilities described below. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the amount of notes payable under the commercial paper program was $397 million and $0, respectively, presented net of discounts on the balance sheet. As of December 31, 2022, the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding commercial paper was 4.66%.
AVANGRID Credit Facility
AVANGRID and its subsidiaries, NYSEG, RG&E, CMP, UI, CNG, SCG and BGC, each of which are joint borrowers, have a revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks, or the AVANGRID Credit Facility, that provides for maximum borrowings of up to $3,575 million in the aggregate, which was executed on November 23, 2021. The agreement contained a commitment from lenders, which expired on April 20, 2022 to increase maximum borrowings to $4,000 million upon the joinder of PNM and TNMP as borrowers under the AVANGRID Credit Facility.
Under the terms of the AVANGRID Credit Facility, each joint borrower has a maximum borrowing entitlement, or sublimit, which can be periodically adjusted to address specific short-term capital funding needs, subject to the maximum limit contained in the agreement. On November 23, 2021, the executed AVANGRID Credit Facility increased AVANGRID's maximum sublimit from $1,500 million to $2,500 million. The AVANGRID Credit Facility contains pricing that is sensitive to AVANGRID’s consolidated greenhouse gas emissions intensity. The Credit Facility also contains negative covenants,
including one that sets the ratio of maximum allowed consolidated debt to consolidated total capitalization at 0.65 to 1.00, for each borrower. Under the AVANGRID Credit Facility, each of the borrowers will pay an annual facility fee that is dependent on their credit rating. The initial facility fees will range from 10 to 22.5 basis points. The maturity date for the AVANGRID Credit Facility is November 22, 2026. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.
Since the AVANGRID Credit Facility is also a backstop to the AVANGRID commercial paper program, the total amount available under the facility as of December 31, 2022 was $3,178 million.
Iberdrola Group Credit Facility
AVANGRID has a credit facility with Iberdrola Financiacion, S.A.U., a company of the Iberdrola Group. The facility has a limit of $500 million and matures on June 18, 2023. AVANGRID pays a facility fee of 10.5 basis points annually on the facility. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, there was no outstanding amount under this credit facility.
Supplier Financing Arrangements
We operate a supplier financing arrangement. During 2021, we arranged for the extension of payment terms with some suppliers, which could elect to be paid by a financial institution earlier than maturity under supplier financing arrangements. Due to the interest cost associated with these arrangements, the balances are classified as "Notes payable" on our consolidated balance sheets. The balance relates to capital expenditures and, therefore, is treated as non-cash activity. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the amount of notes payable under supplier financing arrangements was $171 million and $161 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average interest rate on the balance was 5.48% and 0.82%, respectively.
Note 11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
We determine the fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities and non-current equity investments associated with Networks’ activities utilizing market approach valuation techniques:
•Our equity and other investments consist of Rabbi Trusts. Our Rabbi Trusts, which cover certain deferred compensation plans and non-qualified pension plan obligations, consists of equity and other investments. The Rabbi Trusts primarily invest in equity securities, fixed income and money market funds. Certain Rabbi Trusts also invest in trust or company owned life insurance policies. We measure the fair value of our Rabbi Trust portfolio using observable, unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and include the measurements in Level 1. We measure the fair value of the supplemental retirement benefit life insurance trust based on quoted prices in the active markets for the various funds within which the assets are held and include the measurement in Level 2.
•NYSEG and RG&E enter into electric energy derivative contracts to hedge the forecasted purchases required to serve their electric load obligations. They hedge their electric load obligations using derivative contracts that are settled based upon Locational Based Marginal Pricing published by the NYISO. NYSEG and RG&E hedge approximately 70% of their electric load obligations using contracts for a NYISO location where an active market exists. The forward market prices used to value the companies’ open electric energy derivative contracts are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities with no adjustment required and therefore we include the fair value measurements in Level 1.
•NYSEG and RG&E enter into natural gas derivative contracts to hedge their forecasted purchases required to serve their natural gas load obligations. NYSEG and RG&E hedge up to approximately 55% of its forecasted winter demand through the use of financial transactions and storage withdrawals. The forward market prices used to value open natural gas derivative contracts are exchange-based prices for the identical derivative contracts traded actively on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). We include the fair value measurements in Level 1 because we use prices quoted in an active market.
•NYSEG, RG&E and CMP may enter into fuel derivative contracts to hedge their unleaded and diesel fuel requirements for their fleet vehicles. Exchange-based forward market prices are used, but because an unobservable basis adjustment is added to the forward prices, we include the fair value measurement for these contracts in Level 3.
•UI enters into CfDs, which are marked-to-market based on a probability-based expected cash flow analysis that is discounted at risk-free interest rates and an adjustment for non-performance risk using credit default swap rates. We include the fair value measurement for these contracts in Level 3 (See Note 12 for further discussion of CfDs).
We determine the fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities associated with Renewables activities utilizing market approach valuation techniques. Exchange-traded transactions, such as New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) futures contracts, that are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical products with no adjustment are included in fair
value Level 1. Contracts with delivery periods of two years or less which are traded in active markets and are valued with or derived from observable market data for identical or similar products such as over-the-counter NYMEX foreign exchange swaps, and fixed price physical and basis and index trades are included in fair value Level 2. Contracts with delivery periods exceeding two years or that have unobservable inputs or inputs that cannot be corroborated with market data for identical or similar products are included in fair value Level 3. The unobservable inputs include historical volatilities and correlations for tolling arrangements and extrapolated values for certain power swaps. The valuation for this category is based on our judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists.
We determine the fair value of our interest rate derivative instruments based on a model whose inputs are observable, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), forward interest rate curves or other relevant benchmark. We include the fair value measurement for these contracts in Level 2 (See Note 12 for further discussion of interest rate contracts).
We determine the fair value of our foreign currency exchange derivative instruments based on current exchange rates compared to the rates at inception of the hedge. We include the fair value measurement for these contracts in Level 2.
The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, lease obligations and interest accrued approximate fair value.
Restricted cash was $3 million as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively and is included in “Other Assets” on our consolidated balance sheets.
The financial instruments measured at fair value as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Netting | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity and other investments with readily determinable fair values | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 13 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 48 | |
Derivative assets | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative financial instruments - power | | $ | 37 | | | $ | 55 | | | $ | 165 | | | $ | (177) | | | $ | 80 | |
Derivative financial instruments - gas | | 1 | | | 47 | | | — | | | (45) | | | 3 | |
Contracts for differences | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | |
Derivative financial instruments – Other | | — | | | 116 | | | — | | | — | | | 116 | |
Total | | $ | 38 | | | $ | 218 | | | $ | 166 | | | $ | (222) | | | $ | 200 | |
Derivative liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative financial instruments - power | | $ | (46) | | | $ | (350) | | | $ | (93) | | | $ | 364 | | | $ | (125) | |
Derivative financial instruments - gas | | (4) | | | (26) | | | — | | | 30 | | | — | |
Contracts for differences | | — | | | — | | | (57) | | | — | | | (57) | |
Derivative financial instruments – Other | | — | | | (115) | | | — | | | — | | | (115) | |
Total | | $ | (50) | | | $ | (491) | | | $ | (150) | | | $ | 394 | | | $ | (297) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Netting | | Total |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity and other investments with readily determinable fair values | | $ | 45 | | | $ | 15 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 60 | |
Derivative assets | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative financial instruments - power | | $ | 31 | | | $ | 39 | | | $ | 85 | | | $ | (78) | | | $ | 77 | |
Derivative financial instruments - gas | | 4 | | | 34 | | | 9 | | | (32) | | | 15 | |
Contracts for differences | | — | | | — | | | 2 | | | — | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 35 | | | $ | 73 | | | $ | 96 | | | $ | (110) | | | $ | 94 | |
Derivative liabilities | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative financial instruments - power | | $ | (16) | | | $ | (137) | | | $ | (90) | | | $ | 176 | | | $ | (67) | |
Derivative financial instruments - gas | | (1) | | | (22) | | | — | | | 18 | | | (5) | |
Contracts for differences | | — | | | — | | | (75) | | | — | | | (75) | |
Derivative financial instruments – Other | | — | | | (77) | | | — | | | — | | | (77) | |
Total | | $ | (17) | | | $ | (236) | | | $ | (165) | | | $ | 194 | | | $ | (224) | |
The reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial instruments based on Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Millions) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Fair value as of January 1, | | $ | (69) | | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 25 | |
Gains for the year recognized in operating revenues | | 108 | | | 21 | | | 8 | |
Losses for the year recognized in operating revenues | | (30) | | | (34) | | | (2) | |
Total gains or losses for the period recognized in operating revenues | | 78 | | | (13) | | | 6 | |
Gains recognized in OCI | | 2 | | | 2 | | | 1 | |
Losses recognized in OCI | | (57) | | | (52) | | | (3) | |
Total gains or losses recognized in OCI | | (55) | | | (50) | | | (2) | |
Net change recognized in regulatory assets and liabilities | | 17 | | | 13 | | | 6 | |
Purchases | | 10 | | | (17) | | | (2) | |
Settlements | | 8 | | | (13) | | | (15) | |
Transfers out of Level 3 (a) | | 27 | | | (2) | | | (5) | |
Fair value as of December 31, | | $ | 16 | | | $ | (69) | | | $ | 13 | |
Gains for the year included in operating revenues attributable to the change in unrealized gains relating to financial instruments still held at the reporting date | | $ | 78 | | | $ | (13) | | | $ | 6 | |
(a)Transfers out of Level 3 were the result of increased observability of market data.
Level 3 Fair Value Measurement
The table below illustrates the significant sources of unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our Level 3 derivatives and the variability in prices for those transactions classified as Level 3 derivatives as of December 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Index | | Avg. | | Max. | | Min. |
NYMEX ($/MMBtu) | | $ | 4.18 | | | $ | 9.86 | | | $ | 2.27 | |
AECO ($/MMBtu) | | $ | 3.05 | | | $ | 10.80 | | | $ | 1.53 | |
Ameren ($/MWh) | | $ | 46.29 | | | $ | 225.62 | | | $ | 18.01 | |
COB ($/MWh) | | $ | 58.96 | | | $ | 400.10 | | | $ | 9.15 | |
ComEd ($/MWh) | | $ | 42.57 | | | $ | 222.49 | | | $ | 14.98 | |
ERCOT N hub ($/MWh) | | $ | 46.94 | | | $ | 324.49 | | | $ | 13.66 | |
ERCOT S hub ($/MWh) | | $ | 45.44 | | | $ | 320.63 | | | $ | 13.88 | |
Indiana hub ($/MWh) | | $ | 49.02 | | | $ | 230.14 | | | $ | 20.74 | |
Mid C ($/MWh) | | $ | 55.72 | | | $ | 400.10 | | | $ | 5.15 | |
Minn hub ($/MWh) | | $ | 39.75 | | | $ | 183.54 | | | $ | 15.23 | |
NoIL hub ($/MWh) | | $ | 42.22 | | | $ | 222.18 | | | $ | 14.64 | |
PJM W hub ($/MWh) | | $ | 48.80 | | | $ | 227.60 | | | $ | 17.78 | |
Our Level 3 valuations primarily consist of NYMEX gas and fixed price power swaps with delivery periods extending through 2024 and 2032, respectively. The gas swaps are used to hedge uncontracted wind positions. The power swaps are used to hedge uncontracted wind production in the West and Midwest.
We considered the measurement uncertainty regarding the Level 3 gas and power positions to changes in the valuation inputs. Given the nature of the transactions in Level 3, the only material input to the valuation is the market price of gas or power for transactions with delivery periods exceeding two years. The fixed price power swaps are economic hedges of future power generation, with decreases in power prices resulting in unrealized gains and increases in power prices resulting in unrealized losses. The gas swaps are economic hedges of uncontracted generation, with decreases in gas prices resulting in unrealized gains and increases in gas prices resulting in unrealized losses. As all transactions are economic hedges of the underlying position, any changes in the fair value of these transactions will be offset by changes in the anticipated purchase/sales price of the underlying commodity.
Two elements of the analytical infrastructure employed in valuing transactions are the price curves used in the calculation of market value and the models themselves. We maintain and document authorized trading points and associated forward price curves, and we develop and document models used in valuation of the various products.
Transactions are valued in part on the basis of forward price, correlation and volatility curves. We maintain and document descriptions of these curves and their derivations. Forward price curves used in valuing the transactions are applied to the full duration of the transaction.
The determination of fair value of the CfDs (see Note 12 for further details on CfDs) was based on a probability-based expected cash flow analysis that was discounted at risk-free interest rates, as applicable, and an adjustment for non-performance risk using credit default swap rates. Certain management assumptions were required, including development of pricing that extends over the term of the contracts. We believe this methodology provides the most reasonable estimates of the amount of future discounted cash flows associated with the CfDs. Additionally, on a quarterly basis, we perform analytics to ensure that the fair value of the derivatives is consistent with changes, if any, in the various fair value model inputs. Significant isolated changes in the risk of non-performance, the discount rate or the contract term pricing would result in an inverse change in the fair value of the CfDs. Additional quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements of the CfDs is as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Range at |
Unobservable Input | | December 31, 2022 |
Risk of non-performance | | 0.84% - 0.89% |
Discount rate | | 3.99% - 4.22% |
Forward pricing ($ per KW-month) | | $2.00 - $3.80 |
Note 12. Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Our operating and financing activities are exposed to certain risks, which are managed by using derivative instruments. All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets in accordance with the accounting requirements concerning derivative instruments and hedging activities.
(a) Networks activities
The tables below present Networks' derivative positions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including those subject to master netting agreements and the location of the net derivative positions on our consolidated balance sheets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | Current Assets | | Noncurrent Assets | | Current Liabilities | | Noncurrent Liabilities |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 7 | |
Derivative liabilities | | (30) | | | (7) | | | (58) | | | (50) | |
| | — | | | 1 | | | (28) | | | (43) | |
Designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Derivative liabilities | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Total derivatives before offset of cash collateral | | — | | | 1 | | | (28) | | | (43) | |
Cash collateral receivable | | — | | | — | | | 11 | | | 2 | |
Total derivatives as presented in the balance sheet | | $ | — | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (17) | | | $ | (41) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | Current Assets | | Noncurrent Assets | | Current Liabilities | | Noncurrent Liabilities |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 4 | |
Derivative liabilities | | (12) | | | (4) | | | (27) | | | (64) | |
| | 17 | | | 3 | | | (15) | | | (60) | |
Designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Derivative liabilities | | — | | | — | | | (1) | | | — | |
| | — | | | — | | | (1) | | | — | |
Total derivatives before offset of cash collateral | | 17 | | | 3 | | | (16) | | | (60) | |
Cash collateral receivable | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Total derivatives as presented in the balance sheet | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | (16) | | | $ | (60) | |
The net notional volumes of the outstanding derivative instruments associated with Networks' activities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts (MWh) | | 5.7 | | 5.7 |
Natural gas purchase contracts (Dth) | | 9.6 | | 9.4 |
Fleet fuel purchase contracts (Gallons) | | — | | 2.0 |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
NYSEG and RG&E have an electric commodity charge that passes costs for the market price of electricity through rates. We use electricity contracts, both physical and financial, to manage fluctuations in electricity commodity prices in order to provide price stability to customers. We include the cost or benefit of those contracts in the amount expensed for electricity purchased when the related electricity is sold. We record changes in the fair value of electric hedge contracts to derivative assets and/or liabilities with an offset to regulatory assets and/or regulatory liabilities, in accordance with the accounting requirements concerning regulated operations.
NYSEG and RG&E have purchased gas adjustment clauses that allow us to recover through rates any changes in the market price of purchased natural gas, substantially eliminating our exposure to natural gas price risk. NYSEG and RG&E use natural gas futures and forwards to manage fluctuations in natural gas commodity prices to provide price stability to customers. We include the cost or benefit of natural gas futures and forwards in the commodity cost that is passed on to customers when the
related sales commitments are fulfilled. We record changes in the fair value of natural gas hedge contracts to derivative assets and/or liabilities with an offset to regulatory assets and/or regulatory liabilities in accordance with the accounting requirements for regulated operations.
