ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) | |||||
☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
OR
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________ |
Commission File Number | Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization, Address of Principal Executive Offices, Telephone Number, and IRS Employer Identification No. | Commission File Number | Registrant, State of Incorporation or Organization, Address of Principal Executive Offices, Telephone Number, and IRS Employer Identification No. | |||||||||||
1-11299 | ENTERGY CORPORATION | 1-35747 | ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC | |||||||||||
(a Delaware corporation) 639 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70113 Telephone (504) 576-4000 | (a Texas limited liability company) 1600 Perdido Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 Telephone (504) 670-3702 | |||||||||||||
72-1229752 | 82-2212934 | |||||||||||||
1-10764 | ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC | 1-34360 | ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. | |||||||||||
(a Texas limited liability company) 425 West Capitol Avenue Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Telephone (501) 377-4000 | (a Texas corporation) 2107 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Telephone (409) 981-2000 | |||||||||||||
83-1918668 | 61-1435798 | |||||||||||||
1-32718 | ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC | 1-09067 | SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | |||||||||||
(a Texas limited liability company) 4809 Jefferson Highway Jefferson, Louisiana 70121 Telephone (504) 576-4000 | (an Arkansas corporation) 1340 Echelon Parkway Jackson, Mississippi 39213 Telephone (601) 368-5000 | |||||||||||||
47-4469646 | 72-0752777 | |||||||||||||
1-31508 | ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC | |||||||||||||
(a Texas limited liability company) 308 East Pearl Street Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Telephone (601) 368-5000 | ||||||||||||||
83-1950019 | ||||||||||||||
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Registrant | Title of Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||||
Entergy Corporation | Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value | ETR | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value | ETR | NYSE Chicago, Inc. | |||||||||
Entergy Arkansas, LLC | Mortgage Bonds, 4.875% Series due September 2066 | EAI | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||
Entergy Louisiana, LLC | Mortgage Bonds, 4.875% Series due September 2066 | ELC | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||
Entergy Mississippi, LLC | Mortgage Bonds, 4.90% Series due October 2066 | EMP | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||
Entergy New Orleans, LLC | Mortgage Bonds, 5.0% Series due December 2052 | ENJ | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||
Mortgage Bonds, 5.50% Series due April 2066 | ENO | New York Stock Exchange | |||||||||
Entergy Texas, Inc. | 5.375% Series A Preferred Stock, Cumulative, No Par Value (Liquidation Value $25 Per Share) | ETI/PR | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Large accelerated filer | Accelerated filer | Non-accelerated filer | Smaller reporting company | Emerging growth company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Corporation | ü | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas, LLC | ü | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana, LLC | ü | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Mississippi, LLC | ü | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy New Orleans, LLC | ü | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Texas, Inc. | ü | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System Energy Resources, Inc. | ü |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
Common Stock Outstanding | Outstanding at October 31, 2023 | |||||||
Entergy Corporation | ($0.01 par value) | 211,473,074 |
Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, LLC, Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, LLC, Entergy New Orleans, LLC, Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc. separately file this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. Each company makes representations only as to itself and makes no other representations whatsoever as to any other company. This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q supplements and updates the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022 and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, filed by the individual registrants with the SEC, and should be read in conjunction therewith.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Number | |||||
Part I. Financial Information | |||||
Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries | |||||
Notes to Financial Statements | |||||
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries | |||||
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries | |||||
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Number | |||||
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries | |||||
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries | |||||
Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries | |||||
System Energy Resources, Inc. | |||||
Statements of Operations | |||||
Part II. Other Information | |||||
ii
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
In this combined report and from time to time, Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries each makes statements as a registrant concerning its expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, projections, strategies, and future events or performance. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “goal,” “commitment,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “potential,” “plan,” “predict,” “forecast,” and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the only means to identify these statements. Although each of these registrants believes that these forward-looking statements and the underlying assumptions are reasonable, it cannot provide assurance that they will prove correct. Any forward-looking statement is based on information current as of the date of this combined report and speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, each registrant undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including (a) those factors discussed or incorporated by reference in Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Form 10-K and in this report, (b) those factors discussed or incorporated by reference in Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis in the Form 10-K and in this report, and (c) the following factors (in addition to others described elsewhere in this combined report and in subsequent securities filings):
•resolution of pending and future rate cases and related litigation, formula rate proceedings and related negotiations, including various performance-based rate discussions, Entergy’s utility supply plan, and recovery of fuel and purchased power costs, as well as delays in cost recovery resulting from these proceedings;
•regulatory and operating challenges and uncertainties and economic risks associated with the Utility operating companies’ participation in MISO, including the benefits of continued MISO participation, the effect of current or projected MISO market rules and market and system conditions in the MISO markets, the absence of a minimum capacity obligation for load serving entities in MISO and the consequent ability of some load serving entities to “free ride” on the energy market without paying appropriate compensation for the capacity needed to produce that energy, the allocation of MISO system transmission upgrade costs, the MISO-wide base rate of return on equity allowed or any MISO-related charges and credits required by the FERC, and the effect of planning decisions that MISO makes with respect to future transmission investments by the Utility operating companies;
•changes in utility regulation, including, with respect to retail and wholesale competition, the ability to recover net utility assets and other potential stranded costs, and the application of more stringent return on equity criteria, transmission reliability requirements, or market power criteria by the FERC or the U.S. Department of Justice;
•changes in the regulation or regulatory oversight of Entergy’s owned or operated nuclear generating facilities, nuclear materials and fuel, and the effects of new or existing safety or environmental concerns regarding nuclear power plants and fuel;
•resolution of pending or future applications, and related regulatory proceedings and litigation, for license modifications or other authorizations required of nuclear generating facilities and the effect of public and political opposition on these applications, regulatory proceedings, and litigation;
•the performance of and deliverability of power from Entergy’s generation resources, including the capacity factors at Entergy’s nuclear generating facilities;
•increases in costs and capital expenditures that could result from changing regulatory requirements, changing economic conditions, and emerging operating and industry issues, and the risks related to recovery of these costs and capital expenditures from Entergy’s customers (especially in an increasing cost environment);
•the commitment of substantial human and capital resources required for the safe and reliable operation and maintenance of Entergy’s nuclear generating facilities;
iii
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION (Continued)
•Entergy’s ability to develop and execute on a point of view regarding future prices of electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related commodities;
•the prices and availability of fuel and power Entergy must purchase for its Utility customers, and Entergy’s ability to meet credit support requirements for fuel and power supply contracts;
•volatility and changes in markets for electricity, natural gas, uranium, emissions allowances, and other energy-related commodities, and the effect of those changes on Entergy and its customers;
•changes in law resulting from federal or state energy legislation or legislation subjecting energy derivatives used in hedging and risk management transactions to governmental regulation;
•changes in environmental laws and regulations, agency positions, or associated litigation, including requirements for reduced emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, greenhouse gases, mercury, particulate matter and other regulated air emissions, heat and other regulated discharges to water, waste management and disposal, remediation of contaminated sites, wetlands protection and permitting, and reporting, and changes in costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
•changes in laws and regulations, agency positions, or associated litigation related to protected species and associated critical habitat designations;
•the effects of changes in federal, state, or local laws and regulations, and other governmental actions or policies, including changes in monetary, fiscal, tax, environmental, trade/tariff, domestic purchase requirements, or energy policies and related laws, regulations, and other governmental actions;
•the effects of full or partial shutdowns of the federal government or delays in obtaining government or regulatory actions or decisions;
•uncertainty regarding the establishment of interim or permanent sites for spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste storage and disposal and the level of spent fuel and nuclear waste disposal fees charged by the U.S. government or other providers related to such sites;
•variations in weather and the occurrence of hurricanes and other storms and disasters, including uncertainties associated with efforts to remediate the effects of hurricanes, ice storms, or other weather events and the recovery of costs associated with restoration, including accessing funded storm reserves, federal and local cost recovery mechanisms, securitization, and insurance, as well as any related unplanned outages;
•effects of climate change, including the potential for increases in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or wildfires, and sea levels or coastal land and wetland loss;
•the risk that an incident at any nuclear generation facility in the U.S. could lead to the assessment of significant retrospective assessments and/or retrospective insurance premiums as a result of Entergy’s participation in a secondary financial protection system and a utility industry mutual insurance company;
•changes in the quality and availability of water supplies and the related regulation of water use and diversion;
•Entergy’s ability to manage its capital projects, including by completing projects timely and within budget, to obtain the anticipated performance or other benefits of such capital projects, and to manage its operation and maintenance costs;
•the effects of supply chain disruptions, including those originating during the COVID-19 global pandemic or driven by trade-related governmental actions, on Entergy’s ability to complete its capital projects in a timely and cost-effective manner;
•Entergy’s ability to purchase and sell assets at attractive prices and on other attractive terms;
•the economic climate, and particularly economic conditions in Entergy’s Utility service area and events and circumstances that could influence economic conditions in those areas, including power prices and inflation, and the risk that anticipated load growth may not materialize;
•changes to federal income tax laws, regulations, and interpretive guidance, including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and the continued impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and any related intended or unintended consequences on financial results and future cash flows;
•the effects of Entergy’s strategies to reduce tax payments;
•actions of rating agencies, including changes in the ratings of debt and preferred stock, changes in general corporate ratings, and changes in the rating agencies’ ratings criteria;
iv
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION (Concluded)
•changes in the financial markets and regulatory requirements for the issuance of securities, particularly as they affect access to and cost of capital and Entergy’s ability to refinance existing securities and fund investments and acquisitions;
•changes in inflation and interest rates and the impacts of inflation or a recession on our customers;
•the effects of litigation, including the outcome and resolution of the proceedings involving System Energy currently before the FERC and any appeals of FERC decisions in those proceedings;
•the effects of government investigations, proceedings, or audits;
•changes in technology, including (i) Entergy’s ability to effectively address and implement new or emerging technologies, (ii) the impact of changes relating to new, developing, or alternative sources of generation such as distributed energy and energy storage, renewable energy, energy efficiency, demand side management, and other measures that reduce load and government policies incentivizing development or utilization of the foregoing, and (iii) competition from other companies offering products and services to Entergy’s customers based on new or emerging technologies or alternative sources of generation;
•Entergy’s ability to effectively formulate and implement plans to reduce its carbon emission rate and aggregate carbon emissions, including its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the related increasing investment in renewable power generation sources, and the potential impact on its business and financial condition of attempting to achieve such objectives;
•the effects, including increased security costs, of threatened or actual terrorism, cyber-attacks or data security breaches, physical attacks on or other interference with facilities or infrastructure, natural or man-made electromagnetic pulses that affect transmission or generation infrastructure, accidents, and war or a catastrophic event such as a nuclear accident or a natural gas pipeline explosion;
•the effects of a catastrophe, pandemic (or other health related event), or a global or geopolitical event, such as the military activities between Russia and Ukraine, including economic and societal disruptions; volatility in the capital markets (and any related increased cost of capital or any inability to access the capital markets or draw on available bank credit facilities); reduced demand for electricity, particularly from commercial and industrial customers; increased or unrecoverable costs; supply chain, vendor, and contractor disruptions, including as a result of trade-related sanctions; delays in completion of capital or other construction projects, maintenance, and other operations activities, including prolonged or delayed outages; impacts to Entergy’s workforce availability, health, or safety; increased cybersecurity risks as a result of many employees telecommuting; increased late or uncollectible customer payments; regulatory delays; executive orders affecting, or increased regulation of, Entergy’s business; changes in credit ratings or outlooks as a result of any of the foregoing; or other adverse impacts on Entergy’s ability to execute on its business strategies and initiatives or, more generally, on Entergy’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity;
•Entergy’s ability to attract and retain talented management, directors, and employees with specialized skills;
•Entergy’s ability to attract, retain, and manage an appropriately qualified workforce;
•changes in accounting standards and corporate governance best practices;
•declines in the market prices of marketable securities and resulting funding requirements and the effects on benefits costs for Entergy’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefits plans;
•future wage and employee benefits costs, including changes in discount rates and returns on benefit plan assets;
•changes in decommissioning trust fund values or earnings or in the timing of, requirements for, or cost to decommission Entergy’s nuclear plant sites and the implementation of decommissioning of such sites following shutdown;
•the effectiveness of Entergy’s risk management policies and procedures and the ability and willingness of its counterparties to satisfy their financial and performance commitments; and
•Entergy and its subsidiaries’ ability to successfully execute on their business strategies, including their ability to complete strategic transactions that they may undertake.
v
DEFINITIONS
Certain abbreviations or acronyms used in the text and notes are defined below:
Abbreviation or Acronym | Term | ||||
ALJ | Administrative Law Judge | ||||
ANO 1 and 2 | Units 1 and 2 of Arkansas Nuclear One (nuclear), owned by Entergy Arkansas | ||||
APSC | Arkansas Public Service Commission | ||||
ASU | Accounting Standards Update issued by the FASB | ||||
Board | Board of Directors of Entergy Corporation | ||||
Cajun | Cajun Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. | ||||
capacity factor | Actual plant output divided by maximum potential plant output for the period | ||||
City Council | Council of the City of New Orleans, Louisiana | ||||
COVID-19 | The novel coronavirus disease declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March 2020 | ||||
DOE | United States Department of Energy | ||||
Entergy | Entergy Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries | ||||
Entergy Corporation | Entergy Corporation, a Delaware corporation | ||||
Entergy Gulf States, Inc. | Predecessor company for financial reporting purposes to Entergy Gulf States Louisiana that included the assets and business operations of both Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and Entergy Texas | ||||
Entergy Gulf States Louisiana | Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C., a Louisiana limited liability company formally created as part of the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. and the successor company to Entergy Gulf States, Inc. for financial reporting purposes. The term is also used to refer to the Louisiana jurisdictional business of Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as the context requires. Effective October 1, 2015, the business of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana was combined with Entergy Louisiana. | ||||
Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Louisiana, LLC, a Texas limited liability company formally created as part of the combination of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana and the company formerly known as Entergy Louisiana, LLC (Old Entergy Louisiana) into a single public utility company and the successor to Old Entergy Louisiana for financial reporting purposes | ||||
Entergy Texas | Entergy Texas, Inc., a Texas corporation formally created as part of the jurisdictional separation of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. The term is also used to refer to the Texas jurisdictional business of Entergy Gulf States, Inc., as the context requires. | ||||
Entergy Wholesale Commodities | Entergy’s non-utility business activities primarily comprised of the ownership, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants, the ownership of interests in non-nuclear power plants, and the sale of the electric power produced by its operating power plants to wholesale customers. In 2022, Entergy completed its multi-year strategy to exit the merchant nuclear power business and upon completion of all transition activities, effective January 1, 2023, Entergy Wholesale Commodifies is no longer a reportable segment. | ||||
EPA | United States Environmental Protection Agency | ||||
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board | ||||
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | ||||
Form 10-K | Annual Report on Form 10-K for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC by Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries | ||||
GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles | ||||
Grand Gulf | Unit No. 1 of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station (nuclear), 90% owned or leased by System Energy | ||||
GWh | Gigawatt-hour(s), which equals one million kilowatt-hours | ||||
HLBV | Hypothetical liquidation at book value |
vi
DEFINITIONS (Continued)
Abbreviation or Acronym | Term | ||||
Independence | Independence Steam Electric Station (coal), owned 16% by Entergy Arkansas, 25% by Entergy Mississippi, and 7% by Entergy Power, LLC | ||||
Indian Point 2 | Unit 2 of Indian Point Energy Center (nuclear), previously owned as part of Entergy’s non-utility business, which ceased power production in April 2020 and was sold in May 2021 | ||||
Indian Point 3 | Unit 3 of Indian Point Energy Center (nuclear), previously owned as part of Entergy’s non-utility business, which ceased power production in April 2021 and was sold in May 2021 | ||||
IRS | Internal Revenue Service | ||||
ISO | Independent System Operator | ||||
kW | Kilowatt, which equals one thousand watts | ||||
kWh | Kilowatt-hour(s) | ||||
LPSC | Louisiana Public Service Commission | ||||
LURC | Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation | ||||
MISO | Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc., a regional transmission organization | ||||
MMBtu | One million British Thermal Units | ||||
MPSC | Mississippi Public Service Commission | ||||
MW | Megawatt(s), which equals one thousand kilowatts | ||||
MWh | Megawatt-hour(s) | ||||
Nelson Unit 6 | Unit No. 6 (coal) of the Nelson Steam Electric Generating Station, 70% of which is co-owned by Entergy Louisiana (57.5%) and Entergy Texas (42.5%) and 10.9% of which is owned by EAM Nelson Holding, LLC | ||||
Net debt to net capital ratio | Gross debt less cash and cash equivalents divided by total capitalization less cash and cash equivalents, which is a non-GAAP measure | ||||
NRC | Nuclear Regulatory Commission | ||||
Palisades | Palisades Nuclear Plant (nuclear), previously owned as part of Entergy’s non-utility business, which ceased power production in May 2022 and was sold in June 2022 | ||||
Parent & Other | The portions of Entergy not included in the Utility segment, primarily consisting of the activities of the parent company, Entergy Corporation, and other business activity, including Entergy’s non-utility operations business which owns interests in non-nuclear power plants that sell the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers and also provides decommissioning services to nuclear power plants owned by non-affiliated entities in the United States | ||||
PPA | Purchased power agreement or power purchase agreement | ||||
PUCT | Public Utility Commission of Texas | ||||
Registrant Subsidiaries | Entergy Arkansas, LLC, Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, LLC, Entergy New Orleans, LLC, Entergy Texas, Inc., and System Energy Resources, Inc. | ||||
River Bend | River Bend Station (nuclear), owned by Entergy Louisiana | ||||
SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission | ||||
System Agreement | Agreement, effective January 1, 1983, as modified, among the Utility operating companies relating to the sharing of generating capacity and other power resources. The agreement terminated effective August 2016. | ||||
System Energy | System Energy Resources, Inc. | ||||
Unit Power Sales Agreement | Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1982, as amended and approved by the FERC, among Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and System Energy, relating to the sale of capacity and energy from System Energy’s share of Grand Gulf |
vii
DEFINITIONS (Concluded)
Abbreviation or Acronym | Term | ||||
Utility | Entergy’s business segment that generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power, with a small amount of natural gas distribution in portions of Louisiana | ||||
Utility operating companies | Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas | ||||
Vermont Yankee | Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (nuclear), previously owned as a part of Entergy’s non-utility business, which ceased power production in December 2014 and was disposed of in January 2019 | ||||
Waterford 3 | Unit No. 3 (nuclear) of the Waterford Steam Electric Station, owned by Entergy Louisiana | ||||
weather-adjusted usage | Electric usage excluding the effects of deviations from normal weather | ||||
White Bluff | White Bluff Steam Electric Generating Station, 57% owned by Entergy Arkansas |
viii
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Entergy operates primarily through a single reportable segment, Utility. The Utility segment includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operation of a small natural gas distribution business in portions of Louisiana. See “Planned Sale of Gas Distribution Businesses” below for discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana gas distribution businesses.
As discussed in Note 13 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, Entergy completed its multi-year strategy to exit the merchant nuclear power business in 2022 and upon completion of all transition activities, effective January 1, 2023, Entergy Wholesale Commodities is no longer a reportable segment. Remaining business activity previously reported under Entergy Wholesale Commodities is now included under Parent & Other. Historical segment financial information presented herein has been restated for the third quarter 2022 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022 to reflect the change in reportable segments. The change in reportable segments had no effect on Entergy’s consolidated financial statements or historical segment financial information for the Utility reportable segment. See Note 7 to the financial statements herein for discussion of and financial information regarding Entergy’s business segments.
Results of Operations
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Following are income statement variances for Utility, Parent & Other, and Entergy comparing the third quarter 2023 to the third quarter 2022 showing how much the line item increased or (decreased) in comparison to the prior period:
Utility | Parent & Other (a) | Entergy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2022 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Entergy Corporation | $672,368 | ($111,779) | $560,589 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | (597,376) | (25,717) | (623,093) | |||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (643,951) | (15,369) | (659,320) | |||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | (98,305) | (7,385) | (105,690) | |||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (40,206) | — | (40,206) | |||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | (32,682) | (8,700) | (41,382) | |||||||||||||||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) | 78,434 | (40,213) | 38,221 | |||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 8,088 | (490) | 7,598 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | (13,261) | (154) | (13,415) | |||||||||||||||||
Other income (deductions) | 10,785 | (14,765) | (3,980) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 18,096 | 9,885 | 27,981 | |||||||||||||||||
Other expenses | 2,421 | 2 | 2,423 | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 47,901 | (5,016) | 42,885 | |||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries and noncontrolling interests | 7,666 | — | 7,666 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Entergy Corporation | $751,576 | ($84,821) | $666,755 |
(a)Parent & Other includes eliminations, which are primarily intersegment activity.
1
Third quarter 2023 results of operations include write-offs of $78 million ($59 million net-of-tax), recorded at Utility, as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and Entergy Arkansas’s October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
Operating Revenues
Utility
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the third quarter 2023 to the third quarter 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $4,157 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (882) | ||||
Return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers | 16 | ||||
Retail one-time bill credit | 37 | ||||
Retail electric price | 89 | ||||
Volume/weather | 142 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $3,559 |
The Utility operating companies’ results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers resulted from activity at the Utility operating companies in response to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes began in second quarter 2018. In third quarter 2022, $16 million was returned to customers through reductions in operating revenues. There was no return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes for Entergy or the Utility operating companies for third quarter 2023. There was no effect on net income as the reductions in operating revenues were offset by reductions in income tax expense. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The retail one-time bill credit represents the disbursement of settlement proceeds, in third quarter 2022, in the form of a one-time bill credit provided to Entergy Mississippi’s retail customers during the September 2022 billing cycle as a result of the System Energy settlement agreement with the MPSC. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to:
•an increase in Entergy Arkansas’s formula rate plan rates effective January 2023;
•increases in Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan revenues, including increases in the distribution and transmission recovery mechanisms, effective September 2022 and September 2023;
•increases in Entergy Mississippi’s formula rate plan rates effective April 2023 and July 2023;
•an increase in Entergy New Orleans’s formula rate plan rates effective September 2022; and
2
•an increase in the annual base rate, including the realignment of the costs previously being collected through the distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider to base rates, effective June 2023, at Entergy Texas.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the regulatory proceedings discussed above.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of more favorable weather on residential and commercial sales.
Total electric energy sales for Utility for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 12,661 | 11,272 | 12 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 8,648 | 8,223 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 13,781 | 13,926 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 700 | 702 | — | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 35,790 | 34,123 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale | 3,916 | 4,809 | (19) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 39,706 | 38,932 | 2 |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of operating revenues.
Other Income Statement Items
Utility
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased from $776 million for the third quarter 2022 to $743 million for the third quarter 2023 primarily due to:
•a decrease of $17 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work, including during plant outages, performed in 2023 as compared to prior year and lower nuclear labor costs;
•a decrease of $11 million in transmission costs allocated by MISO. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further information on the recovery of these costs; and
•a decrease of $8 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to lower healthcare claims activity in 2023 and a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) includes the effects of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. In third quarter 2023, Entergy Arkansas recorded write-offs of its regulatory asset for deferred fuel of $68.9 million and the undepreciated balance of $9.5 million in capital costs related to the ANO stator incident. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and Entergy Arkansas’s October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
3
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to a reduction in depreciation expense of $41 million at System Energy as a result of the approval by the FERC in August 2023 of the settlement establishing updated depreciation rates used in calculating Grand Gulf plant depreciation and amortization expenses under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The decrease was partially offset by additions to plant in service and an increase in depreciation rates at Entergy Texas, effective in June 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Unit Power Sales Agreement depreciation amendment proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case filing at Entergy Texas.
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net includes:
•a regulatory credit of $37 million, recorded by Entergy Mississippi in third quarter 2022, to reflect a one-time bill credit to customers as a result of the System Energy settlement agreement with the MPSC. This regulatory credit offsets a reduction in gross revenue from the bill credits provided to customers in the September 2022 billing cycle. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds;
•regulatory credits of $23 million, recorded by Entergy Mississippi in third quarter 2022, to reflect the effects of the joint stipulation reached in the 2022 formula rate plan filing proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 formula rate plan filing; and
•the reversal in third quarter 2023 of $22 million of regulatory liabilities to reflect the recognition of certain receipts by Entergy Texas under affiliated PPAs that have been resolved. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case.
In addition, Entergy records a regulatory charge or credit for the difference between asset retirement obligation-related expenses and nuclear decommissioning trust earnings plus asset retirement obligation-related costs collected in revenue.
Other income increased primarily due to an increase of $26 million in intercompany dividend income from affiliated preferred membership interests, related to storm cost securitizations, and a decrease in charitable donations in 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The intercompany dividend income on the affiliate preferred membership interests is eliminated for consolidation purposes and has no effect on net income since the investment is in another Entergy subsidiary. The increase was partially offset by:
•lower interest income from carrying costs related to deferred fuel balances;
•an increase in net periodic pension non-service costs as a result of a non-qualified pension settlement charge recorded in third quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs; and
•changes in decommissioning trust fund activity.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Entergy Louisiana storm cost securitizations.
Interest expense increased primarily due to:
•the issuance by Entergy Arkansas of $425 million of 5.15% Series mortgage bonds in January 2023;
•the issuance by Entergy Texas of $325 million of 5.00% Series mortgage bonds in August 2022;
•the issuance by Entergy Texas of $350 million of 5.80% Series mortgage bonds in August 2023; and
•the issuance by System Energy of $325 million of 6.00% Series mortgage bonds in March 2023.
4
The increase was partially offset by the repayment by System Energy of $250 million of 4.10% Series mortgage bonds in April 2023.
Parent and Other
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) includes the effects of recording a final judgment of $40 million in third quarter 2023 to resolve claims in the Indian Point 2 fourth round and Indian Point 3 third round combined damages case against the DOE. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the spent nuclear fuel litigation.
Other income decreased primarily due to the elimination for consolidation purposes of intercompany dividend income of $26 million from affiliated preferred membership interests, as discussed above, partially offset by higher non-service pension income. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Interest expense increased primarily due to higher variable interest rates on commercial paper in 2023. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for discussion of Entergy’s commercial paper program.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 25.3% for the third quarter 2023. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the third quarter 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes.
The effective income tax rate was 24.9% for the third quarter 2022. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the third quarter 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes and a provision recorded for uncertain tax positions, partially offset by the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items. See Note 10 to the financial statements herein and Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the effects of and regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
5
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Following are income statement variances for Utility, Parent & Other, and Entergy comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 showing how much the line item increased or (decreased) in comparison to the prior period:
Utility | Parent & Other (a) | Entergy | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2022 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Entergy Corporation | $1,165,569 | ($168,877) | $996,692 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | (865,064) | (204,066) | (1,069,130) | |||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (449,003) | (47,099) | (496,102) | |||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | (489,036) | (12,083) | (501,119) | |||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (847,672) | — | (847,672) | |||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | (123,001) | (83,489) | (206,490) | |||||||||||||||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) | 78,434 | 123,108 | 201,542 | |||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 35,807 | (11,586) | 24,221 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 34,701 | (8,992) | 25,709 | |||||||||||||||||
Other income (deductions) | 99,978 | (16,907) | 83,071 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 54,368 | 21,832 | 76,200 | |||||||||||||||||
Other expenses | 17,872 | (46,612) | (28,740) | |||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 422,609 | (30,757) | 391,852 | |||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries and noncontrolling interests | 2,298 | — | 2,298 | |||||||||||||||||
2023 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Entergy Corporation | $1,663,106 | ($294,172) | $1,368,934 |
(a)Parent & Other includes eliminations, which are primarily intersegment activity.
Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 include: (1) a $129 million reduction in income tax expense as a result of the Hurricane Ida securitization in March 2023, which also resulted in a $103 million ($76 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge, recorded at Utility, to reflect Entergy Louisiana’s obligation to provide credits to its customers as described in an LPSC ancillary order issued as part of the securitization regulatory proceeding; and (2) write-offs of $78 million ($59 million net-of-tax), recorded at Utility, as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. See Notes 2 and 10 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the Entergy Louisiana March 2023 storm cost securitization. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and Entergy Arkansas’s October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 include: (1) a regulatory charge of $551 million ($413 million net-of-tax), recorded at Utility, as a result of System Energy’s partial settlement agreement and offer of settlement related to pending proceedings before the FERC; (2) a $283 million reduction in income tax expense as a result of the Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida May 2022 securitization financing, which also resulted in a $224 million ($165 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge, recorded at Utility, to reflect Entergy Louisiana’s obligation to provide credits to its customers as described in an LPSC ancillary order issued as part of the securitization regulatory proceeding; and (3) a gain of $166 million ($130 million net-of-tax), reflected in “Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits),” as a result of the sale of the Palisades plant in June 2022. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the System Energy settlement agreement with the MPSC. See Notes 2 and 3 to the financial
6
statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the Entergy Louisiana May 2022 storm cost securitization. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the sale of the Palisades plant.
Operating Revenues
Utility
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $10,191 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (1,232) | ||||
Storm restoration carrying costs | (29) | ||||
Volume/weather | 21 | ||||
Retail one-time bill credit | 37 | ||||
Return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers | 50 | ||||
Retail electric price | 288 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $9,326 |
The Utility operating companies’ results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
Storm restoration carrying costs, representing the equity component of storm restoration carrying costs, includes $37 million recorded by Entergy Louisiana in second quarter 2022, recognized as part of the Entergy Louisiana storm cost securitization in May 2022 and $22 million recorded by Entergy Texas in second quarter 2022, recognized as part of the Entergy Texas storm cost securitization in April 2022, partially offset by $31 million recorded by Entergy Louisiana in first quarter 2023, recognized as part of the Entergy Louisiana storm cost securitization in March 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the storm cost securitizations.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of more favorable weather on commercial sales.
The retail one-time bill credit represents the disbursement of settlement proceeds, in third quarter 2022, in the form of a one-time bill credit provided to Entergy Mississippi’s retail customers during the September 2022 billing cycle as a result of the System Energy settlement agreement with the MPSC. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds.
The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers resulted from activity at the Utility operating companies in response to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes began in second quarter 2018. In the nine months ended September 30, 2022, $50 million was returned to customers through reductions in operating revenues. There was no return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes for Entergy or the Utility operating companies for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. There was no effect on net income as the reductions in operating
7
revenues were offset by reductions in income tax expense. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to:
•an increase in Entergy Arkansas’s formula rate plan rates effective January 2023;
•an increase in Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan revenues, including increases in the distribution and transmission recovery mechanisms, effective September 2022;
•increases in Entergy Mississippi’s formula rate plan rates effective August 2022, April 2023, and July 2023;
•an increase in Entergy New Orleans’s formula rate plan rates effective September 2022; and
•an increase in the annual base rate, including the realignment of the costs previously being collected through the distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider to base rates, effective June 2023, at Entergy Texas.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the regulatory proceedings discussed above.
Total electric energy sales for Utility for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 28,963 | 29,218 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 21,865 | 21,697 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 39,823 | 39,903 | — | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 1,887 | 1,928 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 92,538 | 92,746 | — | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale | 11,589 | 12,371 | (6) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 104,127 | 105,117 | (1) |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of operating revenues.
Other Income Statement Items
Utility
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased from $2,130 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 to $2,007 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to:
•a decrease of $50 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to lower health and welfare costs as a result of higher prescription drug rebates in second quarter 2023, a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities, and a revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in the first quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs;
•a decrease of $39 million in transmission costs allocated by MISO. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further information on the recovery of these costs;
•a decrease of $23 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work, including during plant outages, performed in 2023 as compared to prior year and lower nuclear labor costs;
8
•a decrease of $17 million in non-nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work, including during plant outages, performed in 2023 as compared to prior year;
•the effects of recording a final judgment in first quarter 2023 to resolve claims in the ANO damages case against the DOE related to spent nuclear fuel storage costs. The damages awarded include the reimbursement of approximately $10 million of spent nuclear fuel storage costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expenses. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the spent nuclear fuel litigation; and
•a gain of $7 million on the partial sale of a service center at Entergy Texas in April 2023 as part of an eminent domain proceeding.
The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $13 million in insurance expenses primarily due to lower nuclear insurance refunds received in 2023.
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) includes the effects of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. In third quarter 2023, Entergy Arkansas recorded write-offs of its regulatory asset for deferred fuel of $68.9 million and the undepreciated balance of $9.5 million in capital costs related to the ANO stator incident. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and Entergy Arkansas’s October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments and increases in local franchise taxes.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service and an increase in depreciation rates at Entergy Texas, effective in June 2023, partially offset by a reduction in depreciation expense of $41 million at System Energy as a result of the approval by the FERC in August 2023 of the settlement establishing updated depreciation rates used in calculating Grand Gulf plant depreciation and amortization expenses under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case filing at Entergy Texas. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Unit Power Sales Agreement depreciation amendment proceeding.
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net includes:
•a regulatory charge of $103 million, recorded by Entergy Louisiana in first quarter 2023, to reflect its obligation to provide credits to its customers as described in an LPSC ancillary order issued in the Hurricane Ida securitization regulatory proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the Entergy Louisiana March 2023 storm cost securitization;
•a regulatory charge of $224 million, recorded by Entergy Louisiana in second quarter 2022, to reflect its obligation to provide credits to its customers as described in an LPSC ancillary order issued in the Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida securitization regulatory proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Entergy Louisiana May 2022 storm cost securitization;
•a regulatory credit of $37 million, recorded by Entergy Mississippi in third quarter 2022, to reflect a one-time bill credit to customers as a result of the System Energy settlement with the MPSC. This regulatory credit offsets a reduction in gross revenue from the bill credits provided to customers in the September 2022 billing cycle. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds;
•regulatory credits of $23 million, recorded by Entergy Mississippi in third quarter 2022, to reflect the effects of the joint stipulation reached in the 2022 formula rate plan filing proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 formula rate plan filing;
9
•the reversal in third quarter 2023 of $22 million of regulatory liabilities to reflect the recognition of certain receipts by Entergy Texas under affiliated PPAs that have been resolved. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case; and
•a regulatory charge of $551 million, recorded by System Energy in second quarter 2022, to reflect the effects of the partial settlement agreement and offer of settlement related to pending proceedings before the FERC. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the partial settlement agreement.
In addition, Entergy records a regulatory charge or credit for the difference between asset retirement obligation-related expenses and nuclear decommissioning trust earnings plus asset retirement obligation-related costs collected in revenue.
Other income increased primarily due to:
•an increase of $88 million in intercompany dividend income from affiliated preferred membership interests related to storm cost securitizations. The intercompany dividend income on the affiliate preferred membership interests is eliminated for consolidation purposes and has no effect on net income since the investment is in another Entergy subsidiary;
•an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023, including the Orange County Advanced Power Station project; and
•a $32 million charge, recorded by Entergy Louisiana in second quarter 2022, for the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest in the storm trust I established as part of the Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida May 2022 storm cost securitization as compared to a $15 million charge recorded by Entergy Louisiana in first quarter 2023, for the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest in the storm trust II established as part of the March 2023 storm cost securitization.
The increase was partially offset by:
•an increase in net periodic pension non-service costs as a result of a non-qualified pension settlement charge recorded in third quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs; and
•a decrease of $17 million in the amount of storm restoration carrying costs recognized in 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily related to Hurricane Ida.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Entergy Louisiana storm cost securitizations.
Interest expense increased primarily due to:
•the issuance by Entergy Arkansas of $425 million of 5.15% Series mortgage bonds in January 2023;
•the issuance by Entergy Louisiana of $500 million of 4.75% Series mortgage bonds in August 2022;
•the issuance by Entergy Texas of $325 million of 5.00% Series mortgage bonds in August 2022;
•the issuance by Entergy Texas of $350 million of 5.80% Series mortgage bonds in August 2023; and
•the issuance by System Energy of $325 million of 6.00% Series mortgage bonds in March 2023.
The increase was partially offset by the repayment by Entergy Louisiana of $200 million of 3.30% Series mortgage bonds in December 2022 and the repayment by System Energy of $250 million of 4.10% Series mortgage bonds in April 2023.
10
Parent and Other
Operating revenues decreased primarily due to the absence of revenues from Palisades, after it was shut down in May 2022.
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of expenses from Palisades, after it was shut down in May 2022.
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) includes a gain of $166 million as a result of the sale of the Palisades plant in June 2022 and the effects of recording a final judgment of $40 million in third quarter 2023 to resolve claims in the Indian Point 2 fourth round and Indian Point 3 third round combined damages case against the DOE. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the spent nuclear fuel litigation.
Taxes other than income taxes decreased primarily due to decreases in employment taxes due to the absence of expenses from Palisades, after its sale in June 2022.
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of depreciation expense from Palisades, after it was shut down in May 2022.
Other income decreased primarily due to the elimination for consolidation purposes of intercompany dividend income of $88 million from affiliated preferred membership interests, as discussed above, substantially offset by losses on Palisades decommissioning trust fund investments in 2022, higher non-service pension income, and higher interest income primarily due to higher interest rates. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Interest expense increased primarily due to higher variable interest rates on commercial paper in 2023, partially offset by the redemption by Entergy of $650 million of 4.00% Series senior notes in June 2022. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for discussion of Entergy’s commercial paper program.
Other expenses decreased primarily due to the absence of decommissioning expense and nuclear refueling outage expense as a result of the shutdown and sale of Palisades in second quarter 2022.
See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the shutdown and sale of the Palisades plant.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 17.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the reduction in income tax expense as a result of the March 2023 securitization of storm costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021, and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by the accrual for state income taxes. See Notes 2 and 10 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of the Entergy Louisiana March 2023 storm cost securitization under Act 293.
The effective income tax rate was (12.2%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the reduction in income tax expense as a result of the May 2022 securitization of Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida storm costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021, the
11
amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes, and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by the accrual for state income taxes. See Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the effects of and regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the Entergy Louisiana May 2022 storm cost securitization.
Income Tax Legislation and Regulation
In April 2023 the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting that taxpayers may use to determine whether expenses to repair, maintain, replace, or improve natural gas transmission and distribution property must be capitalized and provides procedures for taxpayers to obtain automatic consent to change their method of accounting. Entergy intends to adopt this new method of income tax accounting under the safe harbor in accordance with Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which is not expected to have a significant effect on the results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition of Entergy or the Registrant Subsidiaries.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), signed into law on August 16, 2022, significantly expanded federal tax incentives for clean energy production, including the extension of production tax credits to solar projects and certain qualified nuclear power plants. In June 2023 the IRS issued temporary and proposed regulations related to applicable tax credit transferability and direct pay provisions of the IRA. In August 2023 the IRS issued proposed regulations related to the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements under the IRA. Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries are closely monitoring any potential impact associated with such federal tax incentives to assess the expected future effects on their results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. There are no effects on the financial statements of Entergy or the Registrant Subsidiaries as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Income Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the IRA, including Entergy’s estimates regarding the new corporate alternative minimum tax.
Planned Sale of Gas Distribution Businesses
On October 28, 2023, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana each entered into separate purchase and sale agreements with respect to the sale of their respective regulated natural gas local distribution company businesses to two separate affiliates of Bernhard Capital Partners Management LP. Under the purchase and sale agreements, Entergy New Orleans has agreed to sell its regulated natural gas local distribution company business serving customers in the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana, and Entergy Louisiana has agreed to sell its regulated natural gas local distribution company business serving customers in the Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The base purchase price to be paid by the buyer of the Entergy New Orleans gas business is $285.5 million, and the base purchase price to be paid by the buyer of the Entergy Louisiana gas business is $198 million, in each case subject to certain adjustments at the closing of the transactions. Each purchase and sale agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants related to the applicable business and the respective transactions. Between the date of the purchase and sale agreements and the completion of the transactions, Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana have each agreed to operate the respective gas businesses in the ordinary course of business and to certain other operating covenants.
The transactions will proceed in two phases: (1) an “Initial Phase” prior to regulatory approvals in connection with both transactions; and (2) a “Second Phase” following regulatory approvals in connection with both transactions to the extent that certain conditions are satisfied or (where permissible) waived for both transactions. These regulatory approvals include the approval of the City Council for the sale of the Entergy New Orleans gas business and the approval of the LPSC and the Metropolitan Council for the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge for the sale of the Entergy Louisiana gas business. Additionally, while approval of the transactions is
12
generally not required from the FERC, the parties will seek a waiver of the FERC’s capacity release rules, as applicable.
The purchase and sale agreements may be terminated by any party if the Second Phase does not start within 15 months of October 28, 2023 (or within 18 months if the only remaining conditions to starting the Second Phase are obtaining the regulatory approvals). The consummation of each of the transactions is subject to satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, including the receipt of the regulatory approvals, clearance under the Hart-Scott Rodino Act, and the concurrent closing of the other transaction. Under the purchase and sale agreements, the closing of the transactions is not required to occur earlier than the later of six months following the initiation of the Second Phase and July 28, 2025, and the purchase and sale agreements may be terminated by either party in the event the closing has not occurred prior to October 28, 2025. Neither transaction is subject to a financing condition for the applicable buyer.
The purchase and sale agreements are subject to customary termination provisions. If the purchase and sale agreements are terminated in certain circumstances, each seller may be liable to the applicable buyer for a portion of the buyer’s transition costs incurred in connection with transitioning the applicable business. Entergy New Orleans’s and Entergy Louisiana’s aggregate liability for such transaction costs shall not exceed $7.5 million if termination occurs during the Initial Phase or $12.5 million if termination occurs during the Second Phase (with responsibility allocated between the sellers pro rata based on the relative purchase price). If the purchase and sale agreements are terminated in certain circumstances, each buyer may be liable to the corresponding seller for a reverse termination fee, equal to 7% of the applicable base purchase price if termination occurs during the Initial Phase, or 10% of the applicable base purchase price if the termination occurs in the Second Phase.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy’s capital structure, capital spending plans and other uses of capital, and sources of capital. The following are updates to that discussion.
Capital Structure and Resources
Entergy’s debt to capital ratio is shown in the following table.
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Debt to capital | 66.3 | % | 66.9 | % | |||||||
Effect of excluding securitization bonds | (0.2 | %) | (0.3 | %) | |||||||
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (non-GAAP) (a) | 66.1 | % | 66.6 | % | |||||||
Effect of subtracting cash | (1.3 | %) | (0.1 | %) | |||||||
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (non-GAAP) (a) | 64.8 | % | 66.5 | % |
(a)Calculation excludes the New Orleans and Texas securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Texas, respectively.
As of September 30, 2023, 19.4% of the debt outstanding is at the parent company, Entergy Corporation, and 80.1% is at the Utility. The remaining 0.5% of the debt outstanding relates to the Vermont Yankee credit facility, as discussed in Note 4 to the financial statements herein. Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of notes payable and commercial paper, finance lease obligations, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt, equity, and subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. The debt to capital ratio excluding securitization bonds and net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds are non-GAAP measures. Entergy uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and
13
believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Entergy Corporation has in place a credit facility that has a borrowing capacity of $3.5 billion and expires in June 2028. The facility includes fronting commitments for the issuance of letters of credit against $20 million of the total borrowing capacity of the credit facility. The commitment fee is currently 0.225% of the undrawn commitment amount. Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facility can fluctuate depending on the senior unsecured debt ratings of Entergy Corporation. The weighted-average interest rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 6.44% on the drawn portion of the facility. As of September 30, 2023, amounts outstanding and capacity available under the $3.5 billion credit facility are:
Capacity | Borrowings | Letters of Credit | Capacity Available | |||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$3,500 | $— | $3 | $3,497 |
A covenant in Entergy Corporation’s credit facility requires Entergy to maintain a consolidated debt ratio, as defined, of 65% or less of its total capitalization. The calculation of this debt ratio under Entergy Corporation’s credit facility is different than the calculation of the debt to capital ratio above. Entergy is currently in compliance with the covenant and expects to remain in compliance with this covenant. If Entergy fails to meet this ratio, or if Entergy or one of the Registrant Subsidiaries (except Entergy New Orleans and System Energy) defaults on other indebtedness or is in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the Entergy Corporation credit facility’s maturity date may occur. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the Entergy Corporation credit facility and discussion of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ credit facilities.
Entergy Corporation has a commercial paper program with a Board-approved program limit of up to $2 billion. As of September 30, 2023, Entergy Corporation had $1,351.1 million of commercial paper outstanding. The weighted-average interest rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 5.35%.
Equity Issuances and Equity Distribution Program
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Sources of Capital - Equity Issuances and Equity Distribution Program” in the Form 10-K and Note 3 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the equity distribution program.
Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida (Entergy Louisiana)
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2020 and October 2020, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Hurricane Zeta caused significant damage to portions of Entergy Louisiana’s service area. The storms resulted in widespread outages, significant damage to distribution and transmission infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the outages. Additionally, as a result of Hurricane Laura’s extensive damage to the grid infrastructure serving the impacted area, large portions of the underlying transmission system required nearly a complete rebuild. In February 2021 two winter storms (collectively, Winter Storm Uri) brought freezing rain and ice to Louisiana. Ice accumulation sagged or downed trees, limbs, and power lines, causing damage to Entergy Louisiana’s transmission and distribution systems. The additional weight of ice caused trees and limbs to fall into power lines and other electric equipment. When the ice melted, it affected vegetation and electrical equipment, causing additional outages. In August 2021, Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage to Entergy Louisiana’s distribution and, to a lesser extent, transmission systems resulting in widespread power outages.
14
In April 2022, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC relating to Hurricane Ida restoration costs. Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Ida were estimated to be approximately $2.54 billion, including approximately $1.96 billion in capital costs and approximately $586 million in non-capital costs. Including carrying costs of $57 million through December 2022, Entergy Louisiana was seeking an LPSC determination that $2.60 billion was prudently incurred and, therefore, eligible for recovery from customers. As part of this filing, Entergy Louisiana also was seeking an LPSC determination that an additional $32 million in costs associated with the restoration of Entergy Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Hurricane Zeta as well as Winter Storm Uri was prudently incurred. This amount was exclusive of the requested $3 million in carrying costs through December 2022. In total, Entergy Louisiana was requesting an LPSC determination that $2.64 billion was prudently incurred and, therefore, eligible for recovery from customers. As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2022 the LPSC approved financing of a $1 billion storm escrow account from which funds were withdrawn to finance costs associated with Hurricane Ida restoration. In June 2022, Entergy Louisiana supplemented the application with a request regarding the financing and recovery of the recoverable storm restoration costs. Specifically, Entergy Louisiana requested approval to securitize its restoration costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55 financing, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021. In October 2022 the LPSC staff recommended a finding that the requested storm restoration costs of $2.64 billion, including associated carrying costs of $59.1 million, were prudently incurred and eligible for recovery from customers. The LPSC staff further recommended approval of Entergy Louisiana’s plans to securitize these costs, net of the $1 billion in funds withdrawn from the storm escrow account described above. The parties negotiated and executed an uncontested stipulated settlement which was filed with the LPSC in December 2022. The settlement agreement contains the following key terms: $2.57 billion of restoration costs from Hurricane Ida, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, and Winter Storm Uri were prudently incurred and eligible for recovery; carrying costs of $59.2 million were recoverable; and Entergy Louisiana was authorized to finance $1.657 billion utilizing the securitization process authorized by Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293. In January 2023 the LPSC approved the stipulated settlement subject to certain modifications. These modifications include the recognition of accumulated deferred income tax benefits related to damaged assets and system restoration costs as a reduction of the amount authorized to be financed utilizing the securitization process authorized by Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293, from $1.657 billion to $1.491 billion. These modifications did not affect the LPSC’s conclusion that all system restoration costs sought by Entergy Louisiana were reasonable and prudent. In February 2023 the Louisiana Bond Commission voted to authorize the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, to issue the bonds authorized in the LPSC’s financing order.
In March 2023 the Hurricane Ida securitization financing closed, resulting in the issuance of approximately $1.491 billion principal amount of bonds by the LCDA and a remaining regulatory asset of $180 million to be recovered through the exclusion of the accumulated deferred income taxes related to the damaged assets and system restoration costs from the determination of future rates. The securitization was authorized pursuant to the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation Act, Part VIII of Chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021. The LCDA loaned the proceeds to the LURC. Pursuant to Act 293, the LURC contributed the net bond proceeds to a State legislatively authorized and LURC-sponsored trust, Restoration Law Trust II (the storm trust II).
Pursuant to Act 293, the net proceeds of the bonds were used by the storm trust II to purchase 14,576,757.48 Class B preferred, non-voting membership interest units (the preferred membership interests) issued by Entergy Finance Company, LLC, a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of Entergy. Entergy Finance Company is required to make annual distributions (dividends) commencing on December 15, 2023 on the preferred membership interests issued to the storm trust II. These annual dividends received by the storm trust II will be distributed to Entergy Louisiana and the LURC, as beneficiaries of the storm trust II. Specifically, 1% of the annual dividends received by the storm trust II will be distributed to the LURC for the benefit of customers, and 99% will be distributed to Entergy Louisiana, net of storm trust expenses. The preferred membership interests have a stated
15
annual cumulative cash dividend rate of 7.5% and a liquidation price of $100 per unit. The terms of the preferred membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Finance Company is subject. Semi-annual redemptions of the preferred membership interests, subject to certain conditions, are expected to occur over the next 15 years.
Entergy and Entergy Louisiana do not report the bonds issued by the LCDA on their balance sheets because the bonds are the obligation of the LCDA. The bonds are secured by system restoration property, which is the right granted by law to the LURC to collect a system restoration charge from customers. The system restoration charge is adjusted at least semi-annually to ensure that it is sufficient to service the bonds. Entergy Louisiana collects the system restoration charge on behalf of the LURC and remits the collections to the bond indenture trustee. Entergy Louisiana began collecting the system restoration charge effective with the first billing cycle of April 2023 and the system restoration charge is expected to remain in place for up to 15 years. Entergy and Entergy Louisiana do not report the collections as revenue because Entergy Louisiana is merely acting as a billing and collection agent for the LCDA and the LURC. In the remote possibility that the system restoration charge, as well as any funds in the excess subaccount and funds in the debt service reserve account, are insufficient to service the bonds resulting in a payment default, the storm trust II is required to liquidate Entergy Finance Company preferred membership interests in an amount equal to what would be required to cure the default. The estimated value of this indirect guarantee is immaterial.
