EVERSOURCE ENERGY - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 | ||
FORM | 10-Q | |
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the Quarterly Period Ended | September 30, 2019 | |
or | ||
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________ |
Registrant; State of Incorporation; Address; Telephone Number;
Commission File Number; and I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
EVERSOURCE ENERGY
(a Massachusetts voluntary association)
300 Cadwell Drive, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
Telephone: (800) 286-5000
Commission File Number: 1-5324
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 04-2147929
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
(a Connecticut corporation)
107 Selden Street, Berlin, Connecticut 06037-1616
Telephone: (800) 286-5000
Commission File Number: 0-00404
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 06-0303850
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY
(a Massachusetts corporation)
800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199
Telephone: (800) 286-5000
Commission File Number: 1-02301
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 04-1278810
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
(a New Hampshire corporation)
Energy Park
780 North Commercial Street, Manchester, New Hampshire 03101-1134
Telephone: (800) 286-5000
Commission File Number: 1-6392
I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 02-0181050
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Common Shares, $5.00 par value per share | ES | 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 the 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 Exchange Act.
Eversource Energy | Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
The Connecticut Light and Power Company | Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
NSTAR Electric Company | Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
Public Service Company of New Hampshire | Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has 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 | |
Eversource Energy | ☐ | ☒ |
The Connecticut Light and Power Company | ☐ | ☒ |
NSTAR Electric Company | ☐ | ☒ |
Public Service Company of New Hampshire | ☐ | ☒ |
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Company - Class of Stock | Outstanding as of October 31, 2019 | ||
Eversource Energy Common Shares, $5.00 par value | 323,761,393 | shares | |
The Connecticut Light and Power Company Common Stock, $10.00 par value | 6,035,205 | shares | |
NSTAR Electric Company Common Stock, $1.00 par value | 200 | shares | |
Public Service Company of New Hampshire Common Stock, $1.00 par value | 301 | shares |
Eversource Energy holds all of the 6,035,205 shares, 200 shares, and 301 shares of the outstanding common stock of The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company, and Public Service Company of New Hampshire, respectively.
NSTAR Electric Company and Public Service Company of New Hampshire each meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q, and each is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H(2) of Form 10‑Q.
Eversource Energy, The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company, and Public Service Company of New Hampshire each separately file this combined Form 10-Q. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating to the other registrants.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following is a glossary of abbreviations and acronyms that are found in this report:
Current or former Eversource Energy companies, segments or investments: | |
Eversource, ES or the Company | Eversource Energy and subsidiaries |
Eversource parent or ES parent | Eversource Energy, a public utility holding company |
ES parent and other companies | ES parent and other companies are comprised of Eversource parent, Eversource Service, Eversource Water Ventures, Inc. (parent company of Aquarion), and other subsidiaries, which primarily includes our unregulated businesses, HWP Company, The Rocky River Realty Company (a real estate subsidiary), the consolidated operations of CYAPC and YAEC, and Eversource parent's equity ownership interests that are not consolidated |
CL&P | The Connecticut Light and Power Company |
NSTAR Electric | NSTAR Electric Company |
PSNH | Public Service Company of New Hampshire |
PSNH Funding | PSNH Funding LLC 3, a bankruptcy remote, special purpose, wholly-owned subsidiary of PSNH |
NSTAR Gas | NSTAR Gas Company |
Yankee Gas | Yankee Gas Services Company |
Aquarion | Eversource Aquarion Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries |
NPT | Northern Pass Transmission LLC |
Northern Pass | The HVDC and associated alternating-current transmission line project from Canada into New Hampshire |
Eversource Service | Eversource Energy Service Company |
Bay State Wind | Bay State Wind LLC, an offshore wind business being developed jointly by Eversource and Denmark-based Ørsted, which holds the Sunrise Wind project |
North East Offshore | North East Offshore, LLC, an offshore wind business holding company being developed jointly by Eversource and Denmark-based Ørsted, which holds the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects |
CYAPC | Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company |
MYAPC | Maine Yankee Atomic Power Company |
YAEC | Yankee Atomic Electric Company |
Yankee Companies | CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC |
Regulated companies | The Eversource regulated companies are comprised of the electric distribution and transmission businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, the natural gas distribution businesses of Yankee Gas and NSTAR Gas, NPT, Aquarion, and the solar power facilities of NSTAR Electric |