The amounts for electricity hedge contracts and natural gas hedge contracts recognized in regulatory liabilities and assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and amounts reclassified from regulatory assets and liabilities into income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Millions) | | Loss or Gain Recognized in Regulatory Assets/Liabilities | | Location of Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Regulatory Assets/Liabilities into Income | | Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Regulatory Assets/Liabilities into Income |
As of | | | | | | | | For the Year Ended December 31, |
December 31, 2022 | | Electricity | | Natural Gas | | 2022 | | | Electricity | | Natural Gas |
Regulatory assets | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 4 | | | Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | $ | (127) | | | $ | (16) | |
Regulatory liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2021 | | | | | | 2021 | | | | | |
Regulatory assets | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | $ | (23) | | | $ | (11) | |
Regulatory liabilities | | $ | (16) | | | $ | (3) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2020 | | | | | |
| | | | | | Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | $ | 55 | | | $ | 4 | |
Pursuant to a PURA order, UI and Connecticut’s other electric utility, CL&P, each executed two long-term CfDs with certain incremental capacity resources, each of which specifies a capacity quantity and a monthly settlement that reflects the difference between a forward market price and the contract price. The costs or benefits of each contract will be paid by or allocated to customers and will be subject to a cost-sharing agreement between UI and CL&P pursuant to which approximately 20% of the cost or benefit is borne by or allocated to UI customers and approximately 80% is borne by or allocated to CL&P customers.
PURA has determined that costs associated with these CfDs will be fully recoverable by UI and CL&P through electric rates, and UI has deferred recognition of costs (a regulatory asset) or obligations (a regulatory liability), including carrying costs. For those CfDs signed by CL&P, UI records its approximate 20% portion pursuant to the cost-sharing agreement noted above. As of December 31, 2022, UI has recorded a gross derivative asset of $1 million ($0 of which is related to UI’s portion of the CfD signed by CL&P), a regulatory asset of $56 million, a gross derivative liability of $57 million ($55 million of which is related to UI’s portion of the CfD signed by CL&P) and a regulatory liability of $0. As of December 31, 2021, UI has recorded a gross derivative asset of $2 million ($0 of which is related to UI’s portion of the CfD signed by CL&P), a regulatory asset of $73 million, a gross derivative liability of $75 million ($72 million of which is related to UI’s portion of the CfD signed by CL&P) and a regulatory liability of $0.
The unrealized gains and losses from fair value adjustments to these derivatives, which are recorded in regulatory assets, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Derivative Assets | | $ | (1) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Derivative Liabilities | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 13 | | | $ | 6 | |
Certain foreign currency exchange contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. For the years ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a gain of $4 million, related to our foreign currency contracts not designated as hedging instruments, included in "Other income" in our consolidated statements of income.
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
The effect of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on OCI and income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended December 31, | | (Loss) Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (a) | | Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | | Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | | Total amount per Income Statement |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
2022 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | — | | | Interest expense | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 303 | |
Commodity contracts | | 2 | | | Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | (3) | | | 2,456 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2 | | | | | $ | 1 | | | |
2021 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | — | | | Interest expense | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 298 | |
Commodity contracts | | 2 | | | Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | (1) | | | 1,719 | |
Foreign currency exchange contracts | | (5) | | | | | — | | | |
Total | | $ | (3) | | | | | $ | 3 | | | |
2020 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | — | | | Interest expense | | $ | 4 | | | $ | 316 | |
Commodity contracts | | (1) | | | Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | 1 | | | 1,379 | |
Foreign currency exchange contracts | | 1 | | | | | — | | | |
Total | | $ | — | | | | | $ | 5 | | | |
(a)Changes in accumulated OCI are reported on a pre-tax basis.
On June 20, 2019, Networks entered into a forward contract to hedge the foreign currency exchange risk of approximately $100 million in forecasted capital expenditures through June 2023. The forward foreign currency contracts, which were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges, were settled in December 2021. The net loss of $5 million in accumulated OCI on the foreign exchange derivative will be reclassified into earnings over the useful life of the underlying capital expenditures.
The net loss in accumulated OCI related to previously settled forward starting swaps and accumulated amortization is $43 million and $47 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We recorded $4 million in net derivative losses related to discontinued cash flow hedges during each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We will amortize approximately $4 million of discontinued cash flow hedges in 2023.
(b) Renewables activities
Renewables sells fixed-price gas and power forwards to hedge our merchant wind assets from declining commodity prices for our Renewables business. Renewables also purchases fixed-price gas and basis swaps and sells fixed-price power in the forward market to hedge the spark spread or heat rate of our merchant thermal assets and enters into tolling arrangements to sell the output of its thermal generation facilities.
Renewables has proprietary trading operations that enter into fixed-price power and gas forwards in addition to basis swaps. The intent is to speculate on fixed-price commodity and basis volatility in the U.S. commodity markets.
Renewables will periodically designate derivative contracts as cash flow hedges for both its thermal and wind portfolios. The fair value changes are recorded in OCI. For thermal operations, Renewables will periodically designate both fixed price NYMEX gas contracts and natural gas basis swaps that hedge the fuel requirements of its Klamath Plant in Klamath, Oregon. Renewables will also designate fixed price power swaps at various locations in the U.S. market to hedge future power sales from its Klamath facility and various wind farms.
The net notional volumes of outstanding derivative instruments associated with Renewables' activities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(MWh/Dth in Millions) | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | 2 | | | 4 | |
Wholesale electricity sales contracts | | 7 | | | 10 | |
Natural gas and other fuel purchase contracts | | 15 | | | 20 | |
Financial power contracts | | 6 | | | 9 | |
Basis swaps - purchases | | 22 | | | 30 | |
| | | | |
The fair values of derivative contracts associated with Renewables' activities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | $ | 149 | | | $ | 36 | |
Wholesale electricity sales contracts | | (200) | | | (77) | |
Natural gas and other fuel purchase contracts | | 2 | | | 6 | |
Financial power contracts | | 8 | | | 35 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Total | | $ | (41) | | | $ | — | |
On May 27, 2021, Renewables entered into a forward interest rate swap, with a total notional amount of $935 million, to hedge the issuance of forecasted variable rate debt. The forward interest rate swap is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge. As part of the financial close of Vineyard Wind 1 described in Note 22, this hedge was novated to the lending institutions and the notional value changed to $956 million. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the fair value of the interest rate swap was $116 million and $(58) million, respectively, as a non-current asset and non-current liability. The gain or loss on the interest rate swap is reported as a component of accumulated OCI and will be reclassified into earnings in the period or periods during which the related interest expense on the debt is incurred.
The tables below present Renewables' derivative positions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, including those subject to master netting agreements and the location of the net derivative position on our consolidated balance sheets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | Current Assets | | Noncurrent Assets | | Current Liabilities | | Noncurrent Liabilities |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 121 | | | $ | 63 | | | $ | 79 | | | $ | 4 | |
Derivative liabilities | | (61) | | | (40) | | | (103) | | | (7) | |
| | 60 | | | 23 | | | (24) | | | (3) | |
Designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | — | | | 116 | | | — | | | 1 | |
Derivative liabilities | | — | | | — | | | (168) | | | (89) | |
| | — | | | 116 | | | (168) | | | (88) | |
Total derivatives before offset of cash collateral | | 60 | | | 139 | | | (192) | | | (91) | |
Cash collateral payable | | — | | | — | | | 105 | | | 54 | |
Total derivatives as presented in the balance sheet | | $ | 60 | | | $ | 139 | | | $ | (87) | | | $ | (37) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | Current Assets | | Noncurrent Assets | | Current Liabilities | | Noncurrent Liabilities |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Not designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | $ | 29 | | | $ | 70 | | | $ | 52 | | | $ | 9 | |
Derivative liabilities | | (11) | | | (14) | | | (65) | | | (11) | |
| | 18 | | | 56 | | | (13) | | | (2) | |
Designated as hedging instruments | | | | | | | | |
Derivative assets | | — | | | — | | | 5 | | | 6 | |
Derivative liabilities | | — | | | — | | | (67) | | | (142) | |
| | — | | | — | | | (62) | | | (136) | |
Total derivatives before offset of cash collateral | | 18 | | | 56 | | | (75) | | | (138) | |
Cash collateral (payable) receivable | | — | | | — | | | 27 | | | 57 | |
Total derivatives as presented in the balance sheet | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 56 | | | $ | (48) | | | $ | (81) | |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
The effects of trading and non-trading derivatives associated with Renewables' activities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
| | Trading | | Non-trading | | Total amount per income statement |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 6 | | | |
Wholesale electricity sales contracts | | 1 | | | (63) | | | |
Financial power contracts | | 1 | | | (52) | | | |
Financial and natural gas contracts | | 1 | | | (6) | | | |
Total loss included in operating revenues | | $ | 12 | | | $ | (115) | | | $ | 7,923 | |
| | | | | | |
Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | $ | — | | | $ | 98 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Financial and natural gas contracts | | — | | | 5 | | | |
Total gain included in purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | $ | — | | | $ | 103 | | | $ | 2,456 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Gain (Loss) | | $ | 12 | | | $ | (12) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2021 |
| | Trading | | Non-trading | | Total amount per income statement |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (1) | | | |
Wholesale electricity sales contracts | | (2) | | | (33) | | | |
Financial power contracts | | 4 | | | (42) | | | |
Financial and natural gas contracts | | (1) | | | (25) | | | |
Total (loss) gain included in operating revenues | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (101) | | | $ | 6,974 | |
| | | | | | |
Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | $ | — | | | $ | 32 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Financial and natural gas contracts | | — | | | 12 | | | |
Total gain included in purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | $ | — | | | $ | 44 | | | $ | 1,719 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Loss | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (57) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2020 |
| | Trading | | Non-trading | | Total amount per income statement |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Operating Revenues | | | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | $ | (1) | | | $ | — | | | |
Wholesale electricity sales contracts | | (1) | | | 6 | | | |
Financial power contracts | | 2 | | | — | | | |
Financial and natural gas contracts | | — | | | (13) | | | |
Total (loss) gain included in operating revenues | | $ | — | | | $ | (7) | | | $ | 6,320 | |
| | | | | | |
Purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | | | | | |
Wholesale electricity purchase contracts | | $ | — | | | $ | (4) | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Financial and natural gas contracts | | — | | | 6 | | | |
Total gain included in purchased power, natural gas and fuel used | | $ | — | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1,379 | |
| | | | | | |
Total (Loss) Gain | | $ | — | | | $ | (5) | | | |
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
The effect of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on accumulated OCI and income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (a) | | Location of Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | | Loss (Gain) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | | Total amount per Income Statement |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
2022 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | 116 | | | Interest Expense | | $ | — | | | $ | 303 | |
Commodity contracts | | $ | (178) | | | Operating revenues | | $ | 59 | | | $ | 7,923 | |
Total | | $ | (62) | | | | | $ | 59 | | | |
2021 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | (58) | | | Interest Expense | | $ | — | | | $ | 298 | |
Commodity contracts | | $ | (142) | | | Operating revenues | | $ | (3) | | | $ | 6,974 | |
| | $ | (200) | | | | | $ | (3) | | | |
2020 | | | | | | | | |
Commodity contracts | | $ | 1 | | | Operating revenues | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 6,320 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a)Changes in OCI are reported on a pre-tax basis.
Amounts are reclassified from accumulated OCI into income in the period during which the transaction being hedged affects earnings or when it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction being hedged would not occur. Notwithstanding future changes in prices, approximately $169 million of loss included in accumulated OCI at December 31, 2022 is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months. We recorded immaterial amounts of net derivative losses related to discontinued cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
(c) Corporate activities
AVANGRID uses financial derivative instruments from time to time to alter its fixed and floating rate debt balances or to hedge fixed rates in anticipation of future fixed rate issuances.
The net loss in accumulated OCI related to previously settled interest rate contracts is $38 million and $48 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We amortized into income $9 million, $9 million and $8 million of the loss related to the settled interest rate contracts for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We will amortize approximately $9 million of the net loss on the interest rate contracts during 2023.
The effect of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on accumulated OCI for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (a) | | Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | | Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | | Total amount per Income Statement |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
2022 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | — | | | Interest expense | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 303 | |
| | | | | | | | |
2021 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | — | | | Interest expense | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 298 | |
| | | | | | | | |
2020 | | | | | | | | |
Interest rate contracts | | $ | (27) | | | Interest expense | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 316 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(a)Changes in OCI are reported on a pre-tax basis. The amounts in accumulated OCI are being reclassified into earnings over the underlying debt maturity periods which end in 2025 and 2029.
On July 15, 2021, Corporate entered into an interest rate swap to hedge the fair value of $750 million of existing debt included in "Non-current debt" on our consolidated balance sheets. The interest rate swap is designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge. The change in the fair value of the interest rate swap and the offsetting change in the fair value of the underlying debt are reported as components of "Interest expense."
The effects on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair value of hedge | | Location of (Gain) Recognized in Income Statement | | Loss Recognized in Income Statement | Year to date total per Income Statement |
(Millions) | | As of December 31, 2022 | | | | Year Ended December 31, 2022 | | |
Current liabilities | | $ | (29) | | | Interest Expense | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 303 | |
Non-current liabilities | | $ | (86) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Cumulative effect on hedged debt | | | | | | |
Current debt | | $ | 29 | | | | | | | |
Non-current debt | | $ | 86 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair value of hedge | | Location of (Gain) Recognized in Income Statement | | (Gain) Recognized in Income Statement | Year to date total per Income Statement |
(Millions) | | As of December 31, 2021 | | | | Year Ended December 31, 2021 | | |
Current assets | | $ | — | | | Interest Expense | | $ | (3) | | | $ | 298 | |
Non-current liabilities | | $ | (19) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Cumulative effect on hedged debt | | | | | | |
Current debt | | $ | — | | | | | | | |
Non-current debt | | $ | 19 | | | | | | | |
(d) Counterparty credit risk management
NYSEG and RG&E face risks related to counterparty performance on hedging contracts due to counterparty credit default. We have developed a matrix of unsecured credit thresholds that are applicable based on the respective counterparty’s or the counterparty guarantor’s credit rating, as provided by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. When our exposure to risk for a counterparty exceeds the unsecured credit threshold, the counterparty is required to post additional collateral or we will no longer transact with the counterparty until the exposure drops below the unsecured credit threshold.
The wholesale power supply agreements of UI contain default provisions that include required performance assurance, including certain collateral obligations, in the event that UI’s credit ratings on senior debt were to fall below investment grade.
If such an event had occurred as of December 31, 2022, UI would have had to post an aggregate of approximately $37 million in collateral.
We have various master netting arrangements in the form of multiple contracts with various single counterparties that are subject to contractual agreements that provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment. Those arrangements reduce our exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default on or termination of any single contract. For financial statement presentation purposes, we offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. The amount of cash collateral under master netting arrangements that has not been offset against net derivative positions was $97 million and $67 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Derivative instruments settlements and collateral payments are included throughout the "Changes in operating assets and liabilities" section of operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain an investment grade credit rating on our debt from each of the major credit rating agencies. If our debt were to fall below investment grade, we would be in violation of those provisions and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit risk related contingent features that are in a liability position as of December 31, 2022 is $13 million, for which we have posted collateral.
Note 13. Leases
We have operating leases for office buildings, facilities, vehicles and certain equipment. Our finance leases are primarily related to electric generation and certain buildings, vehicles and equipment. Certain of our lease agreements include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation or are based on other periodic input measures. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 62 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 40 years, and some of which may include options to terminate. We consider extension or termination options in the lease term if it is reasonably certain we will exercise the option.