From the proceeds from the issuance of the preferred membership interests, Entergy Finance Company loaned approximately $1.5 billion to Entergy, which was indirectly contributed to Entergy Louisiana as a capital contribution.
As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements herein, the securitization resulted in recognition of a net reduction of income tax expense of approximately $133 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions, by Entergy Louisiana. Entergy’s recognition of reduced income tax expense was offset by other tax charges resulting in a net reduction of income tax expense of $129 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions. In recognition of its obligations related to an LPSC ancillary order issued as part of the securitization regulatory proceeding, Entergy Louisiana recorded in first quarter 2023 a $103 million ($76 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge and a corresponding regulatory liability to reflect its obligation to share the benefits of the securitization with customers.
As discussed in Note 3 and Note 12 to the financial statements herein, Entergy Louisiana consolidates the storm trust II as a variable interest entity and the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest is shown as noncontrolling interest in the financial statements. In first quarter 2023, Entergy Louisiana recorded a charge of $14.6 million in other income to reflect the LURC’s beneficial interest in the storm trust II.
Hurricane Ida (Entergy New Orleans)
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2021, Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to Entergy New Orleans’s service area, including Entergy’s electrical grid. The storm resulted in widespread power outages, including the loss of 100% of Entergy New Orleans’s load and damage to distribution and transmission infrastructure, including the loss of connectivity to the eastern interconnection. In September 2021, Entergy New Orleans withdrew $39 million from its funded storm reserves. In June 2022, Entergy New Orleans filed an application with the City Council requesting approval and certification that storm restoration costs associated with Hurricane Ida of approximately $170 million, which included $11 million in estimated costs, were reasonable, necessary, and prudently incurred to enable Entergy New Orleans to restore electric service to its customers and to repair Entergy New Orleans’s electric utility infrastructure. In addition, estimated carrying costs through December 2022 related to Hurricane Ida restoration costs were $9 million, which were subsequently included in an addendum to the June 2022 application. Also, Entergy New Orleans requested approval that the $39 million withdrawal from its funded storm reserve in September 2021, the $125 million withdrawal from its securitized storm reserve, and
16
$7 million in excess storm reserve escrow withdrawals related to Hurricane Zeta and prior miscellaneous storms were properly applied to Hurricane Ida storm restoration costs.
In August 2023 the City Council advisors issued a report recommending that the City Council find that Entergy New Orleans prudently incurred approximately $164.1 million in storm restoration costs and $7.5 million in carrying charges and that such costs have already been properly recovered by Entergy New Orleans through withdrawals from the storm reserve escrow account. The City Council advisors also recommended that the City Council find that approximately $1.2 million in storm restoration costs had already been recovered through Entergy New Orleans’s base rates and that approximately $0.9 million in unused credits be applied against future storm costs. In August 2023 the City Council hearing officer certified the evidentiary record.
Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital
See the table and discussion in the Form 10-K under “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital,” that sets forth the amounts of planned construction and other capital investments for 2023 through 2025. The following are updates to that discussion.
Entergy is developing its capital investment plan for 2024 through 2026 and currently anticipates that the Utility will make approximately $19.6 billion in capital investments during that period. The preliminary Utility estimate includes investments in generation projects to modernize, decarbonize, and diversify Entergy’s portfolio, including Walnut Bend Solar, West Memphis Solar, Driver Solar, and Orange County Advanced Power Station; investments in Entergy’s nuclear fleet; transmission spending to drive reliability and resilience while also supporting renewables expansion and customer growth; distribution and Utility support spending to improve reliability, resilience, and customer experience through projects focused on asset renewals and enhancements and grid stability; and other investments. Estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of business restructuring, regulatory constraints and requirements, environmental regulations, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.
Renewables
Sunflower Solar
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2020 the MPSC issued an order approving certification of the Sunflower Solar facility and its recovery through the interim capacity rate adjustment mechanism, subject to certain conditions. In May 2022 both Entergy Mississippi and the tax equity investor made capital contributions to the tax equity partnership that were then used to make an initial payment of $105 million for acquisition of the facility. Commercial operation at the Sunflower Solar facility commenced in September 2022. In April 2023 both Entergy Mississippi and the tax equity investor made additional capital contributions to the tax equity partnership that were then used to make the substantial completion payment of $30.4 million for acquisition of the facility. The final payment of $4.7 million for acquisition of the facility was made in October 2023. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Mississippi’s purchase of the Sunflower Solar facility.
Walnut Bend Solar
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2021, the APSC directed Entergy Arkansas to file a report within 180 days detailing its efforts to obtain a tax equity partnership for the purpose of acquiring the Walnut Bend Solar facility. In January 2022, Entergy Arkansas filed its tax equity partnership status report and will file subsequent reports until a tax equity partnership is obtained or a tax equity partnership is no longer sought. The counter-party notified Entergy Arkansas that it was terminating the project, though it was willing to consider an alternative for the site. Entergy Arkansas disputed the right of termination. Negotiations were conducted, including with respect to
17
cost and schedule and to updates arising as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In April 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed an application for an amended certificate of environmental compatibility and public need with the APSC seeking approval by June 2023 for the updates to the cost and schedule that were previously approved by the APSC. In June 2023, Entergy Arkansas, the APSC general staff, and the Arkansas Attorney General filed a unanimous settlement supporting that the approval of the Walnut Bend Solar facility is in the public interest based on the terms in the settlement, which relate in part to certain treatment for the production tax credits associated with the facility. In July 2023, after requesting further testimony and purporting to modify several terms in the settlement and upon rehearing, the APSC approved the settlement largely on the terms submitted, including a 30-year amortization period for the production tax credits. The project is currently expected to achieve commercial operation in 2024.
West Memphis Solar
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in October 2021 the APSC directed Entergy Arkansas to file a report within 180 days detailing its efforts to obtain a tax equity partnership for the purpose of acquiring the West Memphis Solar facility. In April 2022, Entergy Arkansas filed its tax equity partnership status report and will file subsequent reports until a tax equity partnership is obtained or a tax equity partnership is no longer sought. Closing had been expected to occur in 2023. In March 2022 the counter-party notified Entergy Arkansas that it was seeking changes to certain terms of the build-own-transfer agreement, including both cost and schedule. In January 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed a supplemental application with the APSC seeking approval for a change in the transmission route and updates to the cost and schedule that were previously approved by the APSC. In March 2023 the APSC approved Entergy Arkansas’s supplemental application. The project is currently expected to achieve commercial operation in 2024.
2022 Solar Portfolio and Expansion of the Geaux Green Option
In February 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking certification of the Iberville/Coastal Prairie facility, which will provide 175 MW of capacity through a PPA with a third party, and the Sterlington facility, a 49 MW self-build project located near the deactivated Sterlington power plant. Entergy Louisiana is seeking to include these within the portfolio supporting the Geaux Green Option (Rider GGO) rate schedule to help fulfill customer interest in access to renewable energy. Entergy Louisiana has requested the costs of these facilities, as offset by Rider GGO revenues, be deemed eligible for recovery in accordance with the terms of the formula rate plan and fuel adjustment clause rate mechanisms that exist at the time the facilities are placed into service. The Louisiana Energy Users Group and the Alliance for Affordable Energy have intervened, and discovery is underway. A procedural schedule has been established with a hearing scheduled for December 2023, and settlement negotiations are ongoing. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Expenditure Plans and Other Uses of Capital - Renewables - 2021 Solar Certification and the Geaux Green Option” in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the Rider GGO.
Alternative RFP and Certification
In March 2023, Entergy Louisiana made the first phase of a bifurcated filing to seek approval from the LPSC for an alternative to the requests for proposals (RFP) process that would enable the acquisition of up to 3 GW of solar resources on a faster timeline than the current RFP and certification process allows. The initial phase of the filing established the need for the acquisition of additional resources and the need for an alternative to the RFP process. The second phase of the filing, which contains the details of the proposal for the alternative competitive procurement process and the information necessary to support certification, was filed in May 2023. In addition to the acquisition of up to 3 GW of solar resources, the filing also seeks approval of a new renewable energy credits-based tariff. Several parties have intervened, and a procedural schedule was established in May 2023 with a hearing scheduled for March 2024. In October 2023 the LPSC staff and intervenors filed testimony, with the LPSC staff supporting the amount of solar resources to be acquired and the alternative RFP process. The LPSC staff also
18
supported, subject to certain recommendations, the proposed framework for evaluation and certification of the solar resources by the LPSC and the proposed tariff.
System Resilience and Storm Hardening
Entergy Louisiana
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in December 2022, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking a public interest finding regarding Phase I of Entergy Louisiana’s Future Ready resilience plan and approval of a rider mechanism to recover the program’s costs. Phase I reflects the first five years of a ten-year resilience plan and includes investment of approximately $5 billion, including hardening investment, transmission dead-end structures, enhanced vegetation management, and telecommunications improvement. In April 2023 a procedural schedule was established with a hearing scheduled for January 2024. The LPSC staff and certain intervenors filed direct testimony in August, September, and October 2023. The LPSC staff filed cross-answering testimony in October 2023. The testimony largely supports implementation of some level of accelerated investment in resilience but raises various issues related to the magnitude of the investment, the cost recovery mechanism applicable to the investment, and the ratemaking for the investment.
The LPSC had previously opened a formal rulemaking proceeding in December 2021 to investigate efforts to improve resilience of electric utility infrastructure. In April 2023 the LPSC staff issued a draft rule in the rulemaking proceeding related to a requirement to file a grid resilience plan. The procedural schedule entered in the rulemaking proceeding contemplated adoption of a final rule in October 2023, but this did not occur, and a new date has not been set.
Entergy New Orleans
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in October 2021 the City Council passed a resolution and order establishing a docket and procedural schedule with respect to system resiliency and storm hardening. In July 2022, Entergy New Orleans filed with the City Council a response identifying a plan for storm hardening and resiliency projects, including microgrids, to be implemented over ten years at an approximate cost of $1.5 billion. In February 2023 the City Council approved a revised procedural schedule requiring Entergy New Orleans to make a filing containing a narrowed list of proposed hardening projects, with final comments on that filing due July 2023. In April 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed the required application and supporting testimony seeking City Council approval of the first phase (five years and approximately $559 million) of a ten-year infrastructure hardening plan totaling approximately $1 billion. Entergy New Orleans also sought, among other relief, City Council approval of a rider to recover from customers the costs of the infrastructure hardening plan. In July 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed comments in support of its application.
Dividends
Declarations of dividends on Entergy’s common stock are made at the discretion of the Board. Among other things, the Board evaluates the level of Entergy’s common stock dividends based upon earnings per share from the Utility operating segment and the Parent and Other portion of the business, financial strength, and future investment opportunities. At its October 2023 meeting, the Board declared a dividend of $1.13 per share, an increase from the previous $1.07 quarterly dividend per share that Entergy has paid since the third quarter 2022.
19
Cash Flow Activity
As shown in Entergy’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $224 | $443 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | 3,231 | 1,809 | |||||||||
Investing activities | (3,579) | (4,369) | |||||||||
Financing activities | 1,644 | 3,120 | |||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 1,296 | 560 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $1,520 | $1,003 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $1,422 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•lower fuel costs and the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs;
•a decrease of $228 million in storm spending primarily due to Hurricane Ida restoration efforts in 2022. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of fuel and purchased power cost recovery; and
•severance and retention payments of $40 million in 2022 related to Entergy’s exit from the merchant power business. See Note 13 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of Entergy’s exit from the merchant power business.
The increase was partially offset by:
•lower collections from Utility customers;
•an increase of $97 million in pension contributions in 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K and Note 6 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding;
•an increase of $54 million in interest paid; and
•income tax payments of $35 million in 2023 compared to income tax refunds of $7 million in 2022. Entergy had income tax payments in 2023 as a result of higher estimated income taxes as compared to 2022. Entergy had income tax refunds in 2022 as a result of an overpayment on a prior year state income tax return.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $790 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•a decrease of $555 million in distribution construction expenditures primarily due to lower capital expenditures for storm restoration in 2023, partially offset by increased investment in the reliability and infrastructure of the distribution system;
20
•a decrease of $277 million in net payments to storm reserve escrow accounts;
•the initial payment of approximately $105 million in May 2022 as compared to the substantial completion payment of approximately $30 million in April 2023 for the purchase of the Sunflower Solar facility by the Entergy Mississippi tax equity partnership. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Sunflower Solar facility purchase;
•a decrease of $56 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to lower capital expenditures for storm restoration in 2023, partially offset by increased investment in the reliability and infrastructure of the transmission system;
•a decrease of $37 million in information technology capital expenditures primarily due to decreased spending on various technology projects in 2023; and
•cash collateral of $31 million posted in 2022 to support Entergy Texas’s obligations to MISO.
The decrease was partially offset by:
•an increase of $164 million in non-nuclear generation construction expenditures primarily due to higher spending on the Orange County Advanced Power Station project; and
•an increase of $76 million in nuclear fuel purchases due to variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements, materials and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle.
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities decreased $1,476 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•proceeds from securitization of $1.5 billion received by the storm trust II at Entergy Louisiana in 2023 compared to proceeds from securitization of $3.2 billion received by the storm trust I at Entergy Louisiana in 2022;
•long-term debt activity providing approximately $221 million of cash in 2023 compared to providing approximately $318 million of cash in 2022; and
•an increase of $63 million in common stock dividends paid in 2023 as a result of an increase in the dividend paid per share and an increase in the number of shares outstanding.
The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $338 million in net issuances of commercial paper in 2023 compared to 2022 and an increase of $66 million in prepaid deposits related to contributions-in-aid-of-construction for generation interconnection agreements.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Entergy Louisiana storm cost securitizations. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Notes 4 and 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for details of Entergy’s commercial paper program and long-term debt.
Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation” in the Form 10-K for discussions of rate regulation, federal regulation, and related regulatory proceedings.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for updates to the discussion in the Form 10-K regarding these proceedings.
21
Federal Regulation
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for updates to the discussion in the Form 10-K regarding federal regulatory proceedings.
Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of market and credit risk sensitive instruments. The following is an update to that discussion.
Some of the agreements to sell the power produced by Entergy’s non-utility operations contain provisions that require an Entergy subsidiary to provide credit support to secure its obligations under the agreements. The primary form of credit support to satisfy these requirements is an Entergy Corporation guarantee. Cash and letters of credit are also acceptable forms of credit support. At September 30, 2023, based on power prices at that time, Entergy had liquidity exposure of $7 million under the guarantees in place supporting Entergy’s non-utility operations transactions and $8 million of posted cash collateral.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters. The following is an update to that discussion.
NRC Reactor Oversight Process
As discussed in the Form 10-K, the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process is a program to collect information about plant performance, assess the information for its safety significance, and provide for appropriate licensee and NRC response. The NRC evaluates plant performance by analyzing two distinct inputs: inspection findings resulting from the NRC’s inspection program and performance indicators reported by the licensee. The evaluations result in the placement of each plant in one of the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix columns: “licensee response column,” or Column 1, “regulatory response column,” or Column 2, “degraded cornerstone column,” or Column 3, “multiple/repetitive degraded cornerstone column,” or Column 4, and “unacceptable performance,” or Column 5. Plants in Column 1 are subject to normal NRC inspection activities. Plants in Column 2, Column 3, or Column 4 are subject to progressively increasing levels of inspection by the NRC with, in general, progressively increasing levels of associated costs. Continued plant operation is not permitted for plants in Column 5. All of the nuclear generating plants owned and operated by Entergy’s Utility business are currently in Column 1, except River Bend, which is in Column 2.
In September 2022 the NRC placed Waterford 3 in Column 2 based on an error associated with a radiation monitor calibration. Entergy corrected the issue with the radiation monitor in February 2022 and also corrected a subsequent radiation monitor calibration issue. In May 2023 the NRC completed a supplemental inspection of Waterford 3 in accordance with its inspection procedures for nuclear plants in Column 2 and Waterford 3 was returned to Column 1.
In July 2023 the NRC placed River Bend in Column 2, effective April 2023, based on failure to inspect wiring associated with the high pressure core spray system. In August 2023 the NRC issued a finding and notice of violation related to a radiation monitor calibration issue at River Bend. River Bend will remain in Column 2 pending successful completion of supplemental inspections related to both issues.
22
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
23
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands, Except Share Data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $3,526,935 | $4,110,058 | $9,195,588 | $10,024,089 | |||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas | 32,305 | 46,548 | 130,389 | 166,917 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 36,282 | 62,009 | 96,630 | 300,731 | |||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 3,595,522 | 4,218,615 | 9,422,607 | 10,491,737 | |||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 707,491 | 1,366,811 | 2,189,592 | 2,685,694 | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | 309,376 | 415,066 | 754,199 | 1,255,318 | |||||||||||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 39,057 | 39,707 | 111,075 | 119,625 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 751,763 | 793,145 | 2,043,184 | 2,249,674 | |||||||||||||||||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) | 38,078 | (143) | 38,078 | (163,464) | |||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 52,336 | 49,263 | 153,981 | 174,171 | |||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 197,654 | 190,056 | 566,669 | 542,448 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 439,873 | 453,288 | 1,362,728 | 1,337,019 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (83,489) | (43,283) | (158,317) | 689,355 | |||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 2,452,139 | 3,263,910 | 7,061,189 | 8,889,840 | |||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 1,143,383 | 954,705 | 2,361,418 | 1,601,897 | |||||||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 24,225 | 20,245 | 72,238 | 49,685 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income (loss) | 2,562 | 2,966 | 96,250 | (118,002) | |||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (18,018) | (10,462) | (121,014) | 32,720 | |||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 8,769 | 12,749 | 47,474 | (35,597) | |||||||||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 264,934 | 235,322 | 781,613 | 694,558 | |||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (9,493) | (7,862) | (29,565) | (18,710) | |||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 255,441 | 227,460 | 752,048 | 675,848 | |||||||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 896,711 | 739,994 | 1,656,844 | 890,452 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 226,997 | 184,112 | 282,818 | (109,034) | |||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME | 669,714 | 555,882 | 1,374,026 | 999,486 | |||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries and noncontrolling interests | 2,959 | (4,707) | 5,092 | 2,794 | |||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ENTERGY CORPORATION | $666,755 | $560,589 | $1,368,934 | $996,692 | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per average common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $3.15 | $2.76 | $6.47 | $4.90 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | $3.14 | $2.74 | $6.45 | $4.88 | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic average number of common shares outstanding | 211,459,244 | 203,445,773 | 211,420,117 | 203,259,373 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding | 212,238,117 | 204,578,013 | 212,195,735 | 204,357,916 | |||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
24
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $669,714 | $555,882 | $1,374,026 | $999,486 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (net of tax expense of $—, $—, $—, and $—) | — | 24 | — | 72 | |||||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities (net of tax expense (benefit) of ($743), $3,505, ($1,078), and $7,689) | (2,434) | 11,867 | (3,699) | 26,240 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment loss (net of tax expense (benefit) of $—, $1,223, $—, and ($2,230)) | — | (1,223) | — | (7,154) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (2,434) | 10,668 | (3,699) | 19,158 | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income | 667,280 | 566,550 | 1,370,327 | 1,018,644 | |||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries and noncontrolling interests | 2,959 | (4,707) | 5,092 | 2,794 | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Entergy Corporation | $664,321 | $571,257 | $1,365,235 | $1,015,850 | |||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
25
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income | $1,374,026 | $999,486 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 1,668,540 | 1,667,756 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 257,210 | (76,672) | ||||||||||||
Asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits) | 38,078 | (163,464) | ||||||||||||
Changes in working capital: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables | (217,483) | (368,772) | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory | (34,601) | 19,433 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | (304,264) | (59,787) | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 107,899 | 89,554 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 66,571 | 38,361 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 620,440 | (821,386) | ||||||||||||
Other working capital accounts | (137,061) | (124,677) | ||||||||||||
Changes in provisions for estimated losses | (7,171) | 297,842 | ||||||||||||
Changes in regulatory assets | 415,101 | 587,128 | ||||||||||||
Changes in other regulatory liabilities | 204,817 | (116,315) | ||||||||||||
Effect of securitization on regulatory asset | (491,150) | (1,036,955) | ||||||||||||
Changes in pension and other postretirement liabilities | (347,886) | (258,141) | ||||||||||||
Other | 17,927 | 1,136,050 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 3,230,993 | 1,809,441 | ||||||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Construction/capital expenditures | (3,373,617) | (3,853,121) | ||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 72,238 | 49,685 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (201,213) | (125,619) | ||||||||||||
Payment for purchase of assets | (30,433) | (106,193) | ||||||||||||
Net proceeds (payments) from sale of assets | 11,000 | (7,082) | ||||||||||||
Insurance proceeds received for property damages | 19,493 | — | ||||||||||||
Litigation proceeds from settlement agreement | — | 9,829 | ||||||||||||
Changes in securitization account | (4,839) | 1,224 | ||||||||||||
Payments to storm reserve escrow accounts | (14,320) | (1,291,593) | ||||||||||||
Receipts from storm reserve escrow accounts | — | 1,000,278 | ||||||||||||
Increase in other investments | (4,998) | (33,238) | ||||||||||||
Litigation proceeds for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs | 23,655 | 32,367 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 806,658 | 1,377,304 | ||||||||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (882,686) | (1,422,808) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (3,579,062) | (4,368,967) | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
26
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of: | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 3,605,237 | 5,316,693 | ||||||||||||
Treasury stock | 5,184 | 31,802 | ||||||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (3,384,007) | (4,998,642) | ||||||||||||
Changes in credit borrowings and commercial paper - net | 523,484 | 185,455 | ||||||||||||
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest | 25,708 | 9,595 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds received by storm trust related to securitization | 1,457,676 | 3,163,572 | ||||||||||||
Other | 102,835 | 41,659 | ||||||||||||
Dividends paid: | ||||||||||||||
Common stock | (678,699) | (615,937) | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock | (13,739) | (13,739) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 1,643,679 | 3,120,458 | ||||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 1,295,610 | 560,932 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 224,164 | 442,559 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $1,519,774 | $1,003,491 | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid (received) during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $685,231 | $631,211 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | $35,291 | ($7,412) | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
27
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $105,288 | $115,290 | ||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | 1,414,486 | 108,874 | ||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 1,519,774 | 224,164 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Customer | 986,010 | 788,552 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (27,813) | (30,856) | ||||||||||||
Other | 203,151 | 241,702 | ||||||||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 551,392 | 495,859 | ||||||||||||
Total accounts receivable | 1,712,740 | 1,495,257 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 188,885 | 710,401 | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 182,233 | 147,632 | ||||||||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 1,362,098 | 1,183,308 | ||||||||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 125,101 | 143,653 | ||||||||||||
Prepayments and other | 238,828 | 190,611 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 5,329,659 | 4,095,026 | ||||||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 4,417,704 | 4,121,864 | ||||||||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 419,931 | 366,405 | ||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow accounts | 416,274 | 401,955 | ||||||||||||
Other | 65,613 | 102,259 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 5,319,522 | 4,992,483 | ||||||||||||
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT | ||||||||||||||
Electric | 65,954,146 | 64,646,911 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas | 712,374 | 691,970 | ||||||||||||
Construction work in progress | 2,296,265 | 1,844,171 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel | 606,600 | 582,119 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT | 69,569,385 | 67,765,171 | ||||||||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 26,274,303 | 25,288,047 | ||||||||||||
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT - NET | 43,295,082 | 42,477,124 | ||||||||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $257,502 as of September 30, 2023 and $282,886 as of December 31, 2022) | 5,690,179 | 6,036,397 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 172,202 | 241,085 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill | 377,172 | 377,172 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes | 50,895 | 84,100 | ||||||||||||
Other | 317,436 | 291,804 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 6,607,884 | 7,030,558 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $60,552,147 | $58,595,191 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
28
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $1,524,057 | $2,309,037 | ||||||||||||
Notes payable and commercial paper | 1,351,105 | 827,621 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | 1,336,107 | 1,777,590 | ||||||||||||
Customer deposits | 441,018 | 424,723 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 531,990 | 424,091 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 261,835 | 195,264 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 98,924 | — | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 53,533 | 104,845 | ||||||||||||
Sale-leaseback/depreciation regulatory liability | — | 103,497 | ||||||||||||
Other | 250,123 | 202,779 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 5,848,692 | 6,369,447 | ||||||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 5,063,523 | 4,818,837 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 204,839 | 211,220 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 1,223,532 | 1,258,276 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 2,667,648 | 2,324,590 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning and asset retirement cost liabilities | 4,449,832 | 4,271,531 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated provisions | 524,030 | 531,201 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 916,981 | 1,213,555 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $278,286 as of September 30, 2023 and $292,760 as of December 31, 2022) | 24,659,343 | 23,623,512 | ||||||||||||
Other | 955,309 | 688,720 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 40,665,037 | 38,941,442 | ||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
Subsidiaries' preferred stock without sinking fund | 219,410 | 219,410 | ||||||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares in 2023 and 2022; issued shares in 2023 and 2022 - none | — | — | ||||||||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 499,000,000 shares in 2023 and 2022; issued 279,653,929 shares in 2023 and 2022 | 2,797 | 2,797 | ||||||||||||
Paid-in capital | 7,649,370 | 7,632,895 | ||||||||||||
Retained earnings | 11,192,276 | 10,502,041 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (195,453) | (191,754) | ||||||||||||
Less - treasury stock, at cost (68,182,125 shares in 2023 and 68,477,429 shares in 2022) | 4,957,522 | 4,978,994 | ||||||||||||
Total common shareholders' equity | 13,691,468 | 12,966,985 | ||||||||||||
Subsidiaries' preferred stock without sinking fund and noncontrolling interests | 127,540 | 97,907 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 13,819,008 | 13,064,892 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | $60,552,147 | $58,595,191 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
29
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiaries’ Preferred Stock and Noncontrolling Interests | Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $97,907 | $2,797 | ($4,978,994) | $7,632,895 | $10,502,041 | ($191,754) | $13,064,892 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (a) | 1,364 | — | — | — | 310,935 | — | 312,299 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 2,027 | 2,027 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 19,599 | (15,118) | — | — | 4,481 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (226,194) | — | (226,194) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial interest in storm trust | 14,577 | — | — | — | — | — | 14,577 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (574) | — | — | — | — | — | (574) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (4,580) | — | — | — | — | — | (4,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | $108,694 | $2,797 | ($4,959,395) | $7,617,777 | $10,586,782 | ($189,727) | $13,166,928 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (a) | 770 | — | — | — | 391,244 | — | 392,014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (3,292) | (3,292) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 600 | 16,528 | — | — | 17,128 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (226,248) | — | (226,248) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest | 25,708 | — | — | — | — | — | 25,708 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (113) | — | — | — | — | — | (113) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (4,580) | — | — | — | — | — | (4,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | $130,479 | $2,797 | ($4,958,795) | $7,634,305 | $10,751,778 | ($193,019) | $13,367,545 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (a) | 2,959 | — | — | — | 666,755 | — | 669,714 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (2,434) | (2,434) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 1,273 | 15,065 | — | — | 16,338 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (226,257) | — | (226,257) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (1,318) | — | — | — | — | — | (1,318) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (4,580) | — | — | — | — | — | (4,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $127,540 | $2,797 | ($4,957,522) | $7,649,370 | $11,192,276 | ($195,453) | $13,819,008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Consolidated net income and preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries for first quarter 2023, second quarter 2023, and third quarter 2023 each includes $4 million of preferred dividends on subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund that is not presented as equity. |
30
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subsidiaries' Preferred Stock and Noncontrolling Interests | Common Stock | Treasury Stock | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $68,110 | $2,720 | ($5,039,699) | $6,766,239 | $10,240,552 | ($332,528) | $11,705,394 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (a) | 3,193 | — | — | — | 276,400 | — | 279,593 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (4,050) | (4,050) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 36,612 | (31,085) | — | — | 5,527 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (205,058) | — | (205,058) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (4,580) | — | — | — | — | — | (4,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | $66,723 | $2,720 | ($5,003,087) | $6,735,154 | $10,311,894 | ($336,578) | $11,776,826 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (a) | 4,308 | — | — | — | 159,703 | — | 164,011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 12,540 | 12,540 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 18,927 | 15,214 | — | — | 34,141 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (205,408) | — | (205,408) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial interest in storm trust | 31,636 | — | — | — | — | — | 31,636 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest | 9,595 | — | — | — | — | — | 9,595 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (190) | — | — | — | — | — | (190) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (4,580) | — | — | — | — | — | (4,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | $107,492 | $2,720 | ($4,984,160) | $6,750,368 | $10,266,189 | ($324,038) | $11,818,571 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) (a) | (4,707) | — | — | — | 560,589 | — | 555,882 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 10,668 | 10,668 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issuances related to stock plans | — | — | 4,741 | 14,745 | — | — | 19,486 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared | — | — | — | — | (205,471) | — | (205,471) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (290) | — | — | — | — | — | (290) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries (a) | (4,580) | — | — | — | — | — | (4,580) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $97,915 | $2,720 | ($4,979,419) | $6,765,113 | $10,621,307 | ($313,370) | $12,194,266 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Consolidated net income and preferred dividend requirements of subsidiaries for first quarter 2022, second quarter 2022, and third quarter 2023 each includes $4 million of preferred dividends on subsidiaries’ preferred stock without sinking fund that is not presented as equity. |
31
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries are involved in a number of legal, regulatory, and tax proceedings before various courts, regulatory authorities, and governmental agencies in the ordinary course of business. While management is unable to predict with certainty the outcome of such proceedings, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on Entergy’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition, except as otherwise discussed in the Form 10-K or in this report. Entergy discusses regulatory proceedings in Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K and herein and discusses tax proceedings in Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K and Note 10 to the financial statements herein.
Vidalia Purchased Power Agreement
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy Louisiana’s Vidalia purchased power agreement.
ANO Damage, Outage, and NRC Reviews
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the ANO stator incident, subsequent NRC reviews, and the deferral of replacement power costs. The following are updates to that discussion.
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2013, during a scheduled refueling outage at ANO 1, a contractor-owned and operated heavy-lifting apparatus collapsed while moving the generator stator out of the turbine building. The collapse resulted in the death of an ironworker and injuries to several other contract workers, caused ANO 2 to shut down, and damaged the ANO turbine building. The total cost of assessment, restoration of off-site power, site restoration, debris removal, and replacement of damaged property and equipment was approximately $95 million. Entergy Arkansas pursued its options for recovering damages that resulted from the stator drop, including its insurance coverage and legal action. Entergy Arkansas collected $50 million in 2014 from Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, a mutual insurance company that provides property damage coverage to the members’ nuclear generating plants. Entergy Arkansas also collected a total of $21 million in 2018 as a result of stator-related settlements.
In addition, Entergy Arkansas incurred replacement power costs for ANO 2 power during its outage and incurred incremental replacement power costs for ANO 1 power because the outage extended beyond the originally-planned duration of the refueling outage. In February 2014 the APSC authorized Entergy Arkansas to retain the $65.9 million in its deferred fuel balance with recovery to be reviewed in a later period after more information regarding various claims associated with the ANO stator incident was available.
In October 2023, Entergy Arkansas made a commitment to the APSC to make a filing to forgo its opportunity to seek recovery of the identified costs resulting from the ANO stator incident, specifically all incremental fuel and purchased energy expense, capital and incremental non-fuel operations and maintenance costs, and costs of any judgement that may be rendered against Entergy Arkansas in civil litigation that is not covered by insurance. As a result, in third quarter 2023, Entergy Arkansas recorded write-offs of its regulatory asset for deferred fuel of $68.9 million, which includes interest, and the undepreciated balance of $9.5 million in capital costs related to the ANO stator incident.
32
Spent Nuclear Fuel Litigation
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy’s spent nuclear fuel litigation. The following are updates to that discussion.
In March 2023 the DOE submitted an offer of judgment to resolve claims in the fourth round ANO damages case. The $41 million offer was accepted by Entergy Arkansas, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a judgment in that amount in favor of Entergy Arkansas and against the DOE. Entergy Arkansas received payment from the U.S. Treasury in April 2023. The effects of recording the judgment were reductions to plant, nuclear fuel expense, other operation and maintenance expense, materials and supplies, and taxes other than income taxes. The ANO damages awarded included $18 million related to costs previously recorded as plant, $10 million related to costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expense, $8 million related to costs previously recorded as nuclear fuel expense, $3 million related to costs previously recorded as materials and supplies, and $2 million related to costs previously recorded as taxes other than income taxes.
In July 2023 the DOE submitted an offer of judgment to resolve claims in the Indian Point 2 fourth round and Indian Point 3 third round combined damages case. The $59 million offer was accepted by Entergy and Holtec International, as the current owner. The U.S. Court of Federal Claims issued a final judgment in that amount in favor of Holtec Indian Point 2, LLC and Holtec Indian Point 3, LLC (previously Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 2, LLC and Entergy Nuclear Indian Point 3, LLC) and against the DOE. Holtec received payment from the U.S. Treasury in July 2023. Consistent with certain terms agreed upon in connection with the sale of Indian Point Energy Center in May 2021, Holtec transferred $40 million to Entergy for its pro-rata share of the litigation proceeds in August 2023. The remainder of the judgment was retained by Holtec. The effect of recording Entergy’s pro-rata share of the judgment was a reduction to asset write-offs, impairments, and related charges (credits). Entergy’s pro-rata share of the damages awarded included $18 million related to costs previously recorded as spending on the asset retirement obligation, $15 million related to costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expense, $6 million related to costs previously recorded as plant, and $1 million related to costs previously recorded as taxes other than income taxes.
Nuclear Insurance
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on nuclear liability and property insurance associated with Entergy’s nuclear power plants.
Non-Nuclear Property Insurance
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy’s non-nuclear property insurance program.
Employment and Labor-related Proceedings
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information on Entergy’s employment and labor-related proceedings.
Asbestos Litigation (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas)
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding asbestos litigation.
Grand Gulf - Related Agreements
See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding Grand Gulf-related agreements.
33
Nelson Industrial Steam Company
Entergy Louisiana is a partner in the Nelson Industrial Steam Company (NISCO) partnership which owns two petroleum coke generating units. In April 2023 these generating units suspended operations in the MISO market, and Entergy Louisiana currently is working to wind up the NISCO partnership, which will ultimately result in ownership of the generating units transferring to Entergy Louisiana. In May 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the FERC for transaction authorization pursuant to Section 203 of the Federal Power Act. In June 2023 the LPSC filed a notice to intervene in the proceeding. Entergy Louisiana is evaluating the effect of the transaction on its results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition, but at this time does not expect the effect to be material.
NOTE 2. RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Regulatory Assets and Regulatory Liabilities
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities in the Utility business presented on the balance sheets of Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries. The following are updates to that discussion.
Regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
System Energy
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in a filing made with the FERC in March 2018, System Energy proposed revisions to the Unit Power Sales Agreement to reflect the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In July 2020 the presiding ALJ in the proceeding issued an initial decision finding that there is an additional $147 million in unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes related to System Energy’s uncertain decommissioning tax deduction. In December 2022 the FERC issued an order addressing the ALJ’s initial decision and denying System Energy’s motion to vacate the initial decision. The FERC disagreed with the ALJ’s determination that $147 million should be credited to customers in the same manner as the excess accumulated deferred income taxes addressed in System Energy’s March 2018 filing, which had included a stated amount of excess accumulated deferred income taxes to be returned pursuant to a specified methodology and had not included any excess accumulated deferred income taxes associated with the decommissioning tax position. Instead, the FERC ordered System Energy to compute the amount of excess accumulated deferred income taxes associated with the decommissioning tax position with consideration for the resolution of the tax position by the IRS. In February 2023, System Energy made the required filing with the FERC. In June 2023 the FERC issued a deficiency letter requesting additional information about the IRS’s resolution of the tax position for 2016 and 2017. In July 2023, System Energy provided the additional information.
Fuel and purchased power cost recovery
Entergy Arkansas
See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the write-off in third quarter 2023 of Entergy Arkansas’s $68.9 million regulatory asset for deferred fuel related to the ANO stator incident as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing to forgo its opportunity to seek recovery of the incremental fuel and purchased energy expense resulting from the ANO stator incident.
34
Energy Cost Recovery Rider
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021, Entergy Arkansas filed its annual redetermination of its energy cost rate pursuant to the energy cost recovery rider, which included an adjustment to account for a portion of the increased fuel costs resulting from the February 2021 winter storms. In February 2023 the APSC issued orders initiating proceedings with the utilities under its jurisdiction to address the prudence of costs incurred and appropriate cost allocation of the February 2021 winter storms. With respect to any prudence review of Entergy Arkansas fuel costs, as part of the APSC’s draft report issued in its February 2021 winter storms investigation docket, the APSC included findings that the load shedding plans of the investor-owned utilities and some cooperatives were appropriate and comprehensive, and, further, that Entergy Arkansas’s emergency plan was comprehensive and had a multilayered approach supported by a system-wide response plan, which is considered an industry standard. In September 2023 the APSC issued an order in Entergy Arkansas's company-specific proceeding and found that Entergy Arkansas’s practices during the winter storms were prudent.
In March 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed its annual redetermination of its energy cost rate pursuant to the energy cost recovery rider, which reflected an increase from $0.01639 per kWh to $0.01883 per kWh. The primary reason for the rate increase is a large under-recovered balance as a result of higher natural gas prices in 2022 and a $32 million deferral related to the February 2021 winter storms consistent with the APSC general staff’s request in 2022. The under-recovered balance included in the filing was partially offset by the proceeds of the $41.7 million refund that System Energy made to Entergy Arkansas in January 2023 related to the sale-leaseback renewal costs and depreciation litigation as calculated in System Energy’s January 2023 compliance report filed with the FERC. The redetermined rate of $0.01883 per kWh became effective with the first billing cycle in April 2023 through the normal operation of the tariff.
Entergy Louisiana
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021 the LPSC staff provided notice of an audit of Entergy Louisiana’s purchased gas adjustment clause filings covering the period January 2018 through December 2020. The audit includes a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed through Entergy Louisiana’s purchased gas adjustment clause for that period. In August 2023 the LPSC submitted its audit report and found that materially all costs recovered through the purchased gas adjustment filings were reasonable and eligible for recovery through the purchased gas adjustment clause.
Entergy Mississippi
In June 2023 the MPSC approved the joint stipulation agreement between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff for Entergy Mississippi’s 2023 formula rate plan filing. The stipulation directed Entergy Mississippi to make a compliance filing to revise its power management cost adjustment factor, to revise its grid modernization cost adjustment factor, and to include a revision to reduce the net energy cost factor to a level necessary to reflect an average natural gas price of $4.50 per MMBtu. The MPSC approved the compliance filing in June 2023, effective for July 2023 bills. See “Retail Rate Proceedings - Filings with the MPSC (Entergy Mississippi) - Retail Rates - 2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing” below for further discussion of the 2023 formula rate plan filing and the joint stipulation agreement.
Entergy Texas
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in September 2022, Entergy Texas filed an application with the PUCT to reconcile its fuel and purchased power costs for the period from April 2019 through March 2022. During the reconciliation period, Entergy Texas incurred approximately $1.7 billion in eligible fuel and purchased power expenses, net of certain revenues credited to such expenses and other adjustments. As of the end of the reconciliation period, Entergy Texas’s cumulative under-recovery balance was approximately $103.1 million, including interest, which Entergy Texas requested authority to carry over as the beginning balance for the
35
subsequent reconciliation period beginning April 2022, pending future surcharges or refunds as approved by the PUCT. In November 2022 the PUCT referred the proceeding to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. In March 2023 municipal intervenors filed testimony proposing a $5.2 million disallowance for fuel purchased during Winter Storm Uri. The PUCT staff proposed no disallowance. Entergy Texas filed rebuttal testimony in April 2023. In May 2023, Entergy Texas filed, and the ALJ with the State Office of Administrative Hearings granted, a joint motion to abate the proceeding to give parties additional time to finalize a settlement and cancelling the hearing on the merits previously scheduled for May 2023. In July 2023, Entergy Texas filed an unopposed settlement, supporting testimony, and an agreed motion to admit evidence and remand the proceeding to the PUCT. Pursuant to the unopposed settlement, Entergy Texas would receive no disallowance of fuel costs incurred over the three-year reconciliation period and retain $9.3 million in margins from off-system sales made during the reconciliation period, resulting in a cumulative under-recovery balance of approximately $99.7 million, including interest, as of the end of the reconciliation period. In July 2023 the ALJ with the State Office of Administrative Hearings granted the motion to admit evidence and remanded the proceeding to the PUCT for consideration of the unopposed settlement. The PUCT approved the settlement in September 2023.
Retail Rate Proceedings
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding retail rate proceedings involving the Utility operating companies. The following are updates to that discussion.
Filings with the APSC (Entergy Arkansas)
Retail Rates
2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In July 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC its 2023 formula rate plan filing to set its formula rate for the 2024 calendar year. The filing contained an evaluation of Entergy Arkansas’s earnings for the projected year 2024 and a netting adjustment for the historical year 2022. The filing showed that Entergy Arkansas’s earned rate of return on common equity for the 2024 projected year is 8.11% resulting in a revenue deficiency of $80.5 million. The earned rate of return on common equity for the 2022 historical year was 7.29% resulting in a $49.8 million netting adjustment. The total proposed revenue change for the 2024 projected year and 2022 historical year netting adjustment is $130.3 million. By operation of the formula rate plan, Entergy Arkansas’s recovery of the revenue requirement is subject to a four percent annual revenue constraint. Because Entergy Arkansas’s revenue requirement in this filing exceeded the constraint, the resulting increase was limited to $88.6 million. The APSC general staff and intervenors filed their errors and objections in October 2023, proposing certain adjustments, including the APSC general staff’s update to annual filing year revenues which lowers the constraint to $87.7 million. Entergy Arkansas filed its rebuttal in October 2023. In October 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC a settlement agreement reached with other parties resolving all issues in the proceeding, none of which affected Entergy Arkansas’s requested recovery up to the cap constraint of $87.7 million. The settlement agreement is pending the APSC’s approval.
COVID-19 Orders
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of APSC orders issued in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its 2023 formula rate plan filing, Entergy Arkansas proposed to amortize the COVID-19 regulatory asset over a ten-year period. No party opposed Entergy Arkansas’s request. As of September 30, 2023, Entergy Arkansas had a regulatory asset of $39 million for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
36
Filings with the LPSC (Entergy Louisiana)
Retail Rates - Electric
2022 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In May 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for its 2022 calendar year operations. The 2022 test year evaluation report produced an earned return on common equity of 8.33%, requiring an approximately $70.7 million increase to base rider revenue. Due to a cap for the 2021 and 2022 test years, however, base rider formula rate plan revenues are only being increased by approximately $4.9 million, leaving an ongoing revenue deficiency of approximately $65.9 million and providing for prospective return on common equity opportunity of approximately 8.38%. Other changes in formula rate plan revenue driven by increases in capacity costs, primarily legacy capacity costs, additions eligible for recovery through the transmission recovery mechanism and distribution recovery mechanism, and higher sales during the test period are offset by reductions in net MISO costs as well as credits for FERC-ordered refunds. Also included in the 2022 test year distribution recovery mechanism revenue requirement is a $6 million credit relating to the distribution recovery mechanism performance accountability standards and requirements. In total, the net increase in formula rate plan revenues, including base formula rate plan revenues inside the formula rate plan bandwidth and subject to the cap, as well as other formula rate plan revenues outside of the bandwidth, is $85.2 million. In August 2023 the LPSC staff filed a list of objections/reservations, including outstanding issues from the test years 2017-2021 formula rate plan filings, the calculation of certain refunds from System Energy, and certain calculations relating to the tax reform adjustment mechanism. Subject to refund and LPSC review, the resulting net increase in formula rate plan revenues of $85.2 million became effective for bills rendered during the first billing cycle of September 2023.
2023 Entergy Louisiana Rate Case and Formula Rate Plan Extension Request
In August 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application for approval of a regulatory blueprint necessary for it to strengthen the electric grid for the State of Louisiana, which contains a dual-path request to update rates through either: (1) extension of Entergy Louisiana’s current formula rate plan (with certain modifications) for three years (the Rate Mitigation Proposal), which is Entergy Louisiana’s recommended path; or (2) implementation of rates resulting from a cost-of-service study (the Rate Case path). The application complies with Entergy Louisiana’s previous formula rate plan extension order requiring that for Entergy Louisiana to obtain another extension of its formula rate plan that included a rate reset, Entergy Louisiana would need to submit a full cost-of-service/rate case. Entergy Louisiana’s filing supports the need to extend Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan with credit supportive mechanisms needed to facilitate investment in the distribution, transmission, and generation functions.
The Rate Case path proposes a 2024-2026 test year formula rate plan with an initial revenue requirement increase, net of $17 million of one-time credits, of $430 million and a return on common equity of 10.5%. Depreciation rates would be updated for all asset classes. The Rate Mitigation Proposal proposes a 2023-2025 test year formula rate plan with an expected initial revenue requirement increase, also net of $17 million of one-time credits, of $173 million and a return on common equity of 10.0%. Depreciation rates would be updated only for nuclear assets and would be phased in over three years.
Under both paths, Entergy Louisiana’s filing proposes removing the cap on amounts allowed to be recovered through the distribution recovery mechanism and continuing the distribution recovery mechanism performance accountability targets, which tie Entergy Louisiana’s ability to fully recover its distribution recovery mechanism investments to its reliability performance. Entergy Louisiana’s filing also includes new customer-centric programs specifically focused on affordability, such as reducing late fees and certain other fees assessed to customers, lowering additional facilities charge rates, providing eligible low-income seniors with monthly discounts on their electric bill, and adding new voluntary customer options to support new transportation electrification
37
technologies. A status conference was held in October 2023 at which a procedural schedule was adopted that includes a hearing date of August 2024.
2017-2021 Formula Rate Plan Filings
In October 2023, Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC staff jointly filed an uncontested stipulated settlement agreement for consideration by the LPSC that would resolve the evaluation of Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan for test years 2017, 2018, and 2019 and resolve certain disputed issues for test years 2020 and 2021. If approved by the LPSC, the settlement would result in a one-time cost of service credit to customers of $5.8 million, would allow Entergy Louisiana to retain approximately $6.2 million of excess securitization collection as recovery of a regulatory asset associated with late fees related to the 2016 Baton Rouge flood, and would result in the reversal of a regulatory liability for excess accumulated deferred income taxes recognized in 2017 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It is anticipated that the settlement will be considered by the LPSC in November 2023.
COVID-19 Orders
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2020 the LPSC issued an order authorizing utilities to record as a regulatory asset expenses incurred from the suspension of disconnections and collection of late fees imposed by LPSC orders associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application proposing to utilize approximately $1.6 billion in certain low interest debt to generate earnings to apply toward the reduction of the COVID-19 regulatory asset, as well as to conduct additional outside right-of-way vegetation management activities and to apply to the minor storm reserve account. In that filing, Entergy Louisiana proposed to delay repayment of certain shorter-term first mortgage bonds that were issued to finance storm restoration costs until the costs could be securitized and to invest the funds that otherwise would be used to repay those bonds in the money pool to take advantage of the spread between prevailing interest rates on investments in the money pool and the interest rates on the bonds. The LPSC approved Entergy Louisiana’s requested relief in June 2023 and a subsequent filing will be required to permit the LPSC to review the COVID-19 regulatory asset. As of September 30, 2023, Entergy Louisiana had a regulatory asset of $47.8 million for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filings with the MPSC (Entergy Mississippi)
Retail Rates
2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In March 2023, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan 2023 test year filing and 2022 look-back filing showing Entergy Mississippi’s earned return on rate base for the historical 2022 calendar year to be below the formula rate plan bandwidth and projected earned return for the 2023 calendar year to be below the formula rate plan bandwidth. The 2023 test year filing shows a $39.8 million rate increase is necessary to reset Entergy Mississippi’s earned return on rate base to the specified point of adjustment of 6.67%, within the formula rate plan bandwidth. The 2022 look-back filing compares actual 2022 results to the approved benchmark return on rate base and reflects the need for a $19.8 million temporary increase in formula rate plan revenues, including the refund of a $1.3 million over-recovery resulting from the demand-side management costs true-up for 2022. In fourth quarter 2022, Entergy Mississippi recorded a regulatory asset of $18.2 million in connection with the look-back feature of the formula rate plan to reflect that the 2022 estimated earned return was below the formula rate plan bandwidth. In accordance with the provisions of the formula rate plan, Entergy Mississippi implemented a $27.9 million interim rate increase, reflecting a cap equal to 2% of 2022 retail revenues, effective in April 2023.
In May 2023, Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff entered into a joint stipulation that confirmed a 2023 test year filing resulting in a total revenue increase of $26.5 million for 2023. Pursuant to the
38
joint stipulation, Entergy Mississippi’s 2022 look-back filing reflected an earned return on rate base of 6.10% in calendar year 2022, which is below the look-back bandwidth, resulting in a $19 million increase in the formula rate plan revenues on an interim basis through June 2024. Entergy Mississippi recorded a regulatory credit of $0.8 million in June 2023 to reflect the increase in the look-back regulatory asset. In addition, certain long-term service agreement and conductor handling costs were authorized for realignment from the formula rate plan to the annual power management and grid modernization riders effective January 2023, resulting in regulatory credits recorded in June 2023 of $4.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively. Also, the amortization of Entergy Mississippi’s COVID-19 bad debt deferral was suspended for calendar year 2023 and will resume in 2024. In June 2023 the MPSC approved the joint stipulation with rates effective in July 2023.