The components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the Year Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Lease cost | | | | | | |
Finance lease cost | | | | | | |
Amortization of right-of-use assets | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 17 | |
Interest on lease liabilities | | 3 | | | 3 | | | 4 | |
Total finance lease cost | | 15 | | | 11 | | | 21 | |
Operating lease cost | | 20 | | | 14 | | | 16 | |
Short-term lease cost | | 6 | | | 4 | | | 3 | |
Variable lease cost | | 3 | | | 4 | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Total lease cost | | $ | 44 | | | $ | 33 | | | $ | 40 | |
Balance sheet and other information as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions, except lease term and discount rate) | | | | |
Operating Leases | | | | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | | $ | 159 | | | $ | 148 | |
| | | | |
Operating lease liabilities, current | | 13 | | | 12 | |
Operating lease liabilities, long-term | | 161 | | | 149 | |
Total operating lease liabilities | | $ | 174 | | | $ | 161 | |
| | | | |
Finance Leases | | | | |
Other assets | | $ | 143 | | | $ | 156 | |
| | | | |
Other current liabilities | | 7 | | | 4 | |
Other non-current liabilities | | 80 | | | 91 | |
Total finance lease liabilities | | $ | 87 | | | $ | 95 | |
| | | | |
Weighted-average Remaining Lease Term (years) | | | | |
Finance leases | | 6.4 | | 7.3 |
Operating leases | | 16.9 | | 20.5 |
Weighted-average Discount Rate | | | | |
Finance leases | | 3.46 | % | | 3.49 | % |
Operating leases | | 3.69 | % | | 3.06 | % |
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the Year Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | | |
Operating cash flows from operating leases | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 13 | |
Operating cash flows from finance leases | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | |
Financing cash flows from finance leases | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 9 | |
| | | | | | |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | | | | | | |
Finance leases | | $ | (1) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 46 | |
Operating leases | | $ | 25 | | | $ | 10 | | | $ | 94 | |
As of December 31, 2022, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Finance Leases | | Operating Leases |
(Millions) | | | | |
Year ending December 31, | | | | |
2023 | | $ | 9 | | | $ | 16 | |
2024 | | 30 | | | 14 | |
2025 | | 8 | | | 14 | |
2026 | | 9 | | | 14 | |
2027 | | 10 | | | 16 | |
Thereafter | | 33 | | | 183 | |
Total lease payments | | 99 | | | 257 | |
Less: imputed interest | | (12) | | | (83) | |
Total | | $ | 87 | | | 174 | |
Renewables has a sale-leaseback arrangement (as a seller-lessee) on a solar generation facility. The finance lease liability outstanding (including the current portion thereof) was $41 million and $45 million at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. In 2013, Renewables sold the generation facility to a consortium of buyers (referred to as “Trusts”) and simultaneously entered into an agreement with the Trusts for the right to use the facility for up to 15 years with an early buyout option in year 10. During 2022, Renewables elected not to exercise the early buyout option and prospectively adjusted the accounting for the lease, which contains a buyout option at fair value at the end of the lease term. The gain on the sale of the generation facility was deferred and is being amortized to depreciation expense over the 25-year life of the facility.
Most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate in the lease; thus we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
Note 14. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
We are party to various legal disputes arising as part of our normal business activities. We assess our exposure to these matters and record estimated loss contingencies when a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. We do not provide for accrual of legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency.
Transmission - ROE Complaint – CMP and UI
On September 30, 2011, the Massachusetts Attorney General, DPU, PURA, New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission, Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, Vermont Department of Public Service, numerous New England consumer advocate agencies and transmission tariff customers collectively filed a joint complaint with the FERC, pursuant to sections 206 and 306 of the Federal Power Act: against several NETOs claiming that the approved base ROE of 11.14% used by NETOs in calculating formula rates for transmission service under the ISO-New England Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) was not just and reasonable and seeking a reduction of the base ROE with refunds to customers for the 15-month refund periods beginning October 1, 2011 (Complaint I), December 27, 2012 (Complaint II), July 31, 2014 (Complaint III) and April 29, 2016 (Complaint IV).
On October 16, 2014, the FERC issued its decision in Complaint I setting the base ROE at 10.57% and a maximum total ROE of 11.74% (base plus incentive ROEs) for the October 2011 – December 2012 period as well as prospectively from October 16, 2014. On March 3, 2015, the FERC upheld its decision and further clarified that the 11.74% ROE cap will be applied on a project specific basis and not on a transmission owner’s total average transmission return. The complaints were consolidated and the administrative law judge issued an initial decision on March 22, 2016. The initial decision determined that, (1) for the fifteen month refund period in Complaint II, the base ROE should be 9.59% and that the ROE Cap (base ROE plus incentive ROEs) should be 10.42% and (2) for the fifteen month refund period in Complaint III and prospectively, the base ROE should be 10.90% and that the ROE Cap should be 12.19%. The initial decision in Complaints II and III is the administrative law judge’s recommendation to the FERC Commissioners.
CMP and UI reserved for refunds for Complaints I, II and III consistent with the FERC’s March 3, 2015 decision in Complaint I. Refunds were provided to customers for Complaint I. The CMP and UI total reserve associated with Complaints II and III is $28 million and $8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022, which has not changed since December 31, 2021, except for the accrual of carrying costs. If adopted as final by the FERC, the impact of the initial decision by the FERC administrative law judge would be an additional aggregate reserve for Complaints II and III of $17 million, which is based upon currently available information for these proceedings.
Following various intermediate hearings, orders and appellate decisions, on October 16, 2018, the FERC issued an order directing briefs and proposing a new methodology to calculate the NETOs ROE that is contained in NETOs’ transmission formula rate on file at the FERC (the October 2018 Order).
Pursuant to the October 2018 Order, the NETOs filed initial briefs on the proposed methodology in all four Complaints on January 11, 2019 and replied to the initial briefs on March 8, 2019.
On November 21, 2019, the FERC issued rulings on two complaints challenging the base return on equity for Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO transmission owners. These rulings established a new zone of reasonableness based on equal weighting of the DCF and CAPM for establishing the base return on equity. This resulted in a base return on equity of 9.88% as the midpoint of the zone of reasonableness. Various parties have requested rehearing on this decision, which was granted. On May 21, 2020, FERC issued a ruling, which, among other things, adjusted the methodology to determine the MISO transmission owners’ ROE, resulting in an increase in ROE from 9.88% to 10.02% by utilizing the risk premium model, or RPM, in addition to the DCF model and CAPM under both prongs of Section 206 of the FPA, and calculated the zone of reasonableness into equal thirds rather than employing the quartile approach. Parties to these orders affecting the MISO transmission owners base ROE petitioned for their review at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in January 2021. The NETO’s submitted an amici curia brief in support of the MISO transmission owners’ on March 17, 2021. On August 9, 2022, the D.C. Circuit Court vacated FERC’s orders and remanded the matter back to FERC. The D.C. Circuit Court held that FERC failed to offer a reasoned explanation for its decision to reintroduce the RPM after initially, and forcefully, rejecting it and that because FERC adopted that significant portion of its model in an arbitrary and capricious fashion, the new ROE produced by that model cannot stand. We cannot predict the potential impact the MISO transmission owners' ROE proceeding may have in establishing a precedent for the NETO’s pending four Complaints.
On April 15, 2021, the FERC issued a supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Supplemental NOPR) that proposes to eliminate the 50 basis-point ROE incentive for utilities who join Regional Transmission Organizations after three years of membership. The NETOs submitted initial comments in opposition to the Supplemental NOPR on June 25, 2021 and reply comments on July 26, 2021. If the elimination of the 50 basis-point ROE incentive adder becomes final, we estimate we would have an approximately $3 million reduction in earnings per year. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.
California Energy Crisis Litigation
Two California agencies brought a complaint in 2001 against a long-term PPA entered into by Renewables, as seller, to the California Department of Water Resources, as purchaser, alleging that the terms and conditions of the PPA were unjust and unreasonable. The FERC dismissed Renewables from the proceedings; however, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the FERC's dismissal of Renewables from the proceeding.
Joining with two other parties, Renewables filed a petition for certiorari in the United States Supreme Court on May 3, 2007. In an order entered on June 27, 2008, the Supreme Court granted Renewables’ petition for certiorari, vacated the appellate court's judgment, and remanded the case to the appellate court for further consideration in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in a similar case. In light of the Supreme Court's order, on December 4, 2008, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated its prior opinion and remanded the complaint proceedings to the FERC for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's rulings. In 2014, the FERC assigned an administrative law judge to conduct evidentiary hearings. Following discovery, the FERC trial staff recommended that the complaint against Renewables be dismissed.
A hearing was held before a FERC administrative law judge in November and early December 2015. A preliminary proposed ruling by the administrative law judge was issued on April 12, 2016. The proposed ruling found no evidence that Renewables had engaged in any unlawful market conduct that would justify finding the Renewables PPAs unjust and unreasonable. However, the proposed ruling did conclude that the price of the PPAs imposed an excessive burden on customers in the amount of $259 million. Renewables position, as presented at hearings and agreed by the FERC trial staff, is that Renewables entered into bilateral power purchase contracts appropriately and complied with all applicable legal standards and requirements. The parties have submitted briefs on exceptions to the administrative law judge’s proposed ruling to the FERC. In April 2018, Renewables requested, based on the nearly two years of delay from the preliminary proposed ruling and the Supreme Court precedent, that the FERC issue a final decision expeditiously. On June 17, 2021, the FERC issued an Order Establishing Limited Remand remanding the case to the administrative law judge for additional detailed findings and legal analysis with respect to the impact of the conduct of one of the parties other than Renewables on their long-term contracts. The order did not address any of the other findings, including all of the findings with respect to Renewables, which remain pending. On July 9, 2021, Renewables filed a motion requesting that the FERC expeditiously issue a final decision with respect to the Renewables long-term contract rather than waiting for the administrative law judge’s ruling. On June 23, 2022, the administrative law judge issued additional findings and analysis to FERC with respect to the other party in the matter. These did not address any of the Renewables’ claims. The entire case has now been fully remanded to FERC. We cannot predict the outcome of this proceeding.
Customer Service Invoice Dispute
On May 4, 2021, a buyer under a virtual PPA with a subsidiary of Renewables provided notice that the buyer disagrees with the settlement amounts included in certain invoices. The PPA provides for a monthly settlement between the parties based on the metered output of the project based on a stated hub price. The disagreement relates as to the appropriate hub price to use for settlement calculations. The buyer has requested an adjustment to the invoices that would increase the amount payable by approximately $29 million. Renewables has responded in writing stating that the invoice was properly calculated in accordance with the provisions of the PPA. The parties are scheduled to mediate this matter in March 2023 in order to reach a potential resolution. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Power, Gas and Other Arrangements
Power and Gas Supply Arrangements – Networks
NYSEG and RG&E are the providers of last resort for customers. As a result, the companies buy physical energy and capacity from the NYISO. In accordance with the NYPSC's February 26, 2008 Order, NYSEG and RG&E are required to hedge on behalf of non-demand billed customers. The physical electric capacity purchases we make from parties other than the NYISO are to comply with the hedge requirement for electric capacity. The companies enter into financial swaps to comply with the hedge requirement for physical electric energy purchases. Other purchases, from some Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the New York Power Authority, are from contracts entered into many years ago when the companies made purchases under contract as part of their supply portfolio to meet their load requirement. More recent IPP purchases are required to comply with the companies’ Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) purchase obligation.
NYSEG, RG&E, SCG, CNG and BGC (collectively, the Regulated Gas Companies) satisfy their natural gas supply requirements through purchases from various producers and suppliers, withdrawals from natural gas storage, capacity contracts and winter peaking supplies and resources. The Regulated Gas Companies operate diverse portfolios of gas supply, firm transportation capacity, gas storage and peaking resources. Actual gas costs incurred by each of the Regulated Gas Companies are passed through to customers through state regulated purchased gas adjustment mechanisms, subject to regulatory review.
The Regulated Gas Companies purchase the majority of their natural gas supply at market prices under seasonal, monthly or mid-term supply contracts and the remainder is acquired on the spot market. The Regulated Gas Companies diversify their sources of supply by amount purchased and location and primarily acquire gas at various locations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico region, in the Appalachia region and in Canada.
The Regulated Gas Companies acquire firm transportation capacity on interstate pipelines under long-term contracts and utilize that capacity to transport both natural gas supply purchased and natural gas withdrawn from storage to the local distribution system.
The Regulated Gas Companies acquire firm underground natural gas storage capacity using long-term contracts and fill the storage facilities with gas in the summer months for subsequent withdrawal in the winter months.
Winter peaking resources are primarily attached to the local distribution systems and are either owned or are contracted for by the Regulated Gas Companies, each of which is a Local Distribution Company. Each Regulated Gas Company owns or has rights to the natural gas stored in an LNG facility directly attached to its distribution system.
Other arrangements include contractual obligations for property, plant and equipment, material and services on order but not yet delivered at December 31, 2022.
Power, Gas and Other Arrangements – Renewables
Gas purchase commitments consist of firm transport capacity to fuel the Klamath Cogen and Peaking gas generators. Power purchase commitments include the following: (i) long-term firm transmission agreements with fixed monthly capacity payments that allow the delivery of electricity from wind and thermal generation sources to various customers (ii) a 95.6 MW (average) three-year purchase of hydro capacity and energy to provide balancing services to the NW wind assets that has monthly fixed payments (beginning in 2022 and expiring in 2024) and (iii) a five-year purchase of 52 MW (average) hydro capacity and energy to provide balancing services to the NW wind assets that has monthly fixed payments (beginning in 2019 and expiring in 2023). Power sales commitments include: (i) winter capacity sale of 150 MW through 2042, (ii) fixed price, fixed volume hydro energy sales through 2024, (iii) fixed price, fixed volume power sales off the Klamath Cogen facility, (iv) a seasonal tolling arrangement off the Klamath peaking facility with fixed capacity charges through 2024; (v) fixed price, fixed volume renewable energy credit sales off merchant wind facilities, (vi) sales of merchant wind farm capacity to various ISOs and (vii) sales of ancillary services (e.g., regulation and frequency response, generator imbalance, etc.) to third parties from Renewables’ Balancing Authority.
In June 2020, Renewables entered into a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement related to two of its projects with Torrance County, New Mexico. The agreement requires PILOT payments to Torrance County through 2049. The total amount of PILOT payments related to the two projects in 2022 was $1 million.
Renewables also has easement contracts which are included in the table below.
Forward purchases and sales commitments under power, gas and other arrangements as of December 31, 2022 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year | | | | | | | | Purchases | | | | | | Sales |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | (Millions) |
2023 | | | | | | | | $ | 1,066 | | | | | | | $ | 321 | |
2024 | | | | | | | | 200 | | | | | | | 137 | |
2025 | | | | | | | | 112 | | | | | | | 43 | |
2026 | | | | | | | | 86 | | | | | | | 28 | |
2027 | | | | | | | | 66 | | | | | | | 22 | |
Thereafter | | | | | | | | 993 | | | | | | | 61 | |
Totals | | | | | | | | $ | 2,523 | | | | | | | $ | 612 | |
Guarantee Commitments to Third Parties
As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately $707 million of standby letters of credit, surety bonds, guarantees and indemnifications outstanding. We also provided a guaranty related to Renewables' commitment to contribute equity to Vineyard Wind as described in Note 22, which is in addition to the amounts above. These instruments provide financial assurance to the business and trading partners of AVANGRID, its subsidiaries and equity method investees in their normal course of business. The instruments only represent liabilities if AVANGRID or its subsidiaries fail to deliver on contractual obligations. We therefore believe it is unlikely that any material liabilities associated with these instruments will be incurred and, accordingly, as of December 31, 2022, neither we nor our subsidiaries have any liabilities recorded for these instruments.
NECEC Commitments
On January 4, 2021, CMP transferred the NECEC project to NECEC Transmission LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Networks. Among other things, NECEC Transmission LLC and/or CMP committed to approximately $90 million of future payments to support various programs in the state of Maine, of which approximately $9 million was paid through the end of 2021. In December 2021 the remaining future payments were suspended following the halt in construction of the NECEC project.
Note 15. Environmental Liabilities
Environmental laws, regulations and compliance programs may occasionally require changes in our operations and facilities and may increase the cost of electric and natural gas service. We do not provide for accruals of legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies.
Waste sites
The Environmental Protection Agency and various state environmental agencies, as appropriate, have notified us that we are among the potentially responsible parties that may be liable for costs incurred to remediate certain hazardous substances at twenty-four waste sites, which do not include sites where gas was manufactured in the past. Sixteen of the twenty-four sites are included in the New York State Registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites; four sites are included in Maine’s Uncontrolled Sites Program; zero site is included in the Brownfield Cleanup Program and one site is included on the Massachusetts Non-Priority Confirmed Disposal Site list. The remaining sites are not included in any registry list. Finally, six of the twenty-four sites are also included on the National Priorities list. Any liability may be joint and several for certain sites.
We have recorded an estimated liability of $7 million related to seven of the twenty-four sites. We have paid remediation costs related to the remaining seventeen sites and do not expect to incur additional liabilities. Additionally, we have recorded an estimated liability of $9 million related to another twelve sites where we believe it is probable that we will incur remediation and/or monitoring costs, although we have not been notified that we are among the potentially responsible parties or that we are regulated under State Resource Conservation and Recovery Act programs. It is possible the ultimate cost to remediate these sites may be significantly more than the accrued amount. As of December 31, 2022, our estimate for costs to remediate these sites ranges from $15 million to $22 million. Factors affecting the estimated remediation amount include the remedial action plan selected, the extent of site contamination and the allocation of the clean-up costs.
Manufactured Gas Plants
We have a program to investigate and perform necessary remediation at our fifty-three sites where gas was manufactured in the past (Manufactured Gas Plants, or MGPs). Six sites are included in the New York State Registry and one site is included in Maine’s Uncontrolled Sites Program. The remaining sites are not included in any registry list. We have entered into consent orders with various environmental agencies to investigate and, where necessary, remediate forty-one of the fifty-three sites.
As of December 31, 2022, our estimate for all costs related to investigation and remediation of the fifty-three sites ranges from $160 million to $260 million. Our estimate could change materially based on facts and circumstances derived from site investigations, changes in required remedial actions, changes in technology relating to remedial alternatives and changes to current laws and regulations.
Certain of our Connecticut and Massachusetts regulated gas companies own or have previously owned properties where MGPs had historically operated. MGP operations have led to contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum hydrocarbons, benzene and metals, among other things, at these properties, the regulation and cleanup of which is regulated by the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act as well as other federal and state statutes and regulations. Each of the companies has or had an ownership interest in one or more such properties contaminated as a result of MGP-related activities. Under the existing regulations, the cleanup of such sites requires state and at times, federal, regulators’ involvement and approval before cleanup can commence. In certain cases, such contamination has been evaluated, characterized and remediated. In other cases, the sites have been evaluated and characterized, but not yet remediated. Finally, at some of these sites, the scope of the contamination has not yet been fully characterized; as of December 31, 2022, no liability was recorded related to these sites and no amount of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated at this time. In the past, the companies have received approval for the recovery of MGP-related remediation expenses from customers through rates and will seek recovery in rates for ongoing MGP-related remediation expenses for all of their MGP sites.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the liability associated with our MGP sites in Connecticut was $112 million and $113 million, respectively, the remediation costs of which could be significant and will be subject to a review by PURA as to whether these costs are recoverable in rates.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our total recorded liability to investigate and perform remediation at all known inactive MGP sites discussed above and other sites was $289 million and $303 million, respectively. We recorded a corresponding regulatory asset, net of insurance recoveries and the amount collected from FirstEnergy, as described below, because we expect to recover the net costs in rates. Our environmental liability accruals are recorded on an undiscounted basis and are expected to be paid through the year 2138.
FirstEnergy
NYSEG and RG&E each sued FirstEnergy under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to recover environmental cleanup costs at certain former MGP sites, which are included in the discussion above. In 2011, the District Court issued a decision and order in NYSEG’s favor, which was upheld on appeal, requiring FirstEnergy to pay NYSEG for past and future clean-up costs at the sixteen sites in dispute. In 2008, the District Court issued a decision and order in RG&E's favor requiring FirstEnergy to pay RG&E for past and future clean-up costs at the two MGP sites in dispute. FirstEnergy remains liable for a substantial share of clean up expenses at the MGP sites. Based on projections as of December 31, 2022, FirstEnergy’s share of clean-up costs owed to NYSEG & RG&E is estimated at approximately $10 million and $7 million, respectively. These amounts are being treated as contingent assets and have not been recorded as either a receivable or a decrease to the environmental provision. Any recovery will be flowed through to NYSEG and RG&E customers, as applicable.
English Station
In January 2012, Evergreen Power, LLC (Evergreen Power) and Asnat Realty LLC (Asnat), then owners of a former generation site on the Mill River in New Haven (English Station) that UI sold to Quinnipiac Energy in 2000, filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Connecticut related to environmental remediation at the English Station site. This proceeding was stayed in 2014 pending resolutions of other proceedings before the DEEP concerning the English Station site. In December 2016, the court administratively closed the file without prejudice to reopen upon the filing of a motion to reopen by any party. This claim was dismissed with prejudice in April 2022 in connection with the settlement agreement between the parties on the below-referenced state claim.
In December 2013, Evergreen Power and Asnat filed a subsequent lawsuit related to the English Station site. On April 16, 2018, the plaintiffs filed a revised complaint alleging fraud and unjust enrichment against UIL and UI and adding former UIL officers as named defendants alleging fraud. On February 21, 2019, the court granted our Motion to Strike with respect to all counts except for the count against UI for unjust enrichment. The counts stricken include all counts against the individual defendants
as well as against UIL. The plaintiffs appealed the court's decision to strike, which decision the Appeals Court affirmed on May 4, 2021. The plaintiffs filed a petition to appeal to the Connecticut Supreme Court, which was denied, leaving only the claim against UI for unjust enrichment. In April 2022, UI entered into a settlement agreement with Evergreen Power and Asnat settling the remaining claim and the lawsuit was withdrawn.
On April 8, 2013, DEEP issued an administrative order addressed to UI, Evergreen Power, Asnat and others, ordering the parties to take certain actions related to investigating and remediating the English Station site. This proceeding was stayed while DEEP and UI continue to work through the remediation process pursuant to the consent order described below. Status reports are periodically filed with DEEP.
On August 4, 2016, DEEP issued a partial consent order (the consent order), that, subject to its terms and conditions, requires UI to investigate and remediate certain environmental conditions within the perimeter of the English Station site. Under the consent order, to the extent that the cost of this investigation and remediation is less than $30 million, UI will remit to the State of Connecticut the difference between such cost and $30 million to be used for a public purpose as determined in the discretion of the Governor of the State of Connecticut, the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut and the Commissioner of DEEP. UI is obligated to comply with the terms of the consent order even if the cost of such compliance exceeds $30 million. Under the terms of the consent order, the state will discuss options with UI on recovering or funding any cost above $30 million such as through public funding or recovery from third parties; however, it is not bound to agree to or support any means of recovery or funding. UI has continued its process to investigate and remediate the environmental conditions within the perimeter of the English Station site pursuant to the consent order.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the amount reserved related to English Station was $19 million and $22 million, respectively. Since inception, we have recorded $35 million to the reserve which has been offset with cash payments over time. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Note 16. Income Taxes
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ("IRA") was signed into law in the United States. The IRA created a new corporate alternative minimum tax ("CAMT") of 15% on adjusted financial statement income and an excise tax of 1% on the value of certain stock repurchases. The IRA also contains a number of additional provisions related to tax incentives for investments in renewable energy production, carbon capture, and other climate actions. The CAMT and other various provisions of the IRA will be effective for periods beginning after December 31, 2022. Based on initial guidance, the Company currently expects to be subject to the CAMT starting in 2023 but does not expect it to have a material impact on our earnings, financial condition, or cash flow as the Company can utilize tax attributes to reduce the overall cash tax impact. Given the complexity and uncertainty around the applicability of the legislation to our specific facts and circumstances, we continue to analyze the IRA provisions while waiting on pending Department of Treasury regulatory guidance.
Since early 2020, and in response to regulatory orders received in most but not all of our operating jurisdictions, we began returning to customers both protected and unprotected excess accumulated deferred income tax (ADIT) from the 2017 Tax Act. Such amounts are subject to the terms of those orders while meeting the requirements of normalization for both ARAM and RSG methodologies.
Current and deferred taxes charged to expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Current | | | | | | |
Federal | | $ | — | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 3 | |
State | | 2 | | | 4 | | | 9 | |
Current taxes charged to expense | | 2 | | | 10 | | | 12 | |
Deferred | | | | | | |
Federal | | 67 | | | 49 | | | 67 | |
State | | 49 | | | 72 | | | 38 | |
Deferred taxes charged to expense | | 116 | | | 121 | | | 105 | |
Production tax credits | | (97) | | | (109) | | | (87) | |
Investment tax credits | | (1) | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
Total Income Tax Expense | | $ | 20 | | | $ | 21 | | | $ | 29 | |
The differences between tax expense per the statements of income and tax expense at the 21% statutory federal tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Tax expense at federal statutory rate | | $ | 176 | | | $ | 140 | | | $ | 119 | |
Depreciation and amortization not normalized | | (20) | | | (19) | | | (13) | |
Investment tax credit amortization | | (1) | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
Tax return related adjustments | | 2 | | | — | | | 1 | |
Production tax credits | | (97) | | | (109) | | | (87) | |
Tax equity financing arrangements | | 13 | | | 14 | | | 1 | |
State tax expense, net of federal benefit | | 40 | | | 61 | | | 37 | |
Excess ADIT amortization | | (66) | | | (65) | | | (42) | |
Valuation allowance | | (35) | | | 21 | | | 12 | |
Other, net | | 8 | | | (21) | | | 2 | |
Total Income Tax Expense | | $ | 20 | | | $ | 21 | | | $ | 29 | |
Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities (Assets) | | | | |
Property related | | $ | 4,504 | | | $ | 4,257 | |
Unfunded future income taxes | | 129 | | | 104 | |
Federal and state tax credits | | (942) | | | (844) | |
| | | | |
Federal and state NOL’s | | (1,086) | | | (998) | |
Joint ventures/partnerships | | 210 | | | 188 | |
Nontaxable grant revenue | | (270) | | | (292) | |
Pension and other post-retirement benefits | | (11) | | | 1 | |
Tax Act - tax on regulatory remeasurement | | (328) | | | (352) | |
Valuation allowance | | 87 | | | 110 | |
Other | | (80) | | | (158) | |
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | | $ | 2,213 | | | $ | 2,016 | |
| | | | |
Deferred tax assets | | $ | 2,717 | | | $ | 2,644 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | 4,930 | | | 4,660 | |
Net Accumulated Deferred Income Tax Liabilities | | $ | 2,213 | | | $ | 2,016 | |
As of December 31, 2022, we had gross federal tax net operating losses of $3.9 billion, federal PTCs and ITCs, federal R&D tax credits and other federal credits of $924 million, state tax effected net operating losses of $346 million in several jurisdictions and miscellaneous state tax credits of $147 million available to carry forward and reduce future income tax liabilities. The federal net operating losses begin to expire in 2028, while the federal tax credits begin to expire in 2023. The more significant state net operating losses begin to expire in 2024.
Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a tax benefit will not be realized. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $87 million and $110 million, respectively. The $23 million change includes a $37 million decrease related to federal tax credit carryforwards, a $12 million increase related to state net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards and a $2 million increase related to federal net operating losses. The $87 million balance as of December 31, 2022 includes federal net operating loss and tax credit carryforward valuation allowance of $3 million and state net operating loss and state tax credit carryforward valuation allowance of $84 million.
The reconciliation of unrecognized income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Beginning Balance | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 148 | |
Increases for tax positions related to prior years | | 2 | | | 3 | | | 11 | |
Increases for tax positions related to current year | | 2 | | | — | | | — | |
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years | | (4) | | | (3) | | | (32) | |
| | | | | | |
Ending Balance | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 127 | | | $ | 127 | |
Unrecognized income tax benefits represent income tax positions taken on income tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes provides that the financial effects of a tax position shall initially be recognized when it is more likely than not based on the technical merits the position will be sustained upon examination, assuming the position will be audited and the taxing authority has full knowledge of all relevant information.
Accruals for interest and penalties on tax reserves were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. If recognized, $107 million of the total gross unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate.
It is estimated that no unrecognized tax benefits are anticipated to result in a net increase or decrease within 12 months of December 31, 2022.
AVANGRID and its subsidiaries, without ARHI, have been audited for the federal tax years 1998 through 2009. The results of these audits, net of reserves already provided, were immaterial. Tax years 2010 and forward are open for potential federal adjustments. All New York state returns, which were filed without ARHI, are closed through 2011 and Maine state returns are closed through 2015.
All federal tax returns filed by ARHI from the periods ended March 31, 2004, to December 31, 2009, are closed for adjustment. All New York combined state returns are closed for adjustment through 2011. Generally, the adjustment period for the individual states we filed in is at least as long as the federal period.
As of December 31, 2022, UIL is subject to audit of its federal tax return for years 2014 through its short period 2015. UIL's short period ending in 2015 is open and subject to Connecticut audit.
Note 17. Post-retirement and Similar Obligations
AVANGRID and its subsidiaries sponsor a number of retirement benefit plans. The plans include qualified defined benefit pension plans, supplemental non-qualified pension plans, defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefit plans for eligible employees and retirees. Eligibility and benefits vary depending on each plan's design. For example, certain benefits are based on years of service and final average compensation while others may use a cash balance formula that calculates benefits using a percentage of annual compensation.
Qualified Retirement Benefit Plans
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our obligations and funded status consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Change in benefit obligation | | | | | | | | |
Benefit Obligation as of January 1, | | $ | 3,487 | | | $ | 3,819 | | | $ | 408 | | | $ | 452 | |
Service cost | | 27 | | | 40 | | | 2 | | | 3 | |
Interest cost | | 111 | | | 87 | | | 10 | | | 10 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Plan amendments | | 1 | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | |
Actuarial loss (gain) | | (716) | | | (184) | | | (103) | | | (23) | |
Curtailments/Settlements | | (274) | | | (38) | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Benefits paid | | (184) | | | (239) | | | (33) | | | (34) | |
| | | | | | | | |
Benefit Obligation as of December 31, | | 2,452 | | | 3,487 | | | 284 | | | 408 | |
Change in plan assets | | | | | | | | |
Fair Value of Plan Assets as of January 1, | | 3,079 | | | 3,092 | | | 127 | | | 167 | |
Actual return on plan assets | | (584) | | | 237 | | | (22) | | | 15 | |
Employer contributions | | 22 | | | 27 | | | 17 | | | 12 | |
Settlements | | (182) | | | (38) | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Benefits paid | | (184) | | | (239) | | | (33) | | | (67) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Fair Value of Plan Assets as of December 31, | | 2,151 | | | 3,079 | | | 89 | | | 127 | |
Funded Status as of December 31, | | $ | (301) | | | $ | (408) | | | $ | (195) | | | $ | (281) | |
During 2022, the pension and postretirement benefit obligations had actuarial gains of, respectively, $716 million and $103 million, primarily due to gains from discount rate increases of $644 million and $70 million, respectively. The pension benefit obligation had a reduction of $274 million from settlements ($182 million) and curtailments ($92 million). The settlements were lump-sum payments made within the pension plan guidelines at the discretion of the plan participants who opted to retire. The curtailments were driven by a Company decision to freeze pension benefit accruals and contribution credits for Networks non-union employees and transition their retirement benefits to a 401(k) plan.