Filings with the City Council (Entergy New Orleans)
Retail Rates
2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In April 2023, Entergy New Orleans submitted to the City Council its formula rate plan 2022 test year filing. The 2022 test year evaluation report produced an electric earned return on equity of 7.34% and a gas earned return on equity of 3.52% compared to the authorized return on equity for each of 9.35%. Entergy New Orleans sought approval of a $25.6 million rate increase based on the formula set by the City Council in the 2018 rate case. The formula would result in an increase in authorized electric revenues of $17.4 million and an increase in authorized gas revenues of $8.2 million. Entergy New Orleans also sought to commence collecting $3.4 million in electric revenues that were previously approved by the City Council for collection through the formula rate plan. In July 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed a report to decrease its requested formula rate plan revenues by approximately $0.5 million to account for minor errors discovered after the filing. The City Council advisors issued a report seeking a reduction in the requested formula rate plan revenues of approximately $8.3 million, combined for electric and gas, due to alleged errors. The City Council advisors proposed additional rate mitigation in the amount of $12 million through offsets to the formula rate plan rate increase by certain regulatory liabilities. In September 2023 the City Council approved an agreement to settle the 2023 formula rate plan filing. Effective with the first billing cycle of September 2023, Entergy New Orleans implemented rates reflecting an amount agreed upon by Entergy New Orleans and the City Council, per the approved process for formula rate plan implementation. The agreement provides for a total increase in electric revenues of $10.5 million and a total increase in gas revenues of $6.9 million. The agreement also provides for a minor storm accrual of $0.5 million per year and the distribution of $8.9 million of currently held customer credits to implement the City Council advisors’ mitigation recommendations.
Request for Extension and Modification of Formula Rate Plan
In September 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed a motion seeking City Council approval of a three-year extension of Entergy New Orleans’s electric and gas formula rate plans. In October 2023 the City Council granted Entergy New Orleans’s request for an extension, subject to minor modifications which included a capital structure not to exceed 55% equity.
Filings with the PUCT and Texas Cities (Entergy Texas)
Retail Rates
2022 Base Rate Case
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2022, Entergy Texas filed a base rate case with the PUCT seeking a net increase in base rates of approximately $131.4 million. The base rate case was based on a 12-month test year ending December 31, 2021. Key drivers of the requested increase were changes in depreciation rates as the result of
39
a depreciation study and an increase in the return on equity. In addition, Entergy Texas included capital additions placed into service for the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2021, including those additions reflected in the then-effective distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider, all of which have been reset to zero as a result of this proceeding.
In May 2023, Entergy Texas filed on behalf of the parties an unopposed settlement resolving all issues in the proceeding, except for issues related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and Entergy Texas filed an agreed motion for interim rates, subject to refund or surcharge to the extent that the interim rates differ from the final approved rates. The unopposed settlement reflected a net base rate increase to be effective and relate back to December 2022 of $54 million, exclusive of, and incremental to, the costs being realigned from the distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider and $4.8 million of rate case expenses to be recovered through a rider over a period of 36 months. The net base rate increase of $54 million includes updated depreciation rates and a total annual revenue requirement of $14.5 million for the accrual of a self-insured storm reserve and the recovery of the regulatory assets for the pension and postretirement benefits expense deferral, costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and retired non-advanced metering system electric meters. In May 2023 the ALJ with the State Office of Administrative Hearings granted the motion for interim rates, which became effective in June 2023. Additionally, the ALJ remanded the proceeding, except for the issues related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to the PUCT to consider the settlement. In June 2023 the ALJ issued a proposal for decision related to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure issues and which noted recent legislation enacted which permits electric utilities to own and operate such infrastructure. The ALJ’s proposal for decision deferred to the PUCT regarding whether it is appropriate for any vertically integrated electric utility, or Entergy Texas specifically, to own electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and in the event that the PUCT decided ownership is permissible, the ALJ recommended approval of the proposed tariff to charge host customers for utility-owned and operated electric vehicle charging infrastructure sited on customer premises and denial of the proposed tariff to temporarily adjust billing demand charges for separately metered electric vehicle charging infrastructure, citing cost-shifting concerns. In July 2023 the parties filed exceptions and replies to exceptions to the proposal for decision. In August 2023 the PUCT issued an order approving the unopposed settlement and also issued an order severing the issues related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure addressed in the ALJ’s proposal for decision to a separate proceeding. Concurrently, Entergy Texas recorded the reversal of $21.9 million of regulatory liabilities to reflect the recognition of certain receipts by Entergy Texas under affiliated PPAs that have been resolved.
Following the PUCT’s approval of the unopposed settlement in August 2023, Entergy Texas recorded a regulatory liability of $8.9 million, which reflects the net effects of higher depreciation and amortizations for the relate back period, partially offset by the relate back of base rate revenues that would have been collected had the approved rates been in effect for the period from December 2022 through June 2023, the date the new base rates were implemented on an interim basis. In October 2023, Entergy Texas filed a relate back surcharge rider to collect over six months beginning in January 2024 an additional approximately $24.6 million, which is the revenue requirement associated with the relate back of rates from December 2022 through June 2023, including carrying costs, as authorized by the PUCT’s August 2023 order. A final decision by the PUCT is expected by first quarter 2024.
Generation Cost Recovery Rider
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2022 the PUCT approved a unanimous settlement agreement adjusting Entergy Texas’s generation cost recovery rider to recover an annual revenue requirement of approximately $92.8 million related to Entergy Texas’s actual investment in the acquisition of the Hardin County Peaking Facility, and rates became effective. In September 2022, Entergy Texas filed a relate-back rider designed to collect over three months an additional approximately $5.7 million, which is the revenue requirement, plus carrying costs, associated with Entergy Texas’s acquisition of Hardin County Peaking Facility from June 2021 through August 2022 when the updated revenue requirement took effect. In April 2023 the PUCT approved Entergy Texas’s as-filed request with rates effective over three months beginning in May 2023.
40
COVID-19 Orders
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2020 the PUCT authorized electric utilities to record as a regulatory asset expenses resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pursuant to the August 2023 PUCT approval of the unopposed settlement in Entergy Texas’s 2022 base rate case proceeding, the base rate increase of $54 million includes an annual revenue requirement of $3.4 million related to recovery of the regulatory asset for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Entergy Texas began recovery of the regulatory asset with the interim increase in the annual base rate effective in June 2023.
Entergy Arkansas Opportunity Sales Proceeding
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Entergy Arkansas opportunity sales proceeding. As discussed in the Form 10-K, in January 2023, Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc., an industrial customer association, filed a notice of appeal of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas’s order denying its motion to intervene to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and a motion with the district court to stay the proceedings pending the appeal, which was denied. In February 2023, Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc. filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District to stay the proceedings pending the appeal, which also was denied. The trial was held in February 2023. Following the trial, Entergy Arkansas filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District to expedite the appeal filed by Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District granted Entergy Arkansas’s request, and oral arguments were held in June 2023. In August 2023 the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District denied Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc.’s motion to intervene. An order from the district court is pending.
Complaints Against System Energy
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding pending complaints against System Energy. System Energy and the Unit Power Sales Agreement are currently the subject of several litigation proceedings at the FERC, including challenges with respect to System Energy’s authorized return on equity and capital structure, renewal of its sale-leaseback arrangement, treatment of uncertain tax positions, a broader investigation of rates under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, and two prudence complaints, one challenging the extended power uprate completed at Grand Gulf in 2012 and the operation and management of Grand Gulf, particularly in the 2016-2020 time period, and the second challenging the operation and management of Grand Gulf in the 2021-2022 time period. The claims in these proceedings include claims for refunds and claims for rate adjustments; the aggregate amount of refunds claimed in these proceedings substantially exceeds the net book value of System Energy. The settlement in principle with the APSC described in “System Energy Settlement with the APSC” below, if approved by the FERC, will substantially reduce the aggregate amount of this exposure. In the event of an adverse decision in one or more of these proceedings requiring the payment of substantial additional refunds, System Energy would be required to seek financing to pay such refunds which may not be available on terms acceptable to System Energy, or may not be available at all, when required. The following are updates to that discussion.
Return on Equity and Capital Structure Complaints
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021 the FERC ALJ issued an initial decision in the proceeding initiated by the LPSC, the MPSC, the APSC, and the City Council against System Energy regarding the return on equity component of the Unit Power Sales Agreement. With regard to System Energy’s authorized return on equity, the ALJ determined that the existing return on equity of 10.94% is no longer just and reasonable, and that the replacement authorized return on equity, based on application of the Opinion No. 569-A methodology, should be 9.32%. The ALJ further determined that System Energy should pay refunds for a fifteen-month refund period (January 2017-April 2018) based on the difference between the current return on equity and the replacement authorized return on equity. The ALJ determined that the April 2018 complaint concerning the authorized return on
41
equity should be dismissed, and that no refunds for a second fifteen-month refund period should be due. With regard to System Energy’s capital structure, the ALJ determined that System Energy’s actual equity ratio is excessive and that the just and reasonable equity ratio is 48.15% equity, based on the average equity ratio of the proxy group used to evaluate the return on equity for the second complaint. The ALJ further determined that System Energy should pay refunds for a fifteen-month refund period (September 2018-December 2019) based on the difference between the actual equity ratio and the 48.15% equity ratio. If the ALJ’s initial decision is upheld, the estimated refund for this proceeding is approximately $40 million, which includes interest through September 30, 2023, and the estimated resulting annual rate reduction would be approximately $29 million. As a result of the 2022 settlement agreement with the MPSC, both the estimated refund and rate reduction exclude Entergy Mississippi's portion. See “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement. The estimated refund will continue to accrue interest until a final FERC decision is issued.
The ALJ initial decision is an interim step in the FERC litigation process, and an ALJ’s determinations made in an initial decision are not controlling on the FERC. In April 2021, System Energy filed its brief on exceptions, in which it challenged the initial decision’s findings on both the return on equity and capital structure issues. Also in April 2021 the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC trial staff filed briefs on exceptions. Reply briefs opposing exceptions were filed in May 2021 by System Energy, the FERC trial staff, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, and the City Council. Refunds, if any, that might be required will only become due after the FERC issues its order reviewing the initial decision.
Grand Gulf Sale-leaseback Renewal Complaint and Uncertain Tax Position Rate Base Issue
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in May 2018 the LPSC filed a complaint against System Energy and Entergy Services related to System Energy’s renewal of a sale-leaseback transaction originally entered into in December 1988 for an 11.5% undivided interest in Grand Gulf Unit 1. The APSC, the MPSC, and the City Council subsequently intervened in the proceeding. A hearing was held before a FERC ALJ in November 2019. In April 2020 the ALJ issued the initial decision, and in December 2022 the FERC issued an order on the ALJ’s initial decision, which affirmed it in part and modified it in part. The FERC’s order directed System Energy to calculate refunds on three issues, and to provide a compliance report detailing the calculations. The FERC’s order also disallows the future recovery of sale-leaseback renewal costs, which is estimated at approximately $11.5 million annually for purchases from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans through July 2036. The three refund issues are rental expenses related to the renewal of the sale-leaseback arrangements; refunds, if any, for the revenue requirement impact of including accumulated deferred income taxes resulting from the decommissioning uncertain tax positions from 2004 through the present; and refunds for the net effect of correcting the depreciation inputs for capital additions attributable to the portion of plant subject to the sale-leaseback.
In January 2023, System Energy filed its compliance report with the FERC. With respect to the sale-leaseback renewal costs, System Energy calculated a refund of $89.8 million, which represented all of the sale-leaseback renewal rental costs that System Energy recovered in rates, with interest. With respect to the decommissioning uncertain tax position issue, System Energy calculated that no additional refunds are owed because it had already provided a one-time historical credit (for the period January 2016 through September 2020) of $25.2 million based on the accumulated deferred income taxes that resulted from the IRS’s partial acceptance of the decommissioning tax position, and because it has been providing an ongoing rate base credit for the accumulated deferred income taxes that resulted from the IRS’s partial acceptance of the decommissioning tax position since October 2020. With respect to the depreciation refund, System Energy calculated a refund of $13.7 million, which is the net total of a refund to customers for excess depreciation expense previously collected, plus interest, offset by the additional return on rate base that System Energy previously did not collect, without interest. See “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the regulatory charge and corresponding regulatory liability recorded in June 2022 related to these proceedings. In January 2023, System Energy paid the refunds of $103.5 million, which included refunds of $41.7 million to Entergy Arkansas, $27.8 million to Entergy Louisiana, and $34 million to Entergy New Orleans.
42
In January 2023, System Energy filed a request for rehearing of the FERC’s determinations in the December 2022 order on sale-leaseback refund issues and future lease cost disallowances, the FERC’s prospective policy on uncertain tax positions, and the proper accounting of System Energy’s accumulated deferred income taxes adjustment for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017; and a motion for confirmation of its interpretation of the December 2022 order’s remedy concerning the decommissioning tax position. In January 2023 the retail regulators filed a motion for confirmation of their interpretation of the refund requirement in the December 2022 FERC order and a provisional request for rehearing. In February 2023 the FERC issued a notice that the rehearing requests have been deemed denied by operation of law. The deemed denial of the rehearing request initiates a sixty-day period in which aggrieved parties may petition for federal appellate court review of the underlying FERC orders; however, the FERC may issue a substantive order on rehearing as long as it continues to have jurisdiction over the case. In March 2023, System Energy filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit a petition for review of the December 2022 order. In March 2023, System Energy also filed an unopposed motion to stay the proceeding in the Fifth Circuit pending the FERC’s disposition of the pending motions, and the court granted the motion to stay.
In February 2023, System Energy submitted a tariff compliance filing with the FERC to clarify that, consistent with the releases provided in the MPSC settlement, Entergy Mississippi will continue to be charged for its allocation of the sale-leaseback renewal costs under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. See “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement. In March 2023 the MPSC filed a protest to System Energy’s tariff compliance filing. The MPSC argues that the settlement did not specifically address post-settlement sale-leaseback renewal costs and that the sale-leaseback renewal costs may not be recovered under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. Entergy Mississippi’s allocated sale-leaseback renewal costs are estimated at $5.7 million annually for the remaining term of the sale-leaseback renewal.
In August 2023 the FERC issued an order addressing arguments raised on rehearing and partially setting aside the prior order (rehearing order). The rehearing order addresses rehearing requests that were filed in January 2023 separately by System Energy and the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council.
In the rehearing order, the FERC directs System Energy to recalculate refunds for two issues: (1) refunds of rental expenses related to the renewal of the sale-leaseback arrangements and (2) refunds for the net effect of correcting the depreciation inputs for capital additions associated with the sale-leaseback. With regard to the sale-leaseback renewal rental expenses, the rehearing order allows System Energy to recover an implied return of and on the depreciated cost of the portion of the plant subject to the sale-leaseback as of the expiration of the initial lease term. With regard to the depreciation input issue, the rehearing order allows System Energy to offset refunds so that System Energy may collect interest on the rate base recalculations that were part of the overall depreciation rate recalculations. The rehearing order further directs System Energy to submit within 60 days of the date of the rehearing order an additional compliance filing to revise the total refunds for these two issues. As discussed above, System Energy’s January 2023 compliance filing calculated $103.5 million in total refunds, and the refunds were paid in January 2023. In October 2023, System Energy filed its compliance report with the FERC as directed in the August 2023 rehearing order. The October 2023 compliance report reflected recalculated refunds totaling $35.7 million for the two issues resulting in $67.8 million in refunds that could be recouped by System Energy. As discussed below in “System Energy Settlement with the APSC,” System Energy reached a settlement in principle with the APSC to resolve several pending cases under the FERC’s jurisdiction, including this one, pursuant to which it has agreed not to recoup the $27.3 million calculated for Entergy Arkansas in the compliance filing. Consistent with the compliance filing, in October 2023, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans paid recoupment amounts of $18.2 million and $22.3 million, respectively, to System Energy. As a result of the FERC’s rulings on the sale-leaseback and depreciation input issues in the August 2023 rehearing order, in third quarter 2023, System Energy recorded a regulatory asset and corresponding regulatory credit of $40 million to reflect the portion of the January 2023 refunds to be recouped from Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans.
On the third refund issue identified in the rehearing requests, concerning the decommissioning uncertain tax positions, the rehearing order denied all rehearing requests, re-affirmed the remedy contained in the December 2022 order, and did not direct System Energy to recalculate refunds or to submit an additional compliance filing. On this
43
issue, as reflected in its January 2023 compliance filing, System Energy believes it has already paid the refunds due under the remedy that the FERC outlined for the uncertain tax positions issue in its December 2022 order. In August 2023 the LPSC issued a media release in which it stated that it disagrees with System Energy’s determination that the rehearing order requires no further refunds to be made on this issue.
In September 2023, System Energy filed a protective appeal of the rehearing order with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The appeal was consolidated with System Energy’s prior appeal of the December 2022 order, and both appeals are currently in abeyance.
In September 2023 the LPSC filed with the FERC a request for rehearing and clarification of the rehearing order. The LPSC requests that the FERC reverse its determination in the rehearing order that System Energy may collect an implied return of and on the depreciated cost of the portion of the plant subject to the sale-leaseback, as of the expiration of the initial lease term, as well as its determination in the rehearing order that System Energy may offset the refunds for the depreciation rate input issue and collect interest on the rate base recalculations that were part of the overall depreciation rate recalculations. In addition, the LPSC requests that the FERC either confirm the LPSC’s interpretation of the refund associated with the decommissioning uncertain tax positions or explain why it is not doing so. In October 2023 the FERC issued a notice that the rehearing request has been deemed denied by operation of law. The deemed denial of the rehearing request initiates the sixty-day period in which aggrieved parties may petition for federal appellate court review of the underlying FERC orders; however the FERC may issue a substantive order on rehearing as long as it continues to have jurisdiction over the case.
LPSC Additional Complaints
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in May 2020 the LPSC authorized its staff to file additional complaints at the FERC related to the rates charged by System Energy for Grand Gulf energy and capacity supplied to Entergy Louisiana under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The following are updates to that discussion.
Unit Power Sales Agreement Complaint
As discussed in the Form 10-K, the first of the additional complaints was filed by the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, and the City Council in September 2020. The first complaint raises two sets of rate allegations: violations of the filed rate and a corresponding request for refunds for prior periods; and elements of the Unit Power Sales Agreement are unjust and unreasonable and a corresponding request for refunds for the 15-month refund period and changes to the Unit Power Sales Agreement prospectively. In May 2021 the FERC issued an order addressing the complaint, establishing a refund effective date of September 21, 2020, establishing hearing procedures, and holding those procedures in abeyance pending the FERC’s review of the initial decision in the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback renewal complaint discussed above.
In November 2021 the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed direct testimony and requested the FERC to order refunds for prior periods and prospective amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement. System Energy filed answering testimony in January 2022. In March 2022 the FERC trial staff filed direct and answering testimony recommending refunds and prospective modifications to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.
In April 2022, System Energy filed cross-answering testimony in response to the FERC trial staff’s recommendations. In June 2022 the FERC trial staff submitted revised answering testimony, in which it recommended additional refunds associated with the accumulated deferred income tax balances in account 190. Also in June 2022, System Energy filed revised and supplemental cross-answering testimony to respond to the FERC trial staff’s testimony and to oppose its revised recommendation.
In May 2022 the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed rebuttal testimony and asserted new claims. In June 2022 a new procedural schedule was adopted, providing for additional rounds of testimony and for the
44
hearing to begin in September 2022. The hearing concluded in December 2022. Also in December 2022, a motion to extend the briefing schedule and the May 2023 deadline for the initial decision was granted.
In November 2022, System Energy filed a partial settlement agreement with the APSC, the City Council, and the LPSC that resolved the following issues raised in the Unit Power Sales Agreement complaint: advance collection of lease payments, aircraft costs, executive incentive compensation, money pool borrowings, advertising expenses, deferred nuclear refueling outage costs, industry association dues, and termination of the capital funds agreement. The settlement provided that System Energy would provide a black-box refund of $18 million (inclusive of interest), plus additional refund amounts with interest to be calculated for certain issues to be distributed to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans as the Utility operating companies other than Entergy Mississippi purchasing under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The settlement further provided that if the APSC, the City Council, or the LPSC agrees to the global settlement System Energy entered into with the MPSC (see “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement), and such global settlement includes a black-box refund amount, then the black-box refund for this settlement agreement shall not be incremental or in addition to the global black-box refund amount. The settlement agreement addressed other matters as well, including adjustments to rate base beginning in October 2022, exclusion of certain other costs, and inclusion of money pool borrowings, if any, in short-term debt within the cost of capital calculation used in the Unit Power Sales Agreement. In April 2023 the FERC approved the settlement agreement. The refund provided for in the settlement agreement was included in the May 2023 service month bills under the Unit Power Sales Agreement.
In May 2023 the presiding ALJ issued an initial decision finding that System Energy should have excluded multiple identified categories of accumulated deferred income taxes from rate base when calculating Unit Power Sales Agreement bills. Based on this finding, the initial decision recommended refunds; System Energy estimates that those refunds for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans would total approximately $116 million plus $147 million of interest through September 30, 2023. The initial decision also finds that the Unit Power Sales Agreement should be modified such that a cash working capital allowance of negative $36.4 million is applied prospectively. If the FERC ultimately orders these modifications to cash working capital be implemented, the estimated annual revenue requirement impact is expected to be immaterial. On the other non-settled issues for which the complainants sought refunds or changes to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, the initial decision ruled against the complainants.
The initial decision is an interim step in the FERC litigation process, and an ALJ’s determination made in an initial decision is not controlling on the FERC. System Energy disagrees with the ALJ’s findings concerning the accumulated deferred income taxes issues and cash working capital. In July 2023, System Energy filed a brief on exceptions to the initial decision’s accumulated deferred income taxes findings. Also in July 2023, the APSC, the LPSC, the City Council, and the FERC trial staff filed separate briefs on exceptions. The APSC’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations on the money pool interest and retained earnings issues. The LPSC’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations regarding the sale-leaseback transaction costs, legal fees, and retained earnings issues. The City Council’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations on the money pool and cash management issues. The FERC trial staff’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations on the cash working capital issue as well as certain of the accumulated deferred income taxes issues. In August 2023 all parties filed separate briefs opposing exceptions. System Energy filed a brief opposing the exceptions of the APSC, the LPSC, and the City Council. The APSC, the LPSC, and the City Council filed separate briefs opposing the exceptions raised by System Energy and the FERC trial staff. The FERC trial staff filed its own brief opposing certain exceptions raised by System Energy, the APSC, the LPSC, and the City Council. The case is now pending a decision by the FERC. Refunds, if any, that might be required will become due only after the FERC issues its order reviewing the initial decision.
45
Grand Gulf Prudence Complaint
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021, the second of the additional complaints was filed at the FERC by the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council against System Energy, Entergy Services, Entergy Operations, and Entergy Corporation. In November 2022 the FERC issued an order setting the complaint for settlement and hearing procedures. In February 2023 the FERC issued an order denying rehearing and thereby affirming its order setting the complaint for settlement and hearing procedures. In July 2023 the FERC chief ALJ terminated settlement procedures and appointed a presiding ALJ to oversee hearing procedures. In September 2023 a procedural schedule for hearing procedures was established. Pursuant to that schedule, testimony is due in December 2023 and throughout 2024. The hearing is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with the presiding ALJ’s initial decision due in July 2025.
In September 2023 the LPSC authorized its staff to file an additional complaint concerning the prudence of System Energy’s operation and management of Grand Gulf in the year 2022. In October 2023 the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed what they styled as an amended and supplemental complaint with the FERC against System Energy, Entergy Services, and Entergy Operations. The amended complaint states that it is being filed for three primary purposes: (1) to include System Energy’s performance in 2021-2022 in the scope of the hearing; (2) to explicitly allege that System Energy’s inadequate performance, excessive costs, unplanned outages, and costs attributable to safety violations violate the contractual obligation to maintain and operate the plant in accordance with “good utility practice” and (3) to provide and substantiate allegations concerning the damages attributable to the alleged breach of contractual obligations. The amended complaint alleges that potentially more than $1 billion in damages may be due. The current deadline for System Energy and the other named respondents to respond is in November 2023.
System Energy Settlement with the APSC
In October 2023, System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, and additional named Entergy parties involved in multiple docketed proceedings pending before the FERC reached a settlement in principle with the APSC to globally resolve all of their actual and potential claims in those dockets and with System Energy’s past implementation of the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The settlement in principle also covers the amended and supplemental complaint, discussed above in “Grand Gulf Prudence Complaint,” filed at the FERC in October 2023. The Unit Power Sales Agreement is a FERC-jurisdictional formula rate tariff for sales of energy and capacity from System Energy’s owned and leased share of Grand Gulf to Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans. System Energy previously settled with the MPSC with respect to these complaints before the FERC. Entergy Mississippi has nearly 40% of System Energy’s share of Grand Gulf’s output, after its additional purchases from affiliates are considered. The settlements with both the APSC and the MPSC represent almost 65% of System Energy’s share of the output of Grand Gulf.
The terms of the settlement in principle align with the $588 million global black box settlement reached between System Energy and the MPSC in June 2022 and provide for Entergy Arkansas to receive a black box refund of $142 million from System Energy, inclusive of $50 million already received by Entergy Arkansas from System Energy. In November 2022 the FERC approved the System Energy settlement with the MPSC and stated that the settlement “appears to be fair and reasonable and in the public interest.”
System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, additional Entergy parties, and the APSC intend to file the settlement agreement and supporting materials with the FERC in November 2023. In addition to the black box refund of $142 million described above, beginning with the November 2023 service month, the settlement in principle provides for Entergy Arkansas’s bills from System Energy to be adjusted to reflect an authorized rate of return on equity of 9.65% and a capital structure not to exceed 52% equity.
If the FERC approves the filed settlement in accordance with its terms, it will become binding upon the Entergy parties and the APSC.
46
System Energy Regulatory Liability for Pending Complaints
Prior to June 2022, System Energy recorded a provision and associated liability of $37 million for elements of the complaints against System Energy. In June 2022, as discussed in “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K, System Energy recorded a regulatory charge of $551 million ($413 million net-of-tax), increasing System Energy’s regulatory liability to $588 million, which consisted of $235 million for the settlement with the MPSC and $353 million for potential future refunds to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Louisiana. The $142 million of refunds for Entergy Arkansas, discussed above in “System Energy Settlement with the APSC” is covered within the $353 million previously recorded. System Energy paid the black-box refund of $235 million to Entergy Mississippi in November 2022. As discussed above in “Grand Gulf Sale-leaseback Renewal Complaint and Uncertain Tax Position Rate Base Issue,” in January 2023 System Energy paid refunds of $103.5 million as a result of the FERC’s order in December 2022 in that proceeding and recouped $40.5 million of the $103.5 million from Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans in October 2023. In addition, as discussed above in “Unit Power Sales Agreement Complaint,” a black-box refund of $18 million was made by System Energy in 2023 in connection with a partial settlement in that proceeding.
Based on analysis of the pending complaints against System Energy and potential future settlement negotiations, in third quarter 2023, System Energy recorded a regulatory charge of $40 million to increase System Energy’s regulatory liability related to complaints against System Energy. System Energy’s remaining regulatory liability related to complaints against System Energy as of September 30, 2023 is approximately $270 million. This regulatory liability is consistent with the settlement agreements reached with the MPSC and the APSC, as described above, taking into account amounts already refunded.
Unit Power Sales Agreement
System Energy Formula Rate Annual Protocols Formal Challenge Concerning 2021 Calendar Year Bills
In March 2023, pursuant to the protocols procedures discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed with the FERC a formal challenge to System Energy’s implementation of the formula rate during calendar year 2021. The formal challenge alleges: (1) that it was imprudent for System Energy to accept the IRS’s partial acceptance of a previously uncertain tax position; (2) that System Energy used incorrect inputs for retained earnings that are used to determine the capital structure; (3) that the equity ratio charged in rates was excessive; and (4) that all issues in the ongoing Unit Power Sales Agreement complaint proceeding should also be reflected in calendar year 2021 bills. The first, third, and fourth allegations are identical to issues that were raised in the formal challenge to the calendar year 2020 bills. The formal challenge to the calendar year 2021 bills states that the impact of the first allegation is “tens of millions of dollars,” but it does not provide an estimate of the financial impact of the remaining allegations.
In May 2023, System Energy filed an answer to the formal challenge in which it requested that the FERC either deny the formal challenge as a matter of law or hold the proceeding in abeyance pending the resolution of related dockets.
Depreciation Amendment Proceeding
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, in December 2021, System Energy submitted to the FERC proposed amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement to adopt updated rates for use in calculating Grand Gulf plant depreciation and amortization expenses. The proposed amendments would result in higher charges to the Utility operating companies that buy capacity and energy from System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. In February 2022 the FERC accepted System Entergy’s proposed increased depreciation rates with an effective date of March 1, 2022, subject to refund pending the outcome of the settlement and/or hearing procedures. In June 2023 System Energy filed with the FERC an unopposed offer of settlement that it had
47
negotiated with intervenors to the proceeding. In August 2023 the FERC approved the settlement, which resolves the proceeding. In third quarter 2023, System Energy recorded a reduction in depreciation expense of $41 million representing the cumulative difference in depreciation expense resulting from the depreciation rates used from March 2022 through June 2023 and the depreciation rates included in the settlement filing approved by the FERC. In October 2023, System Energy filed a refund report with the FERC. The refund provided for in the refund report was included in the September 2023 service month bills under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The deadline for any comments and protests is November 2023.
Pension Costs Amendment Proceeding
In October 2021, System Energy submitted to the FERC proposed amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement to include in rate base the prepaid and accrued pension costs associated with System Energy’s qualified pension plans. Based on data ending in 2020, the increased annual revenue requirement associated with the filing is approximately $8.9 million. In March 2022 the FERC accepted System Entergy’s proposed amendments with an effective date of December 1, 2021, subject to refund pending the outcome of the settlement and/or hearing procedures. In August 2023 the FERC chief ALJ terminated settlement procedures and designated a presiding ALJ to oversee hearing procedures. In October 2023, System Energy filed direct testimony in support of its proposed amendments. Under the procedural schedule, testimony will be filed through April 2024, and the hearing is scheduled to begin in May 2024. The presiding ALJ’s initial decision is expected to be due in September 2024.
Storm Cost Recovery Filings with Retail Regulators
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion regarding storm cost recovery filings. The following are updates to that discussion.
Entergy Louisiana
Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2020 and October 2020, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Hurricane Zeta caused significant damage to portions of Entergy Louisiana’s service area. The storms resulted in widespread outages, significant damage to distribution and transmission infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the outages. Additionally, as a result of Hurricane Laura’s extensive damage to the grid infrastructure serving the impacted area, large portions of the underlying transmission system required nearly a complete rebuild. In February 2021 two winter storms (collectively, Winter Storm Uri) brought freezing rain and ice to Louisiana. Ice accumulation sagged or downed trees, limbs, and power lines, causing damage to Entergy Louisiana’s transmission and distribution systems. The additional weight of ice caused trees and limbs to fall into power lines and other electric equipment. When the ice melted, it affected vegetation and electrical equipment, causing additional outages. In August 2021, Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage to Entergy Louisiana’s distribution and, to a lesser extent, transmission systems resulting in widespread power outages.
In April 2022, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC relating to Hurricane Ida restoration costs. Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Ida were estimated to be approximately $2.54 billion, including approximately $1.96 billion in capital costs and approximately $586 million in non-capital costs. Including carrying costs of $57 million through December 2022, Entergy Louisiana was seeking an LPSC determination that $2.60 billion was prudently incurred and, therefore, eligible for recovery from customers. As part of this filing, Entergy Louisiana also was seeking an LPSC determination that an additional $32 million in costs associated with the restoration of Entergy Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Hurricane Zeta as well as Winter Storm Uri was prudently incurred. This amount was exclusive of the requested $3 million in carrying costs through December 2022. In total, Entergy Louisiana was requesting an LPSC determination that $2.64 billion was prudently incurred and, therefore, eligible for recovery from customers. As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2022 the LPSC
48
approved financing of a $1 billion storm escrow account from which funds were withdrawn to finance costs associated with Hurricane Ida restoration. In June 2022, Entergy Louisiana supplemented the application with a request regarding the financing and recovery of the recoverable storm restoration costs. Specifically, Entergy Louisiana requested approval to securitize its restoration costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55 financing, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021. In October 2022 the LPSC staff recommended a finding that the requested storm restoration costs of $2.64 billion, including associated carrying costs of $59.1 million, were prudently incurred and eligible for recovery from customers. The LPSC staff further recommended approval of Entergy Louisiana’s plans to securitize these costs, net of the $1 billion in funds withdrawn from the storm escrow account described above. The parties negotiated and executed an uncontested stipulated settlement which was filed with the LPSC in December 2022. The settlement agreement contains the following key terms: $2.57 billion of restoration costs from Hurricane Ida, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, and Winter Storm Uri were prudently incurred and eligible for recovery; carrying costs of $59.2 million were recoverable; and Entergy Louisiana was authorized to finance $1.657 billion utilizing the securitization process authorized by Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293. In January 2023 the LPSC approved the stipulated settlement subject to certain modifications. These modifications include the recognition of accumulated deferred income tax benefits related to damaged assets and system restoration costs as a reduction of the amount authorized to be financed utilizing the securitization process authorized by Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293, from $1.657 billion to $1.491 billion. These modifications did not affect the LPSC’s conclusion that all system restoration costs sought by Entergy Louisiana were reasonable and prudent. In February 2023 the Louisiana Bond Commission voted to authorize the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, to issue the bonds authorized in the LPSC’s financing order.
In March 2023 the Hurricane Ida securitization financing closed, resulting in the issuance of approximately $1.491 billion principal amount of bonds by the LCDA and a remaining regulatory asset of $180 million to be recovered through the exclusion of the accumulated deferred income taxes related to damaged assets and system restoration costs from the determination of future rates. The securitization was authorized pursuant to the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation Act, Part VIII of Chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021. The LCDA loaned the proceeds to the LURC. Pursuant to Act 293, the LURC contributed the net bond proceeds to a State legislatively authorized and LURC-sponsored trust, Restoration Law Trust II (the storm trust II).
Pursuant to Act 293, the net proceeds of the bonds were used by the storm trust II to purchase 14,576,757.48 Class B preferred, non-voting membership interest units (the preferred membership interests) issued by Entergy Finance Company, LLC, a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of Entergy. Entergy Finance Company is required to make annual distributions (dividends) commencing on December 15, 2023 on the preferred membership interests issued to the storm trust II. These annual dividends received by the storm trust II will be distributed to Entergy Louisiana and the LURC, as beneficiaries of the storm trust II. Specifically, 1% of the annual dividends received by the storm trust II will be distributed to the LURC for the benefit of customers, and 99% will be distributed to Entergy Louisiana, net of storm trust expenses. The preferred membership interests have a stated annual cumulative cash dividend rate of 7.5% and a liquidation price of $100 per unit. The terms of the preferred membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Finance Company is subject. Semi-annual redemptions of the preferred membership interests, subject to certain conditions, are expected to occur over the next 15 years.
Entergy and Entergy Louisiana do not report the bonds issued by the LCDA on their balance sheets because the bonds are the obligation of the LCDA. The bonds are secured by system restoration property, which is the right granted by law to the LURC to collect a system restoration charge from customers. The system restoration charge is adjusted at least semi-annually to ensure that it is sufficient to service the bonds. Entergy Louisiana collects the system restoration charge on behalf of the LURC and remits the collections to the bond indenture trustee. Entergy Louisiana began collecting the system restoration charge effective with the first billing cycle of April 2023 and the system restoration charge is expected to remain in place for up to 15 years. Entergy and Entergy Louisiana do not
49
report the collections as revenue because Entergy Louisiana is merely acting as a billing and collection agent for the LCDA and the LURC. In the remote possibility that the system restoration charge, as well as any funds in the excess subaccount and funds in the debt service reserve account, are insufficient to service the bonds resulting in a payment default, the storm trust II is required to liquidate Entergy Finance Company preferred membership interests in an amount equal to what would be required to cure the default. The estimated value of this indirect guarantee is immaterial.
From the proceeds from the issuance of the preferred membership interests, Entergy Finance Company loaned approximately $1.5 billion to Entergy, which was indirectly contributed to Entergy Louisiana as a capital contribution.
As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements herein, the securitization resulted in recognition of a net reduction of income tax expense of approximately $133 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions, by Entergy Louisiana. Entergy’s recognition of reduced income tax expense was offset by other tax charges resulting in a net reduction of income tax expense of $129 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions. In recognition of its obligations related to an LPSC ancillary order issued as part of the securitization regulatory proceeding, Entergy Louisiana recorded in first quarter 2023 a $103 million ($76 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge and a corresponding regulatory liability to reflect its obligation to share the benefits of the securitization with customers.
As discussed in Note 3 and Note 12 to the financial statements herein, Entergy Louisiana consolidates the storm trust II as a variable interest entity and the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest is shown as noncontrolling interest in the financial statements. In first quarter 2023, Entergy Louisiana recorded a charge of $14.6 million in other income to reflect the LURC’s beneficial interest in the storm trust II.
Entergy New Orleans
Hurricane Ida
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2021, Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to Entergy New Orleans’s service area, including Entergy’s electrical grid. The storm resulted in widespread power outages, including the loss of 100% of Entergy New Orleans’s load and damage to distribution and transmission infrastructure, including the loss of connectivity to the eastern interconnection. In September 2021, Entergy New Orleans withdrew $39 million from its funded storm reserves. In June 2022, Entergy New Orleans filed an application with the City Council requesting approval and certification that storm restoration costs associated with Hurricane Ida of approximately $170 million, which included $11 million in estimated costs, were reasonable, necessary, and prudently incurred to enable Entergy New Orleans to restore electric service to its customers and to repair Entergy New Orleans’s electric utility infrastructure. In addition, estimated carrying costs through December 2022 related to Hurricane Ida restoration costs were $9 million, which were subsequently included in an addendum to the June 2022 application. Also, Entergy New Orleans requested approval that the $39 million withdrawal from its funded storm reserve in September 2021, the $125 million withdrawal from its securitized storm reserve, and $7 million in excess storm reserve escrow withdrawals related to Hurricane Zeta and prior miscellaneous storms were properly applied to Hurricane Ida storm restoration costs.
In August 2023 the City Council advisors issued a report recommending that the City Council find that Entergy New Orleans prudently incurred approximately $164.1 million in storm restoration costs and $7.5 million in carrying charges and that such costs have already been properly recovered by Entergy New Orleans through withdrawals from the storm reserve escrow account. The City Council advisors also recommended that the City Council find that approximately $1.2 million in storm restoration costs had already been recovered through Entergy New Orleans’s base rates and that approximately $0.9 million in unused credits be applied against future storm costs. In August 2023 the City Council hearing officer certified the evidentiary record.
50
NOTE 3. EQUITY (Entergy Corporation and Entergy Louisiana)
Common Stock
Earnings per Share
The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations included on the consolidated income statements:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
$/share | $/share | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Entergy Corporation | $666.8 | $560.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic shares and earnings per average common share | 211.5 | $3.15 | 203.4 | $2.76 | |||||||||||||||||||
Average dilutive effect of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options | 0.2 | — | 0.5 | (0.01) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other equity plans | 0.5 | (0.01) | 0.6 | (0.01) | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity forwards | — | — | 0.1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted shares and earnings per average common shares | 212.2 | $3.14 | 204.6 | $2.74 |
The number of stock options not included in the calculation of diluted common shares outstanding due to their antidilutive effect was 1,305,354 options for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 926,403 options for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
The following table presents Entergy’s basic and diluted earnings per share calculations included on the consolidated income statements:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
$/share | $/share | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Entergy Corporation | $1,368.9 | $996.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic shares and earnings per average common share | 211.4 | $6.47 | 203.3 | $4.90 | |||||||||||||||||||
Average dilutive effect of: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options | 0.3 | (0.01) | 0.5 | (0.01) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other equity plans | 0.5 | (0.01) | 0.5 | (0.01) | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity forwards | — | — | 0.1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted shares and earnings per average common shares | 212.2 | $6.45 | 204.4 | $4.88 |
The number of stock options not included in the calculation of diluted common shares outstanding due to their antidilutive effect was 1,138,384 options for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 937,350 options for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Entergy’s stock options and other equity compensation plans are discussed in Note 5 to the financial statements herein and in Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K.
51
Dividends declared per common share were $1.07 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $1.01 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Dividends declared per common share were $3.21 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and $3.03 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Equity Distribution Program
In January 2021, Entergy entered into an equity distribution sales agreement with several counterparties establishing an at the market equity distribution program, pursuant to which Entergy may offer and sell from time to time shares of its common stock. The sales agreement provides that, in addition to the issuance and sale of shares of Entergy common stock, Entergy may enter into forward sale agreements for the sale of its common stock. The aggregate number of shares of common stock sold under this sales agreement and under any forward sale agreement may not exceed an aggregate gross sales price of $2 billion. As of September 30, 2023, shares at an aggregate gross sales price of approximately $1,126 million have been sold under the at the market equity distribution program.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, there were no shares of common stock issued under the at the market equity distribution program.
In March, June, and September 2022, Entergy entered into forward sale agreements for 1,538,010 shares, 2,124,086 shares, and 1,666,172 shares of common stock, respectively. No amounts were recorded on Entergy’s balance sheet with respect to the equity offering until settlements of the equity forward sale agreements occurred in November 2022. The forward sale agreements required Entergy to, at its election prior to September 29, 2023 for the March 2022 agreements and prior to December 29, 2023 for the June and September agreements, either (i) physically settle the transactions by issuing the total of 1,538,010 shares, 2,124,086 shares, and 1,666,172 shares, respectively, of its common stock to the forward counterparties in exchange for net proceeds at the then-applicable forward sale price specified by the agreements (initially approximately $108.12, $116.94, and $115.46 per share, respectively) or (ii) net settle the transactions in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of cash or shares. The forward sale price is subject to adjustment on a daily basis based on a floating interest rate factor and will decrease by other fixed amounts specified in the agreements. In connection with the forward sale agreements, the forward seller, or its affiliates, borrowed from third parties and sold 1,538,010 shares, 2,124,086 shares, and 1,666,172 shares, respectively, of Entergy Corporation’s common stock. The gross sales price of these shares totaled approximately $168 million, $250.9 million, and $194.2 million, respectively. In connection with the sales of these shares, Entergy paid the forward sellers fees of approximately $1.7 million, $2.5 million, and $1.9 million, respectively, which have not been deducted from the gross sales prices. Entergy did not receive any proceeds from such sales of borrowed shares.
In November 2022, Entergy physically settled its obligations under the then-outstanding forward sale agreements by delivering 7,688,419 shares of common stock in exchange for cash proceeds of $853.3 million. See Note 7 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the common stock issued and forward sale agreements settled under the at the market equity distribution program.
In June 2023, Entergy entered into forward sale agreements for 102,995 shares and 365,307 shares of common stock. No amounts have been or will be recorded on Entergy’s balance sheet with respect to the equity offerings until settlements of the equity forward sale agreements occur. The forward sale agreements require Entergy to, at its election prior to May 31, 2024 or June 28, 2024, respectively, either (i) physically settle the transactions by issuing the total of 102,995 shares and 365,307 shares, respectively, of its common stock to the forward counterparty in exchange for net proceeds at the then-applicable forward sale price specified by the agreement (initially approximately $101.36 and $101.39 per share, respectively) or (ii) net settle the transaction in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of cash or shares. Each forward sale price is subject to adjustment on a daily basis based on a floating interest rate factor and will decrease by other fixed amounts specified in the agreement. In connection with the forward sale agreements, the forward seller, or its affiliates, borrowed from third parties and sold 102,995 shares and 365,307 shares, respectively, of Entergy Corporation’s common stock. The gross sales price of these shares totaled approximately $10.5 million and $37.4 million, respectively. In connection
52
with the sale of these shares, Entergy paid the forward sellers fees of approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which have not been deducted from the gross sales price. Entergy did not receive any proceeds from such sales of borrowed shares.
Until settlement of the forward sale agreements, earnings per share dilution resulting from the agreements, if any, will be determined under the treasury stock method. Share dilution occurs when the average market price of Entergy’s common stock is higher than the average forward sales price. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, 468,302 shares and 4,757,308 shares, respectively, under the forward sale agreements were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been antidilutive.
Treasury Stock
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Entergy Corporation issued 295,304 shares of its previously repurchased common stock to satisfy stock option exercises, vesting of shares of restricted stock, and other stock-based awards. Entergy Corporation did not repurchase any of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Retained Earnings
On October 27, 2023, Entergy Corporation’s Board of Directors declared a common stock dividend of $1.13 per share, payable on December 1, 2023 to holders of record as of November 14, 2023.
Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is included in the equity section of the balance sheets of Entergy and Entergy Louisiana. The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the three months ended September 30, 2023:
Pension and Other Postretirement Liabilities | |||||
(In Thousands) | |||||
Beginning balance, July 1, 2023 | ($193,019) | ||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (2,434) | ||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (2,434) | ||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2023 | ($195,453) |
53
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the three months ended September 30, 2022 by component:
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | Pension and other postretirement liabilities | Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, July 1, 2022 | ($987) | ($324,274) | $1,223 | ($324,038) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (14) | — | (1,223) | (1,237) | |||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 38 | 11,867 | — | 11,905 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | 24 | 11,867 | (1,223) | 10,668 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2022 | ($963) | ($312,407) | $— | ($313,370) |
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Pension and Other Postretirement Liabilities | |||||
(In Thousands) | |||||
Beginning balance, January 1, 2023 | ($191,754) | ||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (3,699) | ||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (3,699) | ||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2023 | ($195,453) |
54
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 by component:
Cash flow hedges net unrealized gain (loss) | Pension and other postretirement liabilities | Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, January 1, 2022 | ($1,035) | ($338,647) | $7,154 | ($332,528) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (42) | — | (12,997) | (13,039) | |||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 114 | 26,240 | 5,843 | 32,197 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | 72 | 26,240 | (7,154) | 19,158 | |||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance, September 30, 2022 | ($963) | ($312,407) | $— | ($313,370) |
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy Louisiana for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Pension and Other Postretirement Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, July 1, | $52,811 | $7,174 | ||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (1,829) | 295 | ||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (1,829) | 295 | ||||||||||||
Ending balance, September 30, | $50,982 | $7,469 |
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for Entergy Louisiana for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Pension and Other Postretirement Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
Beginning balance, January 1, | $55,370 | $8,278 | ||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (4,388) | (809) | ||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period | (4,388) | (809) | ||||||||||||
Ending balance, September 30, | $50,982 | $7,469 |
55
Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) into income for Entergy for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges net unrealized loss | |||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $— | ($48) | Miscellaneous - net | ||||||||||||||
Total realized loss on cash flow hedges | — | (48) | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes | — | 10 | Income taxes | ||||||||||||||
Total realized loss on cash flow hedges (net of tax) | $— | ($38) | |||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $3,396 | $3,837 | (a) | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | 1,700 | (4,870) | (a) | ||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (1,919) | (14,339) | (a) | ||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss | 3,177 | (15,372) | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (743) | 3,505 | Income taxes | ||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss (net of tax) | $2,434 | ($11,867) | |||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment gain (loss) | |||||||||||||||||
Total realized investment gain (loss) | $— | $— | |||||||||||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $2,434 | ($11,905) |
(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components were included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details.
56
Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) into income for Entergy for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges net unrealized loss | |||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | $— | ($145) | Miscellaneous - net | ||||||||||||||
Total realized loss on cash flow hedges | — | (145) | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes | — | 31 | Income taxes | ||||||||||||||
Total realized loss on cash flow hedges (net of tax) | $— | ($114) | |||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $10,191 | $11,511 | (a) | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | 4,994 | (29,774) | (a) | ||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (10,408) | (15,666) | (a) | ||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss | 4,777 | (33,929) | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (1,078) | 7,689 | Income taxes | ||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss (net of tax) | $3,699 | ($26,240) | |||||||||||||||
Net unrealized investment loss | |||||||||||||||||
Realized loss | $— | ($9,245) | Interest and investment income | ||||||||||||||
Income taxes | — | 3,402 | Income taxes | ||||||||||||||
Total realized investment loss (net of tax) | $— | ($5,843) | |||||||||||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $3,699 | ($32,197) |
(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components were included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details.
57
Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) into income for Entergy Louisiana for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | |||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $951 | $1,158 | (a) | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of gain (loss) | 1,574 | (222) | (a) | |||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (22) | (1,340) | (a) | |||||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss | 2,503 | (404) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (674) | 109 | Income taxes | |||||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss (net of tax) | 1,829 | (295) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $1,829 | ($295) |
(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components were included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details.
Total reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) into income for Entergy Louisiana for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Amounts reclassified from AOCI | Income Statement Location | |||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior-service credit | $2,853 | $3,474 | (a) | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of gain (loss) | 4,703 | (849) | (a) | |||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (1,551) | (1,518) | (a) | |||||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss | 6,005 | 1,107 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | (1,617) | (298) | Income taxes | |||||||||||||||||
Total amortization and settlement loss (net of tax) | 4,388 | 809 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) | $4,388 | $809 |
(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components were included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement cost. See Note 6 to the financial statements herein for additional details.
58
Noncontrolling Interests
The dollar value of noncontrolling interests for Entergy Louisiana as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is presented below:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana Noncontrolling Interests | |||||||||||
Restoration Law Trust I (a) | $32,084 | $31,735 | |||||||||
Restoration Law Trust II (b) | 15,130 | — | |||||||||
Total Noncontrolling Interests | $47,214 | $31,735 |
(a)See Note 12 to the financial statements herein and Note 17 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of Restoration Law Trust I.
(b)Restoration Law Trust II (the storm trust II) was established as part of the Act 293 securitization of Entergy Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida storm restoration costs in March 2023. The storm trust II holds preferred membership interests issued by Entergy Finance Company, and Entergy Finance Company is required to make annual distributions (dividends) on the preferred membership interests. These annual dividends paid on the Entergy Finance Company preferred membership interests will be distributed 1% to the LURC and 99% to Entergy Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana, as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the storm trust II and the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest in noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements for Entergy Louisiana and Entergy. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of the Entergy Louisiana March 2023 storm cost securitization.
NOTE 4. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES, LINES OF CREDIT, SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS, AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Entergy Corporation has in place a credit facility that has a borrowing capacity of $3.5 billion and expires in June 2028. The facility includes fronting commitments for the issuance of letters of credit against $20 million of the total borrowing capacity of the credit facility. The commitment fee is currently 0.225% of the undrawn commitment amount. Commitment fees and interest rates on loans under the credit facility can fluctuate depending on the senior unsecured debt ratings of Entergy Corporation. The weighted-average interest rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 6.44% on the drawn portion of the facility. As of September 30, 2023, amounts outstanding and capacity available under the $3.5 billion credit facility are:
Capacity | Borrowings | Letters of Credit | Capacity Available | |||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$3,500 | $— | $3 | $3,497 |
Entergy Corporation’s credit facility requires Entergy to maintain a consolidated debt ratio, as defined, of 65% or less of its total capitalization. Entergy is in compliance with this covenant. If Entergy fails to meet this ratio, or if Entergy Corporation or one of the Registrant Subsidiaries (except Entergy New Orleans and System Energy) defaults on other indebtedness or is in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, an acceleration of the Entergy Corporation credit facility’s maturity date may occur.
Entergy Corporation has a commercial paper program with a Board-approved program limit of up to $2 billion. As of September 30, 2023, Entergy Corporation had $1,351.1 million of commercial paper outstanding. The weighted-average interest rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 5.35%.
59
Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas each had credit facilities available as of September 30, 2023 as follows:
Company | Expiration Date | Amount of Facility | Interest Rate (a) | Amount Drawn as of September 30, 2023 | Letters of Credit Outstanding as of September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | April 2024 | $25 million (b) | 7.27% | $— | $— | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | June 2028 | $150 million (c) | 6.54% | $— | $— | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | June 2028 | $350 million (c) | 6.67% | $— | $— | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Mississippi | July 2025 | $150 million | 6.54% | $— | $— | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy New Orleans | June 2024 | $25 million (c) | 7.04% | $— | $— | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Texas | June 2028 | $150 million (c) | 6.67% | $— | $1.1 million |
(a)The interest rate is the estimated interest rate as of September 30, 2023 that would have been applied to outstanding borrowings under the facility.
(b)Borrowings under this Entergy Arkansas credit facility may be secured by a security interest in its accounts receivable at Entergy Arkansas’s option.
(c)The credit facility includes fronting commitments for the issuance of letters of credit against a portion of the borrowing capacity of the facility as follows: $5 million for Entergy Arkansas; $15 million for Entergy Louisiana; $10 million for Entergy New Orleans; and $30 million for Entergy Texas.
The commitment fees on the credit facilities range from 0.075% to 0.375% of the undrawn commitment amount for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, and of the entire facility amount for Entergy New Orleans. Each of the credit facilities requires the Registrant Subsidiary borrower to maintain a debt ratio, as defined, of 65% or less of its total capitalization. Each Registrant Subsidiary is in compliance with this covenant.
In addition, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas each entered into an uncommitted standby letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. The following is a summary of the uncommitted standby letter of credit facilities as of September 30, 2023:
Company | Amount of Uncommitted Facility | Letter of Credit Fee | Letters of Credit Issued as of September 30, 2023 (a) (b) | |||||||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | $25 million | 0.78% | $7.8 million | |||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | $125 million | 0.78% | $11.2 million | |||||||||||||||||
Entergy Mississippi | $65 million | 0.78% | $6.7 million | |||||||||||||||||
Entergy New Orleans | $15 million | 1.625% | $1 million | |||||||||||||||||
Entergy Texas | $80 million | 1.250% | $12.8 million |
(a)As of September 30, 2023, letters of credit posted with MISO covered financial transmission right exposure of $1.7 million for Entergy Arkansas, $0.9 million for Entergy Louisiana, $0.6 million for Entergy Mississippi, and $0.5 million for Entergy Texas. See Note 8 to the financial statements herein for discussion of financial transmission rights.
(b)As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the $6.7 million MISO letters of credit, Entergy Mississippi had $1 million in non-MISO letters of credit outstanding under this facility.
The short-term borrowings of the Registrant Subsidiaries are limited to amounts authorized by the FERC. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas have FERC-
60
authorized short-term borrowing limits effective through April 2025. The FERC-authorized short-term borrowing limit for System Energy is effective through March 2025. In addition to borrowings from commercial banks, these companies may also borrow from the Entergy System money pool and from other internal short-term borrowing arrangements. The money pool and the other internal borrowing arrangements are intercompany borrowing arrangements designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ dependence on external short-term borrowings. Borrowings from internal and external short-term borrowings combined may not exceed the FERC-authorized limits. The following were the FERC-authorized limits for short-term borrowings and the outstanding short-term borrowings as of September 30, 2023 (aggregating both internal and external short-term borrowings) for the Registrant Subsidiaries:
Authorized | Borrowings | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | $250 | $— | |||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | $450 | $— | |||||||||
Entergy Mississippi | $200 | $24 | |||||||||
Entergy New Orleans | $150 | $— | |||||||||
Entergy Texas | $200 | $— | |||||||||
System Energy | $200 | $— |
Vermont Yankee Credit Facility (Entergy Corporation)
In January 2019, Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee was transferred to NorthStar and its credit facility was assumed by Entergy Assets Management Operations, LLC (formerly Vermont Yankee Asset Retirement, LLC), Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee’s parent company that remains an Entergy subsidiary after the transfer. The credit facility has a borrowing capacity of $139 million and expires in December 2024. The commitment fee is currently 0.20% of the undrawn commitment amount. As of September 30, 2023, $139 million in cash borrowings were outstanding under the credit facility. The weighted-average interest rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was 6.47% on the drawn portion of the facility.
Variable Interest Entities (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy)
See Note 17 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the consolidation of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entities (VIEs). To finance the acquisition and ownership of nuclear fuel, the nuclear fuel company VIEs have credit facilities and three of the four VIEs also issue commercial paper, details of which follow as of September 30, 2023:
Company | Expiration Date | Amount of Facility | Weighted- Average Interest Rate on Borrowings (a) | Amount Outstanding as of September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas VIE | June 2025 | $80 | 6.03% | $10.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana River Bend VIE | June 2025 | $105 | 6.08% | $57.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE | June 2025 | $105 | 6.04% | $13.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
System Energy VIE | June 2025 | $120 | 5.90% | $29.2 |
(a)Includes letter of credit fees and bank fronting fees on commercial paper issuances by the nuclear fuel company VIEs for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy. The nuclear fuel company VIE for Entergy Louisiana River Bend does not issue commercial paper, but borrows directly on its bank credit facility.
61
The commitment fees on the credit facilities are 0.100% of the undrawn commitment amount for the Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy VIEs. Each credit facility requires the respective lessee of nuclear fuel (Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, or Entergy Corporation as guarantor for System Energy) to maintain a consolidated debt ratio, as defined, of 70% or less of its total capitalization. Each lessee is in compliance with this covenant.
The nuclear fuel company VIEs had notes payable that were included in debt on the respective balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 as follows:
Company | Description | Amount | ||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas VIE | 3.17% Series M due December 2023 | $40 million | ||||||||||||
Entergy Arkansas VIE | 1.84% Series N due July 2026 | $90 million | ||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana River Bend VIE | 2.51% Series V due June 2027 | $70 million | ||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE | 3.22% Series I due December 2023 | $20 million | ||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana Waterford VIE | 5.94% Series J due September 2026 | $70 million | ||||||||||||
System Energy VIE | 2.05% Series K due September 2027 | $90 million |
In accordance with regulatory treatment, interest on the nuclear fuel company VIEs’ credit facilities, commercial paper, and long-term notes payable is reported in fuel expense.
As of September 30, 2023, Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Louisiana each has obtained financing authorization from the FERC that extend through April 2025 and System Energy has obtained financing authorization from the FERC that extends through March 2025 for issuances by their nuclear fuel company VIEs.
Debt Issuances and Retirements
(Entergy Arkansas)
In January 2023, Entergy Arkansas issued $425 million of 5.15% Series mortgage bonds due January 2033. Entergy Arkansas used the proceeds, together with other funds, to repay, at maturity, its $250 million of 3.05% Series mortgage bonds due June 2023 and for general corporate purposes.
In August 2023, Entergy Arkansas issued $300 million of 5.30% Series mortgage bonds due September 2033. Entergy Arkansas used the proceeds, together with other funds, to repay debt outstanding under its $150 million long-term revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of borrowings from the Entergy System money pool.
(Entergy Louisiana)
In September 2023, Entergy Louisiana repaid, at maturity, $325 million of 4.05% Series mortgage bonds.
(Entergy Mississippi)
In May 2023, Entergy Mississippi issued $300 million of 5.0% Series mortgage bonds due September 2033. Entergy Mississippi used the proceeds, together with other funds, to repay, prior to maturity, its $250 million of 3.10% Series mortgage bonds due July 2023 and $50 million of its unsecured term loan due December 2023 and for general corporate purposes.
(Entergy New Orleans)
In May 2023, Entergy New Orleans amended its $70 million unsecured term loan credit agreement, to provide for additional borrowings of $15 million due June 2024. The amended term loan bears interest at a fixed
62
interest rate of 6.25% payable on the unpaid principal amount, compared to the previous rate of 2.5%. Entergy New Orleans used the funds for general corporate purposes.
In July 2023, Entergy New Orleans repaid, at maturity, $100 million of 3.9% Series mortgage bonds.
(Entergy Texas)
In August 2023, Entergy Texas issued $350 million of 5.80% Series mortgage bonds due September 2053. Entergy Texas used the proceeds, together with other funds, to finance the construction of the Orange County Advanced Power Station and for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of borrowings from the Entergy System money pool.
(System Energy)
In March 2023, System Energy issued $325 million of 6.00% Series mortgage bonds due April 2028. System Energy used the proceeds, together with other funds, to repay, prior to maturity, its $50 million term loan due November 2023, and to repay, at maturity, its $250 million of 4.10% Series mortgage bonds due April 2023, and for general corporate purposes.
Fair Value
The book value and the fair value of long-term debt for Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2023 were as follows:
Book Value of Long-Term Debt | Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (a) | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Entergy | $26,183,400 | $22,233,532 | |||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | $4,650,501 | $3,910,973 | |||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | $10,399,014 | $8,893,051 | |||||||||
Entergy Mississippi | $2,329,185 | $1,935,895 | |||||||||
Entergy New Orleans | $685,002 | $599,005 | |||||||||
Entergy Texas | $3,233,614 | $2,702,065 | |||||||||
System Energy | $745,247 | $677,274 |
(a)Fair values were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements herein.
63
The book value and the fair value of long-term debt for Entergy Corporation and the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 were as follows:
Book Value of Long-Term Debt | Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (a) | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Entergy | $25,932,549 | $22,573,837 | |||||||||
Entergy Arkansas | $4,166,500 | $3,538,930 | |||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | $10,698,922 | $9,444,665 | |||||||||
Entergy Mississippi | $2,331,096 | $1,987,154 | |||||||||
Entergy New Orleans | $775,632 | $707,872 | |||||||||
Entergy Texas | $2,895,913 | $2,485,705 | |||||||||
System Energy | $777,905 | $702,473 |
(a)Fair values were classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements herein.
NOTE 5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Entergy Corporation)
Entergy grants stock and stock-based awards, which are described more fully in Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Awards under Entergy’s plans generally vest over three years.
Stock Options
Entergy granted options on 281,874 shares of its common stock under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan during the first quarter 2023 with a fair value of $20.07 per option. As of September 30, 2023, there were options on 2,950,625 shares of common stock outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $97.49. The intrinsic value, which has no effect on net income, of the outstanding stock options is calculated by the positive difference between the weighted-average exercise price of the stock options granted and Entergy Corporation’s common stock price as of September 30, 2023. The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2023 was $16.6 million.
The following table includes financial information for outstanding stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $1.1 | $0.9 | |||||||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $0.3 | $0.2 | |||||||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and materials and supplies | $0.5 | $0.4 |
64
The following table includes financial information for outstanding stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $3.2 | $3.2 | |||||||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $0.9 | $0.8 | |||||||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and materials and supplies | $1.6 | $1.2 |
Other Equity Awards
In January 2023 the Board approved and Entergy granted 345,983 restricted stock awards and 143,212 long-term incentive awards under the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The restricted stock awards were made effective on January 26, 2023 and were valued at $108.47 per share, which was the closing price of Entergy’s common stock on that date. Shares of restricted stock have the same dividend and voting rights as other common stock, are considered issued and outstanding shares of Entergy upon vesting, and are expensed ratably over the three-year vesting period. One-third of the restricted stock awards and accrued dividends will vest upon each anniversary of the grant date.
In addition, long-term incentive awards were also granted in the form of performance units that represent the value of, and are settled with, one share of Entergy Corporation common stock at the end of the three-year performance period, plus dividends accrued during the performance period on the number of performance units earned. To emphasize the importance of strong cash generation for the long-term health of its business, a credit measure – adjusted funds from operations/debt ratio – was selected as one of the performance measures for the 2023-2025 performance period. Performance will be measured based eighty percent on relative total shareholder return and twenty percent on the credit measure. The performance units were granted on January 26, 2023 and eighty percent were valued at $130.65 per share based on various factors, primarily market conditions; and twenty percent were valued at $108.47 per share, the closing price of Entergy’s common stock on that date. Performance units have the same dividend rights as shares of Entergy common stock and are considered issued and outstanding shares of Entergy upon vesting. Performance units are expensed ratably over the three-year vesting period and compensation cost for the portion of the award based on cumulative adjusted earnings per share will be adjusted based on the number of units that ultimately vest. See Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the Long-Term Performance Unit Program.
The following table includes financial information for other outstanding equity awards for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $9.3 | $9.1 | |||||||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $2.4 | $2.3 | |||||||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and materials and supplies | $4.2 | $3.9 |
65
The following table includes financial information for other outstanding equity awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Compensation expense included in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $27.1 | $31.1 | |||||||||
Tax benefit recognized in Entergy’s consolidated net income | $7.0 | $7.9 | |||||||||
Compensation cost capitalized as part of fixed assets and materials and supplies | $11.8 | $12.6 |
NOTE 6. RETIREMENT AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost
Entergy’s qualified pension costs, including amounts capitalized, for the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $25,302 | $33,845 | |||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 73,850 | 60,734 | |||||||||
Expected return on assets | (96,775) | (100,203) | |||||||||
Amortization of net loss | 20,204 | 42,367 | |||||||||
Settlement charges | 6,914 | 125,548 | |||||||||
Net pension costs | $29,495 | $162,291 |
Entergy’s qualified pension costs, including amounts capitalized, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $76,346 | $108,482 | |||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 223,584 | 164,529 | |||||||||
Expected return on assets | (290,660) | (306,895) | |||||||||
Amortization of net loss | 63,858 | 159,359 | |||||||||
Settlement charges | 152,588 | 148,201 | |||||||||
Net pension costs | $225,716 | $273,676 |
66
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ qualified pension costs, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees for the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $4,566 | $6,175 | $1,431 | $492 | $1,074 | $1,430 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 13,813 | 14,896 | 3,797 | 1,667 | 3,138 | 3,419 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (17,639) | (18,892) | (4,830) | (2,206) | (4,147) | (4,392) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss | 5,438 | 4,748 | 1,545 | 456 | 1,008 | 1,204 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement charges | 558 | 561 | 345 | 248 | 632 | 228 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $6,736 | $7,488 | $2,288 | $657 | $1,705 | $1,889 |
2022 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $6,138 | $8,261 | $1,953 | $690 | $1,441 | $1,891 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 11,866 | 12,523 | 3,383 | 1,368 | 2,795 | 2,882 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (18,731) | (20,586) | (5,006) | (2,487) | (4,551) | (4,509) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss | 10,283 | 10,156 | 2,941 | 1,208 | 2,130 | 2,641 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement charges | 11,477 | 33,507 | 6,853 | 4,402 | 13,082 | 4,593 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $21,033 | $43,861 | $10,124 | $5,181 | $14,897 | $7,498 |
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ qualified pension costs, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $13,976 | $18,654 | $4,369 | $1,470 | $3,271 | $4,342 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 42,010 | 45,219 | 11,551 | 5,051 | 9,542 | 10,382 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (53,593) | (56,891) | (14,349) | (6,783) | (12,322) | (13,431) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss | 18,170 | 14,704 | 4,937 | 1,453 | 3,057 | 3,939 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement charges | 24,516 | 38,791 | 12,088 | 1,948 | 10,902 | 5,518 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $45,079 | $60,477 | $18,596 | $3,139 | $14,450 | $10,750 |
67
2022 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $19,695 | $26,405 | $6,158 | $2,194 | $4,652 | $5,937 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 30,944 | 33,706 | 8,857 | 3,646 | 7,242 | 7,614 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (57,009) | (62,779) | (15,373) | (7,517) | (14,393) | (13,718) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss | 36,557 | 35,055 | 10,371 | 3,944 | 7,124 | 9,078 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement charges | 22,973 | 37,968 | 9,061 | 4,402 | 15,547 | 6,616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net pension cost | $53,160 | $70,355 | $19,074 | $6,669 | $20,172 | $15,527 |
Non-Qualified Net Pension Cost
Entergy recognized $21.8 million and $5.9 million in pension cost for its non-qualified pension plans in the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively. Reflected in the pension cost for non-qualified pension plans in the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, were settlement charges of $18 million and $1.4 million related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plans. Entergy recognized $39.8 million and $23.3 million in pension cost for its non-qualified pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Reflected in the pension cost for non-qualified pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were settlement charges of $27.3 million and $9.2 million related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plans.
The Registrant Subsidiaries recognized the following pension cost for their current and former employees for their non-qualified pension plans for the third quarters of 2023 and 2022:
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | $63 | $24 | $85 | $33 | $63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | $69 | $24 | $80 | $28 | $961 |
Reflected in Entergy Texas’s non-qualified pension costs in the third quarter of 2022 were settlement charges of $886 thousand related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan.
The Registrant Subsidiaries recognized the following pension cost for their current and former employees for their non-qualified pension plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | $575 | $76 | $724 | $99 | $190 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | $212 | $77 | $241 | $84 | $1,264 |
Reflected in Entergy Arkansas’s non-qualified pension costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were settlement charges of $379 thousand related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan. Reflected in Entergy Mississippi’s non-qualified pension costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were settlement charges of $453 thousand and $2 thousand related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan. Reflected in Entergy Texas’s non-qualified pension costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were settlement charges of $1 million related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan.
68
Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Income)
Entergy’s other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized, for the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $3,664 | $6,184 | |||||||||
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) | 10,568 | 6,827 | |||||||||
Expected return on assets | (9,183) | (10,855) | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (5,640) | (6,388) | |||||||||
Amortization of net (gain) loss | (2,862) | 1,083 | |||||||||
Net other postretirement benefits income | ($3,453) | ($3,149) |
Entergy’s other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $10,992 | $18,552 | |||||||||
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) | 31,704 | 20,481 | |||||||||
Expected return on assets | (27,549) | (32,565) | |||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (16,920) | (19,164) | |||||||||
Amortization of net (gain) loss | (8,586) | 3,249 | |||||||||
Net other postretirement benefits income | ($10,359) | ($9,447) |
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ other postretirement benefits cost (income), including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees for the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $741 | $845 | $220 | $59 | $202 | $189 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 2,001 | 2,233 | 543 | 290 | 649 | 432 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (3,778) | — | (1,179) | (1,316) | (2,194) | (634) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | 524 | (951) | (239) | (229) | (1,093) | (73) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net (gain) loss | 43 | (1,764) | 21 | 117 | 229 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefits cost (income) | ($469) | $363 | ($634) | ($1,079) | ($2,207) | ($86) |
69
2022 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $1,114 | $1,408 | $339 | $99 | $331 | $310 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 1,263 | 1,443 | 350 | 174 | 399 | 279 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (4,483) | — | (1,394) | (1,499) | (2,568) | (791) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | 471 | (1,158) | (443) | (229) | (1,093) | (80) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net (gain) loss | 218 | (186) | 56 | (225) | 162 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefits cost (income) | ($1,417) | $1,507 | ($1,092) | ($1,680) | ($2,769) | ($252) |
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ other postretirement benefits cost (income), including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, included the following components:
2023 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $2,223 | $2,535 | $660 | $177 | $606 | $567 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 6,003 | 6,699 | 1,629 | 870 | 1,947 | 1,296 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (11,334) | — | (3,537) | (3,948) | (6,582) | (1,902) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | 1,572 | (2,853) | (717) | (687) | (3,279) | (219) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net (gain) loss | 129 | (5,292) | 63 | 351 | 687 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefits cost (income) | ($1,407) | $1,089 | ($1,902) | ($3,237) | ($6,621) | ($258) |
2022 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost - benefits earned during the period | $3,342 | $4,224 | $1,017 | $297 | $993 | $930 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost on APBO | 3,789 | 4,329 | 1,050 | 522 | 1,197 | 837 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (13,449) | — | (4,182) | (4,497) | (7,704) | (2,373) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | 1,413 | (3,474) | (1,329) | (687) | (3,279) | (240) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net (gain) loss | 654 | (558) | 168 | (675) | 486 | 90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net other postretirement benefits cost (income) | ($4,251) | $4,521 | ($3,276) | ($5,040) | ($8,307) | ($756) |
70
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) for the third quarters of 2023 and 2022:
2023 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit | $— | $3,509 | ($113) | $3,396 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | (1,064) | 2,898 | (134) | 1,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (490) | — | (1,429) | (1,919) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($1,554) | $6,407 | ($1,676) | $3,177 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $951 | $— | $951 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | (190) | 1,764 | — | 1,574 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (22) | — | — | (22) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($212) | $2,715 | $— | $2,503 |
2022 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit | $— | $4,014 | ($177) | $3,837 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss | (3,976) | (596) | (298) | (4,870) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (14,263) | — | (76) | (14,339) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($18,239) | $3,418 | ($551) | ($15,372) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $1,158 | $— | $1,158 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | (407) | 186 | (1) | (222) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (1,340) | — | — | (1,340) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($1,747) | $1,344 | ($1) | ($404) |
71
Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit | $— | $10,529 | ($338) | $10,191 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | (3,208) | 8,693 | (491) | 4,994 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (7,446) | — | (2,962) | (10,408) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($10,654) | $19,222 | ($3,791) | $4,777 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $2,853 | $— | $2,853 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | (588) | 5,292 | (1) | 4,703 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (1,551) | — | — | (1,551) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($2,139) | $8,145 | ($1) | $6,005 |
2022 | Qualified Pension Costs | Other Postretirement Costs | Non-Qualified Pension Costs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit | $— | $12,042 | ($531) | $11,511 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net loss | (26,921) | (1,788) | (1,065) | (29,774) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (14,441) | — | (1,225) | (15,666) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($41,362) | $10,254 | ($2,821) | ($33,929) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | $— | $3,474 | $— | $3,474 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net gain (loss) | (1,404) | 558 | (3) | (849) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement loss | (1,518) | — | — | (1,518) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
($2,922) | $4,032 | ($3) | $1,107 |
Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
In accordance with ASU No. 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.
Qualified Pension Settlement Costs
Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees exceeded the sum of the Plans’ 2023 service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy each participate in one or both of the Entergy
72
Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees and the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees and incurred settlement costs. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of the settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Texas Reserve
In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded for 2020 and 2021 were included in the base rate case that was filed with the PUCT in July 2022, and amortization of that amount began in 2023 when interim rates became effective. The reserve amounts recorded for 2022 and through September 2023 will be evaluated in the next scheduled PUCT rate case and an amortization period will be determined by the PUCT at that time. At September 30, 2023, the balance in this reserve was approximately $39.3 million.
Employer Contributions
Based on current assumptions, Entergy expects to contribute $267 million to its qualified pension plans in 2023. As of September 30, 2023, Entergy had contributed $267 million to its pension plans. Based on current assumptions, the Registrant Subsidiaries expect to contribute the following to qualified pension plans for their employees in 2023:
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | System Energy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected 2023 pension contributions | $54,468 | $44,565 | $21,110 | $1,420 | $5,314 | $15,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension contributions made through September 2023 | $54,468 | $44,565 | $21,110 | $1,420 | $5,314 | $15,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining estimated pension contributions to be made in 2023 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
NOTE 7. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Entergy has a single reportable segment, Utility, which includes the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric power in portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans; and operation of a small natural gas distribution business in portions of Louisiana. The Utility segment reflects management’s primary basis of organization with a predominant focus on its utility operations in the Gulf South. Parent & Other includes the parent company, Entergy Corporation, and other business activity, including Entergy’s non-utility operations business which owns interests in non-nuclear power plants that sell the electric power produced by those plants to wholesale customers and also provides decommissioning services to nuclear power plants owned by non-affiliated entities in the United States.
As discussed in Note 13 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, Entergy completed its multi-year strategy to exit the merchant nuclear power business in 2022 and upon completion of all transition activities, effective January 1, 2023, Entergy Wholesale Commodities is no longer a reportable segment. See Note 13 and Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the asset impairments and restructuring
73
charges related to the decision to exit the merchant nuclear power business. Remaining business activity previously reported under Entergy Wholesale Commodities is now included under Parent & Other. Historical segment financial information presented herein has been restated for the third quarter 2022 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022 to reflect the change in reportable segments. The change in reportable segments had no effect on Entergy’s consolidated financial statements or historical segment financial information for the Utility reportable segment.
Entergy’s segment financial information for the third quarters of 2023 and 2022 was as follows:
Utility | Parent & Other | Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $3,559,240 | $36,302 | ($20) | $3,595,522 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | $225,989 | $1,008 | $— | $226,997 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $754,036 | ($3,304) | ($81,018) | $669,714 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $4,156,616 | $62,009 | ($10) | $4,218,615 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | $178,088 | $6,024 | $— | $184,112 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $667,162 | ($55,870) | ($55,410) | $555,882 |
Entergy’s segment financial information for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:
Utility | Parent & Other | Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $9,325,977 | $96,661 | ($31) | $9,422,607 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | $304,352 | ($21,534) | $— | $282,818 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $1,666,701 | ($74,257) | ($218,418) | $1,374,026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets as of September 30, 2023 | $64,924,653 | $839,217 | ($5,211,723) | $60,552,147 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $10,191,041 | $300,720 | ($24) | $10,491,737 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | ($118,257) | $9,223 | $— | ($109,034) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net income (loss) | $1,166,866 | ($36,772) | ($130,608) | $999,486 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets as of December 31, 2022 | $61,399,243 | $884,442 | ($3,688,494) | $58,595,191 |
Eliminations are primarily intersegment activity. Almost all of Entergy’s goodwill is related to the Utility segment.
Registrant Subsidiaries
Each of the Registrant Subsidiaries has one reportable segment, which is an integrated utility business, except for System Energy, which is an electricity generation business. Each of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ operations are managed on an integrated basis by that company because of the substantial effect of cost-based rates and regulatory oversight on the business process, cost structures, and operating results. Management allocates resources and assesses financial performance on a consolidated basis.
74
NOTE 8. RISK MANAGEMENT AND FAIR VALUES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Market Risk
In the normal course of business, Entergy is exposed to a number of market risks. Market risk is the potential loss that Entergy may incur as a result of changes in the market or fair value of a particular commodity or instrument. All financial and commodity-related instruments, including derivatives, are subject to market risk including commodity price risk, equity price, and interest rate risk. Entergy uses derivatives primarily to mitigate commodity price risk, particularly power price and fuel price risk.
The Utility has limited exposure to the effects of market risk because it operates primarily under cost-based rate regulation. To the extent approved by their retail regulators, the Utility operating companies use derivative instruments to hedge the exposure to price volatility inherent in their purchased power, fuel, and gas purchased for resale costs, that are recovered from customers.
Entergy’s exposure to market risk is determined by a number of factors, including the size, term, composition, and diversification of positions held, as well as market volatility and liquidity. For instruments such as options, the time period during which the option may be exercised and the relationship between the current market price of the underlying instrument and the option’s contractual strike or exercise price also affects the level of market risk. A significant factor influencing the overall level of market risk to which Entergy is exposed is its use of hedging techniques to mitigate such risk. Hedging instruments and volumes are chosen based on ability to mitigate risk associated with future energy and capacity prices; however, other considerations are factored into hedge product and volume decisions including corporate liquidity, corporate credit ratings, counterparty credit risk, hedging costs, firm settlement risk, and product availability in the marketplace. Entergy manages market risk by actively monitoring compliance with stated risk management policies as well as monitoring the effectiveness of its hedging policies and strategies. Entergy’s risk management policies limit the amount of total net exposure and rolling net exposure during the stated periods. These policies, including related risk limits, are regularly assessed to ensure their appropriateness given Entergy’s objectives.
Derivatives
Some derivative instruments are classified as cash flow hedges due to their financial settlement provisions while others are classified as normal purchase/normal sale transactions due to their physical settlement provisions. Normal purchase/normal sale risk management tools include power purchase and sales agreements, fuel purchase agreements, capacity contracts, and tolling agreements. Financially-settled cash flow hedges can include natural gas and electricity swaps and options. Entergy may enter into financially-settled swap and option contracts to manage market risk that may or may not be designated as hedging instruments.
Entergy manages fuel price volatility for its Louisiana jurisdictions (Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans) and Entergy Mississippi through the purchase of natural gas swaps and options that financially settle against either the average Henry Hub Gas Daily prices or the NYMEX Henry Hub. These swaps and options are marked-to-market through fuel expense with offsetting regulatory assets or liabilities. All benefits or costs of the program are recorded in fuel costs. The notional volumes of these swaps are based on a portion of projected annual exposure to gas price volatility for electric generation at Entergy Louisiana and Entergy Mississippi and projected winter purchases for gas distribution at Entergy New Orleans. The maximum length of time over which Entergy has executed natural gas swaps and options as of September 30, 2023 is 6 months, for each of Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. The total volume of natural gas swaps and options outstanding as of September 30, 2023 is 16,033,600 MMBtu for Entergy, including 3,660,000 MMBtu for Entergy Louisiana, 11,256,600 MMBtu for Entergy Mississippi, and 1,117,000 MMBtu for Entergy New Orleans. Credit support for these natural gas swaps and options is covered by master agreements that do not require Entergy to provide
75
collateral based on mark-to-market value, but do carry adequate assurance language that may lead to requests for collateral.
During the second quarter 2023, Entergy participated in the annual financial transmission rights auction process for the MISO planning year of June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024. Financial transmission rights are derivative instruments that represent economic hedges of future congestion charges that will be incurred in serving Entergy’s customer load. They are not designated as hedging instruments. Entergy initially records financial transmission rights at their estimated fair value and subsequently adjusts the carrying value to their estimated fair value at the end of each accounting period prior to settlement. Unrealized gains or losses on financial transmission rights held by Entergy’s non-utility operations are included in operating revenues. The Utility operating companies recognize regulatory liabilities or assets for unrealized gains or losses on financial transmission rights. The total volume of financial transmission rights outstanding as of September 30, 2023 is 100,632 GWh for Entergy, including 25,018 GWh for Entergy Arkansas, 42,908 GWh for Entergy Louisiana, 12,949 GWh for Entergy Mississippi, 3,960 GWh for Entergy New Orleans, and 15,596 GWh for Entergy Texas. Credit support for financial transmission rights held by the Utility operating companies is covered by cash and/or letters of credit issued by each Utility operating company as required by MISO. Credit support for financial transmission rights held by Entergy’s non-utility operations is covered by cash. No cash or letters of credit were required to be posted for financial transmission rights exposure for Entergy’s non-utility operations as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Letters of credit posted with MISO covered the financial transmission rights exposure for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas as of September 30, 2023 and for Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Texas as of December 31, 2022.
The fair values of Entergy’s derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are shown in the table below. Certain investments, including those not designated as hedging instruments, are subject to master netting agreements and are presented in the balance sheet on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging.
Instrument | Balance Sheet Location | Gross Fair Value (a) | Offsetting Position (b) | Net Fair Value (c) (d) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Prepayments and other | $1 | $— | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $33 | ($1) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Other current liabilities | $7 | $— | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Prepayments and other | $13 | $— | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Other deferred debits and other assets | $3 | $— | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $21 | ($2) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Other current liabilities | $25 | $— | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
76
(a)Represents the gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities
(b)Represents the netting of fair value balances with the same counterparty
(c)Represents the net amounts of assets/liabilities presented on the Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries’ Consolidated Balance Sheets
(d)Excludes cash collateral in the amount of $8 million posted as of December 31, 2022. Also excludes letters of credit in the amount of $4 million posted as of September 30, 2023 and $3 million posted as of December 31, 2022.
The effects of Entergy’s derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated income statements for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Instrument | Income Statement location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | (b) | $ | |||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | $ | |||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | (b) | $ | |||||||||||
The effects of Entergy’s derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the consolidated income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Instrument | Income Statement location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | ||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | ||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | (b) | $ | |||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | $ | |||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | (b) | $ | |||||||||||
(a)Due to regulatory treatment, the natural gas swaps and options are marked-to-market through fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale and then such amounts are simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as fuel expenses when the swaps and options are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms.
(b)Due to regulatory treatment, the changes in the estimated fair value of financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are recorded through purchased power expense and then such amounts are
77
simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as purchased power expense when the financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms.
The fair values of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 are shown in the table below. Certain investments, including those not designated as hedging instruments, are subject to master netting agreements and are presented in the balance sheet on a net basis in accordance with accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging.
Instrument | Balance Sheet Location | Gross Fair Value (a) | Offsetting Position (b) | Net Fair Value (c) (d) | Registrant | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Prepayments and other | $1.0 | $— | $ | Entergy Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $11.7 | ($0.1) | $ | Entergy Arkansas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $14.7 | $— | $ | Entergy Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $1.2 | ($0.1) | $ | Entergy Mississippi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $1.3 | $— | $ | Entergy New Orleans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $3.6 | ($0.3) | $ | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Other current liabilities | $7.1 | $— | $ | Entergy Mississippi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Other current liabilities | $0.3 | $— | $ | Entergy New Orleans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
78
The fair values of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 were as follows:
Instrument | Balance Sheet Location | Gross Fair Value (a) | Offsetting Position (b) | Net Fair Value (c) (d) | Registrant | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Prepayments and other | $13.1 | $— | $ | Entergy Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Other deferred debits and other assets | $3.4 | $— | $ | Entergy Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $10.3 | $— | $ | Entergy Arkansas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $7.7 | ($0.4) | $ | Entergy Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $0.6 | $— | $ | Entergy Mississippi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $0.8 | $— | $ | Entergy New Orleans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Prepayments and other | $1.2 | ($1.1) | $ | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Other current liabilities | $24.0 | $— | $ | Entergy Mississippi | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Other current liabilities | $1.5 | $— | $ | Entergy New Orleans |
(a)Represents the gross amounts of recognized assets/liabilities
(b)Represents the netting of fair value balances with the same counterparty
(c)Represents the net amounts of assets/liabilities presented on the Registrant Subsidiaries’ balance sheets
(d)As of September 30, 2023, letters of credit posted with MISO covered financial transmission rights exposure of $1.7 million for Entergy Arkansas, $0.9 million for Entergy Louisiana, $0.6 million for Entergy Mississippi, and $0.5 million for Entergy Texas. As of December 31, 2022, letters of credit posted with MISO covered financial transmission rights exposure of $0.2 million for Entergy Mississippi, $0.2 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $2.4 million for Entergy Texas.
79
The effects of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their income statements for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Instrument | Income Statement Location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | Registrant | |||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | Entergy New Orleans | |||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Texas | ||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | $ | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | $ | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | Entergy New Orleans | |||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Texas |
80
The effects of the Registrant Subsidiaries’ derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on their income statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Instrument | Income Statement Location | Amount of gain (loss) recorded in the income statement | Registrant | |||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | |||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | (a) | Entergy New Orleans | |||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Texas | ||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps and options | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | $ | (a) | Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | $ | (a) | Entergy Mississippi | ||||||||||||||||
Natural gas swaps | Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | $ | (a) | Entergy New Orleans | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Arkansas | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Mississippi | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy New Orleans | ||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | Purchased power expense | $ | (b) | Entergy Texas |
(a)Due to regulatory treatment, the natural gas swaps and options are marked-to-market through fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale and then such amounts are simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as fuel expenses when the swaps and options are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms.
(b)Due to regulatory treatment, the changes in the estimated fair value of financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are recorded through purchased power expense and then such amounts are simultaneously reversed and recorded as an offsetting regulatory asset or liability. The gains or losses recorded as purchased power expense when the financial transmission rights for the Utility operating companies are settled are recovered or refunded through fuel cost recovery mechanisms.
Fair Values
The estimated fair values of Entergy’s financial instruments and derivatives are determined using historical prices, bid prices, market quotes, and financial modeling. Considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value. Therefore, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Entergy could realize
81
in a current market exchange. Gains or losses realized on financial instruments are reflected in future rates and therefore do not affect net income. Entergy considers the carrying amounts of most financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities to be a reasonable estimate of their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Accounting standards define fair value as an exit price, or the price that would be received to sell an asset or the amount that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between knowledgeable market participants at the date of measurement. Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries use assumptions or market input data that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities at fair value. The inputs can be readily observable, corroborated by market data, or generally unobservable. Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries endeavor to use the best available information to determine fair value.
Accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy establishes the highest priority for unadjusted market quotes in an active market for the identical asset or liability and the lowest priority for unobservable inputs.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:
•Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of individually owned common stocks, cash equivalents (temporary cash investments, securitization recovery trust account, and escrow accounts), debt instruments, and gas swaps traded on exchanges with active markets. Cash equivalents includes all unrestricted highly liquid debt instruments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.
•Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date. Assets are valued based on prices derived by independent third parties that use inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden by Entergy if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value. Level 2 inputs include the following:
–quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
–quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
–inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
–inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 2 consists primarily of individually-owned debt instruments and gas swaps and options valued using observable inputs.
•Level 3 - Level 3 inputs are pricing inputs that are generally less observable or unobservable from objective sources. These inputs are used with internally developed methodologies to produce management’s best estimate of fair value for the asset or liability. Level 3 consists primarily of financial transmission rights.
The values of financial transmission rights are based on unobservable inputs, including estimates of congestion costs in MISO between applicable generation and load pricing nodes based on the 50th percentile of historical prices. They are classified as Level 3 assets and liabilities. The valuations of these assets and liabilities are performed by the Office of Corporate Risk Oversight. The values are calculated internally and verified against the data published by MISO. Entergy’s Accounting group reviews these valuations for reasonableness, with the
82
assistance of others within the organization with knowledge of the various inputs and assumptions used in the valuation. The Office of Corporate Risk Oversight reports to the Vice President and Treasurer. The Accounting group reports to the Chief Accounting Officer.
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, Entergy’s assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $1,414 | $— | $— | $1,414 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 17 | — | — | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 567 | 1,093 | — | 1,660 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 2,741 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 18 | — | — | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow accounts | 416 | — | — | 416 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 1 | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 32 | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$2,433 | $1,093 | $32 | $6,299 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $7 | $— | $— | $7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $109 | $— | $— | $109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 24 | — | — | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 534 | 1,122 | — | 1,656 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 2,442 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 13 | — | — | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow accounts | 402 | — | — | 402 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 13 | 3 | — | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 19 | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$1,095 | $1,125 | $19 | $4,681 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $25 | $— | $— | $25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(a)The decommissioning trust funds hold equity and fixed income securities. Equity securities are invested to approximate the returns of major market indices. Fixed income securities are held in various governmental and corporate securities. See Note 9 to the financial statements herein for additional information on the investment portfolios.
83
(b)Common trust funds are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table. The fund administrator of these investments allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets for the fair value of financial transmission rights classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Balance as of July 1, | $40 | $12 | |||||||||
Total gains (losses) for the period | |||||||||||
Included as a regulatory liability/asset | 40 | 39 | |||||||||
Settlements | (48) | (30) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, | $32 | $21 |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets for the fair value of financial transmission rights classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, | $19 | $4 | |||||||||
Total gains (losses) for the period | |||||||||||
Included as a regulatory liability/asset | 67 | 91 | |||||||||
Issuances of financial transmission rights | 42 | 16 | |||||||||
Settlements | (96) | (90) | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, | $32 | $21 |
The fair values of the Level 3 financial transmission rights are based on unobservable inputs calculated internally and verified against historical pricing data published by MISO.
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Registrant Subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
Entergy Arkansas
2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $110.3 | $— | $— | $110.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 2.4 | — | — | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 128.8 | 342.1 | — | 470.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 812.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 11.6 | 11.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$241.5 | $342.1 | $11.6 | $1,407.5 |
84
2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $3.4 | $— | $— | $3.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 4.5 | — | — | 4.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 126.8 | 343.9 | — | 470.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 724.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 10.3 | 10.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$134.7 | $343.9 | $10.3 | $1,213.6 |
Entergy Louisiana
2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $765.8 | $— | $— | $765.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 10.6 | — | — | 10.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 243.3 | 493.5 | — | 736.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 1,165.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 303.9 | — | — | 303.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 1.0 | — | — | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 14.7 | 14.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$1,324.6 | $493.5 | $14.7 | $2,998.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $6.3 | $— | $— | $6.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 16.8 | — | — | 16.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 209.4 | 515.7 | — | 725.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 1,037.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 293.4 | — | — | 293.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | 13.1 | 3.4 | — | 16.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 7.3 | 7.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$539.0 | $519.1 | $7.3 | $2,102.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
85
Entergy Mississippi
2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $10.3 | $— | $— | $10.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 34.7 | — | — | 34.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 1.1 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$45.0 | $— | $1.1 | $46.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $7.1 | $— | $— | $7.1 |
2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $17.0 | $— | $— | $17.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 33.5 | — | — | 33.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 0.6 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$50.5 | $— | $0.6 | $51.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $24.0 | $— | $— | $24.0 |
Entergy New Orleans
2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $114.4 | $— | $— | $114.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 5.7 | — | — | 5.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 77.7 | — | — | 77.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$197.8 | $— | $1.3 | $199.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $0.3 | $— | $— | $0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
86
2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $4.4 | $— | $— | $4.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 2.2 | — | — | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 75.0 | — | — | 75.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 0.8 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$81.6 | $— | $0.8 | $82.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gas hedge contracts | $1.5 | $— | $— | $1.5 |
Entergy Texas
2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $249.6 | $— | $— | $249.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 12.3 | — | — | 12.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 3.3 | 3.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$261.9 | $— | $3.3 | $265.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $3.0 | $— | $— | $3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 10.9 | — | — | 10.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial transmission rights | — | — | 0.1 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
$13.9 | $— | $0.1 | $14.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
System Energy
2023 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $94.5 | $— | $— | $94.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 4.1 | — | — | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 195.5 | 257.3 | — | 452.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 762.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
$294.1 | $257.3 | $— | $1,313.7 |
87
2022 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | $2.9 | $— | $— | $2.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds (a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 2.8 | — | — | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt securities | 197.5 | 262.2 | — | 459.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common trusts (b) | 680.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
$203.2 | $262.2 | $— | $1,145.8 |
(a)The decommissioning trust funds hold equity and fixed income securities. Equity securities are invested to approximate the returns of major market indices. Fixed income securities are held in various governmental and corporate securities. See Note 9 to the financial statements herein for additional information on the investment portfolios.
(b)Common trust funds are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table. The fund administrator of these investments allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of July 1, | $19.6 | $16.7 | $1.2 | $1.5 | $1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) included as a regulatory liability/asset | 2.2 | 16.3 | 6.5 | 2.2 | 12.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (10.2) | (18.3) | (6.6) | (2.4) | (10.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, | $11.6 | $14.7 | $1.1 | $1.3 | $3.3 |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of July 1, | $4.4 | $4.7 | $0.5 | $0.6 | $1.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) included as a regulatory liability/asset | 17.6 | 14.9 | 5.8 | 1.1 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (12.4) | (10.2) | (4.8) | (0.6) | (2.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, | $9.6 | $9.4 | $1.5 | $1.1 | ($0.4) |
88
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, | $10.3 | $7.3 | $0.6 | $0.8 | $0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of financial transmission rights | 20.6 | 18.1 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) included as a regulatory liability/asset | (1.1) | 36.0 | 10.2 | 3.9 | 17.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (18.2) | (46.7) | (11.1) | (4.8) | (14.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, | $11.6 | $14.7 | $1.1 | $1.3 | $3.3 |
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net assets (liabilities) for the fair value of derivatives classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, | $2.3 | $0.6 | $0.3 | $0.1 | $0.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuances of financial transmission rights | 5.4 | 5.3 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gains (losses) included as a regulatory liability/asset | 37.7 | 39.2 | 8.4 | 3.2 | 2.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements | (35.8) | (35.7) | (8.0) | (3.0) | (7.2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, | $9.6 | $9.4 | $1.5 | $1.1 | ($0.4) |
NOTE 9. DECOMMISSIONING TRUST FUNDS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and System Energy)
The NRC requires Entergy subsidiaries to maintain nuclear decommissioning trusts to fund the costs of decommissioning ANO 1, ANO 2, River Bend, Waterford 3, and Grand Gulf. Entergy’s nuclear decommissioning trust funds invest in equity securities, fixed-rate debt securities, and cash and cash equivalents.
Entergy records decommissioning trust funds on the balance sheet at their fair value. Because of the ability of the Registrant Subsidiaries to recover decommissioning costs in rates and in accordance with the regulatory treatment for decommissioning trust funds, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded an offsetting amount of unrealized gains/(losses) on investment securities in other regulatory liabilities/assets. For the 30% interest in River Bend formerly owned by Cajun, Entergy Louisiana records an offsetting amount in other deferred credits for the unrealized trust earnings not currently expected to be needed to decommission the plant. Decommissioning trust funds for the Palisades non-utility nuclear plant did not meet the criteria for regulatory accounting treatment. Accordingly, unrealized gains/(losses) recorded on the equity securities in the trust funds were recognized in earnings. Unrealized gains recorded on the available-for-sale debt securities in the trust funds are recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity. Unrealized losses (where cost exceeds fair market value) on the available-for-sale debt securities in the trust funds are also recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity unless the unrealized loss is other than temporary and therefore recorded in earnings. Generally, Entergy records gains and losses on its debt and equity securities using the specific identification method to determine the cost basis of its securities.
89
As discussed in Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, in June 2022, Entergy completed the sale of Palisades to Holtec. As part of the transaction, Entergy transferred the Palisades decommissioning trust fund to Holtec. The disposition-date fair value of the decommissioning trust fund was approximately $552 million.
The unrealized gains/(losses) recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 on equity securities still held as of September 30, 2023 were ($99) million and $272 million, respectively. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate or somewhat exceed the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index or the Russell 3000 Index. The debt securities are generally held in individual government and credit issuances.
The available-for-sale securities held as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $1,660 | $1 | $222 | |||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $1,655 | $4 | $201 |
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no deferred taxes on unrealized gains/(losses). The amortized cost of available-for-sale debt securities was $1,881 million as of September 30, 2023 and $1,852 million as of December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, available-for-sale debt securities had an average coupon rate of approximately 3.37%, an average duration of approximately 6.30 years, and an average maturity of approximately 10.71 years.
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by length of time that the securities had been in a continuous loss position, were as follows as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $585 | $30 | $840 | $63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
More than 12 months | 1,010 | 192 | 666 | 138 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $1,595 | $222 | $1,506 | $201 |
90
The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Less than 1 year | $80 | $62 | |||||||||
1 year - 5 years | 499 | 520 | |||||||||
5 years - 10 years | 477 | 461 | |||||||||
10 years - 15 years | 108 | 117 | |||||||||
15 years - 20 years | 155 | 161 | |||||||||
20 years+ | 341 | 334 | |||||||||
Total | $1,660 | $1,655 |
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale debt securities amounted to $226 million and $119 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, there were no gross gains and $11 million in gross losses reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the three months ended September 30, 2022, there were gross gains of $0.2 million and gross losses of $8 million reclassified out of other comprehensive income or other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale debt securities amounted to $486 million and $755 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were $1 million in gross gains and $28 million in gross losses reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, there were gross gains of $2 million and gross losses of $36 million reclassified out of other comprehensive income or other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas holds equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The available-for-sale securities held as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $470.9 | $0.1 | $78.1 | |||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $470.7 | $0.2 | $69.3 |
The amortized cost of available-for-sale debt securities was $548.9 million as of September 30, 2023 and $539.8 million as of December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, the available-for-sale debt securities had an average coupon rate of approximately 2.58%, an average duration of approximately 5.78 years, and an average maturity of approximately 7.35 years.
The unrealized gains/(losses) recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 on equity securities still held as of September 30, 2023 were ($29.3) million and $80 million, respectively. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500
91
Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by length of time that the securities had been in a continuous loss position, were as follows as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $68.8 | $4.3 | $197.6 | $18.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
More than 12 months | 391.8 | 73.8 | 260.1 | 50.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $460.6 | $78.1 | $457.7 | $69.3 |
The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Less than 1 year | $45.6 | $21.2 | |||||||||
1 year - 5 years | 135.8 | 159.7 | |||||||||
5 years - 10 years | 189.8 | 191.7 | |||||||||
10 years - 15 years | 38.9 | 38.0 | |||||||||
15 years - 20 years | 42.2 | 42.6 | |||||||||
20 years+ | 18.6 | 17.5 | |||||||||
Total | $470.9 | $470.7 |
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale debt securities amounted to $1.8 million and $17.2 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, there were no gross gains and $0.1 million in gross losses reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the three months ended September 30, 2022, there were no gross gains and gross losses of $2 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale debt securities amounted to $18.4 million and $33.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were no gross gains and $1.8 million in gross losses reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, there were gross gains of $0.1 million and gross losses of $2.5 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
92
Entergy Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana holds equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The available-for-sale securities held as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $736.8 | $1.3 | $74.5 | |||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $725.1 | $3.5 | $67.5 |
The amortized cost of available-for-sale debt securities was $809.9 million as of September 30, 2023 and $789.1 million as of December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, the available-for-sale debt securities had an average coupon rate of approximately 3.87%, an average duration of approximately 6.72 years, and an average maturity of approximately 13.11 years.