During 2021, the pension benefit obligation had an actuarial gain of $184 million, primarily due to a $205 million gain from increases in discount rates. There were no significant gains or losses relating to the postretirement benefit obligations in 2021.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, funded status amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (5) | | | $ | (5) | |
Non-current liabilities | | (301) | | | (408) | | | (190) | | | (276) | |
Total | | $ | (301) | | | $ | (408) | | | $ | (195) | | | $ | (281) | |
We have determined that Networks’ regulated operating companies are allowed to defer as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities items that would have otherwise been recorded in accumulated OCI pursuant to the accounting requirements concerning defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.
Amounts recognized as a component of regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities for Networks for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Net loss (gain) | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 271 | | | $ | (91) | | | $ | (18) | |
Prior service cost (credit) | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 10 | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | (1) | |
Amounts recognized in OCI for ARHI for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Net loss (gain) | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | (6) | | | $ | (5) | |
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the projected benefit obligation (PBO) exceeded the fair value of pension plan assets for all qualified plans. The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) exceeded the fair value of pension plan assets for all of our qualified plans, as of December 31, 2022, and for all but one plan, as of December 31, 2021. The aggregate PBO and ABO and the fair value of plan assets for our underfunded qualified plans consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | PBO in excess of plan assets |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Projected benefit obligation | | $ | 2,452 | | | $ | 3,487 | |
Fair value of plan assets | | $ | 2,151 | | | $ | 3,079 | |
| | | | |
| | ABO in excess of plan assets |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Accumulated benefit obligation | | $ | 2,429 | | | $ | 1,790 | |
Fair value of plan assets | | $ | 2,151 | | | $ | 1,536 | |
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the accumulated postretirement benefits obligation for all qualified plans exceeded the fair value of plan assets.
Components of Networks’ net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in income and regulatory assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
For the years ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Periodic Benefit Cost: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 26 | | | $ | 39 | | | $ | 46 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | |
Interest cost | | 109 | | | 86 | | | 106 | | | 10 | | | 10 | | | 13 | |
Expected return on plan assets | | (162) | | | (199) | | | (198) | | | (6) | | | (7) | | | (8) | |
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit) | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 1 | | | (1) | | | (5) | | | (9) | |
Amortization of net loss | | 49 | | | 115 | | | 124 | | | (4) | | | 2 | | | 2 | |
Settlement charge | | 17 | | | 6 | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
Curtailment charge | | (32) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | | 8 | | | 49 | | | 79 | | | 1 | | | 3 | | | 1 | |
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Curtailments | | (59) | | | — | | | (18) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Settlement charge | | (17) | | | (6) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net loss (gain) | | 33 | | | (218) | | | 46 | | | (75) | | | (31) | | | 11 | |
Amortization of net loss | | (49) | | | (115) | | | (124) | | | 4 | | | (2) | | | (2) | |
Current year prior service cost (credit) | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 7 | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | |
Amortization of prior service (cost) benefit | | (1) | | | (2) | | | (1) | | | 1 | | | 5 | | | 9 | |
Total Other Changes | | (92) | | | (339) | | | (90) | | | (70) | | | (27) | | | 18 | |
Total Recognized | | $ | (84) | | | $ | (290) | | | $ | (11) | | | $ | (69) | | | $ | (24) | | | $ | 19 | |
Components of ARHI’s net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in income and OCI for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
For the years ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net Periodic Benefit Cost: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Service cost | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Interest cost | | 2 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Expected return on plan assets | | (2) | | | (2) | | | (2) | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Amortization of net loss (gain) | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 2 | | | (1) | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
Settlement/Curtailment charge | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | | 3 | | | 3 | | | 3 | | | (1) | | | (1) | | | (1) | |
Other Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Settlement charge | | (1) | | | (1) | | | — | | | (1) | | | (1) | | | — | |
Net loss (gain) | | (1) | | | (3) | | | 1 | | | (1) | | | 1 | | | — | |
Amortization of net (loss) gain | | (1) | | | (2) | | | (2) | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Amortization of prior service cost | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Total Other Changes | | (3) | | | (6) | | | (1) | | | (1) | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Total Recognized | | $ | — | | | $ | (3) | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (2) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
The net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefits represents the amount expensed for providing health care benefits to retirees and their eligible dependents. We include the service cost component in other operating expenses net of capitalized portion and include the components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component in other expense.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine our benefit obligations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
Discount rate | | 5.18 | % | | 2.85 | % | | 5.12 | % | | 2.66 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | 2.99 | % | | 3.53 | % | | 3.00 | % | | 3.50 | % |
Interest crediting rate | | 2.87 | % | | 2.87 | % | | N/A | | N/A |
The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could presently be effectively settled. We determined the discount rates by developing yield curves derived from a portfolio of high grade noncallable bonds with yields that closely match the duration of the expected cash flows of our benefit obligations.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine our net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
Discount rate | | 2.85 | % | | 2.34 | % | | 3.01 | % | | 2.66 | % | | 2.19 | % | | 2.99 | % |
Expected long-term return on plan assets | | 6.33 | % | | 7.30 | % | | 7.30 | % | | 4.66 | % | | 4.05 | % | | 5.09 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | 3.53 | % | | 3.52 | % | | 3.66 | % | | 3.50 | % | | 3.50 | % | | 3.48 | % |
We developed our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption based on a review of long-term historical returns for the major asset classes, the target asset allocations, and the effect of rebalancing of plan assets discussed below. Our analysis considered current capital market conditions and projected conditions. NYSEG, RG&E and UIL amortize unrecognized actuarial gains and losses over ten years from the time they are incurred as required by the NYPSC, PURA and DPU. Our other companies use the standard amortization methodology under which amounts in excess of ten-percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or market related value are amortized over the plan participants’ average remaining service to retirement.
Assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year | | 5.00%/6.50% | | 5.00%/7.00% |
Rate to which cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate) | | 4.50% | | 4.50% |
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate | | 2029 / 2025 | | 2029 / 2025 |
Contributions
We make annual contributions in accordance with our funding policy of not less than the minimum amounts as required by applicable regulations. We expect to contribute $0 and $9 million, respectively, to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans during 2023.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
Expected benefit payments as of December 31, 2022 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Millions) | | Pension Benefits | | Postretirement Benefits | | |
2023 | | $ | 233 | | | $ | 28 | | | |
2024 | | $ | 218 | | | $ | 27 | | | |
2025 | | $ | 215 | | | $ | 26 | | | |
2026 | | $ | 211 | | | $ | 25 | | | |
2027 | | $ | 206 | | | $ | 24 | | | |
2028 - 2032 | | $ | 938 | | | $ | 108 | | | |
Non-Qualified Retirement Benefit Plans
We also sponsor various unfunded pension plans for certain current employees, former employees and former directors. The total liability for these plans, which is included in Other current and Other non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, was $44 million and $63 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Plan Assets
Our pension plan assets are consolidated in one master trust. A consolidated master trust provides for a uniform investment manager lineup and an efficient, cost effective means of allocating income and expenses to each plan. Our primary investment objective is to have a diversified asset allocation policy that mitigates risk and volatility while meeting or exceeding our projected expected return to ensure that current and future benefit obligations are adequately funded. Further diversification and risk mitigation is achieved within each asset class by avoiding significant concentrations in certain markets, utilizing a combination or passive and active investment managers with unique skill and expertise, a systematic allocation to various asset classes and providing broad exposure to different segments of the equity, fixed income and alternative investment markets.
Networks and ARHI have established target asset allocation policies with allowable ranges for their pension plan assets within broad categories of asset classes made up of Return-Seeking investments and Liability-Hedging/Fixed Income investments. In 2020, a streamlined investment policy was implemented, which aligned target allocations to the estimated funded status of each specific plan. Return-Seeking assets range from 25%-60% and Liability-Hedging assets range from 40%-75%. Return-Seeking assets include investments in domestic, international and emerging equity, real estate, global asset allocation strategies and hedge funds. Liability-Hedging investments generally consist of long-term corporate bonds, annuity contracts, long-term treasury STRIPS and opportunistic fixed income investments. Systematic rebalancing within the target ranges increases the probability that the annualized return on the investments will be enhanced, while realizing lower overall risk, should any asset categories drift outside their specified ranges.
The fair values of pension plan assets, by asset category, as of December 31, 2022, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | | | Fair Value Measurements |
(Millions) | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Asset Category | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 51 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 51 | | | $ | — | |
U.S. government securities | | 252 | | | 252 | | | — | | | — | |
Common stocks | | 57 | | | 57 | | | — | | | — | |
Registered investment companies | | 104 | | | 104 | | | — | | | — | |
Corporate bonds | | 708 | | | — | | | 708 | | | — | |
Preferred stocks | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
Common collective trusts | | 472 | | | — | | | 472 | | | — | |
Other, principally annuity, fixed income | | 33 | | | — | | | 33 | | | — | |
| | $ | 1,678 | | | $ | 414 | | | $ | 1,264 | | | $ | — | |
Other investments measured at net asset value | | 473 | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 2,151 | | | | | | | |
The fair values of pension plan assets, by asset category, as of December 31, 2021, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | | | Fair Value Measurements |
(Millions) | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Asset Category | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 69 | | | $ | 20 | | | $ | 49 | | | $ | — | |
U.S. government securities | | 298 | | | 298 | | | — | | | — | |
Common stocks | | 138 | | | 138 | | | — | | | — | |
Registered investment companies | | 276 | | | 276 | | | — | | | — | |
Corporate bonds | | 837 | | | — | | | 837 | | | — | |
Preferred stocks | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
Common collective trusts | | 862 | | | — | | | 862 | | | — | |
Other, principally annuity, fixed income | | 51 | | | — | | | 51 | | | — | |
| | $ | 2,532 | | | $ | 733 | | | $ | 1,799 | | | $ | — | |
Other investments measured at net asset value | | 547 | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 3,079 | | | | | | | |
Valuation Techniques
We value our pension plan assets as follows:
•Cash and cash equivalents – Level 1: at cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Level 2: proprietary cash associated with other investments, based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•U.S. government securities – at the closing price reported in the active market in which the security is traded.
•Common stocks – at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual investment is traded.
•Corporate bonds – based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•Preferred stocks – at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual investment is traded.
•Common collective trusts/Registered investment companies – Level 1: at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual investment is traded. Level 2: the fair value is primarily derived from the quoted prices in active markets of the underlying securities. Because the fund shares are offered to a limited group of investors, they are not considered to be traded in an active market.
•Other investments, principally annuity and fixed income – based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•Other investments measured at net asset value (NAV) – fund shares offered to a limited group of investors and alternative investments, such as private equity and real estate oriented investments, partnership/joint ventures and hedge funds are valued using the NAV as a practical expedient.
Our postretirement plan assets are consolidated with one trustee in multiple voluntary employees’ beneficiary association (VEBA) and 401(h) arrangements. The assets are invested in various asset classes to achieve sufficient diversification and mitigate risk. This is achieved for our VEBA assets by utilizing multiple institutional mutual and money market funds, which provide exposure to different segments of the securities markets. The 401(h) assets are invested alongside the Pension assets they are tied to and share the same asset allocation policy. Approximately 58% of the postretirement benefits plan assets are invested in VEBA and 401(h) arrangements that are not subject to income taxes with the remainder being invested in arrangements subject to income taxes.
In 2020, a streamlined investment policy was implemented for Networks and ARHI that aligned target allocations. Equities range from 49%-69% and Fixed Income assets range from 31-51%. Equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, investment styles, and market capitalization ranges. Fixed Income investments are primarily invested in U.S. bonds and may also include some non-U.S. bonds. We primarily minimize the risk of large losses through diversification, but also through monitoring and managing other aspects of risk through quarterly investment portfolio reviews. Systematic rebalancing within target ranges increases the probability of increasing the projected expected return, while mitigating risk, should any asset categories drift outside their specified ranges.
The fair values of other postretirement plan assets, by asset category, as of December 31, 2022 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | | | Fair Value Measurements |
(Millions) | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Asset Category | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 2 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | — | |
U.S. government securities | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Registered investment companies | | 69 | | | 69 | | | — | | | — | |
Corporate bonds | | 3 | | | — | | | 3 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Common collective trusts | | 4 | | | — | | | 4 | | | — | |
Other, principally annuity, fixed income | | 8 | | | — | | | 8 | | | — | |
| | $ | 87 | | | $ | 70 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | — | |
Other investments measured at net asset value | | 2 | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 89 | | | | | | | |
The fair values of other postretirement plan assets, by asset category, as of December 31, 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | | | Fair Value Measurements |
(Millions) | | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 |
Asset Category | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 5 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | — | |
U.S. government securities | | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Registered investment companies | | 101 | | | 101 | | | — | | | — | |
Corporate bonds | | 3 | | | — | | | 3 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Common collective trusts | | 5 | | | — | | | 5 | | | — | |
Other, principally annuity, fixed income | | 9 | | | — | | | 9 | | | — | |
| | $ | 125 | | | $ | 103 | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | — | |
Other investments measured at net asset value | | 2 | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 127 | | | | | | | |
Valuation Techniques
We value our postretirement plan assets as follows:
•Cash and cash equivalents – Level 1: at cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value. Level 2: proprietary cash associated with other investments, based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•U.S. government securities – at the closing price reported in the active market in which the security is traded.
•Common stocks and registered investment companies – at the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual investment is traded.
•Corporate bonds – based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•Common collective trusts – the fair value is primarily derived from the quoted prices in active markets of the underlying securities. Because the fund shares are offered to a limited group of investors, they are not considered to be traded in an active market.
•Other investments, principally annuity and fixed income – based on yields currently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.
•Other investments measured at net asset value (NAV) – fund shares offered to a limited group of investors and alternative investments, such as private equity and real estate oriented investments, partnership/joint ventures and hedge funds are valued using the NAV as a practical expedient.
Pension and postretirement benefit plan equity securities did not include any Iberdrola common stock as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Defined contribution plans
We also have defined contribution plans, defined as 401(k)s, for all eligible AVANGRID employees. There are various match formulas depending on years of service, age and pension plan closure/freeze date. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the annual contributions we made to these plans was $68 million, $58 million and $49 million, respectively.
Note 18. Equity
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had 108,188 and 112,543 shares of common stock held in trust, respectively, and no convertible preferred shares outstanding. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we issued 56,127 and 77,883,713 shares of common stock, respectively, and released 4,355 and 301,239 shares of common stock held in trust, respectively, each having a par value of $0.01. See Note 1 for information on our May 2021 equity issuance.
We maintain a repurchase agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC. (JPM), pursuant to which JPM will, from time to time, acquire, on behalf of AVANGRID, shares of common stock of AVANGRID. The purpose of the stock repurchase program is to allow AVANGRID to maintain Iberdrola's relative ownership percentage of approximately 81.5%. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time upon notice. In 2022, there were no repurchases pursuant to the stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2022, a total of 997,983 shares have been repurchased in the open market, all of which are included as AVANGRID treasury shares. As of December 31, 2022, the total cost of all repurchases, including commissions, was $47 million.
Accumulated OCI (Loss)
Accumulated OCI (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | As of December 31, 2019 | | 2020 Change | | As of December 31, 2020 | | 2021 Change | | As of December 31, 2021 | | 2022 Change | | As of December 31, 2022 |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss (gain) for defined benefit plans, net of income tax expense of $0 for 2020, $0 for 2021 and $3 for 2022 | | $ | (12) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (12) | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (10) | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 4 | |
Amortization of pension cost, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $3 for 2020, $(1) for 2021 and $1 for 2022 | | (7) | | | (13) | | | (20) | | | (8) | | | (28) | | | 4 | | | (24) | |
Unrealized (loss) gain from equity method investment, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $0 for 2020, $(3) for 2021 and $6 for 2022 (a) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | 22 | | | $ | 13 | |
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unrealized loss during period on derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of income tax benefit of $(7) for 2020, $(44) for 2021 and $0 for 2022 | | (13) | | | (22) | | | (35) | | | (159) | | | (194) | | | (1) | | | (195) | |
Reclassification to net income of losses (gains) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $2 for 2020, $(3) for 2021 and $19 for 2022 (b) | | (63) | | | 19 | | | (44) | | | 12 | | | (32) | | | 54 | | | 22 | |
Loss on derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges | | (76) | | | (3) | | | (79) | | | (147) | | | (226) | | | 53 | | | (173) | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | | $ | (95) | | | $ | (16) | | | $ | (111) | | | $ | (162) | | | $ | (273) | | | $ | 93 | | | $ | (180) | |
(a)Foreign currency and interest rate contracts.