The unrealized gains/(losses) recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 on equity securities still held as of September 30, 2023 were ($42.3) million and $117.2 million, respectively. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by length of time that the securities had been in a continuous loss position, were as follows as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $339.7 | $14.9 | $409.9 | $24.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
More than 12 months | 354.9 | 59.6 | 207.5 | 42.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $694.6 | $74.5 | $617.4 | $67.5 |
93
The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Less than 1 year | $31.9 | $33.6 | |||||||||
1 year - 5 years | 164.6 | 159.1 | |||||||||
5 years - 10 years | 169.2 | 161.7 | |||||||||
10 years - 15 years | 64.2 | 67.1 | |||||||||
15 years - 20 years | 79.4 | 83.3 | |||||||||
20 years+ | 227.5 | 220.3 | |||||||||
Total | $736.8 | $725.1 |
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale securities amounted to $148.1 million and $47.6 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, there were no gross gains and gross losses of $8.6 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the three months ended September 30, 2022, there were gross gains of $0.2 million and gross losses of $2.8 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale debt securities amounted to $280.7 million and $288.5 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were gross gains of $0.5 million and gross losses of $17.6 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, there were gross gains of $1.3 million and gross losses of $15 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
System Energy
System Energy holds equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities in nuclear decommissioning trust accounts. The available-for-sale securities held as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are summarized as follows:
Fair Value | Total Unrealized Gains | Total Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $452.8 | $0.1 | $69.8 | |||||||||||||||||
2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $459.7 | $0.7 | $63.7 |
The amortized cost of available-for-sale debt securities was $522.6 million as of September 30, 2023 and $522.7 million as of December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, the available-for-sale debt securities had an average coupon rate of approximately 3.36%, an average duration of approximately 6.15 years, and an average maturity of approximately 10.26 years.
The unrealized gains/(losses) recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 on equity securities still held as of September 30, 2023 were ($27.5) million and $75.2 million, respectively. The equity securities are generally held in funds that are designed to approximate the return of the Standard & Poor’s
94
500 Index. A relatively small percentage of the equity securities are held in funds intended to replicate the return of the Wilshire 4500 Index.
The fair value and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by length of time that the securities had been in a continuous loss position, were as follows as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 12 months | $176.1 | $11.0 | $231.9 | $19.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
More than 12 months | 263.0 | 58.8 | 198.0 | 44.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $439.1 | $69.8 | $429.9 | $63.7 |
The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities, summarized by contractual maturities, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||
Less than 1 year | $2.7 | $6.8 | |||||||||
1 year - 5 years | 198.9 | 201.7 | |||||||||
5 years - 10 years | 118.4 | 107.1 | |||||||||
10 years - 15 years | 4.7 | 11.7 | |||||||||
15 years - 20 years | 33.1 | 35.0 | |||||||||
20 years+ | 95.0 | 97.4 | |||||||||
Total | $452.8 | $459.7 |
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale debt securities amounted to $76.2 million and $54.6 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, there were no gross gains and $2.7 million in gross losses reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the three months ended September 30, 2022, there were gross gains of $0.02 million and gross losses of $3 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, proceeds from the dispositions of available-for-sale debt securities amounted to $187.3 million and $158.6 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were no gross gains and $9.1 million in gross losses reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, there were gross gains of $0.2 million and gross losses of $8.3 million reclassified out of other regulatory liabilities/assets into earnings.
Allowance for expected credit losses
Entergy estimates the expected credit losses for its available-for-sale securities based on the current credit rating and remaining life of the securities. To the extent an individual security is determined to be uncollectible, it is written off against this allowance. Entergy’s available-for-sale securities are held in trusts managed by third parties who operate in accordance with agreements that define investment guidelines and place restrictions on the purchases and sales of investments. Specifically, available-for-sale securities are subject to credit worthiness restrictions, with requirements for both the average credit rating of the portfolio and minimum credit ratings for individual debt securities. Entergy did not have an allowance for expected credit losses related to available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Entergy did not record any impairments of available-
95
for-sale debt securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. Entergy did not record any impairments of available-for-sale debt securities for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Entergy recorded $1.5 million in impairments of available-for-sale debt securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
See “Income Tax Audits” and “Other Tax Matters” in Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of income tax audits, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and other income tax matters involving Entergy. The following are updates to that discussion.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
During the second quarter 2018, the Registrant Subsidiaries began returning unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes, associated with the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to their customers through rate riders and other means approved by their respective regulatory authorities. Return of the unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes results in a reduction in the regulatory liability for income taxes and a corresponding reduction in income tax expense. This manner of regulatory accounting affects the effective tax rate for the period as compared to the statutory tax rate. There was no return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes for Entergy or the Registrant Subsidiaries for the three months ended September 30, 2023 or for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes reduced the regulatory liability for income taxes by $16 million for Entergy, including $6 million for Entergy Louisiana and $10 million for Entergy Texas. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes reduced the regulatory liability for income taxes by $50 million for Entergy, including $25 million for Entergy Louisiana, $1 million for Entergy New Orleans, and $24 million for Entergy Texas.
Income Tax Audits
Entergy and the Registrant Subsidiaries anticipate the resolution of the IRS 2016-2018 audit and expect to record the effects of the adjustments associated with such audit in the fourth quarter of 2023. As described more fully in Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, the resolution of audit issues could result in significant changes to the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits in the fourth quarter of 2023.
In 2018, Entergy Arkansas adopted a new method of accounting for income tax return purposes in which nuclear decommissioning liabilities are treated as production costs of electricity includable in cost of goods sold. Entergy Arkansas anticipates that the position will be resolved with the IRS upon conclusion of the audit. Entergy, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans anticipate resolving with the IRS the mark-to-market income tax treatment for various wholesale electric power purchase and sale agreements. Also included in this IRS audit is the income tax treatment of the 2018 restructuring of Entergy Arkansas. Entergy Arkansas anticipates resolving this tax treatment with the IRS upon conclusion of the audit.
Other Tax Matters
Act 293 Securitization
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements herein, Entergy Louisiana implemented a securitization authorized under Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021 in the first quarter 2023. Act 293 provides that the LURC contribute the net bond proceeds to a LURC-sponsored trust. Over the 15-year term of the Act 293 bonds, the storm trust II will make distributions to Entergy Louisiana, a beneficiary of the storm trust II, that will not be taxable to Entergy Louisiana. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana will not include the receipt of the
96
system restoration charges in taxable income because the right to receive the system restoration charges has been granted directly to the LURC, and Entergy Louisiana only acts as an agent to collect those charges on behalf of the LURC.
Accordingly, the securitization provides for a tax accounting permanent difference resulting in a net reduction of income tax expense of approximately $133 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions, by Entergy Louisiana. Entergy’s recognition of reduced income tax expense was offset by other tax charges resulting in a net reduction of income tax expense of $129 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions.
In recognition of its obligations related to an LPSC ancillary order issued as part of the securitization regulatory proceeding, Entergy Louisiana recorded in first quarter 2023 a $103 million ($76 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge and a corresponding regulatory liability to reflect its obligation to share the benefits of the securitization with its customers. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the Entergy Louisiana March 2023 storm cost securitization.
Arkansas Corporate Income Tax Rate Changes
In April 2023, Arkansas Act 532 reduced the Arkansas corporate income tax rate from 5.3% to 5.1%. As a result of the rate reduction, Entergy Arkansas accrued a regulatory liability for income taxes of approximately $8 million in second quarter 2023, including a gross-up for the treatment of income taxes in Entergy Arkansas’s retail and wholesale ratemaking formulas.
In September 2023, Arkansas Act 6 reduced the Arkansas corporate income tax rate from 5.1% to 4.8%, which will be effective January 1, 2024. As a result of the rate reduction, Entergy Arkansas accrued an additional regulatory liability for income taxes of approximately $14 million in third quarter 2023, including a gross-up for the treatment of income taxes in Entergy Arkansas’s retail and wholesale ratemaking formulas.
NOTE 11. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Accrued Construction Expenditures
Accrued construction expenditures at September 30, 2023 were $447 million for Entergy, $62 million for Entergy Arkansas, $111.3 million for Entergy Louisiana, $31.2 million for Entergy Mississippi, $4.7 million for Entergy New Orleans, $178.7 million for Entergy Texas, and $16.7 million for System Energy. Accrued construction expenditures at December 31, 2022 were $462 million for Entergy, $93.2 million for Entergy Arkansas, $156.7 million for Entergy Louisiana, $59.5 million for Entergy Mississippi, $11.2 million for Entergy New Orleans, $68.9 million for Entergy Texas, and $29 million for System Energy.
NOTE 12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
See Note 17 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of variable interest entities (VIEs). See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for details of the nuclear fuel companies’ credit facilities, commercial paper borrowings, and long-term debt. See Note 6 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K and Note 3 to the financial statements herein for discussion of noncontrolling interests.
Restoration Law Trust I (the storm trust I), a trust consolidated by Entergy Louisiana, is a VIE and Entergy Louisiana is the primary beneficiary. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the primary asset held by
97
the storm trust I was $3 billion and $3.2 billion, respectively, of outstanding Entergy Finance Company preferred membership interests, which is reflected as an investment in affiliate preferred membership interests on the consolidated balance sheets of Entergy Louisiana. The LURC’s 1% beneficial interest in the storm trust I is presented as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets of Entergy and Entergy Louisiana, with balances of $32.1 million as of September 30, 2023 and $31.7 million as of December 31, 2022.
Restoration Law Trust II (the storm trust II), a trust consolidated by Entergy Louisiana, is a VIE and Entergy Louisiana is the primary beneficiary. The storm trust II was established as part of the March 2023 Act 293 securitization of Entergy Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida restoration costs, less Hurricane Ida amounts previously financed in May 2022 in a prior securitization transaction. Entergy Louisiana is the primary beneficiary of the storm trust II because it was created to facilitate the financing of Entergy Louisiana’s storm restoration costs and Entergy Louisiana is entitled to receive a majority of the proceeds received by the storm trust II. As of September 30, 2023, the primary asset held by the storm trust II is the $1.5 billion of outstanding Entergy Finance Company preferred membership interests, which is reflected as an investment in affiliate preferred membership interests on the consolidated balance sheets of Entergy Louisiana. The storm trust II’s investment in affiliate preferred membership interests was purchased with the net bond proceeds of the securitization bonds issued by the LCDA. After the securitization bonds were issued, the LCDA loaned the net bond proceeds to the LURC, and pursuant to Act 293, the LURC contributed the net bond proceeds to the storm trust II. The holders of the securitization bonds do not have recourse to the assets or revenues of the storm trust II or to any Entergy affiliate and the bonds are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets of Entergy or Entergy Louisiana. The LURC’s 1% beneficial interest in the storm trust II is presented as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets of Entergy and Entergy Louisiana, with a balance of $15.1 million as of September 30, 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the securitization bonds and the preferred membership interests.
System Energy is considered to hold a variable interest in the lessor from which it leases an undivided interest representing approximately 11.5% of the Grand Gulf nuclear plant. System Energy is the lessee under this arrangement, which is described in more detail in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. System Energy made payments under this arrangement, including interest, of $17.2 million in each of the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
AR Searcy Partnership, LLC is a tax equity partnership that qualifies as a VIE, which Entergy Arkansas is required to consolidate as it is the primary beneficiary. As of September 30, 2023, AR Searcy Partnership, LLC recorded assets equal to $135.4 million, primarily consisting of property, plant, and equipment, and the carrying value of Entergy Arkansas’s ownership interest in the partnership was approximately $110.6 million. As of December 31, 2022, AR Searcy Partnership, LLC recorded assets equal to $138.3 million, primarily consisting of property, plant, and equipment, and the carrying value of Entergy Arkansas’s ownership interest in the partnership was approximately $109 million. The tax equity investor’s ownership interest is recorded as noncontrolling interest.
MS Sunflower Partnership, LLC is a tax equity partnership that qualifies as a VIE, which Entergy Mississippi is required to consolidate as it is the primary beneficiary. As of September 30, 2023, MS Sunflower Partnership, LLC recorded assets equal to $164 million, primarily consisting of property, plant, and equipment, and the carrying value of Entergy Mississippi’s ownership interest in the partnership was approximately $127.2 million. As of December 31, 2022, MS Sunflower Partnership, LLC recorded assets equal to $154.5 million, primarily consisting of property, plant, and equipment, and the carrying value of Entergy Mississippi’s ownership interest in the partnership was approximately $117.2 million. The tax equity investor’s ownership interest is recorded as noncontrolling interest.
98
NOTE 13. REVENUE (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Operating Revenues
See Note 19 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of revenue recognition. Entergy’s total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
Utility: | ||||||||||||||
Residential | $1,602,496 | $1,570,940 | ||||||||||||
Commercial | 884,585 | 940,604 | ||||||||||||
Industrial | 797,982 | 1,109,245 | ||||||||||||
Governmental | 73,846 | 84,649 | ||||||||||||
Total billed retail | 3,358,909 | 3,705,438 | ||||||||||||
Sales for resale (a) | 86,505 | 311,479 | ||||||||||||
Other electric revenues (b) | 66,211 | 83,679 | ||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 3,511,625 | 4,100,596 | ||||||||||||
Other Utility revenues (c) | 15,310 | 9,462 | ||||||||||||
Electric revenues | 3,526,935 | 4,110,058 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas revenues | 32,305 | 46,548 | ||||||||||||
Other revenues (d) | 36,282 | 62,009 | ||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $3,595,522 | $4,218,615 |
Entergy’s total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
Utility: | ||||||||||||||
Residential | $3,595,378 | $3,592,025 | ||||||||||||
Commercial | 2,291,673 | 2,290,893 | ||||||||||||
Industrial | 2,411,882 | 2,731,075 | ||||||||||||
Governmental | 204,999 | 209,044 | ||||||||||||
Total billed retail | 8,503,932 | 8,823,037 | ||||||||||||
Sales for resale (a) | 262,714 | 689,473 | ||||||||||||
Other electric revenues (b) | 358,000 | 420,710 | ||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 9,124,646 | 9,933,220 | ||||||||||||
Other Utility revenues (c) | 70,942 | 90,869 | ||||||||||||
Electric revenues | 9,195,588 | 10,024,089 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas revenues | 130,389 | 166,917 | ||||||||||||
Other revenues (d) | 96,630 | 300,731 | ||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $9,422,607 | $10,491,737 |
99
The Utility operating companies’ total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $346,454 | $547,485 | $257,241 | $120,311 | $331,005 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 183,352 | 313,112 | 184,164 | 69,927 | 134,030 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 194,284 | 393,172 | 58,253 | 9,163 | 143,110 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Governmental | 5,895 | 20,936 | 17,226 | 22,358 | 7,431 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total billed retail | 729,985 | 1,274,705 | 516,884 | 221,759 | 615,576 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales for resale (a) | 73,081 | 95,257 | 17,403 | 13,007 | 3,426 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other electric revenues (b) | 25,922 | 43,094 | 2,086 | (1,474) | (2,074) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 828,988 | 1,413,056 | 536,373 | 233,292 | 616,928 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues (c) | 2,671 | 8,542 | 2,442 | 1,988 | (333) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric revenues | 831,659 | 1,421,598 | 538,815 | 235,280 | 616,595 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas revenues | — | 13,269 | — | 19,036 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $831,659 | $1,434,867 | $538,815 | $254,316 | $616,595 |
2022 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $323,767 | $618,056 | $206,708 | $116,968 | $305,441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 165,609 | 402,027 | 150,137 | 75,083 | 147,748 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 175,304 | 693,445 | 50,931 | 10,973 | 178,592 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Governmental | 6,104 | 28,022 | 14,837 | 27,406 | 8,280 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total billed retail | 670,784 | 1,741,550 | 422,613 | 230,430 | 640,061 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales for resale (a) | 157,008 | 191,664 | 56,162 | 33,158 | 9,149 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other electric revenues (b) | 35,478 | 61,549 | (21,997) | (900) | 10,895 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 863,270 | 1,994,763 | 456,778 | 262,688 | 660,105 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues (c) | 1,232 | 8,246 | 2,354 | 216 | (549) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric revenues | 864,502 | 2,003,009 | 459,132 | 262,904 | 659,556 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas revenues | — | 17,789 | — | 28,759 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $864,502 | $2,020,798 | $459,132 | $291,663 | $659,556 |
100
The Utility operating companies’ total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $790,760 | $1,242,378 | $589,630 | $252,412 | $720,198 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 445,279 | 844,655 | 460,836 | 180,091 | 360,812 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 479,337 | 1,310,121 | 164,406 | 24,138 | 433,880 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Governmental | 15,500 | 63,417 | 46,080 | 58,052 | 21,950 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total billed retail | 1,730,876 | 3,460,571 | 1,260,952 | 514,693 | 1,536,840 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales for resale (a) | 187,365 | 258,741 | 82,219 | 48,992 | 7,857 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other electric revenues (b) | 105,446 | 161,033 | 45,926 | 4,611 | 45,011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 2,023,687 | 3,880,345 | 1,389,097 | 568,296 | 1,589,708 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues (c) | 7,068 | 52,914 | 7,276 | 4,895 | (1,177) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric revenues | 2,030,755 | 3,933,259 | 1,396,373 | 573,191 | 1,588,531 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas revenues | — | 52,428 | — | 77,961 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $2,030,755 | $3,985,687 | $1,396,373 | $651,152 | $1,588,531 |
2022 | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $750,762 | $1,372,538 | $503,351 | $256,110 | $709,264 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 406,078 | 949,680 | 379,075 | 179,456 | 376,604 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 420,788 | 1,681,628 | 133,826 | 26,462 | 468,371 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Governmental | 15,702 | 68,880 | 39,449 | 62,617 | 22,396 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total billed retail | 1,593,330 | 4,072,726 | 1,055,701 | 524,645 | 1,576,635 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales for resale (a) | 384,175 | 422,596 | 121,328 | 96,523 | 44,927 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other electric revenues (b) | 136,870 | 185,405 | 29,665 | 17,936 | 54,874 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from contracts with customers | 2,114,375 | 4,680,727 | 1,206,694 | 639,104 | 1,676,436 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other revenues (c) | 6,022 | 57,461 | 6,926 | 2,530 | 20,193 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric revenues | 2,120,397 | 4,738,188 | 1,213,620 | 641,634 | 1,696,629 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas revenues | — | 64,367 | — | 102,550 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $2,120,397 | $4,802,555 | $1,213,620 | $744,184 | $1,696,629 |
(a)Sales for resale includes day-ahead sales of energy in a market administered by an ISO. These sales represent financially binding commitments for the sale of physical energy the next day. These sales are adjusted to actual power generated and delivered in the real time market. Given the short duration of these transactions, Entergy does not consider them to be derivatives subject to fair value adjustments and includes them as part of customer revenues.
(b)Other electric revenues consist primarily of transmission and ancillary services provided to participants of an ISO-administered market, unbilled revenue, and certain customer credits as directed by regulators.
101
(c)Other Utility revenues include the equity component of carrying costs related to securitization, settlement of financial hedges, occasional sales of inventory, alternative revenue programs, provisions for revenue subject to refund, and late fees.
(d)Other revenues include competitive business sales including day-ahead sales of energy in a market administered by an ISO, operation and management services fees, and amortization of a below-market power purchase agreement.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects Entergy’s best estimate of expected losses on its accounts receivable balances. Due to the essential nature of utility services, Entergy has historically experienced a low rate of default on its accounts receivables. The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Entergy | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $30.9 | $6.5 | $7.6 | $2.5 | $11.9 | $2.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provisions | 29.3 | 5.4 | 12.2 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 4.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Write-offs | (64.9) | (16.5) | (25.9) | (5.7) | (8.6) | (8.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoveries | 32.5 | 10.2 | 13.7 | 2.4 | 2.3 | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | $27.8 | $5.6 | $7.6 | $3.0 | $9.2 | $2.4 |
Entergy | Entergy Arkansas | Entergy Louisiana | Entergy Mississippi | Entergy New Orleans | Entergy Texas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 | $68.6 | $13.1 | $29.2 | $7.2 | $13.3 | $5.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provisions (a) | 28.8 | 12.1 | 8.3 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 2.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Write-offs | (95.1) | (27.3) | (38.1) | (9.8) | (11.7) | (8.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoveries | 28.4 | 8.4 | 10.5 | 3.2 | 3.8 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2022 | $30.7 | $6.3 | $9.9 | $2.1 | $9.4 | $3.0 |
(a)Provisions include estimated incremental bad debt expenses, and revisions to those estimates, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic of ($6.4) million for Entergy, $6.4 million for Entergy Arkansas, ($8.5) million for Entergy Louisiana, ($3.0) million for Entergy New Orleans, and ($1.3) million for Entergy Texas that have been deferred as regulatory assets. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the COVID-19 orders issued by retail regulators.
The allowance for currently expected credit losses is calculated as the historical rate of customer write-offs multiplied by the current accounts receivable balance, taking into account the length of time the receivable balances have been outstanding. The rate of customer write-offs has historically experienced minimal variation, although general economic conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other economic hardships, can affect the rate of customer write-offs. Management monitors the current condition of individual customer accounts to manage collections and ensure bad debt expense is recorded in a timely manner.
102
NOTE 14. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
See Note 9 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of asset retirement obligations. The following is an update to that discussion.
In third quarter 2023, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $10.8 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining useful life of the unit.
________________
In the opinion of the management of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals and reclassification of previously reported amounts to conform to current classifications) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Entergy’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, however, with peak periods occurring typically during the first and third quarters. The results for the interim periods presented should not be used as a basis for estimating results of operations for a full year.
Part I, Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
See the “Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.
Part I, Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2023, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy (each individually a “Registrant” and collectively the “Registrants”) management, including their respective Principal Executive Officers (PEO) and Principal Financial Officers (PFO). The evaluations assessed the effectiveness of the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluations, each PEO and PFO has concluded that, as to the Registrant or Registrants for which they serve as PEO or PFO, the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by each Registrant in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and that the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are also effective in reasonably assuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s or Registrants’ management, including their respective PEOs and PFOs, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Under the supervision and with the participation of each Registrant’s management, including its respective PEO and PFO, each Registrant evaluated changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and found no change that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
103
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Net income decreased $50.2 million primarily due to write-offs of $78.4 million ($58.8 million net-of-tax) recorded as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. In addition, the decrease was also driven by higher interest expense, lower volume/weather, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses, partially offset by higher retail electric price and lower other operation and maintenance expenses. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and the October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Net income decreased $52.5 million primarily due to write-offs of $78.4 million ($58.8 million net-of-tax) recorded as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. In addition, the decrease was also driven by lower volume/weather, higher interest expense, and higher depreciation and amortization expenses, partially offset by higher retail electric price, lower other operation and maintenance expenses, and higher other income. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and the October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
Operating Revenues
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the third quarter 2023 to the third quarter 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $864.5 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (52.7) | ||||
Volume/weather | (5.4) | ||||
Retail electric price | 25.3 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $831.7 |
Entergy Arkansas’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to a decrease in weather-adjusted residential usage, partially offset by an increase in industrial usage and the effect of more favorable weather on residential sales. The increase
104
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
in industrial usage was primarily due to an increase in demand from expansion projects, primarily in the primary metals industry, and an increase in demand from small industrial customers. The increased usage from these industrial customers has a relatively smaller effect on operating revenues because a larger portion of the revenues from those customers comes from fixed charges.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in formula rate plan rates effective January 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the 2022 formula rate plan filing.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Arkansas for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 2,336 | 2,395 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 1,680 | 1,709 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 2,530 | 2,361 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 60 | 65 | (8) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 6,606 | 6,530 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 607 | 482 | 26 | ||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 1,792 | 1,938 | (8) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 9,005 | 8,950 | 1 |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Arkansas’s operating revenues.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $2,120.4 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (117.5) | ||||
Volume/weather | (35.4) | ||||
Retail electric price | 63.3 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $2,030.8 |
Entergy Arkansas’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to a decrease in weather-adjusted residential usage and the effect of less favorable weather on residential sales, partially offset by an increase in industrial usage. The increase in industrial usage was primarily due to an increase in demand from expansion projects, primarily in the primary metals industry, and an increase in demand from small industrial customers. The increased usage from these
105
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
industrial customers has a relatively smaller effect on operating revenues because a larger portion of the revenues from those customers comes from fixed charges.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in formula rate plan rates effective January 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the 2022 formula rate plan filing.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Arkansas for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 5,905 | 6,307 | (6) | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 4,293 | 4,398 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 6,806 | 6,468 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 156 | 175 | (11) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 17,160 | 17,348 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 1,683 | 1,418 | 19 | ||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 4,171 | 5,339 | (22) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 23,014 | 24,105 | (5) |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Arkansas’s operating revenues.
Other Income Statement Variances
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
•a decrease of $7.1 million in power delivery expenses primarily due to lower vegetation maintenance costs; and
•a decrease of $2.8 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to lower healthcare claims activity in 2023 and a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Asset write-offs includes the effects of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. In third quarter 2023, Entergy Arkansas recorded write-offs of its regulatory asset for deferred fuel of $68.9 million and the undepreciated balance of $9.5 million in capital costs related to the ANO stator incident. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and the October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
Interest expense increased primarily due to the issuance of $425 million of 5.15% Series mortgage bonds in January 2023.
106
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
•a decrease of $13.1 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities, lower health and welfare costs as a result of higher prescription drug rebates in second quarter 2023, and a revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in the first quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs;
•the effects of recording a final judgment in first quarter 2023 to resolve claims in the ANO damages case against the DOE related to spent nuclear fuel storage costs. The damages awarded include the reimbursement of approximately $10.3 million of spent nuclear fuel storage costs previously recorded as other operation and maintenance expenses. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the spent nuclear fuel litigation;
•a decrease of $8.2 million in transmission costs allocated by MISO; and
•a decrease of $5.8 million in non-nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work, including during plant outages, performed in 2023 as compared to prior year.
The decrease was partially offset by:
•an increase of $7.6 million in insurance expenses primarily due to lower nuclear insurance refunds received in 2023;
•an increase of $2.9 million in power delivery expenses primarily due to higher reliability costs; and
•several individually insignificant items.
Asset write-offs includes the effects of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. In third quarter 2023, Entergy Arkansas recorded write-offs of its regulatory asset for deferred fuel of $68.9 million and the undepreciated balance of $9.5 million in capital costs related to the ANO stator incident. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the ANO stator incident and the October 2023 commitment to the APSC.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
Other income increased primarily due to:
•an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023;
•higher interest earned on money pool investments; and
•a decrease in charitable donations in 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.
The increase was partially offset by an increase in net periodic pension non-service costs as a result of a non-qualified pension settlement charge recorded in third quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Interest expense increased primarily due to the issuance of $425 million of 5.15% Series mortgage bonds in January 2023.
107
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 23.4% for the third quarter 2023. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the third quarter 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
The effective income tax rate was 21.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items and amortization of state accumulated deferred income taxes as a result of tax rate changes.
The effective income tax rates were 24.4% for the third quarter 2022 and 23.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2022 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
Income Tax Legislation and Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Income Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. See the “Income Tax Legislation and Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for updates to the discussion of income tax legislation and regulation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $5,278 | $12,915 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | 762,386 | 675,357 | |||||||||
Investing activities | (822,851) | (579,122) | |||||||||
Financing activities | 168,586 | (30,019) | |||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 108,121 | 66,216 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $113,399 | $79,131 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $87 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•lower fuel costs and the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of fuel and purchased power cost recovery;
•higher collections from customers;
108
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
•the refund of $41.7 million received from System Energy in January 2023 related to the sale-leaseback renewal costs and depreciation litigation as calculated in System Energy’s January 2023 compliance report filed with the FERC. The refund was subsequently applied to the under-recovered deferred fuel balance. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of these refunds and the related proceedings; and
•$23.2 million in proceeds received from the DOE in April 2023 resulting from litigation regarding spent nuclear fuel storage costs that were previously expensed. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the spent nuclear fuel litigation.
The increase was partially offset by:
•the timing of payments to vendors;
•an increase in spending of $24.3 million on nuclear refueling outages in 2023;
•an increase of $24 million in interest paid in 2023 as compared to 2022;
•an increase of $15.1 million in storm spending in 2023 as compared to 2022; and
•an increase of $10.2 million in pension contributions in 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K and Note 6 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities increased $243.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•an increase of $124.8 million in distribution construction expenditures primarily due to higher capital expenditures for storm restoration in 2023 and increased investment in the reliability and infrastructure of Entergy Arkansas’s distribution system;
•an increase of $78.7 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to increased investment in the reliability and infrastructure of Entergy Arkansas’s transmission system;
•an increase of $41.1 million as a result of fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity due to variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements, materials and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle; and
•an increase of $19.8 million in nuclear construction expenditures primarily due to increased spending on various nuclear projects in 2023.
The increase was partially offset by $17.9 million in proceeds received from the DOE in April 2023 resulting from litigation regarding spent nuclear fuel storage costs that were previously recorded as plant. See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the spent nuclear fuel litigation.
Financing Activities
Entergy Arkansas’s financing activities provided $168.6 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to using $30 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to the following activity:
•the issuance of $425 million of 5.15% Series mortgage bonds in January 2023;
•the issuance of $300 million of 5.30% Series mortgage bonds in August 2023;
•money pool activity;
•an increase of $56 million in common equity distributions paid in 2023 in order to maintain Entergy Arkansas’s capital structure;
•the issuance of $200 million of 4.20% Series mortgage bonds in March 2022; and
•the repayment, at maturity, of $250 million of 3.05% Series mortgage bonds in June 2023.
109
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Decreases in Entergy Arkansas’s payable to the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Arkansas’s payable to the money pool decreased $180.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to decreasing by $139.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Capital Structure
Entergy Arkansas’s debt to capital ratio is shown in the following table. The increase in the debt to capital ratio for Entergy Arkansas is primarily due to the net issuance of long-term debt in 2023.
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Debt to capital | 54.7 | % | 52.5 | % | |||||||
Effect of subtracting cash | (0.6 | %) | — | % | |||||||
Net debt to net capital (non-GAAP) | 54.1 | % | 52.5 | % |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings, finance lease obligations, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy Arkansas uses the debt to capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Arkansas’s financial condition. The net debt to net capital ratio is a non-GAAP measure. Entergy Arkansas also uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Arkansas’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Arkansas’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Arkansas’s uses and sources of capital. The following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Arkansas is developing its capital investment plan for 2024 through 2026 and currently anticipates making $3.7 billion in capital investments during that period. The preliminary estimate includes investments in generation projects to modernize, decarbonize, and diversify Entergy Arkansas’s portfolio, including Walnut Bend Solar, West Memphis Solar, and Driver Solar; investments in ANO 1 and 2; distribution and Utility support spending to improve reliability, resilience, and customer experience; transmission spending to drive reliability and resilience while also supporting renewables expansion; and other investments. Estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints and requirements, environmental compliance, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.
Entergy Arkansas’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$11,104 | ($180,795) | $1,808 | ($139,904) |
110
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Arkansas has a credit facility in the amount of $150 million scheduled to expire in June 2028. Entergy Arkansas also has a $25 million credit facility scheduled to expire in April 2024. The $150 million credit facility includes fronting commitments for the issuance of letters of credit against $5 million of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of September 30, 2023, there were no cash borrowings and no letters of credit outstanding under the credit facilities. In addition, Entergy Arkansas is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of September 30, 2023, $7.8 million in letters of credit were outstanding under Entergy Arkansas’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the credit facilities.
The Entergy Arkansas nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $80 million scheduled to expire in June 2025. As of September 30, 2023, $10.6 million in loans were outstanding under the credit facility for the Entergy Arkansas nuclear fuel company variable interest entity. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for further discussion of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility.
Walnut Bend Solar
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2021, the APSC directed Entergy Arkansas to file a report within 180 days detailing its efforts to obtain a tax equity partnership for the purpose of acquiring the Walnut Bend Solar facility. In January 2022, Entergy Arkansas filed its tax equity partnership status report and will file subsequent reports until a tax equity partnership is obtained or a tax equity partnership is no longer sought. The counter-party notified Entergy Arkansas that it was terminating the project, though it was willing to consider an alternative for the site. Entergy Arkansas disputed the right of termination. Negotiations were conducted, including with respect to cost and schedule and to updates arising as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. In April 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed an application for an amended certificate of environmental compatibility and public need with the APSC seeking approval by June 2023 for the updates to the cost and schedule that were previously approved by the APSC. In June 2023, Entergy Arkansas, the APSC general staff, and the Arkansas Attorney General filed a unanimous settlement supporting that the approval of the Walnut Bend Solar facility is in the public interest based on the terms in the settlement, which relate in part to certain treatment for the production tax credits associated with the facility. In July 2023, after requesting further testimony and purporting to modify several terms in the settlement and upon rehearing, the APSC approved the settlement largely on the terms submitted, including a 30-year amortization period for the production tax credits. The project is currently expected to achieve commercial operation in 2024.
West Memphis Solar
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in October 2021 the APSC directed Entergy Arkansas to file a report within 180 days detailing its efforts to obtain a tax equity partnership for the purpose of acquiring the West Memphis Solar facility. In April 2022, Entergy Arkansas filed its tax equity partnership status report and will file subsequent reports until a tax equity partnership is obtained or a tax equity partnership is no longer sought. Closing had been expected to occur in 2023. In March 2022 the counter-party notified Entergy Arkansas that it was seeking changes to certain terms of the build-own-transfer agreement, including both cost and schedule. In January 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed a supplemental application with the APSC seeking approval for a change in the transmission route and updates to the cost and schedule that were previously approved by the APSC. In March 2023 the APSC approved Entergy Arkansas’s supplemental application. The project is currently expected to achieve commercial operation in 2024.
111
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation and fuel-cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
Retail Rates
2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In July 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC its 2023 formula rate plan filing to set its formula rate for the 2024 calendar year. The filing contained an evaluation of Entergy Arkansas’s earnings for the projected year 2024 and a netting adjustment for the historical year 2022. The filing showed that Entergy Arkansas’s earned rate of return on common equity for the 2024 projected year is 8.11% resulting in a revenue deficiency of $80.5 million. The earned rate of return on common equity for the 2022 historical year was 7.29% resulting in a $49.8 million netting adjustment. The total proposed revenue change for the 2024 projected year and 2022 historical year netting adjustment is $130.3 million. By operation of the formula rate plan, Entergy Arkansas’s recovery of the revenue requirement is subject to a four percent annual revenue constraint. Because Entergy Arkansas’s revenue requirement in this filing exceeded the constraint, the resulting increase was limited to $88.6 million. The APSC general staff and intervenors filed their errors and objections in October 2023, proposing certain adjustments, including the APSC general staff’s update to annual filing year revenues which lowers the constraint to $87.7 million. Entergy Arkansas filed its rebuttal in October 2023. In October 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC a settlement agreement reached with other parties resolving all issues in the proceeding, none of which affected Entergy Arkansas’s requested recovery up to the cap constraint of $87.7 million. The settlement agreement is pending the APSC’s approval.
Fuel and purchased power cost recovery
See Note 1 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the write-off in third quarter 2023 of Entergy Arkansas’s $68.9 million regulatory asset for deferred fuel related to the ANO stator incident as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing to forgo its opportunity to seek recovery of the incremental fuel and purchased energy expense resulting from the ANO stator incident.
Energy Cost Recovery Rider
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021, Entergy Arkansas filed its annual redetermination of its energy cost rate pursuant to the energy cost recovery rider, which included an adjustment to account for a portion of the increased fuel costs resulting from the February 2021 winter storms. In February 2023 the APSC issued orders initiating proceedings with the utilities under its jurisdiction to address the prudence of costs incurred and appropriate cost allocation of the February 2021 winter storms. With respect to any prudence review of Entergy Arkansas fuel costs, as part of the APSC’s draft report issued in its February 2021 winter storms investigation docket, the APSC included findings that the load shedding plans of the investor-owned utilities and some cooperatives were appropriate and comprehensive, and, further, that Entergy Arkansas’s emergency plan was comprehensive and had a multilayered approach supported by a system-wide response plan, which is considered an industry standard. In September 2023 the APSC issued an order in Entergy Arkansas's company-specific proceeding and found that Entergy Arkansas’s practices during the winter storms were prudent.
In March 2023, Entergy Arkansas filed its annual redetermination of its energy cost rate pursuant to the energy cost recovery rider, which reflected an increase from $0.01639 per kWh to $0.01883 per kWh. The primary reason for the rate increase is a large under-recovered balance as a result of higher natural gas prices in 2022 and a $32 million deferral related to the February 2021 winter storms consistent with the APSC general staff’s request in 2022. The under-recovered balance included in the filing was partially offset by the proceeds of the $41.7 million
112
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
refund that System Energy made to Entergy Arkansas in January 2023 related to the sale-leaseback renewal costs and depreciation litigation as calculated in System Energy’s January 2023 compliance report filed with the FERC. The redetermined rate of $0.01883 per kWh became effective with the first billing cycle in April 2023 through the normal operation of the tariff.
Opportunity Sales Proceeding
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Entergy Arkansas opportunity sales proceeding. As discussed in the Form 10-K, in January 2023, Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc., an industrial customer association, filed a notice of appeal of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas’s order denying its motion to intervene to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and a motion with the district court to stay the proceedings pending the appeal, which was denied. In February 2023, Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc. filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District to stay the proceedings pending the appeal, which also was denied. The trial was held in February 2023. Following the trial, Entergy Arkansas filed a motion with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District to expedite the appeal filed by Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District granted Entergy Arkansas’s request, and oral arguments were held in June 2023. In August 2023 the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth District denied Arkansas Electric Energy Consumers, Inc.’s motion to intervene. An order from the district court is pending.
Net Metering Legislation
As discussed in the Form 10-K, an Arkansas law was enacted effective July 2019 that, among other things, expands the definition of a “net metering customer” to include two additional types of customers: (1) customers that lease net metering facilities, subject to certain leasing arrangements, and (2) government entities or other entities exempt from state and federal income taxes that enter into a service contract for a net metering facility. The latter provision allows eligible entities, many of whom are small and large general service customers, to purchase renewable energy directly from third party providers and receive bill credits for these purchases. The APSC was given authority under this law to address certain matters, such as cost shifting and the appropriate compensation for net metered energy and initiated proceedings for this purpose. Because of the size and number of customers eligible under this new law, there is a risk of loss of load and the shifting of costs to customers. A hearing was held in December 2019, with utilities, including Entergy Arkansas, cooperatives, the Arkansas Attorney General, and industrial customers advocating the need for establishment of a reasonable rate structure that takes into account impacts to non-net metering customers; an additional hearing was conducted in February 2020 for purposes of public comment only. The APSC issued an order in June 2020, and in July 2020 several parties, including Entergy Arkansas, filed for rehearing on multiple grounds, including for the reasons that it imposes an unreasonable rate structure and allows facilities to net meter that do not meet the statutory definition of net metering facilities. After granting the rehearing requests, the APSC issued an order in September 2020 largely upholding its June 2020 order. In October 2020, Entergy Arkansas and several other parties filed an appeal of the APSC’s September 2020 order. In January 2021, Entergy Arkansas, pursuant to an APSC order, filed an updated net metering tariff, which was approved in February 2021. In May 2021, Entergy Arkansas filed a motion to dismiss its pending judicial appeal of the APSC’s September 2020 order on rehearing in the proceeding addressing its net metering rules. In June 2021 the Arkansas Court of Appeals granted the motion and dismissed Entergy Arkansas’s appeal, although other appeals of the September 2020 APSC order remained before the court. In May 2022 the court issued an order affirming the APSC’s decision in part and reversing in part. In June 2022 the APSC sought rehearing from the court with respect to the court’s ruling on a grid charge, which the court of appeals denied in July 2022. One of the cooperative appellants filed a further appeal to the Arkansas Supreme Court in July 2022, which the court decided not to hear.
In August 2022 the APSC opened a rulemaking concerning proposed amendments to the net metering rules to address the expiration on December 31, 2022 of the automatic grandfathering of the existing net metering rate structure. Entergy Arkansas and other utility parties filed initial briefs and comments setting forth that the statute imposing the expiration of the automatic grandfathering is not ambiguous and that the APSC does not have the
113
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
authority to extend the grandfathering period, and the hearing was held in October 2022. In December 2022 the APSC issued an order attempting to modify the net metering rules and purporting to allow for the potential for grandfathering after December 31, 2022. More than thirty applicants filed individual net metering applications in December 2022 seeking to be considered under the APSC’s order, although the APSC issued an order in January 2023 holding those applications in abeyance. Several parties, including Entergy Arkansas, sought rehearing, and the Arkansas’s Governor’s executive order limiting new rulemakings calls into question how the APSC’s order to adopt new rules may be effectuated.
In September 2022 the APSC opened another proceeding to investigate the issue of potential cost shifting arising as a result of net metering. Investor owned utilities and some cooperatives were required to make and did make filings in October 2022 with supporting documentation as to the amount and extent of cost shifting and the manner in which they would design tariffs to recover those costs on behalf of non-net metering customers. Responses to the utility and cooperative filings were filed in January 2023, and utilities filed their further responses in February 2023.
An Arkansas law was enacted effective March 2023 that revises the billing arrangements for net metering facilities in order to reduce the cost shift to non-net metering customers. The new law also imposes a new limit of 5 MW for future net metering facilities, allows utilities to recover net metering credits in the same manner as fuel, and grandfathers certain net metering facilities that are online or in process to be online by September 2024. Entergy Arkansas joined other utilities in a motion in April 2023 to close the current APSC docket related to potential cost shifting in light of the new law, and the APSC also canceled the remaining procedural schedule in this docket in April 2023. Because of the new law, in May 2023, the APSC also closed the grandfathering rulemaking that it opened in August 2022. Under the new law, the APSC must approve revisions to the utilities’ tariffs to conform to the new law no later than December 2023. The APSC opened a new rulemaking in April 2023 to consider implementation of the new law and tariffs. In October 2023 the APSC issued new net metering rules to conform to the new law, and utilities, including Entergy Arkansas, filed revised net metering tariffs to comply with the new rules on October 16, 2023.
COVID-19 Orders
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of APSC orders issued in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its 2023 formula rate plan filing, Entergy Arkansas proposed to amortize the COVID-19 regulatory asset over a ten-year period. No party opposed Entergy Arkansas’s request. As of September 30, 2023, Entergy Arkansas had a regulatory asset of $39 million for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Power Through Program
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2021, Entergy Arkansas filed with the APSC an application seeking authority for a Power Through offering to deploy natural gas-fired distributed generation. In December 2021 the APSC general staff requested briefing, which Entergy Arkansas opposed. In January 2022, Entergy Arkansas filed to support the establishment of a procedural schedule with a hearing in April 2022. Also in January 2022, the APSC granted the general staff’s request for briefing but on an expedited schedule; briefing concluded in February 2022. A paper hearing was held in August and September 2022 with Entergy Arkansas responding to several written commissioner questions. In May 2023 the APSC approved the Power Through offering with some modifications, and in June 2023, Entergy Arkansas sought rehearing or clarification of several issues. In August 2023 the APSC denied Entergy Arkansas’s rehearing petition. Entergy Arkansas is developing tariff revisions to comply with the APSC’s order and working with the APSC general staff to propose a streamlined approval process to be filed in November 2023 for the individual Power Through generators. See “Property and Other Generation Resources - Other Generation Resources - Power Through Programs” in Part I, Item 1 in the Form 10-K for further discussion related to this program.
114
Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Remaining Useful Lives Review
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in response to 2021 legislation, in December 2021 the APSC opened a proceeding to establish a procedure to evaluate life extensions of all utility generation units and in December 2022 opened a separate docket to evaluate life extensions for White Bluff, Independence, and the Lake Catherine plant. In January 2023, Entergy Arkansas and one other party filed for rehearing of the order in the general proceeding, and Entergy Arkansas moved to dismiss the separate docket. In February 2023 the APSC granted rehearing in the general proceeding. A new law passed in April 2023 changed the requirements for the APSC to perform these evaluations, thus eliminating the need for the current APSC proceedings, and the APSC cancelled the procedural schedule in the separate docket. In June 2023 the APSC also closed the general proceeding because of the new law. See “Regulation of Entergy’s Business - Environmental Regulation - National Ambient Air Quality Standards - Regional Haze” in Part I, Item 1 in the Form 10-K for further discussion related to these plants.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy Arkansas’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
115
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $831,659 | $864,502 | $2,030,755 | $2,120,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 156,778 | 210,099 | 372,637 | 499,119 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | 74,837 | 74,941 | 197,236 | 182,621 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 14,772 | 14,259 | 45,617 | 42,539 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 196,408 | 204,199 | 531,271 | 548,775 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset write-offs | 78,434 | — | 78,434 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 21,989 | 20,731 | 65,006 | 61,288 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 40,157 | 39,545 | 107,251 | 104,819 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 101,957 | 96,746 | 298,105 | 288,904 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (26,380) | (27,054) | (66,409) | (69,114) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 658,952 | 633,466 | 1,629,148 | 1,658,951 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 172,707 | 231,036 | 401,607 | 461,446 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 5,579 | 4,811 | 15,822 | 11,786 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 4,627 | 4,284 | 17,833 | 13,444 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (8,030) | (6,356) | (16,370) | (16,640) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 2,176 | 2,739 | 17,285 | 8,590 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 47,648 | 38,123 | 139,053 | 111,622 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (2,241) | (1,912) | (6,355) | (4,684) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 45,407 | 36,211 | 132,698 | 106,938 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 129,476 | 197,564 | 286,194 | 363,098 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 30,307 | 48,217 | 60,681 | 85,074 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | 99,169 | 149,347 | 225,513 | 278,024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (791) | (724) | (3,426) | (2,640) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO MEMBER'S EQUITY | $99,960 | $150,071 | $228,939 | $280,664 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
116
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $225,513 | $278,024 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 413,018 | 403,929 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 59,931 | 85,012 | ||||||||||||
Asset write-offs | 78,434 | — | ||||||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables | (45,742) | (129,679) | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory | 8,001 | 7,430 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | (71,533) | 77,849 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 15,033 | (4,838) | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 35,534 | 32,360 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 165,982 | (27,724) | ||||||||||||
Other working capital accounts | (12,517) | 13,963 | ||||||||||||
Provisions for estimated losses | (24,356) | (1,840) | ||||||||||||
Regulatory assets | (455) | (54,449) | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 68,475 | (305,972) | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (55,944) | (58,966) | ||||||||||||
Other assets and liabilities | (96,988) | 360,258 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 762,386 | 675,357 | ||||||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Construction expenditures | (768,243) | (552,919) | ||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 15,822 | 11,786 | ||||||||||||
Payment for purchase of assets | — | (1,044) | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (93,775) | (56,984) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel | 32,880 | 37,198 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 87,878 | 174,893 | ||||||||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (104,348) | (190,244) | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | (11,104) | (1,808) | ||||||||||||
Litigation proceeds for reimbursement of spent nuclear fuel storage costs | 17,933 | — | ||||||||||||
Decrease in other investments | 106 | — | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (822,851) | (579,122) | ||||||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 991,606 | 225,625 | ||||||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (515,615) | (21,316) | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool payable - net | (180,795) | (139,904) | ||||||||||||
Common equity distributions paid | (142,000) | (86,000) | ||||||||||||
Other | 15,390 | (8,424) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities | 168,586 | (30,019) | ||||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 108,121 | 66,216 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 5,278 | 12,915 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $113,399 | $79,131 | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $101,616 | $77,625 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
117
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $3,137 | $1,911 | ||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | 110,262 | 3,367 | ||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 113,399 | 5,278 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Customer | 220,508 | 140,513 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (5,599) | (6,528) | ||||||||||||
Associated companies | 48,283 | 45,336 | ||||||||||||
Other | 64,642 | 101,096 | ||||||||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 126,245 | 116,816 | ||||||||||||
Total accounts receivable | 454,079 | 397,233 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | — | 139,739 | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 43,143 | 51,144 | ||||||||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 331,099 | 288,260 | ||||||||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 49,373 | 56,443 | ||||||||||||
Prepayments and other | 43,694 | 26,576 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,034,787 | 964,673 | ||||||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 1,285,583 | 1,199,860 | ||||||||||||
Other | 2,305 | 2,414 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,287,888 | 1,202,274 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||||||||
Electric | 14,614,754 | 14,077,844 | ||||||||||||
Construction work in progress | 479,889 | 417,244 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel | 162,397 | 176,174 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 15,257,040 | 14,671,262 | ||||||||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 5,953,948 | 5,729,304 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 9,303,092 | 8,941,958 | ||||||||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | 1,879,619 | 1,810,281 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | — | 68,883 | ||||||||||||
Other | 16,194 | 18,507 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,895,813 | 1,897,671 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $13,521,580 | $13,006,576 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
118
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $415,000 | $290,000 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 69,666 | 276,362 | ||||||||||||
Other | 219,357 | 310,339 | ||||||||||||
Customer deposits | 109,719 | 102,799 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 115,559 | 100,526 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 54,350 | 18,816 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 26,243 | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 69,429 | 43,394 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,079,323 | 1,142,236 | ||||||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 1,561,460 | 1,498,234 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 27,571 | 28,472 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 433,687 | 435,157 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 545,703 | 475,758 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 1,537,742 | 1,472,736 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated provisions | 55,642 | 79,998 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 61,984 | 118,020 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 4,235,501 | 3,876,500 | ||||||||||||
Other | 118,362 | 97,650 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 8,577,652 | 8,082,525 | ||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
Member's equity | 3,840,930 | 3,753,990 | ||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest | 23,675 | 27,825 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 3,864,605 | 3,781,815 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $13,521,580 | $13,006,576 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
119
ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling Interest | Member's Equity | Total | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $33,110 | $3,542,745 | $3,575,855 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,387) | 66,954 | 65,567 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | 31,723 | 3,609,699 | 3,641,422 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (529) | 63,639 | 63,110 | ||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (36,000) | (36,000) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (190) | — | (190) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 31,004 | 3,637,338 | 3,668,342 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (724) | 150,071 | 149,347 | ||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (50,000) | (50,000) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (290) | — | (290) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $29,990 | $3,737,409 | $3,767,399 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $27,825 | $3,753,990 | $3,781,815 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,629) | 61,026 | 59,397 | ||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (80,000) | (80,000) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (104) | — | (104) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | 26,092 | 3,735,016 | 3,761,108 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,006) | 67,954 | 66,948 | ||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (9,000) | (9,000) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (113) | — | (113) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 24,973 | 3,793,970 | 3,818,943 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (791) | 99,960 | 99,169 | ||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (53,000) | (53,000) | ||||||||||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (507) | — | (507) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $23,675 | $3,840,930 | $3,864,605 | ||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
120
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Net income increased $84.9 million primarily due to lower other operation and maintenance expenses, higher other income, higher volume/weather, and higher retail electric price. The increase was partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Net income increased $124.7 million primarily due to the net effects of Entergy Louisiana’s storm cost securitization in March 2023, including a $133.4 million reduction in income tax expense, partially offset by a $103.4 million ($76.4 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge to reflect Entergy Louisiana’s obligation to share the benefits of the securitization with customers, higher retail electric price, higher other income, lower other operation and maintenance expenses, and higher volume/weather. The net income increase was partially offset by the net effects of Entergy Louisiana’s storm cost securitization in May 2022, including a $290 million reduction in income tax expense, partially offset by a $224.4 million ($165.4 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge and higher depreciation and amortization expenses. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and Note 2 and Note 3 in the Form 10-K for discussion of the storm cost securitizations.