(b)Reclassification is reflected in the operating expenses and interest expense, net of capitalization line items in our consolidated statements of income.
Note 19. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to AVANGRID by the weighted-average number of shares of our common stock outstanding. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, while we did have securities that were dilutive, these securities did not result in a change in our earnings per share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The dilutive securities, which consist of performance and restricted units, did result in a change in our earnings per share calculation for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to AVANGRID for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions, except for number of shares and per share data) | | | | | | |
Numerator: | | | | | | |
Net income attributable to AVANGRID | | $ | 881 | | | $ | 707 | | | $ | 581 | |
Denominator: | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic | | 386,727,246 | | | 358,086,621 | | | 309,494,939 | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted | | 387,215,785 | | | 358,578,608 | | | 309,559,387 | |
Earnings per share attributable to AVANGRID | | | | | | |
Earnings Per Common Share, Basic | | $ | 2.28 | | | $ | 1.97 | | | $ | 1.88 | |
Earnings Per Common Share, Diluted | | $ | 2.27 | | | $ | 1.97 | | | $ | 1.88 | |
Note 20. Variable Interest Entities
We participate in certain partnership arrangements that qualify as VIEs. Consolidated VIE's consist of tax equity financing arrangements (TEFs) and partnerships in which an investor holds a noncontrolling interest and does not have substantive kick-out or participating rights.
The sale of a membership interest in the TEFs represents the sale of an equity interest in a structure that is considered a sale of non-financial assets. Under the sale of non-financial assets, the membership interests in the TEFs we sell to third-party investors are reflected as noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets valued based on an HLBV model. Earnings from the TEFs are recognized in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of income. We consolidate the entities that have TEFs based on being the primary beneficiary for these VIEs.
On April 29, 2022, we closed on a TEF agreement, receiving $14 million from a tax equity investor related to the Lund Hill solar farm that reached partial mechanical completion on the same date. A further investment from our investor is expected shortly after the project’s commercial operations in the estimated amount of $58 million, expected in 2023. Lund Hill is owned by Solis Solar Power I, LLC (Solis I).
In June 2022 we received an additional $109 million from a tax equity investor for the addition of Golden Hill wind farms under Aeolus Wind Power VIII, LLC (Aeolus VIII). Montague solar was contributed to Aeolus VIII at the same time, with a future investment from our investor in the estimated amount of $87 million expected after Montague solar project reaches commercial operations, expected in the second quarter of 2023.
As of December 31, 2022, the assets and liabilities of the VIEs totaled approximately $2,853 million and $424 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the assets and liabilities of VIEs totaled approximately $2,039 million and $119 million, respectively. At both December 31, 2022 and 2021, the assets and liabilities of the VIEs consisted primarily of property, plant and equipment.
Wind power generation is subject to certain favorable tax treatments in the U.S. In order to monetize the tax benefits, we have entered into these structured institutional partnership investment transactions related to certain wind farms. Under these structures, we contribute certain wind assets, relating both to existing wind farms and wind farms that are being placed into operation at the time of the relevant transaction, and other parties invest in the share equity of the limited liability holding company. As consideration for their investment, the third parties make either an upfront cash payment or a combination of upfront cash and payments over time. We retain a class of membership interest and day-to-day operational and management control, subject to investor approval of certain major decisions. The third-party investors do not receive a lien on any assets and have no recourse against us for their upfront cash payments.
The partnerships generally involve disproportionate allocations of profit or loss, cash distributions and tax benefits resulting from the wind farm energy generation between the investor and sponsor until the investor recovers its investment and achieves a cumulative annual after-tax return. Once this target return is met, the relative sharing of profit or loss, cash distributions and taxable income or loss between the Company and the third party investor flips, with the sponsor generally receiving higher percentages thereafter. We also have a call option to acquire the third party investors’ membership interest within a defined time period after this target return is met.
At December 31, 2022, El Cabo Wind, LLC (El Cabo), Patriot Wind Farm LLC (Patriot), Aeolus Wind Power VII, LLC (Aeolus VII), Aeolus VIII, and Solis I are our consolidated VIEs.
Our El Cabo, Patriot, Aeolus VII, Aeolus VIII, and Solis I interests are not subject to any rights of investors that may restrict our ability to access or use the assets or to settle any existing liabilities associated with the interests.
See Note 22 - Equity Method Investments for information on our VIEs we do not consolidate.
Note 21. Grants, Government Incentives and Deferred Income
The changes in government grants recorded in deferred income as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Millions) | | Government grants - Renewables | | Other deferred income | | Total |
As of December 31, 2020 | | $ | 1,190 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 1,204 | |
Disposals | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Recognized in income | | (65) | | | (9) | | | (74) | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | 1,125 | | | 5 | | | 1,130 | |
Disposals | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Recognized in income | | (65) | | | (3) | | | (68) | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | $ | 1,060 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 1,062 | |
Within deferred income, we classify grants we received under Section 1603 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, where the United States Department of Treasury (DOT) provides eligible parties the option of claiming grants for specified energy property in lieu of tax credits, which we claimed for the majority of our qualifying properties. Deferred income has been recorded for the grant amounts and is amortized as an offset against depreciation expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the associated property to which the grants apply. We recognize a net deferred tax asset for the book to tax basis differences related to the property for income tax purposes within the nontaxable grant revenue deferred income tax liabilities (see Note 16 – Income Taxes).
The changes in government grants recorded as a reduction to the related utility plant as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Millions) | | Government grants - Networks | | Total |
As of December 31, 2020 | | $ | 67 | | | $ | 67 | |
Disposals | | — | | | — | |
Recognized in income | | (4) | | | (4) | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | 63 | | | 63 | |
Disposals | | — | | | — | |
Recognized in income | | (4) | | | (4) | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | $ | 59 | | | $ | 59 | |
We are required to comply with certain terms and conditions applicable to each grant and, if a disqualifying event should occur as specified in the grant’s terms and conditions, we are required to repay the grant funds to the government. We believe we are in compliance with each grant’s terms and conditions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Note 22. Equity Method Investments
On December 16, 2020, Renewables sold a 85% ownership interest in a wind farm located in South Dakota (Tatanka) to WEC Infrastructure involving total consideration of $238 million, excluding closing costs, and recognized a gain of $12 million, net of tax. The pre-tax gain of $16 million is included in "Other income (expense)" in our consolidated statements of income. Our retained investment in Tatanka of $24 million was valued based on an enterprise value of $298 million and applying an effective percentage of economic benefits retained of 7.97%, which was derived from a DCF model similar to the model used for Goodwill as described in Note 7. The net gain includes $4 million related to the remeasurement of our retained investment in Tatanka. The transaction was accounted for as a sale of assets and resulted in a loss of control. The retained 15% ownership interest is accounted for as an equity method investment. As of both December 31, 2022, and 2021, the carrying value of our Tatanka investment was $23 million.
On December 13, 2019, Renewables transferred a 50% ownership interest in a wind farm and a solar project located in Arizona (Poseidon) to Axium involving total consideration of $112 million, excluding closing costs, and recognized a gain of $96 million, net of tax. The transaction was accounted for as the sale of a business and resulted in a loss of control. The retained 50% ownership interest is accounted for as an equity method investment. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying value of our Poseidon investment was $87 million and $96 million, respectively.
In December 2018, Renewables sold 80% of our wholly owned subsidiary, Coyote Ridge Wind, LLC (Coyote Ridge), including substantially all of the related tax benefits, to WEC Infrastructure in exchange for $144 million of total proceeds with $84 million received in 2019 to complete the transaction. We account for the remaining 20% membership interest under the equity method of accounting. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying amount of our Coyote Ridge investment was $15 million.
Renewables has two 50-50 joint ventures with Horizon Wind Energy, LLC, which own and operate the Flat Rock Windpower LLC (Flat Rock I) and the Flat Rock Wind Power II LLC (Flat Rock II) wind farms located in upstate New York. Flat Rock I has a 231 MW capacity and Flat Rock II has a 91 MW capacity. We account for the Flat Rock joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying amount of Flat Rock I was $90 million and $93 million, respectively, and Flat Rock II was $42 million and $44 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2022, Renewables holds a 50% indirect ownership interest in Vineyard Wind 1, LLC (Vineyard Wind 1), a joint venture with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Prior to a restructuring transaction that took place on January 10, 2022 (Restructuring Transaction), Renewables held a 50% ownership interest in Vineyard Wind, LLC (Vineyard Wind) which held rights to two easements from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for the development of offshore wind generation, Lease Area 501 which contained 166,886 acres and Lease Area 522 which contained 132,370 acres, both located southeast of Martha’s Vineyard. Lease Area 501 was subsequently subdivided in 2021, creating Lease Area 534. On September 15, 2021, Vineyard Wind closed on construction financing for the Vineyard Wind 1 project. Among other items, the Vineyard Wind 1 project was transferred into a separate joint venture, Vineyard Wind 1. Following the Restructuring Transaction, Vineyard Wind 1 remained a 50-50 joint venture and kept the rights to develop Lease Area 501, and Vineyard Wind was effectively dissolved where Renewables received rights to the Lease Area 534 and CIP received rights to Lease Area 522 as liquidating distributions. In contemplation of the liquidating distributions, Renewables also made an incremental payment of approximately $168 million to CIP. Consequently, Renewables recognized a pretax gain of $246 million and an after tax gain of $181 million, driven by the increase in the market value of its acquired interest in the leases and related development activities over its carrying value. The gain is classified in Earnings from equity method investments in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
Concurrently with the closing on the construction financing for the Vineyard Wind 1 project, Renewables entered into a credit agreement with certain banks to provide future term loans and letters of credit up to a maximum of approximately $1.2 billion to finance a portion of its share of the cost of Vineyard Wind 1 at the maturity of the Vineyard Wind 1 project construction loan. Any term loans mature by October 15, 2031, subject to certain extension provisions. Renewables also entered into an Equity Contribution Agreement in which Renewables agreed to, among other things, make certain equity contributions to fund certain costs of developing and constructing the Vineyard Wind 1 project in accordance with the credit agreement. In addition, we issued a guaranty up to $827 million for Renewables' equity contributions under the Equity Contribution Agreement. As part of the Vineyard Wind 1 financial close, $152 million of Renewables prior contributions for the Vineyard Wind 1 project were returned in 2021.
Vineyard Wind 1 is considered a VIE because it cannot finance its activities without additional support from its owners or third parties. Renewables is not the primary beneficiary of the entity since it does not have a controlling financial interest, and therefore we do not consolidate this entity. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying amount of Renewables' investments in Vineyard Wind, which was dissolved in 2022, and Vineyard Wind 1 was $9 million and $141 million, respectively.
Networks is a party to a 50-50 joint venture with Clearway Energy, Inc. in GenConn, which operates two peaking generation plants in Connecticut. The investment in GenConn is accounted for as an equity investment. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying value of our GenConn investment was $94 million and $99 million, respectively.
Networks holds an approximate 20% ownership interest in New York TransCo. Through New York TransCo, Networks has formed a partnership with Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, Consolidated Edison, Inc., National Grid, plc and Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. to develop a portfolio of interconnected transmission lines and substations to fulfill the objectives of the New York energy highway initiative, which is a proposal to install up to 3,200 MW of new electric generation and transmission capacity in order to deliver more power generated from upstate New York power plants to downstate New York. On April 8, 2019, New York Transco was selected as the developer for Segment B of the AC Transmission Public Policy Project by the NYISO. The selected project, New York Energy Solution (NYES), replaces nearly 80-year old transmission assets located in the upper to mid-Hudson Valley with streamlined, modernized technology, to enable surplus clean energy resources in upstate New York and help achieve the State’s energy goals. The total project cost is $600 million plus interconnection costs. New York Transco is subject to regulatory approval of its rates, terms and conditions with the FERC. The investment in New York TransCo is accounted for as an equity investment. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the carrying value of our New York TransCo investment was $77 million and $49 million, respectively.
None of our joint ventures have any contingent liabilities or capital commitments, except for those disclosed above. Distributions received from equity method investments, excluding the return of capital as part of the Vineyard Wind 1 financial close disclosed above, amounted to $41 million, $21 million and $22 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 respectively, which are reflected as either distributions of earnings or as returns of capital in the operating and investing sections of the consolidated statements of cash flows, respectively. In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we received $12 million, $11 million and $14 million of distributions in RECs from our equity method investments. As of December 31, 2022, there was $10 million of undistributed earnings from our equity method investments. Capitalized interest costs related to equity method investments were $0, $6 million and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Note 23. Other Financial Statement Items
Other income (expense)
Other income (expense) for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Gain on sale of assets (a) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 20 | |
Allowance for funds used during construction | | 63 | | | 88 | | | 56 | |
Carrying costs on regulatory assets | | 16 | | | 17 | | | 28 | |
Non-service component of net periodic benefit cost | | (58) | | | (37) | | | (62) | |
Other | | 9 | | | (8) | | | (24) | |
Total Other Income (Expense) | | $ | 30 | | | $ | 60 | | | $ | 18 | |
(a) 2020 includes a $16 million gain from the Tatanka sale (see Note 22).
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Trade receivables and unbilled revenues | | $ | 1,892 | | | $ | 1,420 | |
Allowance for credit losses | | (155) | | | (151) | |
Total Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues, net | | $ | 1,737 | | | $ | 1,269 | |
The change in the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | |
(Millions) | | |
As of December 31, 2019 | | $ | 69 | |
Current period provision | | 83 | |
Write-off as uncollectible | | (44) | |
As of December 31, 2020 | | $ | 108 | |
Current period provision | | 110 | |
Write-off as uncollectible | | (67) | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | $ | 151 | |
Current period provision | | 110 | |
Write-off as uncollectible | | (106) | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | $ | 155 | |
DPA receivable balances were $102 million and $108 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our allowance for credit losses for DPAs was $67 million and $68 million, respectively.
Prepayments and Other Current Assets
Prepayments and other current assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Prepaid other taxes | | $ | 136 | | | $ | 95 | |
| | | | |
Broker margin and collateral accounts | | 164 | | | 87 | |
Other pledged deposits | | 12 | | | 4 | |
Prepaid expenses | | 68 | | | 58 | |
Other | | 6 | | | 1 | |
Total | | $ | 386 | | | $ | 245 | |
Other current liabilities
Other current liabilities as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Advances received | | $ | 271 | | | $ | 204 | |
Accrued salaries | | 153 | | | 127 | |
Short-term environmental provisions | | 54 | | | 52 | |
Collateral deposits received | | 68 | | | 58 | |
Pension and other postretirement | | 5 | | | 5 | |
Finance leases | | 7 | | | 4 | |
Other | | 35 | | | 34 | |
Total | | $ | 593 | | | $ | 484 | |
Disposition
On May 13, 2021, Renewables sold 100% of its ownership interest in two solar projects located in Nevada to Primergy Hot Pot Holdings LLC for total consideration of $35 million and recognized a gain of $11 million, net of tax. The pre-tax gain of $15 million is recorded in "Operating revenues" in our consolidated statements of income. The total consideration includes variable consideration that Renewables could receive based on the achievement of certain regulatory and project development milestones. The transaction was accounted for as an asset sale.
Note 24. Segment Information
Our segment reporting structure uses our management reporting structure as its foundation to reflect how AVANGRID manages the business internally and is organized by type of business. We report our financial performance based on the following two reportable segments:
•Networks: includes all of the energy transmission and distribution activities, any other regulated activity originating in New York and Maine and regulated electric distribution, electric transmission and gas distribution activities originating in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Networks reportable segment includes nine rate regulated operating segments. These operating segments generally offer the same services distributed in similar fashions, have the same types of customers, have similar long-term economic characteristics and are subject to similar regulatory requirements, allowing these operations to be aggregated into one reportable segment.
•Renewables: activities relating to renewable energy, mainly wind energy generation and trading related with such activities.
The chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance based on segment adjusted net income defined as net income adjusted to exclude restructuring charges, mark-to-market earnings from changes in the fair value of derivative instruments, accelerated depreciation derived from repowering of wind farms, costs incurred related to the PNMR Merger, a legal settlement, an offshore contract provision and costs incurred in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Products and services are sold between reportable segments and affiliate companies at cost. Segment income, expense and assets presented in the accompanying tables include all intercompany transactions that are eliminated in our consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 4 - Revenue for more detailed information on revenue by segment.
Segment information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 | | Networks | | Renewables | | Other(a) | | AVANGRID Consolidated |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Revenue - external | | $ | 6,781 | | | $ | 1,141 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 7,923 | |
Revenue - intersegment | | 1 | | | — | | | (1) | | | — | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 660 | | | 424 | | | 1 | | | 1,085 | |
Operating income | | 901 | | | (36) | | | (13) | | | 852 | |
Earnings (losses) from equity method investments | | 11 | | | 251 | | | — | | | 262 | |
Interest expense, net of capitalization | | 220 | | | 16 | | | 67 | | | 303 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 94 | | | (114) | | | 40 | | | 20 | |
Capital expenditures | | 1,803 | | | 708 | | | 8 | | | 2,519 | |
Adjusted net income | | 628 | | | 403 | | | (130) | | | 901 | |
As of December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment | | 20,027 | | | 10,950 | | | 17 | | | 30,994 | |
Equity method investments | | 171 | | | 266 | | | — | | | 437 | |
Total assets | | $ | 28,069 | | | $ | 13,553 | | | $ | (499) | | | $ | 41,123 | |
(a)Includes Corporate and intersegment eliminations.
Segment information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the year ended December 31, 2021 | | Networks | | Renewables | | Other(a) | | AVANGRID Consolidated |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Revenue - external | | $ | 5,753 | | | $ | 1,220 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 6,974 | |
Revenue - intersegment | | 1 | | | — | | | (1) | | | — | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 616 | | | 397 | | | 1 | | | 1,014 | |
Operating income | | 876 | | | 26 | | | (7) | | | 895 | |
Earnings (losses) from equity method investments | | 12 | | | (5) | | | — | | | 7 | |
Interest expense, net of capitalization | | 217 | | | 1 | | | 80 | | | 298 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 98 | | | (48) | | | (29) | | | 21 | |
Capital expenditures | | 2,294 | | | 680 | | | 2 | | | 2,976 | |
Adjusted net income | | 661 | | | 170 | | | (51) | | | 780 | |
As of December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment | | 18,737 | | | 10,118 | | | 11 | | | 28,866 | |
Equity method investments | | 148 | | | 412 | | | — | | | 560 | |
Total assets | | $ | 26,126 | | | $ | 12,578 | | | $ | 800 | | | $ | 39,504 | |
(a)Includes Corporate and intersegment eliminations.
Segment information for the year ended December 31, 2020 consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For the year ended December 31, 2020 | | Networks | | Renewables | | Other (a) | | AVANGRID Consolidated |
(Millions) | | | | | | | | |
Revenue - external | | $ | 5,187 | | | $ | 1,132 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 6,320 | |
Revenue - intersegment | | 1 | | | — | | | (1) | | | — | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 592 | | | 394 | | | 1 | | | 987 | |
Operating income | | 877 | | | (16) | | | 8 | | | 869 | |
Earnings (losses) from equity method investments | | 10 | | | (13) | | | — | | | (3) | |
Interest expense, net of capitalization | | 234 | | | 7 | | | 75 | | | 316 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 120 | | | (80) | | | (11) | | | 29 | |
Capital expenditures | | 1,838 | | | 943 | | | — | | | 2,781 | |
Adjusted net income | | $ | 568 | | | $ | 115 | | | $ | (58) | | | $ | 625 | |
(a)Includes Corporate and intersegment eliminations.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income to Net Income attributable to AVANGRID for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Avangrid, Inc. | | $ | 901 | | | $ | 780 | | | $ | 625 | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | |
Mark-to-market adjustments - Renewables (1) | | — | | | (53) | | | (5) | |
Offshore contract provision (2) | | (24) | | | — | | | — | |
Restructuring charges (3) | | — | | | — | | | (6) | |
Accelerated depreciation from repowering (4) | | — | | | — | | | (9) | |
Impact of COVID-19 (5) | | — | | | (34) | | | (29) | |
Merger costs (6) | | (4) | | | (12) | | | (6) | |
Legal settlement - Gas storage (7) | | — | | | — | | | (5) | |
Income tax impact of adjustments | | 7 | | | 26 | | | 16 | |
Net Income Attributable to Avangrid, Inc. | | $ | 881 | | | $ | 707 | | | $ | 581 | |
(1)Mark-to-market earnings relates to earnings impacts from changes in the fair value of Renewables' derivative instruments associated with electricity and natural gas.
(2)Costs incurred in connection with an offshore contract provision.
(3)Restructuring and severance related charges relate to costs to implement an initiative to mitigate costs and achieve sustainable growth.
(4)Represents the amount of accelerated depreciation derived from repowering wind farms in Renewables.
(5)Represents costs incurred in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly related to bad debt provisions.
(6)Pre-merger costs incurred.
(7)Removal of the impact from Gas activity in the reconciliation to AVANGRID Net Income.
Note 25. Related Party Transactions
We engage in related party transactions that are generally billed at cost and in accordance with applicable state and federal commission regulations.
Related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | Sales To | | Purchases From | | Sales To | | Purchases From | | Sales To | | Purchases From |
Iberdrola, S.A. | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (46) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (52) | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (43) | |
Iberdrola Renovables Energia, S.L. | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (5) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (10) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (9) | |
Iberdrola Financiación, S.A. | | $ | — | | | $ | (12) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (7) | |
Vineyard Wind | | $ | 7 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 9 | | | $ | — | |
Iberdrola Solutions | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | (39) | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | — | |
Other | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (3) | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (3) | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
In addition to the statements of income items above, we made purchases of turbines for wind farms from Siemens-Gamesa, in which Iberdrola had an 8.1% ownership interest until Iberdrola sold its interest in February 2020. After the sale, the turbine purchases are no longer considered related party transactions. The amounts capitalized for transactions while Siemens-Gamesa was considered a related party was $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Related party balances as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, consisted of:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | Owed By | | Owed To | | Owed By | | Owed To |
Iberdrola, S.A. | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (29) | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | (43) | |
Iberdrola Financiacion | | $ | — | | | $ | (9) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (9) | |
Vineyard Wind | | $ | 3 | | | $ | (8) | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | (8) | |
Iberdrola Solutions | | $ | — | | | $ | (2) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (2) | |
Other | | $ | 4 | | | $ | (1) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1) | |
Transactions with Iberdrola, our majority shareholder, relate predominantly to the provision and allocation of corporate services and management fees. All costs that can be specifically allocated, to the extent possible, are charged directly to the company receiving such services. In situations when Iberdrola corporate services are provided to two or more companies of AVANGRID, any costs remaining after direct charges are allocated using agreed upon cost allocation methods designed to allocate such costs. We believe that the allocation method used is reasonable. See Note 10 for a discussion of the Iberdrola Loan.
AVANGRID optimizes its liquidity position as part of the Iberdrola Group and is a party to a liquidity agreement with a financial institution, along with certain members of the Iberdrola Group. Cash surpluses remaining after meeting the liquidity requirements of AVANGRID and its subsidiaries may be deposited at the financial institution. Deposits, or credit balances, serve as collateral against the debit balances of other parties to the liquidity agreement. The balance at both December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $0.
AVANGRID has a credit facility with Iberdrola Financiacion, S.A.U., a company of the Iberdrola Group. The facility has a limit of $500 million and matures on June 18, 2023. AVANGRID pays a facility fee of 10.5 basis points annually on the facility. As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, there was no outstanding amount under this credit facility.
We have a bi-lateral demand note agreement with Iberdrola Solutions, LLC, which had notes payable balance of $2 million as of both December 31, 2022 and 2021. Renewables had financial forward power contracts with Iberdrola Solutions to hedge Renewables' merchant wind exposure in Texas that were settled in 2021.
See Note 22 - Equity Method Investments for more information on transactions with our equity method investees.
There have been no guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables or payables. These balances are unsecured and are typically settled in cash. Interest is not charged on regular business transactions but is charged on outstanding loan balances. There have been no impairments or provisions made against any affiliated balances.
Note 26. Stock-Based Compensation
The Avangrid, Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Plan) provides for, among other things, the issuance of performance stock units (PSUs), restricted stock units (RSUs) and phantom share units (Phantom Shares). As of December 31, 2022, the total number of shares authorized for stock-based compensation plans was 2,500,000.
Performance Stock Units
During 2016, 1,298,683 performance stock units (PSUs) were granted to certain officers and employees of AVANGRID. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, an additional 85,759, 75,350 and 3,881 PSUs, respectively, were granted to officers and employees of AVANGRID under the Plan with achievement measured based on certain performance and market-based metrics for the 2016 to 2019 time period.
The fair value of the PSUs on the grant date was $31.80 per share, which is expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of approximately seven years based on expected achievement. The fair value of the PSUs was determined using valuation techniques to forecast possible future stock prices, applying a weighted average historical stock price volatility of AVANGRID and industry companies, a risk-free rate of interest that is equal, as of the grant date, to the yield of the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill and a reduction for the respective dividend yield calculated based on the most recent quarterly dividend payment and the stock price as of the grant date.
In February 2020, a total number of 208,268 PSUs, before applicable taxes, were approved to be earned by participants based on achievement of certain performance metrics related to the 2016 through 2019 plan and are payable in three equal installments, net of applicable taxes. The remaining unvested PSUs were forfeited. In May 2020, 42,777 shares of common stock were issued to settle the first installment payment and 2,605 PSUs were forfeited from the originally approved total number of PSUs. In March 2021, 45,611 shares of common stock were issued to settle the second installment payment. The final payment will occur in 2022. In March 2022, 46,737 shares of common stock were issued to settle the third and final installment payment under this plan.
During 2021 and 2022, 1,336,787 PSUs and 215,235 PSUs, were granted to certain officers and employees of AVANGRID with achievement measured based on certain performance and market-based metrics for the 2021 to 2022 performance period. The PSUs will be payable in three equal installments, net of applicable taxes, in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The fair value of the PSUs on the grant date was $36.22 per share. The fair value of the PSUs was determined using valuation techniques to forecast possible future stock prices, applying a weighted average historical stock price volatility of AVANGRID and industry companies, a risk-free rate of interest that is equal, as of the grant date, to the yield of the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill and a reduction for the respective dividend yield calculated based on the most recently quarterly dividend payment and the stock price as of the grant date. The expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of approximately four years based on expected achievement.
Restricted Stock Units
In June and October 2018, pursuant to the Avangrid, Inc. Omnibus Incentive Plan two restricted stock units (RSUs) awards of 60,000 and 8,000 RSUs, respectively, were granted to certain officers of AVANGRID. The RSUs vested in full in one installment in June and December 2020, respectively for each award. The fair value on the grant date was determined based on a price of $50.40 per share for the June 2018 awards and $47.59 per share for the October 2018 awards. In June 2020, 60,000 RSUs, plus dividend equivalents accrued through the vesting period, were settled for $3 million in cash. In March 2021, the October 2018 RSU grant was settled, net of applicable taxes, by issuing 5,953 shares of common stock.
In August 2020, 5,000 RSUs were granted to an officer of AVANGRID. The RSUs vest in three equal installments in 2021, 2022 and 2023, provided that the grantee remains continuously employed with AVANGRID through the applicable vesting dates. The fair value on the grant date was determined based on a price of $48.99 per share. In February 2021, the first installment of the RSU grant was settled by issuing 1,697 shares of common stock. In October 2021, this RSU grant was cancelled and the remaining unvested RSUs were forfeited.
In March 2021, 5,000 RSUs were granted to an officer of AVANGRID. The RSUs vest in full in one installment in March 2023, provided that the grantee remains continuously employed with AVANGRID through the applicable vesting date. The fair value on the grant date was determined based on a price of $48.83 per share.
In June 2021, 17,500 RSUs were granted to an officer of AVANGRID with immediate vesting. The fair value on the grant date was determined based on a price of $53.59 per share. The RSU grant was settled, net of applicable taxes, by issuing 9,390 shares of common stock.
In January 2022, 17,500 RSUs were granted to an officer of AVANGRID with immediate vesting. The fair value on the grant date was determined based on a price of 48.16 per share. The RSU grant was settled, net of applicable taxes, by issuing 9,390 shares of common stock.
In June 2022, 25,000 RSUs were granted to an officer of AVANGRID. The RSUs vest in two equal installments in 2023 and 2024, provided that the grantee remains continuously employed with AVANGRID through the applicable vesting dates. The fair value on the grant date was determined based on a price of $47.64 per share. The 1st installment of this RSU grant was settled in January 2023, net of applicable taxes, by issuing 8,690 shares of common stock.
Phantom Share Units
In March 2020, 167,060 Phantom Shares were granted to certain AVANGRID executives and employees. These awards will vest in three equal installments in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and will be settled in a cash amount equal to the number of Phantom Shares multiplied by the closing share price of AVANGRID’s common stock on the respective vesting dates, subject to continued employment. The liability of these awards is measured based on the closing share price of AVANGRID’s common stock at each reporting date until the date of settlement. In March 2022, $2 million was paid to settle the third and final installment under this plan.
In February 2022, 9,000 Phantom Shares were granted to certain AVANGRID executives and employees. These awards vest in three equal installments in 2022 - 2024 and will be settled in a cash amount equal to the number of Phantom Shares multiplied by the closing share price of AVANGRID’s common stock on the respective vesting dates, subject to continued employment. The liability of these awards is measured based on the closing share price of AVANGRID’s common stock at each reporting date until the date of settlement. In August 2022, $0.1 million was paid to settle the first installment under this plan.
On February 16, 2023, 81,000 Phantom Shares were granted to certain AVANGRID executives and employees. These awards will vest in three equal installments in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and will be settled in a cash amount equal to the number of Phantom Shares multiplied by the closing share price of AVANGRID’s common stock on the respective vesting dates, subject to continued employment.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the total liability was $0 and $2 million, respectively, which is included in other current and non-current liabilities.
The total stock-based compensation expense, which is included in "Operations and maintenance" of our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $15 million, $18 million and $14 million, respectively. The total income tax benefits recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, were $4 million, $5 million and $4 million, respectively.
A summary of the status of the AVANGRID's nonvested PSUs and RSUs as of December 31, 2022, and changes during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, is presented below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of PSUs and RSUs | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
Nonvested Balance – December 31, 2021 | | 1,323,328 | | | $ | 36.05 | |
Granted | | 258,168 | | | $ | 38.16 | |
Forfeited | | (412,776) | | | $ | 36.21 | |
Vested | | (83,770) | | | $ | 45.91 | |
Nonvested Balance – December 31, 2022 | | 1,084,951 | | | $ | 36.55 | |
As of December 31, 2022, total unrecognized costs for non-vested PSUs, RSUs and Phantom Shares was $10 million. The weighted-average period over which the PSU, RSU and Phantom Shares costs will be recognized is approximately 2 years.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of PSUs and RSUs granted during the year was $38.16 per share for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Note 27. Subsequent events
On February 16, 2023, the board of directors of AVANGRID declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share on its common stock. This dividend is payable on April 3, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2023.