Operating Revenues
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the third quarter 2023 to the third quarter 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $2,020.8 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (693.2) | ||||
Return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers | 6.1 | ||||
Retail electric price | 18.4 | ||||
Volume/weather | 82.8 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $1,434.9 |
Entergy Louisiana’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers resulted from the return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes through changes in the formula rate plan effective May
121
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
2018 in response to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In third quarter 2022, $6.1 million was returned to customers through reductions in operating revenues. There was no return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers for third quarter 2023. There was no effect on net income as the reductions in operating revenues were offset by reductions in income tax expense. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in formula rate plan revenues, including increases in the distribution and transmission recovery mechanisms, effective September 2022 and September 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan proceedings.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of more favorable weather on residential and commercial sales.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Louisiana for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 5,049 | 4,284 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 3,395 | 3,186 | 7 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 8,016 | 8,265 | (3) | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 216 | 220 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 16,676 | 15,955 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 1,584 | 1,449 | 9 | ||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 435 | 1,310 | (67) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 18,695 | 18,714 | — |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s operating revenues.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $4,802.6 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (994.3) | ||||
Storm restoration carrying costs | (6.9) | ||||
Return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers | 24.6 | ||||
Volume/weather | 53.4 | ||||
Retail electric price | 106.3 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $3,985.7 |
Entergy Louisiana’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not
122
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
Storm restoration carrying costs represent the equity component of storm restoration carrying costs, recorded in second quarter 2022, recognized as part of the securitization of Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida restoration costs in May 2022, partially offset by the equity component of storm restoration carrying costs, recorded in first quarter 2023, recognized as part of the securitization of Hurricane Ida restoration costs in March 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the storm cost securitizations.
The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers resulted from the return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes through changes in the formula rate plan effective May 2018 in response to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In the nine months ended September 30, 2022, $24.6 million was returned to customers through reductions in operating revenues. There was no return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. There was no effect on net income as the reductions in operating revenues were offset by reductions in income tax expense. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of more favorable weather on residential and commercial sales.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in formula rate plan revenues, including increases in the distribution and transmission recovery mechanisms, effective September 2022. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan proceeding.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Louisiana for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 11,428 | 11,177 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 8,643 | 8,486 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 23,862 | 24,018 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 617 | 619 | — | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 44,550 | 44,300 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 3,250 | 4,105 | (21) | ||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 1,123 | 2,632 | (57) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 48,923 | 51,037 | (4) |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s operating revenues.
123
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Other Income Statement Variances
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
•a decrease of $5.7 million in transmission costs allocated by MISO. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further information on the recovery of these costs;
•a decrease of $4.7 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to lower healthcare claims activity in 2023 and a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs; and
•a decrease of $2.7 million in bad debt expense.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
Other income increased primarily due to an increase of $25.6 million in affiliated dividend income from affiliated preferred membership interests, related to storm cost securitizations. The increase was partially offset by:
•an increase in net periodic pension non-service costs as a result of a non-qualified pension settlement charge recorded in third quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs;
•a decrease of $3.7 million due to the recognition of storm restoration carrying costs in third quarter 2022, primarily related to Hurricane Ida; and
•changes in decommissioning trust fund activity.
See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the storm cost securitizations.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
•a decrease of $22.8 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to lower health and welfare costs as a result of higher prescription drug rebates in second quarter 2023, a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities, and a revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in the first quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs;
•a decrease of $18.7 million in transmission costs allocated by MISO. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further information on the recovery of these costs;
•a decrease of $8.9 million in non-nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work, including during plant outages, performed in 2023 as compared to prior year;
•a decrease of $8.9 million in nuclear generation expenses primarily due to lower nuclear labor costs and lower costs associated with materials and supplies in 2023 as compared to 2022; and
•a decrease of $7.8 million in power delivery expenses primarily due to lower transmission and distribution management overhead costs, lower lighting costs, and lower transmission repairs and maintenance costs.
124
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net includes:
•a regulatory charge of $103.4 million, recorded in first quarter 2023, to reflect Entergy Louisiana’s obligation to provide credits to its customers as described in an LPSC ancillary order issued in the Hurricane Ida securitization regulatory proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the March 2023 storm cost securitization; and
•a regulatory charge of $224.4 million, recorded in second quarter 2022, to reflect Entergy Louisiana’s obligation to provide credits to its customers as described in an LPSC ancillary order issued in the Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida securitization regulatory proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the May 2022 storm cost securitization.
In addition, Entergy Louisiana records a regulatory charge or credit for the difference between asset retirement obligation-related expenses and nuclear decommissioning trust earnings plus asset retirement obligation-related costs collected in revenue.
Other income increased primarily due to:
•an increase of $87.8 million in affiliated dividend income from affiliated preferred membership interests, related to storm cost securitizations;
•a $31.6 million charge, recorded in second quarter 2022, for the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest in the storm trust I established as part of the Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida May 2022 storm cost securitization as compared to a $14.6 million charge, recorded in first quarter 2023, for the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest in the storm trust II established as part of the March 2023 Hurricane Ida storm cost securitization. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the storm cost securitizations; and
•an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023.
The increase was partially offset by:
•a decrease of $16.9 million in the amount of storm restoration carrying costs recognized in 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily related to Hurricane Ida; and
•an increase in net periodic pension non-service costs as a result of a non-qualified pension settlement charge recorded in third quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 22.4% for the third quarter 2023. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the third quarter 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by book and tax differences related to the non-taxable income distributions earned on preferred membership interests.
The effective income tax rate was 6.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the reduction in income tax expense as a result of the March 2023 securitization of storm costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021
125
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
and book and tax differences related to the non-taxable income distributions earned on preferred membership interests, partially offset by the accrual for state income taxes and the amortization of state accumulated deferred income taxes as a result of a tax rate change. See Notes 2 and 10 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of the March 2023 storm cost securitization under Act 293.
The effective income tax rate was 20.7% for the third quarter 2022. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the third quarter 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to book and tax differences related to the non-taxable income distributions earned on preferred membership interests, certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, and the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes, partially offset by the accrual for state income taxes. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The effective income tax rate was (38.2%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the reduction in income tax expense as a result of the securitization of Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida storm costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021, book and tax differences related to the non-taxable income distributions earned on preferred membership interests, the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes, and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items, partially offset by the accrual for state income taxes. See Notes 2 and 10 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of the securitization under Act 293. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Income Tax Legislation and Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Income Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. See the “Income Tax Legislation and Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for updates to the discussion of income tax legislation and regulation.
Planned Sale of Gas Distribution Business
See the “Planned Sale of Gas Distribution Businesses” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for discussion of the purchase and sale agreement for the sale of Entergy Louisiana’s gas distribution business.
126
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $56,613 | $18,573 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | 1,368,788 | 621,457 | |||||||||
Investing activities | (2,734,954) | (4,197,993) | |||||||||
Financing activities | 2,102,833 | 3,753,660 | |||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 736,667 | 177,124 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $793,280 | $195,697 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $747.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•the timing of payments to vendors;
•a decrease of $231.9 million in storm spending primarily due to Hurricane Ida restoration efforts in 2022;
•the refund of $27.8 million received from System Energy in January 2023 related to the sale-leaseback renewal costs and depreciation litigation as calculated in System Energy’s January 2023 compliance report filed with the FERC. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of these refunds and related proceedings;
•lower fuel costs and the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of fuel and purchased power cost recovery; and
•a decrease of $16.4 million in spending on nuclear refueling outages.
The increase was partially offset by lower collections from customers, an increase of $22.5 million in interest paid in 2023 as compared to 2022, and an increase of $20.2 million in pension contributions in 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K and Note 6 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of qualified pension and other postretirement benefits funding.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $1,463 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•an increase in investment in affiliates in 2022 due to the $3,163.6 million purchase by the storm trust I of preferred membership interests issued by an Entergy affiliate, partially offset by the $1,390.6 million redemption of preferred membership interests. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the May 2022 storm cost securitization;
•a decrease of $699.9 million in distribution construction expenditures primarily due to lower capital expenditures for storm restoration in 2023;
•a decrease of $280.7 million in net payments to storm reserve escrow accounts;
127
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
•a decrease of $233.9 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to lower capital expenditures for storm restoration in 2023 and decreased spending on various transmission projects in 2023; and
•$124.4 million of redemptions in 2023 of preferred membership interests held by the storm trust I, as part of periodic redemptions that are expected to occur, subject to certain conditions, for the preferred membership interests that were issued in connection with the May 2022 storm cost securitization. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the May 2022 storm cost securitization and the storm trust I’s investment in preferred membership interests.
The decrease was partially offset by:
•an increase in investment in affiliates in 2023 due to the $1,457.7 million purchase by the storm trust II of preferred membership interests issued by an Entergy affiliate. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein for a discussion of the March 2023 storm cost securitization and the storm trust II’s investment in preferred membership interests;
•money pool activity;
•an increase of $72.7 million as a result of fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity due to variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements, materials and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle; and
•an increase of $58.8 million in nuclear construction expenditures primarily due to increased spending on various nuclear projects in 2023.
Increases in Entergy Louisiana’s receivables from the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Louisiana’s receivable from the money pool increased $79.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to decreasing by $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities decreased $1,650.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•proceeds from securitization of $1.5 billion received by the storm trust II in 2023 compared to proceeds from securitization of $3.2 billion received by the storm trust I in 2022;
•the issuance of $500 million of 4.75% Series mortgage bonds in August 2022;
•the repayment, at maturity, of $325 million of 4.05% Series mortgage bonds in September 2023; and
•money pool activity.
The decrease was partially offset by:
•a capital contribution of approximately $1.5 billion in 2023 as compared to a capital contribution of approximately $1 billion in 2022, both received indirectly from Entergy Corporation and related to the March 2023 storm cost securitization and the May 2022 storm cost securitization, respectively;
•the repayment, prior to maturity, in May 2022 of $435 million, a portion of the outstanding principal, of 0.62% Series mortgage bonds due November 2023;
•the issuance of $70 million of 5.94% Series J notes by the Entergy Louisiana Waterford variable interest entity in September 2023;
•a decrease of $75 million in 2023 in net repayments on Entergy Louisiana’s revolving credit facility; and
•a decrease of $56.5 million in common equity distributions paid in 2023 in order to maintain Entergy Louisiana’s capital structure.
128
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Decreases in Entergy Louisiana’s payable to the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Louisiana’s payable to the money pool decreased $226.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the storm cost securitizations.
Capital Structure
Entergy Louisiana’s debt to capital ratio is shown in the following table. The decrease in the debt to capital ratio for Entergy Louisiana is primarily due to the $1.5 billion capital contribution received indirectly from Entergy Corporation in March 2023.
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Debt to capital | 47.5 | % | 53.0 | % | |||||||
Effect of subtracting cash | (2.0 | %) | (0.1 | %) | |||||||
Net debt to net capital (non-GAAP) | 45.5 | % | 52.9 | % |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings, finance lease obligations, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy Louisiana uses the debt to capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Louisiana’s financial condition. The net debt to net capital ratio is a non-GAAP measure. Entergy Louisiana also uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Louisiana’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Louisiana’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Louisiana’s uses and sources of capital. The following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Louisiana is developing its capital investment plan for 2024 through 2026 and currently anticipates making $7.5 billion in capital investments during that period. The preliminary estimate includes investments in generation projects to modernize, decarbonize, and diversify Entergy Louisiana’s portfolio; investments in River Bend and Waterford 3; distribution and Utility support spending to improve reliability, resilience, and customer experience; transmission spending to drive reliability and resilience while also supporting renewables expansion and customer growth; and other investments. Estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints and requirements, environmental compliance, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.
129
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Entergy Louisiana’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$79,136 | ($226,114) | $4,782 | $14,539 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Louisiana has a credit facility in the amount of $350 million scheduled to expire in June 2028. The credit facility includes fronting commitments for the issuance of letters of credit against $15 million of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of September 30, 2023, there were no cash borrowings and no letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. In addition, Entergy Louisiana is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of September 30, 2023, $11.2 million in letters of credit were outstanding under Entergy Louisiana’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
The Entergy Louisiana nuclear fuel company variable interest entities have two separate credit facilities, each in the amount of $105 million and scheduled to expire in June 2025. As of September 30, 2023, $57.1 million in loans were outstanding under the credit facility for the Entergy Louisiana River Bend nuclear fuel company variable interest entity. As of September 30, 2023, $13.9 million in loans were outstanding under the credit facility for the Entergy Louisiana Waterford nuclear fuel company variable interest entity. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facilities.
Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, Winter Storm Uri, and Hurricane Ida
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2020 and October 2020, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Hurricane Zeta caused significant damage to portions of Entergy Louisiana’s service area. The storms resulted in widespread outages, significant damage to distribution and transmission infrastructure, and the loss of sales during the outages. Additionally, as a result of Hurricane Laura’s extensive damage to the grid infrastructure serving the impacted area, large portions of the underlying transmission system required nearly a complete rebuild. In February 2021 two winter storms (collectively, Winter Storm Uri) brought freezing rain and ice to Louisiana. Ice accumulation sagged or downed trees, limbs, and power lines, causing damage to Entergy Louisiana’s transmission and distribution systems. The additional weight of ice caused trees and limbs to fall into power lines and other electric equipment. When the ice melted, it affected vegetation and electrical equipment, causing additional outages. In August 2021, Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage to Entergy Louisiana’s distribution and, to a lesser extent, transmission systems resulting in widespread power outages.
In April 2022, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC relating to Hurricane Ida restoration costs. Total restoration costs for the repair and/or replacement of Entergy Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Ida were estimated to be approximately $2.54 billion, including approximately $1.96 billion in capital costs and approximately $586 million in non-capital costs. Including carrying costs of $57 million through December 2022, Entergy Louisiana was seeking an LPSC determination that $2.60 billion was prudently incurred and, therefore, eligible for recovery from customers. As part of this filing, Entergy Louisiana also was seeking an LPSC determination that an additional $32 million in costs associated with the restoration of Entergy Louisiana’s electric facilities damaged by Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Hurricane Zeta as well as Winter Storm Uri was prudently incurred. This amount was exclusive of the requested $3 million in carrying costs through December 2022. In total, Entergy Louisiana was requesting an LPSC determination that $2.64 billion was prudently incurred and, therefore, eligible for recovery from customers. As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2022 the LPSC approved financing of a $1 billion storm escrow account from which funds were withdrawn to finance costs associated with Hurricane Ida restoration. In June 2022, Entergy Louisiana supplemented the application with a request regarding the financing and recovery of the recoverable storm restoration costs. Specifically, Entergy
130
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Louisiana requested approval to securitize its restoration costs pursuant to Louisiana Act 55 financing, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021. In October 2022 the LPSC staff recommended a finding that the requested storm restoration costs of $2.64 billion, including associated carrying costs of $59.1 million, were prudently incurred and eligible for recovery from customers. The LPSC staff further recommended approval of Entergy Louisiana’s plans to securitize these costs, net of the $1 billion in funds withdrawn from the storm escrow account described above. The parties negotiated and executed an uncontested stipulated settlement which was filed with the LPSC in December 2022. The settlement agreement contains the following key terms: $2.57 billion of restoration costs from Hurricane Ida, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Zeta, and Winter Storm Uri were prudently incurred and eligible for recovery; carrying costs of $59.2 million were recoverable; and Entergy Louisiana was authorized to finance $1.657 billion utilizing the securitization process authorized by Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293. In January 2023 the LPSC approved the stipulated settlement subject to certain modifications. These modifications include the recognition of accumulated deferred income tax benefits related to damaged assets and system restoration costs as a reduction of the amount authorized to be financed utilizing the securitization process authorized by Act 55, as supplemented by Act 293, from $1.657 billion to $1.491 billion. These modifications did not affect the LPSC’s conclusion that all system restoration costs sought by Entergy Louisiana were reasonable and prudent. In February 2023 the Louisiana Bond Commission voted to authorize the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, to issue the bonds authorized in the LPSC’s financing order.
In March 2023 the Hurricane Ida securitization financing closed, resulting in the issuance of approximately $1.491 billion principal amount of bonds by the LCDA and a remaining regulatory asset of $180 million to be recovered through the exclusion of the accumulated deferred income taxes related to the damaged assets and system restoration costs from the determination of future rates. The securitization was authorized pursuant to the Louisiana Utilities Restoration Corporation Act, Part VIII of Chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as supplemented by Act 293 of the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session of 2021. The LCDA loaned the proceeds to the LURC. Pursuant to Act 293, the LURC contributed the net bond proceeds to a State legislatively authorized and LURC-sponsored trust, Restoration Law Trust II (the storm trust II).
Pursuant to Act 293, the net proceeds of the bonds were used by the storm trust II to purchase 14,576,757.48 Class B preferred, non-voting membership interest units (the preferred membership interests) issued by Entergy Finance Company, LLC, a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of Entergy. Entergy Finance Company is required to make annual distributions (dividends) commencing on December 15, 2023 on the preferred membership interests issued to the storm trust II. These annual dividends received by the storm trust II will be distributed to Entergy Louisiana and the LURC, as beneficiaries of the storm trust II. Specifically, 1% of the annual dividends received by the storm trust II will be distributed to the LURC for the benefit of customers, and 99% will be distributed to Entergy Louisiana, net of storm trust expenses. The preferred membership interests have a stated annual cumulative cash dividend rate of 7.5% and a liquidation price of $100 per unit. The terms of the preferred membership interests include certain financial covenants to which Entergy Finance Company is subject. Semi-annual redemptions of the preferred membership interests, subject to certain conditions, are expected to occur over the next 15 years.
Entergy and Entergy Louisiana do not report the bonds issued by the LCDA on their balance sheets because the bonds are the obligation of the LCDA. The bonds are secured by system restoration property, which is the right granted by law to the LURC to collect a system restoration charge from customers. The system restoration charge is adjusted at least semi-annually to ensure that it is sufficient to service the bonds. Entergy Louisiana collects the system restoration charge on behalf of the LURC and remits the collections to the bond indenture trustee. Entergy Louisiana began collecting the system restoration charge effective with the first billing cycle of April 2023 and the system restoration charge is expected to remain in place for up to 15 years. Entergy and Entergy Louisiana do not report the collections as revenue because Entergy Louisiana is merely acting as a billing and collection agent for the LCDA and the LURC. In the remote possibility that the system restoration charge, as well as any funds in the excess subaccount and funds in the debt service reserve account, are insufficient to service the bonds resulting in a
131
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
payment default, the storm trust II is required to liquidate Entergy Finance Company preferred membership interests in an amount equal to what would be required to cure the default. The estimated value of this indirect guarantee is immaterial.
From the proceeds from the issuance of the preferred membership interests, Entergy Finance Company loaned approximately $1.5 billion to Entergy, which was indirectly contributed to Entergy Louisiana as a capital contribution.
As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements herein, the securitization resulted in recognition of a net reduction of income tax expense of approximately $133 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions, by Entergy Louisiana. Entergy’s recognition of reduced income tax expense was offset by other tax charges resulting in a net reduction of income tax expense of $129 million, after taking into account a provision for uncertain tax positions. In recognition of its obligations related to an LPSC ancillary order issued as part of the securitization regulatory proceeding, Entergy Louisiana recorded in first quarter 2023 a $103 million ($76 million net-of-tax) regulatory charge and a corresponding regulatory liability to reflect its obligation to share the benefits of the securitization with customers.
As discussed in Note 3 and Note 12 to the financial statements herein, Entergy Louisiana consolidates the storm trust II as a variable interest entity and the LURC’s 1% beneficial interest is shown as noncontrolling interest in the financial statements. In first quarter 2023, Entergy Louisiana recorded a charge of $14.6 million in other income to reflect the LURC’s beneficial interest in the storm trust II.
System Resilience and Storm Hardening
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in December 2022, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking a public interest finding regarding Phase I of Entergy Louisiana’s Future Ready resilience plan and approval of a rider mechanism to recover the program’s costs. Phase I reflects the first five years of a ten-year resilience plan and includes investment of approximately $5 billion, including hardening investment, transmission dead-end structures, enhanced vegetation management, and telecommunications improvement. In April 2023 a procedural schedule was established with a hearing scheduled for January 2024. The LPSC staff and certain intervenors filed direct testimony in August, September, and October 2023. The LPSC staff filed cross-answering testimony in October 2023. The testimony largely supports implementation of some level of accelerated investment in resilience but raises various issues related to the magnitude of the investment, the cost recovery mechanism applicable to the investment, and the ratemaking for the investment.
The LPSC had previously opened a formal rulemaking proceeding in December 2021 to investigate efforts to improve resilience of electric utility infrastructure. In April 2023 the LPSC staff issued a draft rule in the rulemaking proceeding related to a requirement to file a grid resilience plan. The procedural schedule entered in the rulemaking proceeding contemplated adoption of a final rule in October 2023, but this did not occur, and a new date has not been set.
2022 Solar Portfolio and Expansion of the Geaux Green Option
In February 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the LPSC seeking certification of the Iberville/Coastal Prairie facility, which will provide 175 MW of capacity through a PPA with a third party, and the Sterlington facility, a 49 MW self-build project located near the deactivated Sterlington power plant. Entergy Louisiana is seeking to include these within the portfolio supporting the Geaux Green Option (Rider GGO) rate schedule to help fulfill customer interest in access to renewable energy. Entergy Louisiana has requested the costs of these facilities, as offset by Rider GGO revenues, be deemed eligible for recovery in accordance with the terms of the formula rate plan and fuel adjustment clause rate mechanisms that exist at the time the facilities are placed into service. The Louisiana Energy Users Group and the Alliance for Affordable Energy have intervened, and discovery is underway. A procedural schedule has been established with a hearing scheduled for December 2023,
132
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
and settlement negotiations are ongoing. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Liquidity and Capital Resources - Uses of Capital - 2021 Solar Certification and the Geaux Green Option” in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the Rider GGO.
Alternative RFP and Certification
In March 2023, Entergy Louisiana made the first phase of a bifurcated filing to seek approval from the LPSC for an alternative to the requests for proposals (RFP) process that would enable the acquisition of up to 3 GW of solar resources on a faster timeline than the current RFP and certification process allows. The initial phase of the filing established the need for the acquisition of additional resources and the need for an alternative to the RFP process. The second phase of the filing, which contains the details of the proposal for the alternative competitive procurement process and the information necessary to support certification, was filed in May 2023. In addition to the acquisition of up to 3 GW of solar resources, the filing also seeks approval of a new renewable energy credits-based tariff. Several parties have intervened, and a procedural schedule was established in May 2023 with a hearing scheduled for March 2024. In October 2023 the LPSC staff and intervenors filed testimony, with the LPSC staff supporting the amount of solar resources to be acquired and the alternative RFP process. The LPSC staff also supported, subject to certain recommendations, the proposed framework for evaluation and certification of the solar resources by the LPSC and the proposed tariff.
Nelson Industrial Steam Company
Entergy Louisiana is a partner in the Nelson Industrial Steam Company (NISCO) partnership which owns two petroleum coke generating units. In April 2023 these generating units suspended operations in the MISO market, and Entergy Louisiana currently is working to wind up the NISCO partnership, which will ultimately result in ownership of the generating units transferring to Entergy Louisiana. In May 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application with the FERC for transaction authorization pursuant to Section 203 of the Federal Power Act. In June 2023 the LPSC filed a notice to intervene in the proceeding. Entergy Louisiana is evaluating the effect of the transaction on its results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition, but at this time does not expect the effect to be material.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation and fuel-cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
Retail Rates
2022 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In May 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed its formula rate plan evaluation report for its 2022 calendar year operations. The 2022 test year evaluation report produced an earned return on common equity of 8.33%, requiring an approximately $70.7 million increase to base rider revenue. Due to a cap for the 2021 and 2022 test years, however, base rider formula rate plan revenues are only being increased by approximately $4.9 million, leaving an ongoing revenue deficiency of approximately $65.9 million and providing for prospective return on common equity opportunity of approximately 8.38%. Other changes in formula rate plan revenue driven by increases in capacity costs, primarily legacy capacity costs, additions eligible for recovery through the transmission recovery mechanism and distribution recovery mechanism, and higher sales during the test period are offset by reductions in net MISO costs as well as credits for FERC-ordered refunds. Also included in the 2022 test year distribution recovery mechanism revenue requirement is a $6 million credit relating to the distribution recovery mechanism performance accountability standards and requirements. In total, the net increase in formula rate plan revenues, including base formula rate plan revenues inside the formula rate plan bandwidth and subject to the cap, as well as other formula
133
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
rate plan revenues outside of the bandwidth, is $85.2 million. In August 2023 the LPSC staff filed a list of objections/reservations, including outstanding issues from the test years 2017-2021 formula rate plan filings, the calculation of certain refunds from System Energy, and certain calculations relating to the tax reform adjustment mechanism. Subject to refund and LPSC review, the resulting net increase in formula rate plan revenues of $85.2 million became effective for bills rendered during the first billing cycle of September 2023.
2023 Entergy Louisiana Rate Case and Formula Rate Plan Extension Request
In August 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application for approval of a regulatory blueprint necessary for it to strengthen the electric grid for the State of Louisiana, which contains a dual-path request to update rates through either: (1) extension of Entergy Louisiana’s current formula rate plan (with certain modifications) for three years (the Rate Mitigation Proposal), which is Entergy Louisiana’s recommended path; or (2) implementation of rates resulting from a cost-of-service study (the Rate Case path). The application complies with Entergy Louisiana’s previous formula rate plan extension order requiring that for Entergy Louisiana to obtain another extension of its formula rate plan that included a rate reset, Entergy Louisiana would need to submit a full cost-of-service/rate case. Entergy Louisiana’s filing supports the need to extend Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan with credit supportive mechanisms needed to facilitate investment in the distribution, transmission, and generation functions.
The Rate Case path proposes a 2024-2026 test year formula rate plan with an initial revenue requirement increase, net of $17 million of one-time credits, of $430 million and a return on common equity of 10.5%. Depreciation rates would be updated for all asset classes. The Rate Mitigation Proposal proposes a 2023-2025 test year formula rate plan with an expected initial revenue requirement increase, also net of $17 million of one-time credits, of $173 million and a return on common equity of 10.0%. Depreciation rates would be updated only for nuclear assets and would be phased in over three years.
Under both paths, Entergy Louisiana’s filing proposes removing the cap on amounts allowed to be recovered through the distribution recovery mechanism and continuing the distribution recovery mechanism performance accountability targets, which tie Entergy Louisiana’s ability to fully recover its distribution recovery mechanism investments to its reliability performance. Entergy Louisiana’s filing also includes new customer-centric programs specifically focused on affordability, such as reducing late fees and certain other fees assessed to customers, lowering additional facilities charge rates, providing eligible low-income seniors with monthly discounts on their electric bill, and adding new voluntary customer options to support new transportation electrification technologies. A status conference was held in October 2023 at which a procedural schedule was adopted that includes a hearing date of August 2024.
2017-2021 Formula Rate Plan Filings
In October 2023, Entergy Louisiana and the LPSC staff jointly filed an uncontested stipulated settlement agreement for consideration by the LPSC that would resolve the evaluation of Entergy Louisiana’s formula rate plan for test years 2017, 2018, and 2019 and resolve certain disputed issues for test years 2020 and 2021. If approved by the LPSC, the settlement would result in a one-time cost of service credit to customers of $5.8 million, would allow Entergy Louisiana to retain approximately $6.2 million of excess securitization collection as recovery of a regulatory asset associated with late fees related to the 2016 Baton Rouge flood, and would result in the reversal of a regulatory liability for excess accumulated deferred income taxes recognized in 2017 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See Note 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It is anticipated that the settlement will be considered by the LPSC in November 2023.
Fuel and purchased power recovery
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021 the LPSC staff provided notice of an audit of Entergy Louisiana’s purchased gas adjustment clause filings covering the period January 2018 through December 2020. The
134
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
audit includes a review of the reasonableness of charges flowed through Entergy Louisiana’s purchased gas adjustment clause for that period. In August 2023 the LPSC submitted its audit report and found that materially all costs recovered through the purchased gas adjustment filings were reasonable and eligible for recovery through the purchased gas adjustment clause.
COVID-19 Orders
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2020 the LPSC issued an order authorizing utilities to record as a regulatory asset expenses incurred from the suspension of disconnections and collection of late fees imposed by LPSC orders associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2023, Entergy Louisiana filed an application proposing to utilize approximately $1.6 billion in certain low interest debt to generate earnings to apply toward the reduction of the COVID-19 regulatory asset, as well as to conduct additional outside right-of-way vegetation management activities and to apply to the minor storm reserve account. In that filing, Entergy Louisiana proposed to delay repayment of certain shorter-term first mortgage bonds that were issued to finance storm restoration costs until the costs could be securitized and to invest the funds that otherwise would be used to repay those bonds in the money pool to take advantage of the spread between prevailing interest rates on investments in the money pool and the interest rates on the bonds. The LPSC approved Entergy Louisiana’s requested relief in June 2023 and a subsequent filing will be required to permit the LPSC to review the COVID-19 regulatory asset. As of September 30, 2023, Entergy Louisiana had a regulatory asset of $47.8 million for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Industrial and Commercial Customers
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Industrial and Commercial Customers” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of industrial and commercial customers.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters. Following is an update to that discussion.
NRC Reactor Oversight Process
As discussed in the Form 10-K, the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process is a program to collect information about plant performance, assess the information for its safety significance, and provide for appropriate licensee and NRC response. The NRC evaluates plant performance by analyzing two distinct inputs: inspection findings resulting from the NRC’s inspection program and performance indicators reported by the licensee. The evaluations result in the placement of each plant in one of the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix columns: “licensee response column,” or Column 1, “regulatory response column,” or Column 2, “degraded cornerstone column,” or Column 3, “multiple/repetitive degraded cornerstone column,” or Column 4, and “unacceptable performance,” or Column 5. Plants in Column 1 are subject to normal NRC inspection activities. Plants in Column 2, Column 3, or Column 4 are subject to progressively increasing levels of inspection by the NRC with, in general, progressively increasing levels of associated costs. Continued plant operation is not permitted for plants in Column 5. Waterford 3 is currently in Column 1, and River Bend is currently in Column 2.
In September 2022 the NRC placed Waterford 3 in Column 2 based on an error associated with a radiation monitor calibration. Entergy corrected the issue with the radiation monitor in February 2022 and also corrected a
135
Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
subsequent radiation monitor calibration issue. In May 2023 the NRC completed a supplemental inspection of Waterford 3 in accordance with its inspection procedures for nuclear plants in Column 2 and Waterford 3 was returned to Column 1.
In July 2023 the NRC placed River Bend in Column 2, effective April 2023, based on failure to inspect wiring associated with the high pressure core spray system. In August 2023 the NRC issued a finding and notice of violation related to a radiation monitor calibration issue at River Bend. River Bend will remain in Column 2 pending successful completion of supplemental inspections related to both issues.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy Louisiana’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
136
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $1,421,598 | $2,003,009 | $3,933,259 | $4,738,188 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas | 13,269 | 17,789 | 52,428 | 64,367 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,434,867 | 2,020,798 | 3,985,687 | 4,802,555 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 242,886 | 833,885 | 848,521 | 1,449,464 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | 162,934 | 251,582 | 491,244 | 848,328 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 17,569 | 18,966 | 45,430 | 40,942 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 285,251 | 298,710 | 781,339 | 846,457 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 19,138 | 18,137 | 56,544 | 53,736 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 60,360 | 60,346 | 185,978 | 180,527 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 184,188 | 176,403 | 541,530 | 517,205 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (21,470) | (9,959) | 27,759 | 172,605 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 950,856 | 1,648,070 | 2,978,345 | 4,109,264 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 484,011 | 372,728 | 1,007,342 | 693,291 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 6,945 | 8,280 | 24,660 | 17,865 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income (loss) | (11,482) | (8,861) | 49,241 | (93,241) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income - affiliated | 80,971 | 55,363 | 218,274 | 130,464 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (6,411) | 6,835 | (97,079) | 59,338 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 70,023 | 61,617 | 195,096 | 114,426 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 93,857 | 92,020 | 285,959 | 278,559 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (3,019) | (3,518) | (11,733) | (7,762) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 90,838 | 88,502 | 274,226 | 270,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 463,196 | 345,843 | 928,212 | 536,920 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 103,889 | 71,453 | 61,621 | (204,989) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | 359,307 | 274,390 | 866,591 | 741,909 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 810 | 554 | 2,183 | 812 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO MEMBER'S EQUITY | $358,497 | $273,836 | $864,408 | $741,097 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
137
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $359,307 | $274,390 | $866,591 | $741,909 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities (net of tax expense (benefit) of ($674), $109, ($1,617), and ($298)) | (1,829) | 295 | (4,388) | (809) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (1,829) | 295 | (4,388) | (809) | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income | 357,478 | 274,685 | 862,203 | 741,100 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 810 | 554 | 2,183 | 812 | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income Applicable to Member’s Equity | $356,668 | $274,131 | $860,020 | $740,288 | |||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
138
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $866,591 | $741,909 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 650,800 | 633,124 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 127,074 | (84,719) | ||||||||||||
Changes in working capital: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables | (54,518) | (193,374) | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory | (19,194) | 1,920 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | (153,749) | (117,199) | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 57,979 | (9,415) | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | (9,687) | 3,244 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 133,090 | (272,259) | ||||||||||||
Other working capital accounts | (262,001) | (161,058) | ||||||||||||
Changes in provisions for estimated losses | 7,249 | 292,013 | ||||||||||||
Changes in other regulatory assets | 390,864 | 741,131 | ||||||||||||
Changes in other regulatory liabilities | 200,267 | (92,554) | ||||||||||||
Effect of securitization on regulatory asset | (491,150) | (1,190,338) | ||||||||||||
Changes in pension and other postretirement liabilities | (43,909) | (29,538) | ||||||||||||
Other | (30,918) | 358,570 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 1,368,788 | 621,457 | ||||||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Construction expenditures | (1,194,315) | (2,099,909) | ||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 24,660 | 17,865 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (136,357) | (84,606) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel | 16,733 | 37,634 | ||||||||||||
Receipts from storm reserve escrow account | — | 1,000,228 | ||||||||||||
Payments to storm reserve escrow account | (10,463) | (1,291,431) | ||||||||||||
Purchase of preferred membership interests of affiliate | (1,457,676) | (3,163,572) | ||||||||||||
Redemption of preferred membership interests of affiliate | 124,364 | 1,390,587 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 473,394 | 520,412 | ||||||||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (516,047) | (540,653) | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | (79,136) | 9,757 | ||||||||||||
Litigation proceeds from settlement agreement | — | 5,695 | ||||||||||||
Insurance proceeds received for property damages | 19,493 | — | ||||||||||||
Decrease in other investments | 396 | — | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (2,734,954) | (4,197,993) | ||||||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 1,196,927 | 2,673,246 | ||||||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (1,505,325) | (2,734,524) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds received by storm trust related to securitization | 1,457,676 | 3,163,572 | ||||||||||||
Capital contributions from parent | 1,457,676 | 1,000,000 | ||||||||||||
Change in money pool payable - net | (226,114) | — | ||||||||||||
Common equity distributions paid | (318,000) | (374,500) | ||||||||||||
Other | 39,993 | 25,866 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 2,102,833 | 3,753,660 | ||||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 736,667 | 177,124 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 56,613 | 18,573 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $793,280 | $195,697 | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid (received) during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $288,987 | $266,522 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | ($6,037) | $— | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
139
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $27,521 | $50,318 | ||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | 765,759 | 6,295 | ||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 793,280 | 56,613 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Customer | 361,830 | 339,291 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (7,569) | (7,595) | ||||||||||||
Associated companies | 166,841 | 88,896 | ||||||||||||
Other | 51,549 | 53,241 | ||||||||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 233,913 | 199,077 | ||||||||||||
Total accounts receivable | 806,564 | 672,910 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 26,093 | 159,183 | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory | 61,053 | 41,859 | ||||||||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 641,041 | 555,860 | ||||||||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 62,394 | 53,833 | ||||||||||||
Prepayments and other | 291,656 | 76,646 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 2,682,081 | 1,616,904 | ||||||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||||
Investment in affiliate preferred membership interests | 4,496,884 | 3,163,572 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 1,912,924 | 1,779,090 | ||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 303,869 | 293,406 | ||||||||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 404,720 | 350,723 | ||||||||||||
Other | 14,349 | 19,679 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 7,132,746 | 5,606,470 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||||||||
Electric | 27,482,440 | 27,498,136 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas | 311,565 | 301,719 | ||||||||||||
Construction work in progress | 587,658 | 736,969 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel | 305,492 | 212,941 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 28,687,155 | 28,749,765 | ||||||||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 10,382,412 | 10,087,942 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 18,304,743 | 18,661,823 | ||||||||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | 1,665,315 | 2,056,179 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 168,122 | 168,122 | ||||||||||||
Other | 38,984 | 35,057 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,872,421 | 2,259,358 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $29,991,991 | $28,144,555 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
140
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $685,000 | $1,010,000 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 104,903 | 356,688 | ||||||||||||
Other | 411,363 | 589,355 | ||||||||||||
Customer deposits | 167,586 | 161,666 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 93,983 | 36,004 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 91,649 | 101,336 | ||||||||||||
Other | 125,059 | 72,525 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,679,543 | 2,327,574 | ||||||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 2,504,547 | 2,374,878 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 94,399 | 97,868 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 323,956 | 337,836 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 1,252,109 | 1,037,962 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 1,813,564 | 1,736,801 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated provisions | 323,563 | 316,314 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 346,126 | 389,631 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 9,714,014 | 9,688,922 | ||||||||||||
Other | 431,572 | 343,321 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 16,803,850 | 16,323,533 | ||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
Member's equity | 11,410,402 | 9,406,343 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 50,982 | 55,370 | ||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests | 47,214 | 31,735 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 11,508,598 | 9,493,448 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $29,991,991 | $28,144,555 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
141
ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling Interests | Member’s Equity | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $— | $8,172,294 | $8,278 | $8,180,572 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 150,860 | — | 150,860 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | (613) | (613) | |||||||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (125,000) | — | (125,000) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | (13) | — | (13) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | — | 8,198,141 | 7,665 | 8,205,806 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 258 | 316,401 | — | 316,659 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | (491) | (491) | |||||||||||||||||||
Contributions from parent | — | 1,000,000 | — | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial interest in storm trust | 31,636 | — | — | 31,636 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | (13) | — | (13) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 31,894 | 9,514,529 | 7,174 | 9,553,597 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 554 | 273,836 | — | 274,390 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | 295 | 295 | |||||||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (249,500) | — | (249,500) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | (12) | — | (12) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $32,448 | $9,538,853 | $7,469 | $9,578,770 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $31,735 | $9,406,343 | $55,370 | $9,493,448 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 554 | 243,470 | — | 244,024 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | (786) | (786) | |||||||||||||||||||
Contributions from parent | — | 1,457,676 | — | 1,457,676 | |||||||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (160,250) | — | (160,250) | |||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial interest in storm trust | 14,577 | — | — | 14,577 | |||||||||||||||||||
Distribution to LURC | (470) | — | — | (470) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | (28) | — | (28) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | 46,396 | 10,947,211 | 54,584 | 11,048,191 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 819 | 262,441 | — | 263,260 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | (1,773) | (1,773) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | 15 | — | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 47,215 | 11,209,667 | 52,811 | 11,309,693 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 810 | 358,497 | — | 359,307 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | (1,829) | (1,829) | |||||||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (157,750) | — | (157,750) | |||||||||||||||||||
Distribution to LURC | (811) | — | — | (811) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | (12) | — | (12) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $47,214 | $11,410,402 | $50,982 | $11,508,598 | |||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
142
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Earnings Applicable to Member’s Equity
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Earnings remained relatively unchanged, increasing $0.4 million, primarily due to higher retail electric price and higher volume/weather offset by regulatory credits recorded in third quarter 2022 to reflect the effects of the joint stipulation reached in the 2022 formula rate plan proceeding and higher depreciation and amortization expenses.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Earnings increased $6 million primarily due to higher retail electric price and lower operation and maintenance expenses. The increase was partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses, higher interest expense, lower volume/weather, and lower other income.
Operating Revenues
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the third quarter 2023 to the third quarter 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $459.1 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | 14.3 | ||||
Retail one-time bill credit | 36.7 | ||||
Retail electric price | 14.8 | ||||
Volume/weather | 13.9 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $538.8 |
Entergy Mississippi’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The retail one-time bill credit represents the disbursement of settlement proceeds, in third quarter 2022, in the form of a one-time bill credit provided to retail customers during the September 2022 billing cycle as a result of the System Energy settlement agreement with the MPSC. There is no effect on net income as the reduction in operating revenues was offset by regulatory credits recorded in third quarter 2022. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds.
143
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to increases in formula rate plan rates effective April 2023 and July 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan filings.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of more favorable weather on residential and commercial sales.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Mississippi for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 1,925 | 1,766 | 9 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 1,436 | 1,352 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 647 | 654 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 119 | 119 | — | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 4,127 | 3,891 | 6 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 961 | 936 | 3 | ||||||||||||||
Total | 5,088 | 4,827 | 5 |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Mississippi’s operating revenues.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $1,213.6 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | 105.9 | ||||
Retail electric price | 48.7 | ||||
Retail one-time bill credit | 36.7 | ||||
Volume/weather | (8.5) | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $1,396.4 |
Entergy Mississippi’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to increases in formula rate plan rates effective August 2022, April 2023, and July 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan filings.
The retail one-time bill credit represents the disbursement of settlement proceeds, in third quarter 2022, in the form of a one-time bill credit provided to retail customers during the September 2022 billing cycle as a result of the System Energy settlement agreement with the MPSC. There is no effect on net income as the reduction in
144
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
operating revenues was offset by regulatory credits recorded in third quarter 2022. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to a decrease in weather-adjusted residential usage and the effect of less favorable weather on residential sales.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Mississippi for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 4,336 | 4,480 | (3) | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 3,556 | 3,539 | — | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 1,779 | 1,808 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 311 | 320 | (3) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 9,982 | 10,147 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 3,734 | 2,148 | 74 | ||||||||||||||
Total | 13,716 | 12,295 | 12 |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Mississippi’s operating revenues.
Other Income Statement Variances
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease of $4.0 million in non-nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work, including during plant outages, performed in 2023 as compared to 2022.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments and increases in franchise taxes.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service, including the Sunflower Solar facility, which was placed in service in September 2022.
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net includes:
•a regulatory credit of $36.7 million, recorded in third quarter 2022, to reflect a one-time bill credit to customers as a result of the settlement agreement and offer of settlement with System Energy. This regulatory credit offsets a reduction in gross revenue from the bill credits provided to customers in the September 2022 billing cycle. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds; and
•regulatory credits of $22.6 million, recorded in third quarter 2022, to reflect the effects of the joint stipulation reached in the 2022 formula rate plan filing proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 formula rate plan filing.
Other income decreased primarily due to lower interest income from carrying costs related to the deferred fuel balance.
145
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Interest expense increased primarily due to the issuance of $300 million of 5.0% Series mortgage bonds in May 2023, partially offset by the repayment of $250 million of 3.10% Series mortgage bonds in June 2023.
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest reflects the earnings or losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest partner of the tax equity partnership for the Sunflower Solar facility under HLBV accounting. Entergy Mississippi recorded a regulatory charge of $1.6 million in third quarter 2023 as compared to $9 million in third quarter 2022, to defer the difference between the losses allocated to the tax equity partner under the HLBV method of accounting and the earnings/losses that would have been allocated to the tax equity partner under its respective ownership percentage in the partnership. See Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the HLBV method of accounting.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
•a decrease of $5.1 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to lower health and welfare costs as a result of higher prescription drug rebates in second quarter 2023, a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities, and a revision to estimated incentive compensation expense in the first quarter of 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs;
•a decrease of $4.7 million in transmission costs allocated by MISO; and
•a decrease of $2.5 million in non-nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work performed in 2023 as compared to 2022 and lower non-nuclear labor costs, partially offset by higher long term service agreement expenses.
The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $2.5 million in bad debt expense and several individually insignificant items.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments and increases in franchise taxes.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service, including the Sunflower Solar facility, which was placed in service in September 2022.
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net includes:
•a regulatory credit of $36.7 million, recorded in third quarter 2022, to reflect a one-time bill credit to customers as a result of the settlement agreement and offer of settlement with System Energy. This regulatory credit offsets a reduction in gross revenue from the bill credits provided to customers in the September 2022 billing cycle. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds; and
•regulatory credits of $22.6 million, recorded in third quarter 2022, to reflect the effects of the joint stipulation reached in the 2022 formula rate plan filing proceeding. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 formula rate plan filing.
Other income decreased primarily due to lower interest income from carrying costs related to the deferred fuel balance and an increase in net periodic pension non-service costs as a result of a non-qualified pension
146
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
settlement charge recorded in third quarter 2023. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Interest expense increased primarily due to the issuance of $300 million of 5.0% Series mortgage bonds in May 2023 and the $150 million unsecured term loan drawn in June 2022. The increase was partially offset by the repayment of $250 million of 3.10% Series mortgage bonds in June 2023.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 24.2% for the third quarter 2023 and 24.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2023 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
The effective income tax rates were 23.8% for the third quarter 2022 and 22.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2022 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
Income Tax Legislation and Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Income Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. See the “Income Tax Legislation and Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for updates to the discussion of income tax legislation and regulation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $16,979 | $47,627 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | 408,904 | 101,591 | |||||||||
Investing activities | (433,505) | (428,776) | |||||||||
Financing activities | 17,938 | 282,455 | |||||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (6,663) | (44,730) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $10,316 | $2,897 |
147
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $307.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•higher collections from customers;
•lower fuel costs and the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of fuel and purchased power cost recovery;
•a one-time bill credit in 2022 for the disbursement of settlement proceeds as directed by the MPSC. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement agreement and the MPSC directive related to the disbursement of settlement proceeds; and
•the timing of payments to vendors.
The increase was partially offset by an increase of $10.6 million in interest paid.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities increased $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•an increase of $40.8 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to increased spending on various transmission projects in 2023;
•an increase of $39.6 million in distribution construction expenditures primarily due to higher capital expenditures for storm restoration in 2023; and
•money pool activity.
The increase was partially offset by:
•the initial payment of approximately $105.1 million in May 2022 as compared to the substantial completion payment of approximately $30.4 million in April 2023 for the purchase of the Sunflower Solar facility by a consolidated tax equity partnership. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Sunflower Solar facility purchase; and
•a decrease of $11.1 million in information technology capital expenditures primarily due to decreased spending on various technology projects in 2023.
Decreases in Entergy Mississippi’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Mississippi’s receivable from the money pool decreased $26.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to decreasing by $40.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility’s subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities decreased $264.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•the repayment, prior to maturity, of $250 million of 3.10% Series mortgage bonds in June 2023;
•proceeds received in June 2022 from a $150 million unsecured term loan due December 2023;
•borrowings of $100 million in 2022 on Entergy Mississippi’s credit facility;
•the repayment, prior to maturity, in May 2023, of $50 million of an unsecured term loan due December 2023; and
148
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
•$40 million in common equity distributions paid in 2023 in order to maintain Entergy Mississippi’s capital structure.
The decrease was partially offset by:
•the issuance of $300 million of 5.0% Series mortgage bonds in May 2023; and
•capital contributions of $25.7 million received in April 2023 as compared to $9.6 million received in May 2022, both from the noncontrolling tax equity investor in MS Sunflower Partnership, LLC and used by the partnership for payments in the acquisition of the Sunflower Solar facility. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Sunflower Solar facility purchase.
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Capital Structure
Entergy Mississippi’s debt to capital ratio is shown in the following table. The decrease in the debt to capital ratio for Entergy Mississippi is primarily due to net income in 2023.
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Debt to capital | 51.8 | % | 53.4 | % | |||||||
Effect of subtracting cash | (0.1 | %) | (0.2 | %) | |||||||
Net debt to net capital (non-GAAP) | 51.7 | % | 53.2 | % |
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings, finance lease obligations, and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. Entergy Mississippi uses the debt to capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Mississippi’s financial condition. The net debt to net capital ratio is a non-GAAP measure. Entergy Mississippi uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Mississippi’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Mississippi’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Mississippi’s uses and sources of capital. The following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Mississippi is developing its capital investment plan for 2024 through 2026 and currently anticipates making $2.6 billion in capital investments during that period. The preliminary estimate includes investments in generation projects to modernize, decarbonize, and diversify Entergy Mississippi’s portfolio; distribution and Utility support spending to improve reliability, resilience, and customer experience; transmission spending to drive reliability and resilience while also supporting renewables expansion; and other investments. Estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints and requirements, environmental compliance, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.