Schedule I –Financial Statements of Parent
AVANGRID, INC. (PARENT)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED December 31, 2022, 2021 AND 2020
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Operating Revenues | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Operating Expenses | | | | | | |
Operating expense | | 11 | | | 19 | | | 10 | |
Taxes other than income taxes | | (1) | | | (11) | | | (11) | |
Total Operating Expenses | | 10 | | | 8 | | | (1) | |
Operating (Loss) Income | | (10) | | | (8) | | | 1 | |
Other Income | | | | | | |
Other income | | 49 | | | 22 | | | 35 | |
Equity earnings of subsidiaries | | 999 | | | 756 | | | 641 | |
Interest expense | | (117) | | | (93) | | | (109) | |
Income Before Income Tax | | 921 | | | 677 | | | 568 | |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 40 | | | (30) | | | (13) | |
Net Income | | $ | 881 | | | $ | 707 | | | $ | 581 | |
See accompanying notes to Schedule I.
Schedule I –Financial Statements of Parent
AVANGRID, INC. (PARENT)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED December 31, 2022, 2021, AND 2020
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Net Income | | $ | 881 | | | $ | 707 | | | $ | 581 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) of subsidiaries | | 93 | | | (162) | | | (16) | |
Comprehensive Income | | $ | 974 | | | $ | 545 | | | $ | 565 | |
See accompanying notes to Schedule I.
Schedule I –Financial Statements of Parent
AVANGRID, INC. (PARENT)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT
BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF December 31, 2022 AND 2021
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
As of December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 |
(Millions) | | | | |
Assets | | | | |
Current Assets | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 28 | | | $ | 1,424 | |
Accounts receivable from subsidiaries | | 190 | | | 128 | |
Notes receivable from subsidiaries | | 1,440 | | | 1,475 | |
Prepayments and other current assets | | 17 | | | 52 | |
Total current assets | | 1,675 | | | 3,079 | |
Investments in subsidiaries | | 20,588 | | | 18,500 | |
Other assets | | | | |
Deferred income taxes | | 358 | | | 413 | |
Other | | 3 | | | 3 | |
Total other assets | | 361 | | | 416 | |
Total Assets | | $ | 22,624 | | | $ | 21,995 | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Current Liabilities | | | | |
| | | | |
Notes payable | | 396 | | | — | |
Notes payable to subsidiaries | | 557 | | | 643 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | 7 | | | 3 | |
Accounts payable to subsidiaries | | 3 | | | 9 | |
Interest accrued | | 9 | | | 9 | |
Interest accrued subsidiaries | | 9 | | | 1 | |
Dividends payable | | 170 | | | 170 | |
| | | | |
Other current liabilities | | 30 | | | — | |
Total current liabilities | | 1,181 | | | 835 | |
| | | | |
Derivative liabilities | | 86 | | | 19 | |
Non-current debt | | 1,977 | | | 2,065 | |
| | | | |
Total non-current liabilities | | 2,063 | | | 2,084 | |
Total Liabilities | | 3,244 | | | 2,919 | |
Equity | | | | |
Stockholders' Equity: | | | | |
Common stock | | 3 | | | 3 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 17,694 | | | 17,679 | |
Treasury stock | | (47) | | | (47) | |
Retained earnings | | 1,910 | | | 1,714 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | (180) | | | (273) | |
Total Equity | | 19,380 | | | 19,076 | |
Total Liabilities and Equity | | $ | 22,624 | | | $ | 21,995 | |
See accompanying notes to Schedule I.
Schedule I –Financial Statements of Parent
AVANGRID, INC. (PARENT)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED December 31, 2022, 2021, AND 2020
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years Ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(Millions) | | | | | | |
Net Cash used in Operating Activities | | $ | (742) | | | $ | (397) | | | $ | (142) | |
Cash Flow from Investing Activities | | | | | | |
Notes receivable from subsidiaries | | (14) | | | 130 | | | (73) | |
Investments in subsidiaries | | (1,020) | | | (1,026) | | | (591) | |
Return of capital from investments in subsidiaries | | 664 | | | 1,122 | | | 419 | |
Other investments | | — | | | 300 | | | (300) | |
Net Cash (used in) provided by Investing Activities | | (370) | | | 526 | | | (545) | |
Cash Flow from Financing Activities | | | | | | |
Receipts (repayments) of short-term notes payable from subsidiaries, net | | 1 | | | (186) | | | (14) | |
Receipts (repayments) of short-term notes payable | | 397 | | | (309) | | | (253) | |
Proceeds from non-current debt | | — | | | — | | | 744 | |
(Repayments) proceeds from non-current debt with affiliate | | — | | | (3,000) | | | 3,000 | |
Repayments of non-current debt | | — | | | — | | | (950) | |
Repurchase of common stock | | — | | | (33) | | | (2) | |
Issuance of common stock | | (1) | | | 3,998 | | | (1) | |
Dividends paid | | (681) | | | (613) | | | (545) | |
Net Cash (used in) provided by Financing Activities | | (284) | | | (143) | | | 1,979 | |
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents | | (1,396) | | | (14) | | | 1,292 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year | | 1,424 | | | 1,438 | | | 146 | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year | | $ | 28 | | | $ | 1,424 | | | $ | 1,438 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental Cash Flow Information | | | | | | |
Cash paid for interest | | $ | 86 | | | $ | 74 | | | $ | 111 | |
Cash paid (refunded) payment for income taxes | | $ | (33) | | | $ | (15) | | | $ | 65 | |
See accompanying notes to Schedule I.
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
Avangrid, Inc. (AVANGRID) is a holding company and we conduct substantially all of our business through our subsidiaries. Substantially all of our consolidated assets are held by our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our cash flow and ability to meet our obligations are largely dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment of their earnings to us in the form of dividends, loans or advances or repayment of loans and advances from us. Our condensed financial statements and related footnotes have been prepared in accordance with regulatory statute 210.12-04 of Regulation S-X. Our condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of AVANGRID and subsidiaries (AVANGRID Group).
AVANGRID indirectly or directly owns all of the ownership interests of our significant subsidiaries. AVANGRID relies on dividends or loans from our subsidiaries to fund dividends to our primary shareholder.
AVANGRID’s significant accounting policies are consistent with those of the AVANGRID Group. For the purposes of these condensed financial statements, AVANGRID’s wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries are recorded based upon our proportionate share of the subsidiaries net assets.
AVANGRID files a consolidated federal income tax return that includes the taxable income or loss of all our subsidiaries. Each subsidiary company is treated as a member of the consolidated group and determines its current and deferred taxes separately
and settles its current tax liability or benefit each year directly with AVANGRID pursuant to a tax sharing agreement between AVANGRID and our members.
Proposed Merger with PNMR
On October 20, 2020, AVANGRID, PNM Resources, Inc., a New Mexico corporation (PNMR) and NM Green Holdings, Inc., a New Mexico corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of AVANGRID (Merger Sub), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (Merger Agreement), pursuant to which Merger Sub was expected to merge with and into PNMR, with PNMR surviving the Merger as a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of AVANGRID (Merger). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each issued and outstanding share of the common stock of PNMR (PNMR common stock) (other than (i) the issued shares of PNMR common stock that are owned by AVANGRID, Merger Sub, PNMR or any wholly-owned subsidiary of AVANGRID or PNMR, which will be automatically cancelled at the time the Merger is consummated and (ii) shares of PNMR common stock held by a holder who has not voted in favor of, or consented in writing to, the Merger who is entitled to, and who has demanded, payment for fair value of such shares) will be converted, at the time the Merger is consummated, into the right to receive $50.30 in cash (Merger Consideration).
Consummation of the Merger (Closing) is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary closing conditions, including, without limitation, the approval of the Merger Agreement by the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of PNMR common stock entitled to vote thereon, the absence of any material adverse effect on PNMR, the receipt of certain required regulatory approvals (including approvals from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976), the Four Corners Divestiture Agreements (as defined below) being in full force and effect and all applicable regulatory filings associated therewith being made, as well as holders of no more than 15% of the outstanding shares of PNMR common stock validly exercising their dissenters’ rights. On February 12, 2021, the shareholders of PNMR approved the proposed Merger. As of November 1, the Merger had obtained all regulatory approvals other than from the NMPRC. On November 1, 2021, after public hearing and briefing on the matter, the hearing examiner in the Merger proceeding at the NMPRC issued an unfavorable recommendation related to the amended stipulated agreement entered into by PNMR, AVANGRID and several interveners in the NMPRC proceeding with respect to consideration of the joint Merger application in June 2021. On December 8, 2021, the NMPRC issued an order rejecting the amended stipulated agreement. On January 3, 2022, AVANGRID and PNMR filed a notice of appeal of the December 8, 2021 decision of the NMPRC with the New Mexico Supreme Court. During the pendency of this appeal certain required regulatory approvals and consents may expire and AVANGRID and PNMR will reapply and/or apply for extensions of such approvals, as the case may be.
In addition, on January 3, 2022, Avangrid, PNMR and Merger Sub entered into an Amendment to the Merger Agreement (the Amendment), pursuant to which Avangrid, PNMR and Merger Sub each agreed to extend the “End Date” for consummation of the Merger until April 20, 2023. The parties acknowledged in the Amendment that the required regulatory approval from the NMPRC had not been obtained and that the parties reasonably determined that such outstanding approval would not be obtained by April 20, 2022. In light of this outstanding approval, the parties determined to approve the Amendment. As amended, the Merger agreement may be terminated by each of Avangrid and PNMR under certain circumstances, including if the Merger is not consummated by April 20, 2023 (subject to a three-month extension by Avangrid and PNMR by mutual consent if all of the conditions to the closing, other than the conditions related to obtaining regulatory approvals, have been satisfied or waived). During the pendency of the appeal described above, certain required regulatory approvals and consents may expire and AVANGRID and PNMR will reapply and/or apply for extensions of such approvals, as the case may be. For example, AVANGRID and PNMR are preparing new filings under HSR. We cannot predict the outcome of these re-applications or requests for extensions of such approvals.
The Merger Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of PNMR, AVANGRID and Merger Sub, which are customary for transactions of this type. In addition, among other things, the Merger Agreement contains a covenant requiring PNMR to, prior to the closing, enter into agreements (Four Corners Divestiture Agreements) providing for, and to make filings required to, exit from all ownership interests in the Four Corners Power Plant, all with the objective of having the closing date for such exit be no later than December 31, 2024.
The Merger Agreement provides for certain customary termination rights including the right of either party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger is not completed on or before April 20, 2023, as amended (subject to a three-month extension by either party if all of the conditions to the closing, other than the conditions related to obtaining regulatory approvals, have been satisfied or waived). The Merger Agreement further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances (including if AVANGRID terminates the Merger Agreement due to a change in recommendation of the board of directors of PNMR or if PNMR terminates the Merger Agreement to accept a superior proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement)), PNMR will be required to pay AVANGRID a termination fee of $130 million.
In addition, the Merger Agreement provides that (i) if the Merger Agreement is terminated by either party due to a failure of a regulatory closing condition and such failure is the result of AVANGRID’s breach of its regulatory covenants, or (ii) AVANGRID fails to effect the Closing when all closing conditions have been satisfied and it is otherwise obligated to do so under the Merger Agreement, then, in either such case, upon termination of the Merger Agreement, AVANGRID will be required to pay PNMR a termination fee of $184 million as the sole and exclusive remedy. Upon the termination of the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances involving a breach of the Merger Agreement, either PNMR or AVANGRID will be required to reimburse the other party’s reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses up to $10 million (which amount will be credited toward, and offset against, the payment of any applicable termination fee).
In connection with the Merger, Iberdrola has provided AVANGRID a commitment letter (Iberdrola Funding Commitment Letter), pursuant to which Iberdrola has unilaterally agreed to provide to AVANGRID, or arrange the provision to AVANGRID of, funds to the extent necessary for AVANGRID to consummate the Merger, including the payment of the aggregate Merger Consideration.
On April 15, 2021, AVANGRID entered into a side letter agreement with Iberdrola, which set forth certain terms and conditions relating to the Iberdrola Funding Commitment Letter (the Side Letter Agreement). The Side Letter Agreement provides that any drawing in the form of indebtedness made by the Corporation pursuant to the Funding Commitment Letter shall bear interest at an interest rate equal to 3-month LIBOR plus 0.75% per annum calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed and, commencing on the date of the Funding Commitment Letter, we shall pay Iberdrola a facility fee equal to 0.12% per annum on the undrawn portion of the funding commitment set forth in the Funding Commitment Letter.
On May 18, 2021, we issued 77,821,012 shares of common stock in two private placements. Iberdrola purchased 63,424,125 shares and Hyde Member LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority, purchased 14,396,887 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at the purchase price of $51.40 per share, which was the closing price of the shares of our common stock on the NYSE as of May 11, 2021. Proceeds of the private placements were $4,000 million. $3,000 million of the proceeds were used to repay the Iberdrola Loan. After the effect of the private placements, Iberdrola retained its 81.5% ownership interest in AVANGRID.
Note 2. Common Stock
As of December 31, 2022, AVANGRID share capital consisted of 500,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, 387,734,757 shares issued and 386,628,586 shares outstanding, 81.6% of which are owned by Iberdrola, each having a par value of $0.01, for a total value of common stock of $3 million and additional paid in capital of $17,694 million. As of December 31, 2021, AVANGRID share capital consisted of 500,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, 387,678,630 shares issued and 386,568,104 shares outstanding, 81.6% of which were owned by Iberdrola, each having a par value of $ $0.01, for a total value of common stock capital of $3 million and additional paid in of $17,679 million. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had 108,188 and 112,543 shares of common stock held in trust, respectively, and no convertible preferred shares outstanding. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we issued 56,127 and 77,883,713 shares of common stock, respectively, and released 4,355 and 301,239 shares of common stock held in trust, respectively, each having a par value of $0.01.
We maintain a repurchase agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC. (JPM), pursuant to which JPM will, from time to time, acquire, on behalf of AVANGRID, shares of common stock of AVANGRID. The purpose of the stock repurchase program is to allow AVANGRID to maintain Iberdrola's target relative ownership percentage at 81.5%. The stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time upon notice. In 2022, there were no repurchases pursuant to the stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2022, a total of 997,983 shares have been repurchased in the open market, all of which are included as AVANGRID treasury shares. As of December 31, 2022, the total cost of all repurchases, including commissions, was $47 million.
On February 16, 2023, the board of directors of AVANGRID declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share on its common stock. This dividend is payable on April 3, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2023.
Note 3. Long-Term Debt
In 2017, AVANGRID issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.15% notes maturing in 2024.
On May 16, 2019, AVANGRID issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.80% notes maturing in 2029. Proceeds of the offering were used to finance and/or refinance, in whole or in part, one or more eligible renewable energy generation facilities. Net proceeds of the offering after the price discount and issuance-related expenses were $743 million.
On April 9, 2020, AVANGRID issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes maturing in 2025 at a fixed interest rate of 3.20%. Net proceeds of the offering after the price discount and issuance-related expenses were $744 million.
On December 14, 2020, AVANGRID and Iberdrola entered into an intra-group loan agreement which provided AVANGRID with an unsecured subordinated loan in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000 million (the Iberdrola Loan). The Iberdrola Loan was repaid in 2021 with the proceeds of the common share issuance described in Note 1.
Note 4. Cash Dividends Paid by Subsidiaries
Cash dividends paid by subsidiary are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Years ended December 31, | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 |
(millions) | | | | | | |
AVANGRID Networks | | $ | 645 | | | $ | 970 | | | $ | 419 | |
AVANGRID Renewables | | $ | 19 | | | $ | 152 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, AVANGRID made capital contributions to Networks of $986 million, $1,011 million and $590 million, respectively.
During 2022 and 2021, AVANGRID recorded a net non-cash contribution and dividend of $473 million and $674 million, respectively, to and from its subsidiaries to zero out their account balances of notes receivable and payable.