149
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Entergy Mississippi’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
($23,893) | $26,879 | ($19,319) | $40,456 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Mississippi has a credit facility in the amount of $150 million scheduled to expire in July 2025. As of September 30, 2023, there were no cash borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. In addition, Entergy Mississippi is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility primarily as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of September 30, 2023, $6.7 million in MISO letters of credit and $1.0 million in non-MISO letters of credit were outstanding under this facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
Sunflower Solar
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2020 the MPSC issued an order approving certification of the Sunflower Solar facility and its recovery through the interim capacity rate adjustment mechanism, subject to certain conditions. In May 2022 both Entergy Mississippi and the tax equity investor made capital contributions to the tax equity partnership that were then used to make an initial payment of $105 million for acquisition of the facility. Commercial operation at the Sunflower Solar facility commenced in September 2022. In April 2023 both Entergy Mississippi and the tax equity investor made additional capital contributions to the tax equity partnership that were then used to make the substantial completion payment of $30.4 million for acquisition of the facility. The final payment of $4.7 million for acquisition of the facility was made in October 2023. See Note 14 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Mississippi’s purchase of the Sunflower Solar facility.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation and fuel-cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
Retail Rates
2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In March 2023, Entergy Mississippi submitted its formula rate plan 2023 test year filing and 2022 look-back filing showing Entergy Mississippi’s earned return on rate base for the historical 2022 calendar year to be below the formula rate plan bandwidth and projected earned return for the 2023 calendar year to be below the formula rate plan bandwidth. The 2023 test year filing shows a $39.8 million rate increase is necessary to reset Entergy Mississippi’s earned return on rate base to the specified point of adjustment of 6.67%, within the formula rate plan bandwidth. The 2022 look-back filing compares actual 2022 results to the approved benchmark return on rate base and reflects the need for a $19.8 million temporary increase in formula rate plan revenues, including the refund of a $1.3 million over-recovery resulting from the demand-side management costs true-up for 2022. In fourth quarter 2022, Entergy Mississippi recorded a regulatory asset of $18.2 million in connection with the look-back feature of the formula rate plan to reflect that the 2022 estimated earned return was below the formula rate plan bandwidth. In accordance with the provisions of the formula rate plan, Entergy Mississippi implemented a $27.9 million interim rate increase, reflecting a cap equal to 2% of 2022 retail revenues, effective in April 2023.
150
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
In May 2023, Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff entered into a joint stipulation that confirmed a 2023 test year filing resulting in a total revenue increase of $26.5 million for 2023. Pursuant to the joint stipulation, Entergy Mississippi’s 2022 look-back filing reflected an earned return on rate base of 6.10% in calendar year 2022, which is below the look-back bandwidth, resulting in a $19.0 million increase in the formula rate plan revenues on an interim basis through June 2024. Entergy Mississippi recorded a regulatory credit of $0.8 million in June 2023 to reflect the increase in the look-back regulatory asset. In addition, certain long-term service agreement and conductor handling costs were authorized for realignment from the formula rate plan to the annual power management and grid modernization riders effective January 2023, resulting in regulatory credits recorded in June 2023 of $4.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively. Also, the amortization of Entergy Mississippi’s COVID-19 bad debt deferral was suspended for calendar year 2023 and will resume in 2024. In June 2023 the MPSC approved the joint stipulation with rates effective in July 2023.
Fuel and purchased power recovery
In June 2023 the MPSC approved the joint stipulation agreement between Entergy Mississippi and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff for Entergy Mississippi’s 2023 formula rate plan filing. The stipulation directed Entergy Mississippi to make a compliance filing to revise its power management cost adjustment factor, to revise its grid modernization cost adjustment factor, and to include a revision to reduce the net energy cost factor to a level necessary to reflect an average natural gas price of $4.50 per MMBtu. The MPSC approved the compliance filing in June 2023, effective for July 2023 bills. See “Retail Rates - 2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing” above for further discussion of the 2023 formula rate plan filing and the joint stipulation agreement.
RenewABLE Community Option
In January 2022, Entergy Mississippi filed its RenewABLE Community Option (Schedule RCO), an offering for qualifying non-residential customers to subscribe to renewable resource capacity to satisfy their environmental, sustainability, and governance goals. The MPSC approved Schedule RCO in December 2022. Registration for the Schedule RCO launched in May 2023 and subscriptions as of September 30, 2023 totaled 17 MW of the 40 MW available.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy Mississippi’s accounting for utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
151
Entergy Mississippi, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
152
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $538,815 | $459,132 | $1,396,373 | $1,213,620 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 151,755 | 86,145 | 453,570 | 197,093 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | 89,465 | 84,653 | 212,419 | 235,211 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 78,959 | 82,698 | 217,377 | 223,407 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 42,374 | 37,045 | 113,409 | 102,259 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 66,760 | 61,921 | 196,135 | 182,623 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (25,470) | (11,470) | (84,260) | 16,290 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 403,843 | 340,992 | 1,108,650 | 956,883 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 134,972 | 118,140 | 287,723 | 256,737 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 2,260 | 1,606 | 6,313 | 4,179 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 107 | 136 | 1,890 | 234 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (3,828) | 181 | (9,349) | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | (1,461) | 1,923 | (1,146) | 4,430 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 25,257 | 22,473 | 74,634 | 63,910 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (911) | (753) | (2,596) | (1,876) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 24,346 | 21,720 | 72,038 | 62,034 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 109,165 | 98,343 | 214,539 | 199,133 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 26,428 | 23,454 | 52,597 | 44,935 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | 82,737 | 74,889 | 161,942 | 154,198 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | (1,640) | (9,117) | (7,404) | (9,117) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO MEMBER'S EQUITY | $84,377 | $84,006 | $169,346 | $163,315 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
153
(Page left blank intentionally)
154
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $161,942 | $154,198 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 196,135 | 182,623 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 23,405 | 45,811 | ||||||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables | (52,905) | (50,712) | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory | (1,746) | (2,856) | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | (56,477) | 34,776 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 14,269 | (12,542) | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 11,334 | 11,171 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 215,892 | (214,459) | ||||||||||||
Other working capital accounts | (24,420) | (23,012) | ||||||||||||
Provisions for estimated losses | 2,627 | (461) | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | (35,970) | (53,830) | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | (52,712) | 31,682 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (22,529) | (18,489) | ||||||||||||
Other assets and liabilities | 30,059 | 17,691 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 408,904 | 101,591 | ||||||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Construction expenditures | (435,188) | (368,151) | ||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 6,313 | 4,179 | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | 26,879 | 40,456 | ||||||||||||
Payment for purchase of assets | (30,433) | (105,149) | ||||||||||||
Increase in other investments | (1,076) | (111) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (433,505) | (428,776) | ||||||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 396,853 | 249,298 | ||||||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (400,000) | — | ||||||||||||
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest | 25,708 | 9,595 | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool payable - net | 23,893 | 19,319 | ||||||||||||
Common equity distributions paid | (40,000) | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 11,484 | 4,243 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 17,938 | 282,455 | ||||||||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (6,663) | (44,730) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 16,979 | 47,627 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $10,316 | $2,897 | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $61,352 | $50,719 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
155
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $26 | $26 | ||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | 10,290 | 16,953 | ||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 10,316 | 16,979 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Customer | 170,454 | 99,504 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (3,035) | (2,472) | ||||||||||||
Associated companies | 10,025 | 37,673 | ||||||||||||
Other | 18,525 | 34,564 | ||||||||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 72,799 | 73,473 | ||||||||||||
Total accounts receivable | 268,768 | 242,742 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | — | 143,211 | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 17,294 | 15,548 | ||||||||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 94,877 | 84,346 | ||||||||||||
Prepayments and other | 10,350 | 9,603 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 401,605 | 512,429 | ||||||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 4,501 | 4,512 | ||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 34,694 | 33,549 | ||||||||||||
Other | 841 | 910 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 40,036 | 38,971 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||||||||
Electric | 7,381,120 | 7,079,849 | ||||||||||||
Construction work in progress | 249,991 | 170,191 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 7,631,111 | 7,250,040 | ||||||||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 2,417,190 | 2,264,786 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 5,213,921 | 4,985,254 | ||||||||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | 555,430 | 519,460 | ||||||||||||
Other | 25,558 | 22,650 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 580,988 | 542,110 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $6,236,550 | $6,078,764 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
156
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $200,000 | $400,000 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 60,679 | 60,532 | ||||||||||||
Other | 115,126 | 176,162 | ||||||||||||
Customer deposits | 91,944 | 89,668 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 139,174 | 124,905 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 29,542 | 18,208 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 72,681 | — | ||||||||||||
Other | 24,747 | 38,908 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 733,893 | 908,383 | ||||||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 812,716 | 780,030 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 14,294 | 14,591 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 193,812 | 202,058 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 35,399 | 79,865 | ||||||||||||
Asset retirement cost liabilities | 8,119 | 7,797 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated provisions | 40,136 | 37,509 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 890 | 23,742 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 2,129,185 | 1,931,096 | ||||||||||||
Other | 79,919 | 53,156 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 3,314,470 | 3,129,844 | ||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
Member's equity | 2,166,536 | 2,037,190 | ||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest | 21,651 | 3,347 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 2,188,187 | 2,040,537 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $6,236,550 | $6,078,764 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
157
ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling Interest | Member's Equity | Total | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $— | $1,839,568 | $1,839,568 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 30,355 | 30,355 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | — | 1,869,923 | 1,869,923 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 48,955 | 48,955 | ||||||||||||||
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest | 9,595 | — | 9,595 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 9,595 | 1,918,878 | 1,928,473 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (9,117) | 84,006 | 74,889 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $478 | $2,002,884 | $2,003,362 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $3,347 | $2,037,190 | $2,040,537 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (2,141) | 23,081 | 20,940 | ||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (12,500) | (12,500) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | 1,206 | 2,047,771 | 2,048,977 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (3,623) | 61,888 | 58,265 | ||||||||||||||
Common equity distributions | — | (27,500) | (27,500) | ||||||||||||||
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest | 25,708 | — | 25,708 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 23,291 | 2,082,159 | 2,105,450 | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,640) | 84,377 | 82,737 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $21,651 | $2,166,536 | $2,188,187 | ||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
158
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Net income increased $16.6 million primarily due to higher volume/weather and higher retail electric price, partially offset by higher other operation and maintenance expenses and higher taxes other than income taxes.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Net income increased $6 million primarily due to higher retail electric price, higher volume/weather, and higher other income, partially offset by higher taxes other than income taxes, a higher effective income tax rate, higher depreciation and amortization expenses, and higher interest expense.
Operating Revenues
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the third quarter 2023 to the third quarter 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $291.7 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (66.7) | ||||
Retail electric price | 4.5 | ||||
Volume/weather | 24.8 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $254.3 |
Entergy New Orleans’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a rate increase effective September 2022 in accordance with the terms of the 2022 formula rate plan filing. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan filing.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase of 296 GWh, or 19%, in electricity usage across all customer classes, including the effect of more favorable weather on residential and commercial sales.
159
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Total electric energy sales for Entergy New Orleans for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 877 | 702 | 25 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 652 | 561 | 16 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 129 | 109 | 18 | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 232 | 222 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 1,890 | 1,594 | 19 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 600 | 499 | 20 | ||||||||||||||
Total | 2,490 | 2,093 | 19 |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy New Orleans’s operating revenues.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $744.2 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (113.0) | ||||
Volume/weather | 6.4 | ||||
Retail electric price | 13.6 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $651.2 |
Entergy New Orleans’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase in weather-adjusted commercial usage and the effect of more favorable weather on commercial sales. The increase in weather-adjusted commercial usage is primarily due to an increase in customers.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to a rate increase effective September 2022 in accordance with the terms of the 2022 formula rate plan filing. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the formula rate plan filing.
160
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Total electric energy sales for Entergy New Orleans for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 1,906 | 1,909 | — | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 1,647 | 1,569 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 325 | 318 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 600 | 606 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 4,478 | 4,402 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 2,194 | 1,820 | 21 | ||||||||||||||
Total | 6,672 | 6,222 | 7 |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy New Orleans’s operating revenues.
Other Income Statement Variances
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses increased primarily due to an increase of $5 million in non-nuclear generation expenses primarily resulting from a higher scope of work performed in 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in local franchise taxes and increases in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses remained relatively unchanged, increasing by $1.3 million, primarily due to an increase of $4.5 million in non-nuclear generation expenses resulting from a higher scope of work performed in 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The increase was partially offset by a decrease of $2.6 million in bad debt expense and a decrease of $1.9 million in compensation and benefits costs primarily due to lower health and welfare costs as a result of higher prescription drug rebates in second quarter 2023 and a decrease in net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits service costs as a result of an increase in the discount rates used to value the benefits liabilities. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in local franchise taxes and increases in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to additions to plant in service.
Other income increased primarily due to higher interest earned on money pool investments, partially offset by an increase in net periodic pension non-service costs as a result of a non-qualified pension settlement charge recorded in third quarter 2023. See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K, Note 6 to the financial statements herein, and Note 11 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for further discussion of pension and other postretirement benefits costs.
161
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Interest expense increased primarily due to a higher fixed interest rate on its unsecured term loan and interest on the $34 million regulatory liability recorded when Entergy New Orleans received a refund from System Energy in January 2023 related to the sale-leaseback renewal costs and depreciation litigation. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the refund and the related proceedings.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 27.3% for the third quarter 2023 and 28.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2023 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes.
The effective income tax rate was 27.1% for the third quarter 2022. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the third quarter 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
The effective income tax rate was 25.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The difference in the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items and the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes. See Note 10 to the financial statements herein and Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the effects of and regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Income Tax Legislation and Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Income Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. See the “Income Tax Legislation and Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for updates to the discussion of income tax legislation and regulation.
Planned Sale of Gas Distribution Business
See the “Planned Sale of Gas Distribution Businesses” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for discussion of the purchase and sale agreement for the sale of Entergy New Orleans’s gas distribution business.
162
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $4,464 | $42,862 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | 185,632 | 96,194 | |||||||||
Investing activities | 1,914 | (130,584) | |||||||||
Financing activities | (77,203) | 9,509 | |||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 110,343 | (24,881) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $114,807 | $17,981 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $89.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•lower fuel costs and the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of fuel and purchased power cost recovery;
•the timing of payments to vendors;
•the refund of $34 million received from System Energy in January 2023 related to the sale-leaseback renewal costs and depreciation litigation as calculated in System Energy’s January 2023 compliance report filed with the FERC. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of the refund and the related proceedings;
•higher collections from customers; and
•a decrease of $18.4 million in storm spending primarily due to Hurricane Ida restoration efforts in 2022.
The increase was partially offset by higher receipts from associated companies in 2022.
Investing Activities
Entergy New Orleans’s investing activities provided $1.9 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to using $130.6 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to the following activity:
•money pool activity;
•a decrease of $34.9 million in distribution construction expenditures primarily due to higher capital expenditures for Hurricane Ida storm restoration efforts in 2022, partially offset by increased investment in the reliability and infrastructure of Entergy New Orleans’s distribution system in 2023; and
•an increase of $9 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to higher spending in 2023 related to Entergy New Orleans’s construction of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board Sullivan substation.
Decreases in Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy New Orleans’s receivable from the money pool decreased $135.4 million for the nine months ended September 30,
163
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
2023 compared to decreasing by $36 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Entergy New Orleans’s financing activities used $77.2 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to providing $9.5 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to the repayment, at maturity, of $100 million of 3.9% Series mortgage bonds in July 2023 and additional borrowings of $15 million in May 2023 on an unsecured term loan due June 2024. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Capital Structure
Entergy New Orleans’s debt to capital ratio is shown in the following table. The decrease in the debt to capital ratio for Entergy New Orleans is primarily due to the net retirement of long-term debt in 2023.
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Debt to capital | 47.2 | % | 52.6 | % | |||||||
Effect of excluding securitization bonds | (0.4 | %) | (0.6 | %) | |||||||
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (non-GAAP) (a) | 46.8 | % | 52.0 | % | |||||||
Effect of subtracting cash | (4.6 | %) | (0.1 | %) | |||||||
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (non-GAAP) (a) | 42.2 | % | 51.9 | % |
(a)Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy New Orleans.
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings, finance lease obligations, long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion, and the long-term payable due to an associated company. Capital consists of debt and equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. The debt to capital ratio excluding securitization bonds and net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds are non-GAAP measures. Entergy New Orleans uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy New Orleans’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy New Orleans, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy New Orleans also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy New Orleans’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy New Orleans’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy New Orleans’s uses and sources of capital. The following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy New Orleans is developing its capital investment plan for 2024 through 2026 and currently anticipates making $525 million in capital investments during that period. The preliminary estimate includes distribution and Utility support spending to deliver reliability, resilience, and customer experience; transmission spending to drive reliability and resilience; and other investments. Estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints and
164
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
requirements, environmental compliance, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.
Entergy New Orleans’s receivables from the money pool were as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$11,827 | $147,254 | $433 | $36,410 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy New Orleans has a credit facility in the amount of $25 million scheduled to expire in June 2024. The credit facility includes fronting commitments for the issuance of letters of credit against $10 million of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of September 30, 2023, there were no cash borrowings and no letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. In addition, Entergy New Orleans is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of September 30, 2023, a $1 million letter of credit was outstanding under Entergy New Orleans’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
Hurricane Ida
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2021, Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to Entergy New Orleans’s service area, including Entergy’s electrical grid. The storm resulted in widespread power outages, including the loss of 100% of Entergy New Orleans’s load and damage to distribution and transmission infrastructure, including the loss of connectivity to the eastern interconnection. In September 2021, Entergy New Orleans withdrew $39 million from its funded storm reserves. In June 2022, Entergy New Orleans filed an application with the City Council requesting approval and certification that storm restoration costs associated with Hurricane Ida of approximately $170 million, which included $11 million in estimated costs, were reasonable, necessary, and prudently incurred to enable Entergy New Orleans to restore electric service to its customers and to repair Entergy New Orleans’s electric utility infrastructure. In addition, estimated carrying costs through December 2022 related to Hurricane Ida restoration costs were $9 million, which were subsequently included in an addendum to the June 2022 application. Also, Entergy New Orleans requested approval that the $39 million withdrawal from its funded storm reserve in September 2021, the $125 million withdrawal from its securitized storm reserve, and $7 million in excess storm reserve escrow withdrawals related to Hurricane Zeta and prior miscellaneous storms were properly applied to Hurricane Ida storm restoration costs.
In August 2023 the City Council advisors issued a report recommending that the City Council find that Entergy New Orleans prudently incurred approximately $164.1 million in storm restoration costs and $7.5 million in carrying charges and that such costs have already been properly recovered by Entergy New Orleans through withdrawals from the storm reserve escrow account. The City Council advisors also recommended that the City Council find that approximately $1.2 million in storm restoration costs had already been recovered through Entergy New Orleans’s base rates and that approximately $0.9 million in unused credits be applied against future storm costs. In August 2023 the City Council hearing officer certified the evidentiary record.
System Resilience and Storm Hardening
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in October 2021 the City Council passed a resolution and order establishing a docket and procedural schedule with respect to system resiliency and storm hardening. In July 2022, Entergy New Orleans filed with the City Council a response identifying a plan for storm hardening and resiliency projects, including microgrids, to be implemented over ten years at an approximate cost of $1.5 billion. In February 2023 the City Council approved a revised procedural schedule requiring Entergy New Orleans to make a filing containing a
165
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
narrowed list of proposed hardening projects, with final comments on that filing due July 2023. In April 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed the required application and supporting testimony seeking City Council approval of the first phase (five years and approximately $559 million) of a ten-year infrastructure hardening plan totaling approximately $1 billion. Entergy New Orleans also sought, among other relief, City Council approval of a rider to recover from customers the costs of the infrastructure hardening plan. In July 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed comments in support of its application.
State and Local Rate Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – State and Local Rate Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation. The following are updates to that discussion.
Retail Rates
2023 Formula Rate Plan Filing
In April 2023, Entergy New Orleans submitted to the City Council its formula rate plan 2022 test year filing. The 2022 test year evaluation report produced an electric earned return on equity of 7.34% and a gas earned return on equity of 3.52% compared to the authorized return on equity for each of 9.35%. Entergy New Orleans sought approval of a $25.6 million rate increase based on the formula set by the City Council in the 2018 rate case. The formula would result in an increase in authorized electric revenues of $17.4 million and an increase in authorized gas revenues of $8.2 million. Entergy New Orleans also sought to commence collecting $3.4 million in electric revenues that were previously approved by the City Council for collection through the formula rate plan. In July 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed a report to decrease its requested formula rate plan revenues by approximately $0.5 million to account for minor errors discovered after the filing. The City Council advisors issued a report seeking a reduction in the requested formula rate plan revenues of approximately $8.3 million, combined for electric and gas, due to alleged errors. The City Council advisors proposed additional rate mitigation in the amount of $12 million through offsets to the formula rate plan rate increase by certain regulatory liabilities. In September 2023 the City Council approved an agreement to settle the 2023 formula rate plan filing. Effective with the first billing cycle of September 2023, Entergy New Orleans implemented rates reflecting an amount agreed upon by Entergy New Orleans and the City Council, per the approved process for formula rate plan implementation. The agreement provides for a total increase in electric revenues of $10.5 million and a total increase in gas revenues of $6.9 million. The agreement also provides for a minor storm accrual of $0.5 million per year and the distribution of $8.9 million of currently held customer credits to implement the City Council advisors’ mitigation recommendations.
Request for Extension and Modification of Formula Rate Plan
In September 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed a motion seeking City Council approval of a three-year extension of Entergy New Orleans’s electric and gas formula rate plans. In October 2023 the City Council granted Entergy New Orleans’s request for an extension, subject to minor modifications which included a capital structure not to exceed 55% equity.
Reliability Investigation
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2018 the City Council adopted a resolution directing Entergy New Orleans to demonstrate that it has been prudent in the management and maintenance of the reliability of its distribution system. Entergy New Orleans responded to this resolution in June 2018 and filed a revised reliability plan with the City Council in July 2018. The City Council also approved a resolution that opened a prudence investigation into whether Entergy New Orleans was imprudent for not acting sooner to address outages in New Orleans and whether fines should be imposed. In January 2019, Entergy New Orleans filed testimony in response
166
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
to the prudence investigation asserting that it had been prudent in managing system reliability. In April 2019 the City Council advisors filed comments and testimony asserting that Entergy New Orleans did not act prudently in maintaining and improving its distribution system reliability in recent years and recommending that a financial penalty in the range of $1.5 million to $2 million should be assessed. Entergy New Orleans disagreed with the recommendation and submitted rebuttal testimony and rebuttal comments in June 2019. In November 2019 the City Council passed a resolution that penalized Entergy New Orleans $1 million for alleged imprudence in the maintenance of its distribution system. In December 2019, Entergy New Orleans filed suit in Louisiana state court seeking judicial review of the City Council’s resolution. In June 2022 the Orleans Civil District Court issued a written judgment that the penalty be set aside, reversed, and vacated. In August 2022 the Orleans Civil District Court issued written reasons for its judgment and also granted a post-judgment motion to remand for the City Council to take actions consistent with its judgment.
Also in August 2022 the City Council approved a resolution establishing a 30-day comment period on proposed minimum reliability standards and an associated penalty mechanism. In September 2022, Entergy New Orleans filed comments to the proposed plan including a request for an additional round of comments. In February 2023 the City Council approved a resolution adopting the proposed reliability standards, including a minimum annual performance level for Entergy New Orleans’s distribution system, as well as associated penalty mechanisms. In April 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed the compliance filings required by the resolution for calendar year 2023. The first year for which the City Council may assess a penalty for distribution system reliability performance is calendar year 2024.
In April 2023 the City Council approved a resolution that established a procedural schedule to allow for the submission of additional evidence regarding the penalty imposed in 2019. In May 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed with the Orleans Civil District Court a petition for judicial review and (or alternatively) declaratory judgment of, together with a request for injunctive relief from, the City Council’s April 2023 resolution. In June 2023 the City Council filed exceptions requesting the Orleans Civil District Court dismiss the suit as premature, and a hearing date was set on the exceptions. In September 2023, Entergy New Orleans filed an unopposed motion to continue the hearing on the City Council’s exceptions without date, which was granted. Entergy New Orleans expects to file its opposition to the City Council’s exceptions by the applicable deadlines.
Renewable Portfolio Standard Rulemaking
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in May 2021 the City Council approved the draft rule, as amended, establishing the Renewable and Clean Portfolio Standard. In May 2023, Entergy New Orleans submitted its compliance demonstration report to the City Council for the 2022 compliance year, which describes and demonstrates Entergy New Orleans’s compliance with the Renewable and Clean Portfolio Standard in 2022 and satisfies certain informational requirements. Entergy New Orleans requested, among other things, that the City Council determine that Entergy New Orleans achieved the target under the portfolio standard for 2022 and remains within the customer protection cost cap, and that the City Council approve a proposal to recover costs associated with 2022 compliance. In July 2023 intervenors filed comments on the compliance demonstration report, and Entergy New Orleans responded to those comments in August 2023.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for further discussion of nuclear matters.
167
Entergy New Orleans, LLC and Subsidiaries
Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy New Orleans’s accounting for utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
168
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $235,280 | $262,904 | $573,191 | $641,634 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural gas | 19,036 | 28,759 | 77,961 | 102,550 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 254,316 | 291,663 | 651,152 | 744,184 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 28,922 | 81,847 | 99,920 | 180,059 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | 68,115 | 88,103 | 200,664 | 227,661 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 45,273 | 38,806 | 117,461 | 116,173 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 17,251 | 12,920 | 48,155 | 41,353 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,831 | 19,556 | 60,470 | 57,322 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | 4,946 | 5,452 | 6,133 | 14,991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 185,338 | 246,684 | 532,803 | 637,559 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 68,978 | 44,979 | 118,349 | 106,625 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 332 | 396 | 1,062 | 316 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 1,535 | 215 | 5,986 | 307 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (1,943) | (184) | (2,687) | 766 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | (76) | 427 | 4,361 | 1,389 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 9,171 | 8,683 | 28,793 | 26,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (161) | (215) | (516) | (255) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 9,010 | 8,468 | 28,277 | 25,820 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 59,892 | 36,938 | 94,433 | 82,194 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 16,347 | 10,023 | 26,889 | 20,607 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | $43,545 | $26,915 | $67,544 | $61,587 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
169
(Page left blank intentionally)
170
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $67,544 | $61,587 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 60,470 | 57,322 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 23,529 | 22,429 | ||||||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables | 5,119 | (9,022) | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory | 2,909 | (3,245) | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | (28,968) | 3,319 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 734 | (4,241) | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 2,195 | (204) | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 8,025 | (33,301) | ||||||||||||
Other working capital accounts | 14,598 | (5,973) | ||||||||||||
Provisions for estimated losses | 6,585 | 8,409 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | 8,597 | 24,449 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 17,878 | (8,921) | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (4,506) | (6,598) | ||||||||||||
Other assets and liabilities | 923 | (9,816) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 185,632 | 96,194 | ||||||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Construction expenditures | (128,477) | (163,403) | ||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 1,062 | 316 | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | 135,427 | 35,977 | ||||||||||||
Changes in securitization account | (3,437) | (3,474) | ||||||||||||
Increase in other investments | (2,661) | — | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities | 1,914 | (130,584) | ||||||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 14,630 | — | ||||||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (106,073) | (5,916) | ||||||||||||
Contributions from customer for construction | 15,000 | 15,000 | ||||||||||||
Other | (760) | 425 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities | (77,203) | 9,509 | ||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 110,343 | (24,881) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 4,464 | 42,862 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $114,807 | $17,981 | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $25,545 | $25,231 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | $1,600 | $— | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
171
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $435 | $27 | ||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | 114,372 | 4,437 | ||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 114,807 | 4,464 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 5,672 | 2,235 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Customer | 91,353 | 93,288 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (9,213) | (11,909) | ||||||||||||
Associated companies | 13,531 | 149,927 | ||||||||||||
Other | 5,415 | 6,110 | ||||||||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 33,068 | 37,284 | ||||||||||||
Total accounts receivable | 134,154 | 274,700 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 2,128 | 10,153 | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 2,963 | 5,872 | ||||||||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 26,998 | 22,498 | ||||||||||||
Prepayments and other | 13,884 | 6,312 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 300,606 | 326,234 | ||||||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||||
Non-utility property at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 832 | 1,050 | ||||||||||||
Storm reserve escrow account | 77,712 | 75,000 | ||||||||||||
Other | 624 | 675 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 79,168 | 76,725 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||||||||
Electric | 2,010,846 | 1,934,837 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas | 400,808 | 390,252 | ||||||||||||
Construction work in progress | 31,152 | 39,607 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 2,442,806 | 2,364,696 | ||||||||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 842,197 | 808,224 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 1,600,609 | 1,556,472 | ||||||||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 4,080 | 4,080 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $3,550 as of September 30, 2023 and $13,363 as of December 31, 2022) | 193,515 | 202,112 | ||||||||||||
Other | 54,278 | 46,778 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 251,873 | 252,970 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $2,232,256 | $2,212,401 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
172
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $85,000 | $170,000 | ||||||||||||
Payable due to associated company | 1,306 | 1,306 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 40,883 | 53,258 | ||||||||||||
Other | 34,283 | 57,291 | ||||||||||||
Customer deposits | 32,310 | 31,826 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 11,042 | 10,308 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 10,275 | 8,080 | ||||||||||||
Other | 32,899 | 6,560 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 247,998 | 338,629 | ||||||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 405,836 | 385,259 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 16,463 | 16,481 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 42,028 | 39,738 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 36,323 | 20,735 | ||||||||||||
Asset retirement cost liabilities | 4,539 | — | ||||||||||||
Accumulated provisions | 93,633 | 87,048 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $11,806 as of September 30, 2023 and $17,697 as of December 31, 2022) | 590,417 | 596,047 | ||||||||||||
Long-term payable due to associated company | 8,279 | 8,279 | ||||||||||||
Other | 16,380 | 17,369 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,213,898 | 1,170,956 | ||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
Member's equity | 770,360 | 702,816 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 770,360 | 702,816 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $2,232,256 | $2,212,401 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
173
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBER'S EQUITY | |||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||
(Unaudited) | |||||
Member's Equity | |||||
(In Thousands) | |||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $638,715 | ||||
Net income | 15,126 | ||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | 653,841 | ||||
Net income | 19,546 | ||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 673,387 | ||||
Net income | 26,915 | ||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $700,302 | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $702,816 | ||||
Net income | 10,142 | ||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | 712,958 | ||||
Net income | 13,857 | ||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 726,815 | ||||
Net income | 43,545 | ||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $770,360 | ||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
174
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of Operations
Net Income
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Net income increased $32.1 million primarily due to higher volume/weather and higher retail electric price, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Net income increased $14.3 million primarily due to higher retail electric price, lower other operation and maintenance expenses, and higher other income. The increase was partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expenses, the recognition of the equity component of carrying costs as part of the securitization of the Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Winter Storm Uri system restoration costs in April 2022, higher taxes other than income taxes, and higher interest expense.
Operating Revenues
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the third quarter 2023 to the third quarter 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $659.6 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (105.3) | ||||
Return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers | 10.3 | ||||
Retail electric price | 25.8 | ||||
Volume/weather | 26.2 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $616.6 |
Entergy Texas’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers resulted from the return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes through a rider effective October 2018 in response to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In third quarter 2022, $10.3 million was returned to customers through reductions in operating revenues. There was no return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers for third quarter 2023. There was no effect on net income as the reductions in operating revenues were offset by reductions in income tax expense. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
175
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in the annual base rate, including the realignment of the costs previously being collected through the distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider to base rates, effective June 2023 on an interim basis and approved by the PUCT in August 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of more favorable weather on residential sales and an increase in weather-adjusted residential usage. The increase in weather-adjusted residential usage was primarily due to an increase in customers.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Texas for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 2,474 | 2,125 | 16 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 1,485 | 1,416 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 2,459 | 2,538 | (3) | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 73 | 77 | (5) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 6,491 | 6,156 | 5 | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 128 | 127 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Total | 6,619 | 6,283 | 5 |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Texas’s operating revenues.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Amount | |||||
(In Millions) | |||||
2022 operating revenues | $1,696.6 | ||||
Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income | (165.5) | ||||
System restoration carrying costs | (21.7) | ||||
Volume/weather | 4.8 | ||||
Return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers | 24.0 | ||||
Retail electric price | 50.3 | ||||
2023 operating revenues | $1,588.5 |
Entergy Texas’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.
176
System restoration carrying costs represent the equity component of system restoration carrying costs, recorded in second quarter 2022, recognized as part of the securitization of the Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Delta, and Winter Storm Uri system restoration costs in April 2022. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the securitization.
The volume/weather variance is primarily due to an increase in residential usage resulting from an increase in customers.
The return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers resulted from the return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes through a rider effective October 2018 in response to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In the nine months ended September 30, 2022, $24 million was returned to customers through reductions in operating revenues. There was no return of unprotected excess accumulated deferred income taxes to customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. There was no effect on net income as the reductions in operating revenues were offset by reductions in income tax expense. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in the annual base rate, including the realignment of the costs previously being collected through the distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider to base rates, effective June 2023 on an interim basis and approved by the PUCT in August 2023. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case.
Total electric energy sales for Entergy Texas for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||||||||||||||
(GWh) | |||||||||||||||||
Residential | 5,388 | 5,345 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Commercial | 3,726 | 3,706 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
Industrial | 7,051 | 7,291 | (3) | ||||||||||||||
Governmental | 203 | 207 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
Total retail | 16,368 | 16,549 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Sales for resale: | |||||||||||||||||
Associated companies | — | 279 | (100) | ||||||||||||||
Non-associated companies | 367 | 432 | (15) | ||||||||||||||
Total | 16,735 | 17,260 | (3) |
See Note 13 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Texas’s operating revenues.
Other Income Statement Variances
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to an increase in depreciation rates effective with an interim increase in the annual base rate in June 2023, which was approved by the PUCT in August 2023, and additions to plant in service. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case filing.
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net includes the reversal in third quarter 2023 of $21.9 million of regulatory liabilities to reflect the recognition of certain receipts by Entergy Texas under affiliated PPAs that have
177
been resolved. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case.
Other income increased primarily due to an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023, including the Orange County Advanced Power Station project, and higher interest earned on money pool investments.
Interest expense increased primarily due to the issuance of $350 million of 5.80% Series mortgage bonds in August 2023 and the issuance of $325 million of 5.00% Series mortgage bonds in August 2022, partially offset by an increase in the allowance for borrowed funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023, including the Orange County Advanced Power Station project.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Other operation and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to:
•a decrease of $7.3 million in transmission costs allocated by MISO;
•a gain of $6.9 million on the partial sale of a service center in April 2023 as part of an eminent domain proceeding; and
•a decrease of $4.3 million in non-nuclear generation expenses primarily due to a lower scope of work performed in 2023 as compared to prior year.
Taxes other than income taxes increased primarily due to increases in ad valorem taxes resulting from higher assessments.
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to an increase in depreciation rates effective with an interim increase in the annual base rate in June 2023, which was approved by the PUCT in August 2023, and additions to plant in service. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case filing.
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net includes the reversal in third quarter 2023 of $21.9 million of regulatory liabilities to reflect the recognition of certain receipts by Entergy Texas under affiliated PPAs that have been resolved. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2022 base rate case.
Other income increased primarily due to an increase in the allowance for equity funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023, including the Orange County Advanced Power Station project, and higher interest earned on money pool investments.
Interest expense increased primarily due to the issuance of $325 million of 5.00% Series mortgage bonds in August 2022 and the issuance of $350 million of 5.80% Series mortgage bonds in August 2023, partially offset by an increase in the allowance for borrowed funds used during construction due to higher construction work in progress in 2023, including the Orange County Advanced Power Station project.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 20.1% for the third quarter 2023 and 19.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2023 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items.
178
The effective income tax rates were 14.4% for the third quarter 2022 and 13.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2022 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes and certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items. See Note 10 to the financial statements herein and Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the effects of and regulatory activity regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Income Tax Legislation and Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Income Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. See the “Income Tax Legislation and Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for updates to the discussion of income tax legislation and regulation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $3,497 | $28 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | 498,457 | 224,735 | |||||||||
Investing activities | (608,945) | (487,729) | |||||||||
Financing activities | 357,787 | 477,070 | |||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 247,299 | 214,076 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $250,796 | $214,104 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities increased $273.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to the timing of recovery of fuel and purchased power costs and the timing of payments to vendors. The increase was partially offset by an increase of $29.4 million in income taxes paid in 2023 as a result of higher estimated income tax payments in comparison to 2022. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of fuel and purchased power cost recovery.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities increased $121.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to an increase of $178.7 million in non-nuclear generation construction expenditures primarily due to higher spending on the Orange County Advanced Power Station project and an increase of $51.4 million in transmission construction expenditures primarily due to increased investment in the reliability and infrastructure of Entergy Texas's transmission system. The increase was partially offset by:
•money pool activity;
179
•cash collateral of $31.2 million posted in 2022 to support Entergy Texas’s obligations to MISO; and
•the partial sale of a service center in April 2023 for $11 million as part of an eminent domain proceeding.
Decreases in Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow, and Entergy Texas’s receivable from the money pool decreased $73.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to increasing by $5.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
Net cash flow provided by financing activities decreased $119.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to the issuance of $325 million of 5.00% Series mortgage bonds in August 2022 and the issuance of $290.85 million of senior secured system restoration bonds in April 2022. The decrease was partially offset by:
•the issuance of $350 million of 5.80% Series mortgage bonds in August 2023;
•money pool activity;
•principal payments of $54.3 million on Entergy Texas’s 4.38% Series senior secured transition bonds in 2022 as compared to principal payments of $8.9 million on Entergy Texas’s 3.051% Series senior secured system restoration bonds in 2023; and
•an increase of $17.3 million in prepaid deposits related to contributions-in-aid-of-construction for generation interconnection agreements.
Decreases in Entergy Texas’s payable to the money pool are a use of cash flow, and Entergy Texas’s payable to the money pool decreased $79.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Capital Structure
Entergy Texas’s debt to capital ratio is shown in the following table.
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Debt to capital | 52.3 | % | 52.0 | % | |||||||
Effect of excluding securitization bonds | (2.2 | %) | (2.5 | %) | |||||||
Debt to capital, excluding securitization bonds (non-GAAP) (a) | 50.1 | % | 49.5 | % | |||||||
Effect of subtracting cash | (2.2 | %) | — | % | |||||||
Net debt to net capital, excluding securitization bonds (non-GAAP) (a) | 47.9 | % | 49.5 | % |
(a)Calculation excludes the securitization bonds, which are non-recourse to Entergy Texas.
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of finance lease obligations and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. The debt to capital ratio excluding securitization bonds and net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds are non-GAAP measures. Entergy Texas uses the debt to capital ratios excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial condition and believes they provide useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Texas’s financial condition because the securitization bonds are non-recourse to Entergy Texas, as more fully described in Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K. Entergy Texas also uses the net debt to net capital ratio excluding securitization bonds in analyzing its financial
180
condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating Entergy Texas’s financial condition because net debt indicates Entergy Texas’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of Entergy Texas’s uses and sources of capital. The following are updates to information provided in the Form 10-K.
Entergy Texas is developing its capital investment plan for 2024 through 2026 and currently anticipates making $4.7 billion in capital investments during that period. The preliminary estimate includes investments in generation projects to modernize, decarbonize, and diversify Entergy Texas’s portfolio, including Orange County Advanced Power Station; distribution and Utility support spending to improve reliability, resilience, and customer experience; transmission spending to drive reliability and resilience while also supporting renewables expansion and customer growth; and other investments. Estimated capital expenditures are subject to periodic review and modification and may vary based on the ongoing effects of regulatory constraints and requirements, government actions, environmental compliance, business opportunities, market volatility, economic trends, business restructuring, changes in project plans, and the ability to access capital.
Entergy Texas’s receivables from or (payables to) the money pool were as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$25,808 | $99,468 | $5,146 | ($79,594) |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
Entergy Texas has a credit facility in the amount of $150 million scheduled to expire in June 2028. The credit facility includes fronting commitments for the issuance of letters of credit against $30 million of the borrowing capacity of the facility. As of September 30, 2023, there were no cash borrowings and $1.1 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. In addition, Entergy Texas is a party to an uncommitted letter of credit facility as a means to post collateral to support its obligations to MISO. As of September 30, 2023, $12.8 million in letters of credit were outstanding under Entergy Texas’s uncommitted letter of credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the credit facilities.
State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - State and Local Rate Regulation and Fuel-Cost Recovery” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of state and local rate regulation and fuel-cost recovery. The following are updates to that discussion.
Retail Rates
2022 Base Rate Case
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in July 2022, Entergy Texas filed a base rate case with the PUCT seeking a net increase in base rates of approximately $131.4 million. The base rate case was based on a 12-month test year ending December 31, 2021. Key drivers of the requested increase were changes in depreciation rates as the result of a depreciation study and an increase in the return on equity. In addition, Entergy Texas included capital additions placed into service for the period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2021, including those additions reflected
181
in the then-effective distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider, all of which have been reset to zero as a result of this proceeding.
In May 2023, Entergy Texas filed on behalf of the parties an unopposed settlement resolving all issues in the proceeding, except for issues related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and Entergy Texas filed an agreed motion for interim rates, subject to refund or surcharge to the extent that the interim rates differ from the final approved rates. The unopposed settlement reflected a net base rate increase to be effective and relate back to December 2022 of $54 million, exclusive of, and incremental to, the costs being realigned from the distribution and transmission cost recovery factor riders and the generation cost recovery rider and $4.8 million of rate case expenses to be recovered through a rider over a period of 36 months. The net base rate increase of $54 million includes updated depreciation rates and a total annual revenue requirement of $14.5 million for the accrual of a self-insured storm reserve and the recovery of the regulatory assets for the pension and postretirement benefits expense deferral, costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and retired non-advanced metering system electric meters. In May 2023 the ALJ with the State Office of Administrative Hearings granted the motion for interim rates, which became effective in June 2023. Additionally, the ALJ remanded the proceeding, except for the issues related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to the PUCT to consider the settlement. In June 2023 the ALJ issued a proposal for decision related to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure issues and which noted recent legislation enacted which permits electric utilities to own and operate such infrastructure. The ALJ’s proposal for decision deferred to the PUCT regarding whether it is appropriate for any vertically integrated electric utility, or Entergy Texas specifically, to own electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and in the event that the PUCT decided ownership is permissible, the ALJ recommended approval of the proposed tariff to charge host customers for utility-owned and operated electric vehicle charging infrastructure sited on customer premises and denial of the proposed tariff to temporarily adjust billing demand charges for separately metered electric vehicle charging infrastructure, citing cost-shifting concerns. In July 2023 the parties filed exceptions and replies to exceptions to the proposal for decision. In August 2023 the PUCT issued an order approving the unopposed settlement and also issued an order severing the issues related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure addressed in the ALJ’s proposal for decision to a separate proceeding. Concurrently, Entergy Texas recorded the reversal of $21.9 million of regulatory liabilities to reflect the recognition of certain receipts by Entergy Texas under affiliated PPAs that have been resolved.
Following the PUCT’s approval of the unopposed settlement in August 2023, Entergy Texas recorded a regulatory liability of $8.9 million, which reflects the net effects of higher depreciation and amortizations for the relate back period, partially offset by the relate back of base rate revenues that would have been collected had the approved rates been in effect for the period from December 2022 through June 2023, the date the new base rates were implemented on an interim basis. In October 2023, Entergy Texas filed a relate back surcharge rider to collect over six months beginning in January 2024 an additional approximately $24.6 million, which is the revenue requirement associated with the relate back of rates from December 2022 through June 2023, including carrying costs, as authorized by the PUCT’s August 2023 order. A final decision by the PUCT is expected by first quarter 2024.
Generation Cost Recovery Rider
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in August 2022 the PUCT approved a unanimous settlement agreement adjusting Entergy Texas’s generation cost recovery rider to recover an annual revenue requirement of approximately $92.8 million related to Entergy Texas’s actual investment in the acquisition of the Hardin County Peaking Facility, and rates became effective. In September 2022, Entergy Texas filed a relate-back rider designed to collect over three months an additional approximately $5.7 million, which is the revenue requirement, plus carrying costs, associated with Entergy Texas’s acquisition of Hardin County Peaking Facility from June 2021 through August 2022 when the updated revenue requirement took effect. In April 2023 the PUCT approved Entergy Texas’s as-filed request with rates effective over three months beginning in May 2023.
182
COVID-19 Orders
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2020 the PUCT authorized electric utilities to record as a regulatory asset expenses resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pursuant to the August 2023 PUCT approval of the unopposed settlement in Entergy Texas’s 2022 base rate case proceeding, the base rate increase of $54 million includes an annual revenue requirement of $3.4 million related to recovery of the regulatory asset for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Entergy Texas began recovery of the regulatory asset with the interim increase in the annual base rate effective in June 2023.
Fuel and purchased power recovery
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in September 2022, Entergy Texas filed an application with the PUCT to reconcile its fuel and purchased power costs for the period from April 2019 through March 2022. During the reconciliation period, Entergy Texas incurred approximately $1.7 billion in eligible fuel and purchased power expenses, net of certain revenues credited to such expenses and other adjustments. As of the end of the reconciliation period, Entergy Texas’s cumulative under-recovery balance was approximately $103.1 million, including interest, which Entergy Texas requested authority to carry over as the beginning balance for the subsequent reconciliation period beginning April 2022, pending future surcharges or refunds as approved by the PUCT. In November 2022 the PUCT referred the proceeding to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. In March 2023 municipal intervenors filed testimony proposing a $5.2 million disallowance for fuel purchased during Winter Storm Uri. The PUCT staff proposed no disallowance. Entergy Texas filed rebuttal testimony in April 2023. In May 2023, Entergy Texas filed, and the ALJ with the State Office of Administrative Hearings granted, a joint motion to abate the proceeding to give parties additional time to finalize a settlement and cancelling the hearing on the merits previously scheduled for May 2023. In July 2023, Entergy Texas filed an unopposed settlement, supporting testimony, and an agreed motion to admit evidence and remand the proceeding to the PUCT. Pursuant to the unopposed settlement, Entergy Texas would receive no disallowance of fuel costs incurred over the three-year reconciliation period and retain $9.3 million in margins from off-system sales made during the reconciliation period, resulting in a cumulative under-recovery balance of approximately $99.7 million, including interest, as of the end of the reconciliation period. In July 2023 the ALJ with the State Office of Administrative Hearings granted the motion to admit evidence and remanded the proceeding to the PUCT for consideration of the unopposed settlement. The PUCT approved the settlement in September 2023.
Federal Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Federal Regulation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for discussion of nuclear matters.
Industrial and Commercial Customers
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Industrial and Commercial Customers” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of industrial and commercial customers.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
183
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in Entergy Texas’s accounting for utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
184
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $616,595 | $659,556 | $1,588,531 | $1,696,629 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 94,099 | 113,154 | 325,155 | 247,929 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased power | 131,927 | 208,703 | 352,568 | 564,809 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 85,929 | 83,014 | 213,430 | 230,580 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 28,372 | 29,886 | 85,085 | 73,817 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 76,888 | 58,472 | 202,288 | 171,781 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (5,909) | 8,072 | 6,541 | 43,917 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 411,306 | 501,301 | 1,185,067 | 1,332,833 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME | 205,289 | 158,255 | 403,464 | 363,796 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 7,244 | 3,616 | 19,093 | 9,375 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income | 2,741 | 1,062 | 5,004 | 1,597 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (619) | (1,655) | (2,121) | (1,757) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 9,366 | 3,023 | 21,976 | 9,215 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 29,524 | 24,613 | 83,333 | 68,626 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (2,714) | (1,218) | (7,127) | (3,150) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 26,810 | 23,395 | 76,206 | 65,476 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 187,845 | 137,883 | 349,234 | 307,535 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 37,756 | 19,881 | 69,015 | 41,645 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME | 150,089 | 118,002 | 280,219 | 265,890 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred dividend requirements | 518 | 518 | 1,554 | 1,554 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
EARNINGS APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK | $149,571 | $117,484 | $278,665 | $264,336 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
185
(Page left blank intentionally)
186
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Net income | $280,219 | $265,890 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 202,288 | 171,781 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 57,279 | 57,532 | ||||||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables | (40,609) | (63,743) | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory | (25,734) | 16,868 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | (9,871) | 77,740 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | (29,995) | 2,520 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 13,612 | (4,832) | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 97,451 | (273,644) | ||||||||||||
Other working capital accounts | (23,042) | (11,927) | ||||||||||||
Provisions for estimated losses | 511 | (414) | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | (17,997) | (130,042) | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | (13,111) | (23,014) | ||||||||||||
Effect of securitization on regulatory asset | — | 153,383 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (8,961) | (12,458) | ||||||||||||
Other assets and liabilities | 16,417 | (905) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 498,457 | 224,735 | ||||||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Construction expenditures | (711,382) | (469,630) | ||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 19,093 | 9,375 | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of assets | 11,000 | — | ||||||||||||
Litigation proceeds from settlement agreement | — | 4,134 | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | 73,660 | (5,146) | ||||||||||||
Changes in securitization account | (1,402) | 4,698 | ||||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in other investments | 86 | (31,160) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (608,945) | (487,729) | ||||||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 344,966 | 606,444 | ||||||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (8,856) | (54,257) | ||||||||||||
Change in money pool payable - net | — | (79,594) | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends paid | (1,554) | (1,542) | ||||||||||||
Other | 23,231 | 6,019 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by financing activities | 357,787 | 477,070 | ||||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 247,299 | 214,076 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 3,497 | 28 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $250,796 | $214,104 | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $67,605 | $71,311 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | $30,500 | $1,085 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
187
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $1,235 | $500 | ||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | 249,561 | 2,997 | ||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 250,796 | 3,497 | ||||||||||||
Securitization recovery trust account | 12,281 | 10,879 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Customer | 141,865 | 115,955 | ||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | (2,397) | (2,352) | ||||||||||||
Associated companies | 32,915 | 115,549 | ||||||||||||
Other | 29,145 | 21,587 | ||||||||||||
Accrued unbilled revenues | 85,368 | 69,208 | ||||||||||||
Total accounts receivable | 286,896 | 319,947 | ||||||||||||
Deferred fuel costs | 160,664 | 258,115 | ||||||||||||
Fuel inventory - at average cost | 52,484 | 26,750 | ||||||||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 103,683 | 93,031 | ||||||||||||
Prepayments and other | 30,324 | 20,568 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 897,128 | 732,787 | ||||||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||||
Investments in affiliates - at equity | 225 | 250 | ||||||||||||
Non-utility property - at cost (less accumulated depreciation) | 376 | 376 | ||||||||||||
Other | 17,041 | 18,975 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 17,642 | 19,601 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||||||||
Electric | 7,734,635 | 7,409,461 | ||||||||||||
Construction work in progress | 784,116 | 339,139 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 8,518,751 | 7,748,600 | ||||||||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 2,310,663 | 2,135,400 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 6,208,088 | 5,613,200 | ||||||||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets (includes securitization property of $253,952 as of September 30, 2023 and $269,523 as of December 31, 2022) | 596,679 | 578,682 | ||||||||||||
Other | 102,743 | 99,694 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 699,422 | 678,376 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $7,822,280 | $7,043,964 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
188
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||||||||
Associated companies | $67,665 | $70,321 | ||||||||||||
Other | 200,767 | 201,982 | ||||||||||||
Customer deposits | 39,459 | 38,764 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 63,038 | 93,033 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 37,540 | 23,928 | ||||||||||||
Other | 14,089 | 16,963 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 422,558 | 444,991 | ||||||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 814,181 | 744,227 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 8,150 | 8,711 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 121,472 | 132,647 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 43,311 | 45,247 | ||||||||||||
Asset retirement cost liabilities | 11,584 | 11,121 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated provisions | 8,104 | 7,593 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt (includes securitization bonds of $266,480 as of September 30, 2023 and $275,064 as of December 31, 2022) | 3,233,614 | 2,895,913 | ||||||||||||
Other | 201,180 | 74,053 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 4,441,596 | 3,919,512 | ||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 46,525,000 shares in 2023 and 2022 | 49,452 | 49,452 | ||||||||||||
Paid-in capital | 1,050,125 | 1,050,125 | ||||||||||||
Retained earnings | 1,819,799 | 1,541,134 | ||||||||||||
Total common shareholder's equity | 2,919,376 | 2,640,711 | ||||||||||||
Preferred stock without sinking fund | 38,750 | 38,750 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 2,958,126 | 2,679,461 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $7,822,280 | $7,043,964 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
189
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $38,750 | $49,452 | $1,050,125 | $1,344,879 | $2,483,206 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 50,403 | 50,403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | (518) | (518) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | 38,750 | 49,452 | 1,050,125 | 1,394,764 | 2,533,091 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 97,485 | 97,485 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | (518) | (518) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 38,750 | 49,452 | 1,050,125 | 1,491,731 | 2,630,058 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 118,002 | 118,002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | (518) | (518) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $38,750 | $49,452 | $1,050,125 | $1,609,215 | $2,747,542 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $38,750 | $49,452 | $1,050,125 | $1,541,134 | $2,679,461 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 41,673 | 41,673 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | (518) | (518) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | 38,750 | 49,452 | 1,050,125 | 1,582,289 | 2,720,616 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 88,457 | 88,457 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | (518) | (518) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 38,750 | 49,452 | 1,050,125 | 1,670,228 | 2,808,555 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 150,089 | 150,089 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | (518) | (518) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $38,750 | $49,452 | $1,050,125 | $1,819,799 | $2,958,126 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
190
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.
MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
System Energy’s principal asset currently consists of an ownership interest and a leasehold interest in Grand Gulf. The capacity and energy from its 90% interest is sold under the Unit Power Sales Agreement to its only four customers, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans. System Energy’s operating revenues are derived from the allocation of the capacity, energy, and related costs associated with its 90% interest in Grand Gulf pursuant to the Unit Power Sales Agreement. Payments under the Unit Power Sales Agreement are System Energy’s only source of operating revenues. As discussed in “Complaints Against System Energy” below and in Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, System Energy and the Unit Power Sales Agreement are currently the subject of several litigation proceedings at the FERC, including challenges with respect to System Energy’s authorized return on equity and capital structure, renewal of its sale-leaseback arrangement, treatment of uncertain tax positions, a broader investigation of rates under the Unit Power Sales Agreement, and two prudence complaints, one challenging the extended power uprate completed at Grand Gulf in 2012 and the operation and management of Grand Gulf, particularly in the 2016-2020 time period, and the second challenging the operation and management of Grand Gulf in the 2021-2022 time period. The claims in these proceedings include claims for refunds and claims for rate adjustments; the aggregate amount of refunds claimed in these proceedings substantially exceeds the net book value of System Energy. The settlement in principle with the APSC described in “Complaints Against System Energy - System Energy Settlement with the APSC” below, if approved by the FERC, will substantially reduce the aggregate amount of this exposure. In the event of an adverse decision in one or more of these proceedings requiring the payment of substantial additional refunds, System Energy would be required to seek financing to pay such refunds which may not be available on terms acceptable to System Energy, or may not be available at all, when required.
Results of Operations
Net Income
Third Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2022
Net income remained relatively unchanged, increasing $0.3 million, for the third quarter 2023 compared to the third quarter 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in operating revenues resulting from changes in rate base, substantially offset by the disallowance of the recovery of sale-leaseback renewal costs from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans per the December 2022 FERC order related to the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback renewal complaint. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback renewal complaint.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
System Energy had net income of $81 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to a net loss of $321.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to a regulatory charge of $551 million ($413 million net-of-tax) recorded in the second quarter 2022 to reflect the effects of the partial settlement agreement and offer of settlement related to pending proceedings before the FERC. The increase was partially offset by the disallowance of the recovery of sale-leaseback lease renewal costs from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans per the December 2022 FERC order related to the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback renewal complaint and the lower authorized rate of return on equity and capital structure limitations on monthly bills issued to Entergy Mississippi per the June 2022 settlement agreement with the MPSC. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the partial settlement agreement. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback renewal complaint.
191
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rates were 22.5% for the third quarter 2023 and 22.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2023 and the nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, partially offset by certain book and tax differences related to utility plant items and book and tax differences related to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.
The effective income tax rates were 11% for the third quarter 2022 and 26.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The differences in the effective income tax rates for the third quarter 2022 and the nine months ended September 30, 2022 versus the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the accrual for state income taxes, which included an adjustment to the amortization of state investment tax credits recorded in the third quarter 2022.
Income Tax Legislation and Regulation
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Income Tax Legislation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. See the “Income Tax Legislation and Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis herein for updates to the discussion of income tax legislation and regulation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | $2,940 | $89,201 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |||||||||||
Operating activities | 155,190 | 177,739 | |||||||||
Investing activities | (27,165) | (118,663) | |||||||||
Financing activities | (35,172) | 46,958 | |||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 92,853 | 106,034 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $95,793 | $195,235 |
Operating Activities
Net cash flow provided by operating activities decreased $22.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
•aggregate refunds of $103.5 million made in January 2023 related to the sale-leaseback renewal costs and depreciation litigation as calculated in System Energy’s January 2023 compliance report filed with the FERC. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for further discussion of these refunds and the related proceedings; and
•refunds of $19.3 million included in May 2023 service month bills under the Unit Power Sales Agreement to reflect the effects of the partial settlement agreement approved by the FERC in April 2023. See Note 2 to
192
the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the Unit Power Sales Agreement complaint.
The decrease was partially offset by a decrease in spending of $36.7 million on nuclear refueling outages in 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022 and the timing of collections of receivables.
Investing Activities
Net cash flow used in investing activities decreased $91.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due:
•a decrease of $53.1 million in nuclear construction expenditures primarily due to higher spending in 2022 for Grand Gulf outage projects and upgrades;
•a decrease of $38.2 million as a result of fluctuations in nuclear fuel activity due to variations from year to year in the timing and pricing of fuel reload requirements, material and services deliveries, and the timing of cash payments during the nuclear fuel cycle; and
•money pool activity.
The decrease was partially offset by a decrease of $12.1 million in decommissioning trust fund investment activity.
Decreases in System Energy’s receivable from the money pool are a source of cash flow and System Energy’s receivable from the money pool decreased $85.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to decreasing by $70.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The money pool is an intercompany borrowing arrangement designed to reduce the Utility subsidiaries’ need for external short-term borrowings.
Financing Activities
System Energy’s financing activities used $35.2 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to providing $47 million of cash for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to the following activity:
•the repayment, at maturity, of $250 million of 4.10% Series mortgage bonds in April 2023;
•the issuance of a $50 million term loan in May 2022, which was repaid, prior to maturity, in March 2023;
•net repayments of $43.4 million in 2023 compared to net long-term borrowings of $47.8 million in 2022 on the nuclear fuel company variable interest entity’s credit facilities;
•the repayment, at maturity, of $50.3 million of 2.5% Series governmental bonds in April 2022; and
•the issuance of $325 million of 6.00% Series mortgage bonds in March 2023.
See Note 4 to the financial statements herein and Note 5 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for more details on long-term debt.
Capital Structure
System Energy’s debt to capital ratio is shown in the following table. The decrease in the debt to capital ratio is primarily due to net income in 2023 and the net retirement of long-term debt in 2023.
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Debt to capital | 42.0 | % | 45.0 | % | |||||||
Effect of subtracting cash | (3.3 | %) | (0.1 | %) | |||||||
Net debt to net capital (non-GAAP) | 38.7 | % | 44.9 | % |
193
Net debt consists of debt less cash and cash equivalents. Debt consists of short-term borrowings and long-term debt, including the currently maturing portion. Capital consists of debt and common equity. Net capital consists of capital less cash and cash equivalents. System Energy uses the debt to capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating System Energy’s financial condition. The net debt to net capital ratio is a non-GAAP measure. System Energy uses the net debt to net capital ratio in analyzing its financial condition and believes it provides useful information to its investors and creditors in evaluating System Energy’s financial condition because net debt indicates System Energy’s outstanding debt position that could not be readily satisfied by cash and cash equivalents on hand.
Uses and Sources of Capital
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of System Energy’s uses and sources of capital. The following are updates to the information provided in the Form 10-K.
System Energy is developing its capital investment plan for 2024 through 2026 and currently anticipates making $460 million in capital investments during that period. The preliminary estimate includes amounts associated with Grand Gulf investments and initiatives.
System Energy’s receivables from the money pool were as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
$9,772 | $94,981 | $4,802 | $75,745 |
See Note 4 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the money pool.
The System Energy nuclear fuel company variable interest entity has a credit facility in the amount of $120 million scheduled to expire in June 2025. As of September 30, 2023, $29.2 million in loans were outstanding under the System Energy nuclear fuel company variable interest entity credit facility. See Note 4 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of the variable interest entity credit facility.
Federal Regulation
See the “Rate, Cost-recovery, and Other Regulation - Federal Regulation” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis in the Form 10-K and Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for a discussion of federal regulation.
Complaints Against System Energy
See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for information regarding pending complaints against System Energy. The following are updates to that discussion.
Return on Equity and Capital Structure Complaints
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021 the FERC ALJ issued an initial decision in the proceeding initiated by the LPSC, the MPSC, the APSC, and the City Council against System Energy regarding the return on equity component of the Unit Power Sales Agreement. With regard to System Energy’s authorized return on equity, the ALJ determined that the existing return on equity of 10.94% is no longer just and reasonable, and that the replacement authorized return on equity, based on application of the Opinion No. 569-A methodology, should be
194
9.32%. The ALJ further determined that System Energy should pay refunds for a fifteen-month refund period (January 2017-April 2018) based on the difference between the current return on equity and the replacement authorized return on equity. The ALJ determined that the April 2018 complaint concerning the authorized return on equity should be dismissed, and that no refunds for a second fifteen-month refund period should be due. With regard to System Energy’s capital structure, the ALJ determined that System Energy’s actual equity ratio is excessive and that the just and reasonable equity ratio is 48.15% equity, based on the average equity ratio of the proxy group used to evaluate the return on equity for the second complaint. The ALJ further determined that System Energy should pay refunds for a fifteen-month refund period (September 2018-December 2019) based on the difference between the actual equity ratio and the 48.15% equity ratio. If the ALJ’s initial decision is upheld, the estimated refund for this proceeding is approximately $40 million, which includes interest through September 30, 2023, and the estimated resulting annual rate reduction would be approximately $29 million. As a result of the 2022 settlement agreement with the MPSC, both the estimated refund and rate reduction exclude Entergy Mississippi's portion. See “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement. The estimated refund will continue to accrue interest until a final FERC decision is issued.
The ALJ initial decision is an interim step in the FERC litigation process, and an ALJ’s determinations made in an initial decision are not controlling on the FERC. In April 2021, System Energy filed its brief on exceptions, in which it challenged the initial decision’s findings on both the return on equity and capital structure issues. Also in April 2021 the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, the City Council, and the FERC trial staff filed briefs on exceptions. Reply briefs opposing exceptions were filed in May 2021 by System Energy, the FERC trial staff, the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, and the City Council. Refunds, if any, that might be required will only become due after the FERC issues its order reviewing the initial decision.
Grand Gulf Sale-leaseback Renewal Complaint and Uncertain Tax Position Rate Base Issue
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in May 2018 the LPSC filed a complaint against System Energy and Entergy Services related to System Energy’s renewal of a sale-leaseback transaction originally entered into in December 1988 for an 11.5% undivided interest in Grand Gulf Unit 1. The APSC, the MPSC, and the City Council subsequently intervened in the proceeding. A hearing was held before a FERC ALJ in November 2019. In April 2020 the ALJ issued the initial decision, and in December 2022 the FERC issued an order on the ALJ’s initial decision, which affirmed it in part and modified it in part. The FERC’s order directed System Energy to calculate refunds on three issues, and to provide a compliance report detailing the calculations. The FERC’s order also disallows the future recovery of sale-leaseback renewal costs, which is estimated at approximately $11.5 million annually for purchases from Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans through July 2036. The three refund issues are rental expenses related to the renewal of the sale-leaseback arrangements; refunds, if any, for the revenue requirement impact of including accumulated deferred income taxes resulting from the decommissioning uncertain tax positions from 2004 through the present; and refunds for the net effect of correcting the depreciation inputs for capital additions attributable to the portion of plant subject to the sale-leaseback.
In January 2023, System Energy filed its compliance report with the FERC. With respect to the sale-leaseback renewal costs, System Energy calculated a refund of $89.8 million, which represented all of the sale-leaseback renewal rental costs that System Energy recovered in rates, with interest. With respect to the decommissioning uncertain tax position issue, System Energy calculated that no additional refunds are owed because it had already provided a one-time historical credit (for the period January 2016 through September 2020) of $25.2 million based on the accumulated deferred income taxes that resulted from the IRS’s partial acceptance of the decommissioning tax position, and because it has been providing an ongoing rate base credit for the accumulated deferred income taxes that resulted from the IRS’s partial acceptance of the decommissioning tax position since October 2020. With respect to the depreciation refund, System Energy calculated a refund of $13.7 million, which is the net total of a refund to customers for excess depreciation expense previously collected, plus interest, offset by the additional return on rate base that System Energy previously did not collect, without interest. See “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the regulatory charge and corresponding regulatory liability recorded in June 2022 related to these proceedings. In January 2023,
195
System Energy paid the refunds of $103.5 million, which included refunds of $41.7 million to Entergy Arkansas, $27.8 million to Entergy Louisiana, and $34 million to Entergy New Orleans.
In January 2023, System Energy filed a request for rehearing of the FERC’s determinations in the December 2022 order on sale-leaseback refund issues and future lease cost disallowances, the FERC’s prospective policy on uncertain tax positions, and the proper accounting of System Energy’s accumulated deferred income taxes adjustment for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017; and a motion for confirmation of its interpretation of the December 2022 order’s remedy concerning the decommissioning tax position. In January 2023 the retail regulators filed a motion for confirmation of their interpretation of the refund requirement in the December 2022 FERC order and a provisional request for rehearing. In February 2023 the FERC issued a notice that the rehearing requests have been deemed denied by operation of law. The deemed denial of the rehearing request initiates a sixty-day period in which aggrieved parties may petition for federal appellate court review of the underlying FERC orders; however, the FERC may issue a substantive order on rehearing as long as it continues to have jurisdiction over the case. In March 2023, System Energy filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit a petition for review of the December 2022 order. In March 2023, System Energy also filed an unopposed motion to stay the proceeding in the Fifth Circuit pending the FERC’s disposition of the pending motions, and the court granted the motion to stay.
In February 2023, System Energy submitted a tariff compliance filing with the FERC to clarify that, consistent with the releases provided in the MPSC settlement, Entergy Mississippi will continue to be charged for its allocation of the sale-leaseback renewal costs under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. See “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement. In March 2023 the MPSC filed a protest to System Energy’s tariff compliance filing. The MPSC argues that the settlement did not specifically address post-settlement sale-leaseback renewal costs and that the sale-leaseback renewal costs may not be recovered under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. Entergy Mississippi’s allocated sale-leaseback renewal costs are estimated at $5.7 million annually for the remaining term of the sale-leaseback renewal.
In August 2023 the FERC issued an order addressing arguments raised on rehearing and partially setting aside the prior order (rehearing order). The rehearing order addresses rehearing requests that were filed in January 2023 separately by System Energy and the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council.
In the rehearing order, the FERC directs System Energy to recalculate refunds for two issues: (1) refunds of rental expenses related to the renewal of the sale-leaseback arrangements and (2) refunds for the net effect of correcting the depreciation inputs for capital additions associated with the sale-leaseback. With regard to the sale-leaseback renewal rental expenses, the rehearing order allows System Energy to recover an implied return of and on the depreciated cost of the portion of the plant subject to the sale-leaseback as of the expiration of the initial lease term. With regard to the depreciation input issue, the rehearing order allows System Energy to offset refunds so that System Energy may collect interest on the rate base recalculations that were part of the overall depreciation rate recalculations. The rehearing order further directs System Energy to submit within 60 days of the date of the rehearing order an additional compliance filing to revise the total refunds for these two issues. As discussed above, System Energy’s January 2023 compliance filing calculated $103.5 million in total refunds, and the refunds were paid in January 2023. In October 2023, System Energy filed its compliance report with the FERC as directed in the August 2023 rehearing order. The October 2023 compliance report reflected recalculated refunds totaling $35.7 million for the two issues resulting in $67.8 million in refunds that could be recouped by System Energy. As discussed below in “System Energy Settlement with the APSC,” System Energy reached a settlement in principle with the APSC to resolve several pending cases under the FERC’s jurisdiction, including this one, pursuant to which it has agreed not to recoup the $27.3 million calculated for Entergy Arkansas in the compliance filing. Consistent with the compliance filing, in October 2023, Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans paid recoupment amounts of $18.2 million and $22.3 million, respectively, to System Energy. As a result of the FERC’s rulings on the sale-leaseback and depreciation input issues in the August 2023 rehearing order, in third quarter 2023, System Energy recorded a regulatory asset and corresponding regulatory credit of $40 million to reflect the portion of the January 2023 refunds to be recouped from Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans.
196
On the third refund issue identified in the rehearing requests, concerning the decommissioning uncertain tax positions, the rehearing order denied all rehearing requests, re-affirmed the remedy contained in the December 2022 order, and did not direct System Energy to recalculate refunds or to submit an additional compliance filing. On this issue, as reflected in its January 2023 compliance filing, System Energy believes it has already paid the refunds due under the remedy that the FERC outlined for the uncertain tax positions issue in its December 2022 order. In August 2023 the LPSC issued a media release in which it stated that it disagrees with System Energy’s determination that the rehearing order requires no further refunds to be made on this issue.
In September 2023, System Energy filed a protective appeal of the rehearing order with the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The appeal was consolidated with System Energy’s prior appeal of the December 2022 order, and both appeals are currently in abeyance.
In September 2023 the LPSC filed with the FERC a request for rehearing and clarification of the rehearing order. The LPSC requests that the FERC reverse its determination in the rehearing order that System Energy may collect an implied return of and on the depreciated cost of the portion of the plant subject to the sale-leaseback, as of the expiration of the initial lease term, as well as its determination in the rehearing order that System Energy may offset the refunds for the depreciation rate input issue and collect interest on the rate base recalculations that were part of the overall depreciation rate recalculations. In addition, the LPSC requests that the FERC either confirm the LPSC’s interpretation of the refund associated with the decommissioning uncertain tax positions or explain why it is not doing so. In October 2023 the FERC issued a notice that the rehearing request has been deemed denied by operation of law. The deemed denial of the rehearing request initiates the sixty-day period in which aggrieved parties may petition for federal appellate court review of the underlying FERC orders; however the FERC may issue a substantive order on rehearing as long as it continues to have jurisdiction over the case.
LPSC Additional Complaints
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in May 2020 the LPSC authorized its staff to file additional complaints at the FERC related to the rates charged by System Energy for Grand Gulf energy and capacity supplied to Entergy Louisiana under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The following are updates to that discussion.
Unit Power Sales Agreement Complaint
As discussed in the Form 10-K, the first of the additional complaints was filed by the LPSC, the APSC, the MPSC, and the City Council in September 2020. The first complaint raises two sets of rate allegations: violations of the filed rate and a corresponding request for refunds for prior periods; and elements of the Unit Power Sales Agreement are unjust and unreasonable and a corresponding request for refunds for the 15-month refund period and changes to the Unit Power Sales Agreement prospectively. In May 2021 the FERC issued an order addressing the complaint, establishing a refund effective date of September 21, 2020, establishing hearing procedures, and holding those procedures in abeyance pending the FERC’s review of the initial decision in the Grand Gulf sale-leaseback renewal complaint discussed above.
In November 2021 the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed direct testimony and requested the FERC to order refunds for prior periods and prospective amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement. System Energy filed answering testimony in January 2022. In March 2022 the FERC trial staff filed direct and answering testimony recommending refunds and prospective modifications to the Unit Power Sales Agreement.
In April 2022, System Energy filed cross-answering testimony in response to the FERC trial staff’s recommendations. In June 2022 the FERC trial staff submitted revised answering testimony, in which it recommended additional refunds associated with the accumulated deferred income tax balances in account 190. Also in June 2022, System Energy filed revised and supplemental cross-answering testimony to respond to the FERC trial staff’s testimony and to oppose its revised recommendation.
197
In May 2022 the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed rebuttal testimony and asserted new claims. In June 2022 a new procedural schedule was adopted, providing for additional rounds of testimony and for the hearing to begin in September 2022. The hearing concluded in December 2022. Also in December 2022, a motion to extend the briefing schedule and the May 2023 deadline for the initial decision was granted.
In November 2022, System Energy filed a partial settlement agreement with the APSC, the City Council, and the LPSC that resolved the following issues raised in the Unit Power Sales Agreement complaint: advance collection of lease payments, aircraft costs, executive incentive compensation, money pool borrowings, advertising expenses, deferred nuclear refueling outage costs, industry association dues, and termination of the capital funds agreement. The settlement provided that System Energy would provide a black-box refund of $18 million (inclusive of interest), plus additional refund amounts with interest to be calculated for certain issues to be distributed to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans as the Utility operating companies other than Entergy Mississippi purchasing under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The settlement further provided that if the APSC, the City Council, or the LPSC agrees to the global settlement System Energy entered into with the MPSC (see “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K for discussion of the settlement), and such global settlement includes a black-box refund amount, then the black-box refund for this settlement agreement shall not be incremental or in addition to the global black-box refund amount. The settlement agreement addressed other matters as well, including adjustments to rate base beginning in October 2022, exclusion of certain other costs, and inclusion of money pool borrowings, if any, in short-term debt within the cost of capital calculation used in the Unit Power Sales Agreement. In April 2023 the FERC approved the settlement agreement. The refund provided for in the settlement agreement was included in the May 2023 service month bills under the Unit Power Sales Agreement.
In May 2023 the presiding ALJ issued an initial decision finding that System Energy should have excluded multiple identified categories of accumulated deferred income taxes from rate base when calculating Unit Power Sales Agreement bills. Based on this finding, the initial decision recommended refunds; System Energy estimates that those refunds for Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans would total approximately $116 million plus $147 million of interest through September 30, 2023. The initial decision also finds that the Unit Power Sales Agreement should be modified such that a cash working capital allowance of negative $36.4 million is applied prospectively. If the FERC ultimately orders these modifications to cash working capital be implemented, the estimated annual revenue requirement impact is expected to be immaterial. On the other non-settled issues for which the complainants sought refunds or changes to the Unit Power Sales Agreement, the initial decision ruled against the complainants.
The initial decision is an interim step in the FERC litigation process, and an ALJ’s determination made in an initial decision is not controlling on the FERC. System Energy disagrees with the ALJ’s findings concerning the accumulated deferred income taxes issues and cash working capital. In July 2023, System Energy filed a brief on exceptions to the initial decision’s accumulated deferred income taxes findings. Also in July 2023, the APSC, the LPSC, the City Council, and the FERC trial staff filed separate briefs on exceptions. The APSC’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations on the money pool interest and retained earnings issues. The LPSC’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations regarding the sale-leaseback transaction costs, legal fees, and retained earnings issues. The City Council’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations on the money pool and cash management issues. The FERC trial staff’s brief on exceptions challenges the ALJ’s determinations on the cash working capital issue as well as certain of the accumulated deferred income taxes issues. In August 2023 all parties filed separate briefs opposing exceptions. System Energy filed a brief opposing the exceptions of the APSC, the LPSC, and the City Council. The APSC, the LPSC, and the City Council filed separate briefs opposing the exceptions raised by System Energy and the FERC trial staff. The FERC trial staff filed its own brief opposing certain exceptions raised by System Energy, the APSC, the LPSC, and the City Council. The case is now pending a decision by the FERC. Refunds, if any, that might be required will become due only after the FERC issues its order reviewing the initial decision.
198
Grand Gulf Prudence Complaint
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in March 2021, the second of the additional complaints was filed at the FERC by the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council against System Energy, Entergy Services, Entergy Operations, and Entergy Corporation. In November 2022 the FERC issued an order setting the complaint for settlement and hearing procedures. In February 2023 the FERC issued an order denying rehearing and thereby affirming its order setting the complaint for settlement and hearing procedures. In July 2023 the FERC chief ALJ terminated settlement procedures and appointed a presiding ALJ to oversee hearing procedures. In September 2023 a procedural schedule for hearing procedures was established. Pursuant to that schedule, testimony is due in December 2023 and throughout 2024. The hearing is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with the presiding ALJ’s initial decision due in July 2025.
In September 2023 the LPSC authorized its staff to file an additional complaint concerning the prudence of System Energy’s operation and management of Grand Gulf in the year 2022. In October 2023 the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed what they styled as an amended and supplemental complaint with the FERC against System Energy, Entergy Services, and Entergy Operations. The amended complaint states that it is being filed for three primary purposes: (1) to include System Energy’s performance in 2021-2022 in the scope of the hearing; (2) to explicitly allege that System Energy’s inadequate performance, excessive costs, unplanned outages, and costs attributable to safety violations violate the contractual obligation to maintain and operate the plant in accordance with “good utility practice” and (3) to provide and substantiate allegations concerning the damages attributable to the alleged breach of contractual obligations. The amended complaint alleges that potentially more than $1 billion in damages may be due. The current deadline for System Energy and the other named respondents to respond is in November 2023.
System Energy Settlement with the APSC
In October 2023, System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, and additional named Entergy parties involved in multiple docketed proceedings pending before the FERC reached a settlement in principle with the APSC to globally resolve all of their actual and potential claims in those dockets and with System Energy’s past implementation of the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The settlement in principle also covers the amended and supplemental complaint, discussed above in “Grand Gulf Prudence Complaint,” filed at the FERC in October 2023. The Unit Power Sales Agreement is a FERC-jurisdictional formula rate tariff for sales of energy and capacity from System Energy’s owned and leased share of Grand Gulf to Entergy Mississippi, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, and Entergy New Orleans. System Energy previously settled with the MPSC with respect to these complaints before the FERC. Entergy Mississippi has nearly 40% of System Energy’s share of Grand Gulf’s output, after its additional purchases from affiliates are considered. The settlements with both the APSC and the MPSC represent almost 65% of System Energy’s share of the output of Grand Gulf.
The terms of the settlement in principle align with the $588 million global black box settlement reached between System Energy and the MPSC in June 2022 and provide for Entergy Arkansas to receive a black box refund of $142 million from System Energy, inclusive of $50 million already received by Entergy Arkansas from System Energy. In November 2022 the FERC approved the System Energy settlement with the MPSC and stated that the settlement “appears to be fair and reasonable and in the public interest.”
System Energy, Entergy Arkansas, additional Entergy parties, and the APSC intend to file the settlement agreement and supporting materials with the FERC in November 2023. In addition to the black box refund of $142 million described above, beginning with the November 2023 service month, the settlement in principle provides for Entergy Arkansas’s bills from System Energy to be adjusted to reflect an authorized rate of return on equity of 9.65% and a capital structure not to exceed 52% equity.
If the FERC approves the filed settlement in accordance with its terms, it will become binding upon the Entergy parties and the APSC.
199
System Energy Regulatory Liability for Pending Complaints
Prior to June 2022, System Energy recorded a provision and associated liability of $37 million for elements of the complaints against System Energy. In June 2022, as discussed in “System Energy Settlement with the MPSC” in the Form 10-K, System Energy recorded a regulatory charge of $551 million ($413 million net-of-tax), increasing System Energy’s regulatory liability to $588 million, which consisted of $235 million for the settlement with the MPSC and $353 million for potential future refunds to Entergy Arkansas, Entergy New Orleans, and Entergy Louisiana. The $142 million of refunds for Entergy Arkansas, discussed above in “System Energy Settlement with the APSC” is covered within the $353 million previously recorded. System Energy paid the black-box refund of $235 million to Entergy Mississippi in November 2022. As discussed above in “Grand Gulf Sale-leaseback Renewal Complaint and Uncertain Tax Position Rate Base Issue,” in January 2023 System Energy paid refunds of $103.5 million as a result of the FERC’s order in December 2022 in that proceeding and recouped $40.5 million of the $103.5 million from Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans in October 2023. In addition, as discussed above in “Unit Power Sales Agreement Complaint,” a black-box refund of $18 million was made by System Energy in 2023 in connection with a partial settlement in that proceeding.
Based on analysis of the pending complaints against System Energy and potential future settlement negotiations, in third quarter 2023, System Energy recorded a regulatory charge of $40 million to increase System Energy’s regulatory liability related to complaints against System Energy. System Energy’s remaining regulatory liability related to complaints against System Energy as of September 30, 2023 is approximately $270 million. This regulatory liability is consistent with the settlement agreements reached with the MPSC and the APSC, as described above, taking into account amounts already refunded.
Unit Power Sales Agreement
System Energy Formula Rate Annual Protocols Formal Challenge Concerning 2021 Calendar Year Bills
In March 2023, pursuant to the protocols procedures discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, the LPSC, the APSC, and the City Council filed with the FERC a formal challenge to System Energy’s implementation of the formula rate during calendar year 2021. The formal challenge alleges: (1) that it was imprudent for System Energy to accept the IRS’s partial acceptance of a previously uncertain tax position; (2) that System Energy used incorrect inputs for retained earnings that are used to determine the capital structure; (3) that the equity ratio charged in rates was excessive; and (4) that all issues in the ongoing Unit Power Sales Agreement complaint proceeding should also be reflected in calendar year 2021 bills. The first, third, and fourth allegations are identical to issues that were raised in the formal challenge to the calendar year 2020 bills. The formal challenge to the calendar year 2021 bills states that the impact of the first allegation is “tens of millions of dollars,” but it does not provide an estimate of the financial impact of the remaining allegations.
In May 2023, System Energy filed an answer to the formal challenge in which it requested that the FERC either deny the formal challenge as a matter of law or hold the proceeding in abeyance pending the resolution of related dockets.
Depreciation Amendment Proceeding
As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K, in December 2021, System Energy submitted to the FERC proposed amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement to adopt updated rates for use in calculating Grand Gulf plant depreciation and amortization expenses. The proposed amendments would result in higher charges to the Utility operating companies that buy capacity and energy from System Energy under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. In February 2022 the FERC accepted System Entergy’s proposed increased depreciation rates with an effective date of March 1, 2022, subject to refund pending the outcome of the settlement and/or hearing procedures. In June 2023 System Energy filed with the FERC an unopposed offer of settlement that it had
200
negotiated with intervenors to the proceeding. In August 2023 the FERC approved the settlement, which resolves the proceeding. In third quarter 2023, System Energy recorded a reduction in depreciation expense of $41 million representing the cumulative difference in depreciation expense resulting from the depreciation rates used from March 2022 through June 2023 and the depreciation rates included in the settlement filing approved by the FERC. In October 2023, System Energy filed a refund report with the FERC. The refund provided for in the refund report was included in the September 2023 service month bills under the Unit Power Sales Agreement. The deadline for any comments and protests is November 2023.
Pension Costs Amendment Proceeding
In October 2021, System Energy submitted to the FERC proposed amendments to the Unit Power Sales Agreement to include in rate base the prepaid and accrued pension costs associated with System Energy’s qualified pension plans. Based on data ending in 2020, the increased annual revenue requirement associated with the filing is approximately $8.9 million. In March 2022 the FERC accepted System Entergy’s proposed amendments with an effective date of December 1, 2021, subject to refund pending the outcome of the settlement and/or hearing procedures. In August 2023 the FERC chief ALJ terminated settlement procedures and designated a presiding ALJ to oversee hearing procedures. In October 2023, System Energy filed direct testimony in support of its proposed amendments. Under the procedural schedule, testimony will be filed through April 2024, and the hearing is scheduled to begin in May 2024. The presiding ALJ’s initial decision is expected to be due in September 2024.
Nuclear Matters
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Nuclear Matters” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of nuclear matters.
Environmental Risks
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – Environmental Risks” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of environmental risks.
Critical Accounting Estimates
See “MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS - Critical Accounting Estimates” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in System Energy’s accounting for nuclear decommissioning costs, utility regulatory accounting, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and uncertain tax positions, qualified pension and other postretirement benefits, and other contingencies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See “New Accounting Pronouncements” section of Note 1 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
201
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electric | $119,467 | $179,800 | $429,423 | $485,048 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operation and Maintenance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel, fuel-related expenses, and gas purchased for resale | 18,881 | 12,125 | 56,511 | 31,658 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Nuclear refueling outage expenses | 6,717 | 6,483 | 20,028 | 17,730 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operation and maintenance | 52,623 | 69,719 | 149,809 | 168,308 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 10,495 | 10,117 | 31,173 | 30,050 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes other than income taxes | 7,261 | 7,430 | 22,271 | 22,431 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | (11,597) | 38,742 | 60,843 | 106,442 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other regulatory charges (credits) - net | (9,207) | (8,324) | (48,081) | 510,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 75,173 | 136,292 | 292,554 | 887,286 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | 44,294 | 43,508 | 136,869 | (402,238) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 1,866 | 1,536 | 5,289 | 6,164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest and investment income (loss) | 2,738 | 3,669 | 10,140 | (58) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous - net | (1,405) | (9,028) | (12,096) | (13,408) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 3,199 | (3,823) | 3,333 | (7,302) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INTEREST EXPENSE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 12,199 | 9,189 | 36,325 | 27,782 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction | (448) | (246) | (1,239) | (982) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL | 11,751 | 8,943 | 35,086 | 26,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 35,742 | 30,742 | 105,116 | (436,340) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 8,045 | 3,385 | 24,115 | (114,981) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $27,697 | $27,357 | $81,001 | ($321,359) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
202
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $81,001 | ($321,359) | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortization, and decommissioning, including nuclear fuel amortization | 141,213 | 163,043 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes, investment tax credits, and non-current taxes accrued | 24,887 | (129,093) | ||||||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Receivables | 49,881 | (29,703) | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable | (16,504) | (7,193) | ||||||||||||
Prepaid taxes and taxes accrued | (5,782) | 9,106 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 4,571 | (972) | ||||||||||||
Other working capital accounts | 8,936 | (34,961) | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | (64,565) | (23,107) | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | (15,981) | 282,463 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | (14,484) | (14,704) | ||||||||||||
Other assets and liabilities | (37,983) | 284,219 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by operating activities | 155,190 | 177,739 | ||||||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Construction expenditures | (80,068) | (132,100) | ||||||||||||
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 5,289 | 6,164 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel purchases | (57,790) | (77,707) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel | 37,104 | 18,845 | ||||||||||||
Increase in other investments | (4) | — | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales | 245,386 | 273,108 | ||||||||||||
Investment in nuclear decommissioning trust funds | (262,291) | (277,916) | ||||||||||||
Changes in money pool receivable - net | 85,209 | 70,943 | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities | (27,165) | (118,663) | ||||||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt | 662,965 | 955,587 | ||||||||||||
Retirement of long-term debt | (698,137) | (908,629) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities | (35,172) | 46,958 | ||||||||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 92,853 | 106,034 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 2,940 | 89,201 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $95,793 | $195,235 | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | ||||||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
Interest - net of amount capitalized | $30,249 | $30,231 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
203
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||||||||
BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||
Cash | $1,291 | $78 | ||||||||||||
Temporary cash investments | 94,502 | 2,862 | ||||||||||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 95,793 | 2,940 | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable: | ||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 24,356 | 158,601 | ||||||||||||
Other | 5,300 | 6,145 | ||||||||||||
Total accounts receivable | 29,656 | 164,746 | ||||||||||||
Materials and supplies - at average cost | 160,143 | 135,346 | ||||||||||||
Deferred nuclear refueling outage costs | 13,334 | 33,377 | ||||||||||||
Sale-leaseback/depreciation regulatory asset | 40,267 | — | ||||||||||||
Prepayments and other | 5,577 | 9,097 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 344,770 | 345,506 | ||||||||||||
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS | ||||||||||||||
Decommissioning trust funds | 1,219,196 | 1,142,914 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,219,196 | 1,142,914 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT | ||||||||||||||
Electric | 5,479,592 | 5,425,449 | ||||||||||||
Construction work in progress | 105,468 | 102,987 | ||||||||||||
Nuclear fuel | 138,708 | 193,004 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL UTILITY PLANT | 5,723,768 | 5,721,440 | ||||||||||||
Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization | 3,467,414 | 3,412,257 | ||||||||||||
UTILITY PLANT - NET | 2,256,354 | 2,309,183 | ||||||||||||
DEFERRED DEBITS AND OTHER ASSETS | ||||||||||||||
Regulatory assets: | ||||||||||||||
Other regulatory assets | 439,419 | 415,121 | ||||||||||||
Other | 793 | 1,422 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 440,212 | 416,543 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $4,260,532 | $4,214,146 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
204
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||||||||||||||
BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | ||||||||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Currently maturing long-term debt | $57 | $300,037 | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable: | ||||||||||||||
Associated companies | 19,125 | 21,701 | ||||||||||||
Other | 32,022 | 58,178 | ||||||||||||
Taxes accrued | 1,815 | 7,597 | ||||||||||||
Interest accrued | 16,162 | 11,591 | ||||||||||||
Sale-leaseback/depreciation regulatory liability | — | 103,497 | ||||||||||||
Other | 4,066 | 4,071 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 73,247 | 506,672 | ||||||||||||
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred income taxes and taxes accrued | 404,385 | 376,070 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits | 43,660 | 44,692 | ||||||||||||
Regulatory liability for income taxes - net | 108,577 | 110,840 | ||||||||||||
Other regulatory liabilities | 754,803 | 665,024 | ||||||||||||
Decommissioning | 1,073,634 | 1,042,461 | ||||||||||||
Pension and other postretirement liabilities | 26,266 | 40,750 | ||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 745,190 | 477,868 | ||||||||||||
Other | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 3,156,517 | 2,757,707 | ||||||||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||||||||||
COMMON EQUITY | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 789,350 shares in 2023 and 2022 | 1,086,850 | 1,086,850 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit | (56,082) | (137,083) | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 1,030,768 | 949,767 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $4,260,532 | $4,214,146 | ||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
205
SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | |||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON EQUITY | |||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | Total | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $951,850 | $139,510 | $1,091,360 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 31,432 | 31,432 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | 951,850 | 170,942 | 1,122,792 | ||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | (380,148) | (380,148) | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 951,850 | (209,206) | 742,644 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 27,357 | 27,357 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $951,850 | ($181,849) | $770,001 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $1,086,850 | ($137,083) | $949,767 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 27,545 | 27,545 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | 1,086,850 | (109,538) | 977,312 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 25,759 | 25,759 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 1,086,850 | (83,779) | 1,003,071 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | 27,697 | 27,697 | ||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | $1,086,850 | ($56,082) | $1,030,768 | ||||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
206
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See “PART I, Item 1, Litigation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of legal, administrative, and other regulatory proceedings affecting Entergy. Also see Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements herein and “Item 5, Other Information, Environmental Regulation” below for updates regarding environmental proceedings and regulation.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in "Part I, Item 1A. RISK FACTORS" in the Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (a)
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan | Maximum Dollar Amount of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under a Plan (b) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
7/01/2023-7/31/2023 | — | $— | — | $350,052,918 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8/01/2023-8/31/2023 | — | $— | — | $350,052,918 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
9/01/2023-9/30/2023 | — | $— | — | $350,052,918 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | — | $— | — |
In accordance with Entergy’s stock-based compensation plans, Entergy periodically grants stock options to key employees, which may be exercised to obtain shares of Entergy’s common stock. According to the plans, these shares can be newly issued shares, treasury stock, or shares purchased on the open market. Entergy’s management has been authorized by the Board to repurchase on the open market shares up to an amount sufficient to fund the exercise of grants under the plans. In addition to this authority, the Board has authorized share repurchase programs to enable opportunistic purchases in response to market conditions. In October 2010 the Board granted authority for a $500 million share repurchase program. The amount of share repurchases under these programs may vary as a result of material changes in business results or capital spending or new investment opportunities. In addition, in the first quarter 2023, Entergy withheld 71,722 shares of its common stock at $108.71 per share, 27,533 shares of its common stock at $107.69 per share, 12,265 shares of its common stock at $107.59 per share, 551 shares of its common stock at $103.72 per share, 232 shares of its common stock at $106.07 per share, and 100 shares of its common stock at $105.79 per share to pay income taxes due upon vesting of restricted stock granted and payout of performance units as part of its long-term incentive program.
(a)See Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the stock-based compensation plans.
(b)Maximum dollar amount of shares that may yet be repurchased relates only to the $500 million share repurchase program plan and does not include an estimate of the amount of shares that may be purchased to fund the exercise of grants under the stock-based compensation plans.
207
Item 5. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Agreements
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, no director or officer of Entergy or any of the Registrant Subsidiaries adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry
The following are updates to the “Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry” section of Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K.
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
Nuclear Plant Decommissioning
In March 2023 filings with the NRC were made reporting on decommissioning funding for all of Entergy’s subsidiaries’ nuclear plants. Those reports showed that decommissioning funding for each of the nuclear plants met the NRC’s financial assurance requirements.
NRC Reactor Oversight Process
In September 2022 the NRC placed Waterford 3 in Column 2 based on an error associated with a radiation monitor calibration. Entergy corrected the issue with the radiation monitor in February 2022 and also corrected a subsequent radiation monitor calibration issue. In May 2023 the NRC completed a supplemental inspection of Waterford 3 in accordance with its inspection procedures for nuclear plants in Column 2 and Waterford 3 was returned to Column 1.
In July 2023 the NRC placed River Bend in Column 2, effective April 2023, based on failure to inspect wiring associated with the high pressure core spray system. In August 2023 the NRC issued a finding and notice of violation related to a radiation monitor calibration issue at River Bend. River Bend will remain in Column 2 pending successful completion of supplemental inspections related to both issues.
Environmental Regulation
The following are updates to the “Environmental Regulation” section of Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
See the Form 10-K for discussion of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the EPA in accordance with the Clean Air Act. The following are updates to that discussion.
Hazardous Air Pollutants
As discussed in the Form 10-K, the EPA released the final Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) rule in December 2011, which had a compliance date, with a widely granted one-year extension, of April 2016. The required controls have been installed and are operational at all affected Entergy units. In April 2023 the EPA issued a regulatory proposal to revise portions of the MATS rule, including a proposed reduction to the emission limit for filterable particulate matter. If finalized, the proposed lower filterable particulate matter emission limitation could require additional capital investment and/or additional other operation and maintenance expenditures at Entergy’s coal-fired generating units. Entergy is closely monitoring this rulemaking, in part through its various trade associations.
208
Good Neighbor Plan/Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
In March 2023 the EPA released its final Federal Implementation Plan (FIP), known as the Good Neighbor Plan, to address interstate transport for the 2015 ozone NAAQS which will increase the stringency of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule program in all four of the states where the Utility operating companies operate. The FIP will significantly reduce ozone season nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission allowance budgets and allocations for electric generating units. Entergy is currently assessing its compliance options for the FIP. This may include the installation of post-combustion NOx emissions controls on certain coal or large legacy gas units that will operate beyond 2026 and are not currently equipped with such controls. Prior to issuance of the FIP, in February 2023 the EPA issued related State Implementation Plan (SIP) disapprovals for many states, including the four states in which the Utility operating companies operate, and these SIP disapprovals are the subject of many legal challenges, including a petition for review filed by Entergy Louisiana challenging the disapproval of Louisiana’s SIP. Stays of the SIP disapprovals have been granted in all four states in which the Utility operating companies operate, and the Good Neighbor Plan will not go into effect while the stays are in place. Decisions on the merits regarding the SIP disapprovals are not expected until 2024. The final FIP also is subject to numerous legal challenges.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In May 2023 the EPA proposed several rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing (coal and gas-fired) power plants. If finalized, the proposed requirements for existing “large and frequently used” gas turbine generating units could require significant investments in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction technologies at certain of Entergy’s existing gas turbine units with a capacity of greater than 300 MW per combustion turbine and which operate at an annual capacity factor of greater than 50 percent. Comments on the proposed rules were due in August 2023 and Entergy is monitoring the rulemaking, in part through its trade associations.
Federal Jurisdiction of Waters of the United States
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in June 2020 the EPA’s revised definition of waters of the United States in the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) became effective, narrowing the scope of Clean Water Act jurisdiction, as compared to a 2015 definition which had been stayed by several federal courts. In December 2022 the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) released a final definition of waters of the United States (2022 Rule) that replaces the NWPR with a definition that is consistent with the pre-2015 regulatory regime as interpreted by several United States Supreme Court decisions. The 2022 Rule was subject to multiple legal challenges and was enjoined from implementation or enforcement throughout Entergy’s service territory. In May 2023 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision limiting the scope of federal jurisdiction over wetlands and in September the EPA and the Corps issued a final rule incorporating the Supreme Court decision. Most notably, the exclusion for waste treatment systems is retained.
Coal Combustion Residuals
As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2015 the EPA published the final coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule. In May 2023 the EPA released a proposed rule establishing management standards for legacy CCR surface impoundments (i.e., inactive surface impoundments at inactive power plants) and establishing a new class of units referred to as CCR management units (i.e., non-containerized CCR located at a regulated CCR facility). Entergy does not have any legacy impoundments; however, the proposed definition of CCR management units appears to regulate on-site areas where CCR was beneficially used. This is contrary to the current CCR rule which exempts beneficial uses that meet certain criteria. Comments on the proposed rule were due in July 2023 and Entergy is monitoring the rulemaking, in part through its trade associations.
209
Item 6. Exhibits
4(a) - | ||||||||
4(b) - | ||||||||
10(a) - | ||||||||
*31(a) - | ||||||||
*31(b) - | ||||||||
*31(c) - | ||||||||
*31(d) - | ||||||||
*31(e) - | ||||||||
*31(f) - | ||||||||
*31(g) - | ||||||||
*31(h) - | ||||||||
*31(i) - | ||||||||
*31(j) - | ||||||||
*31(k) - | ||||||||
*31(l) - | ||||||||
*31(m) - | ||||||||
*31(n) - | ||||||||
**32(a) - | ||||||||
**32(b) - | ||||||||
**32(c) - | ||||||||
**32(d) - | ||||||||
**32(e) - | ||||||||
**32(f) - | ||||||||
**32(g) - | ||||||||
**32(h) - | ||||||||
**32(i) - | ||||||||
**32(j) - | ||||||||
**32(k) - | ||||||||
**32(l) - | ||||||||
**32(m) - | ||||||||
**32(n) - | ||||||||
*101 INS - | Inline XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||
210
*101 SCH - | Inline XBRL Schema Document. | |||||||
*101 PRE - | Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document. | |||||||
*101 LAB - | Inline XBRL Label Linkbase Document. | |||||||
*101 CAL - | Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document. | |||||||
*101 DEF - | Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document. | |||||||
*104 - | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibits 101). |
___________________________
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, Entergy Corporation agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt that is not registered or listed herein as an Exhibit because the total amount of securities authorized under such agreement does not exceed ten percent of the total assets of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
* | Filed herewith. | ||||
** | Furnished, not filed, herewith. | ||||
211
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature for each undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company or its subsidiaries.
ENTERGY CORPORATION ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC ENTERGY LOUISIANA, LLC ENTERGY MISSISSIPPI, LLC ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS, LLC ENTERGY TEXAS, INC. SYSTEM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC. | ||
/s/ Reginald T. Jackson | ||
Reginald T. Jackson Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (For each Registrant and for each as Principal Accounting Officer) |
Date: November 2, 2023
212