Regulators: | |
DEEP | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
DOE | U.S. Department of Energy |
DOER | Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources |
DPU | Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities |
EPA | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
ISO-NE | ISO New England, Inc., the New England Independent System Operator |
MA DEP | Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection |
NHPUC | New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission |
PURA | Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority |
SEC | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
SJC | Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts |
Other Terms and Abbreviations: | |
ADIT | Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes |
AFUDC | Allowance For Funds Used During Construction |
AOCI | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
ARO | Asset Retirement Obligation |
Bcf | Billion cubic feet |
C&LM | Conservation and Load Management |
CfD | Contract for Differences |
CTA | Competitive Transition Assessment |
CWIP | Construction Work in Progress |
EDC | Electric distribution company |
EDIT | Excess Deferred Income Taxes |
EPS | Earnings Per Share |
ERISA | Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 |
i
ESOP | Employee Stock Ownership Plan |
Eversource 2018 Form 10-K | The Eversource Energy and Subsidiaries 2018 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC |
Fitch | Fitch Ratings |
FMCC | Federally Mandated Congestion Charge |
FTR | Financial Transmission Rights |
GAAP | Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America |
GSC | Generation Service Charge |
GSRP | Greater Springfield Reliability Project |
GWh | Gigawatt-Hours |
HQ | Hydro-Québec, a corporation wholly-owned by the Québec government, including its divisions that produce, transmit and distribute electricity in Québec, Canada |
HVDC | High-voltage direct current |
Hydro Renewable Energy | Hydro Renewable Energy, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hydro-Québec |
IPP | Independent Power Producers |
ISO-NE Tariff | ISO-NE FERC Transmission, Markets and Services Tariff |
kV | Kilovolt |
kVa | Kilovolt-ampere |
kW | Kilowatt (equal to one thousand watts) |
LBR | Lost Base Revenue |
LNG | Liquefied natural gas |
LRS | Supplier of last resort service |
MG | Million gallons |
MGP | Manufactured Gas Plant |
MMBtu | One million British thermal units |
MMcf | Million cubic feet |
Moody's | Moody's Investors Services, Inc. |
MW | Megawatt |
MWh | Megawatt-Hours |
NEEWS | New England East-West Solution |
NETOs | New England Transmission Owners (including Eversource, National Grid and Avangrid) |
OCI | Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) |
PAM | Pension and PBOP Rate Adjustment Mechanism |
PBOP | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension |
PBOP Plan | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension Plan |
PCRBs | Pollution Control Revenue Bonds |
Pension Plan | Single uniform noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan |
PPA | Pension Protection Act |
RECs | Renewable Energy Certificates |
Regulatory ROE | The average cost of capital method for calculating the return on equity related to the distribution business segment excluding the wholesale transmission segment |
ROE | Return on Equity |
RRBs | Rate Reduction Bonds or Rate Reduction Certificates |
RSUs | Restricted share units |
S&P | Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC |
SBC | Systems Benefits Charge |
SCRC | Stranded Cost Recovery Charge |
SERP | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans and non-qualified defined benefit retirement plans |
SS | Standard service |
TCAM | Transmission Cost Adjustment Mechanism |
TSA | Transmission Service Agreement |
UI | The United Illuminating Company |
VIE | Variable Interest Entity |
ii
EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Common Shareholders' Equity | ||
Condensed Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity | ||
Public Service Company of New Hampshire and Subsidiaries (Unaudited) | ||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity | ||
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION | ||
iii
EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars) | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current Assets: | |||||||
Cash | $ | 22,688 | $ | 108,068 | |||
Receivables, Net | 993,396 | 994,055 | |||||
Unbilled Revenues | 150,394 | 176,285 | |||||
Fuel, Materials, Supplies and REC Inventory | 204,012 | 238,042 | |||||
Regulatory Assets | 538,162 | 514,779 | |||||
Prepayments and Other Current Assets | 312,253 | 260,995 | |||||
Total Current Assets | 2,220,905 | 2,292,224 | |||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 26,911,877 | 25,610,428 | |||||
Deferred Debits and Other Assets: | |||||||
Regulatory Assets | 4,292,560 | 4,631,137 | |||||
Goodwill | 4,427,266 | 4,427,266 | |||||
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates | 861,687 | 464,286 | |||||
Marketable Securities | 404,804 | 417,508 | |||||
Other Long-Term Assets | 606,295 | 398,407 | |||||
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets | 10,592,612 | 10,338,604 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 39,725,394 | $ | 38,241,256 | |||
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION | |||||||
Current Liabilities: | |||||||
Notes Payable | $ | 712,500 | $ | 910,000 | |||
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion | 853,066 | 837,319 | |||||
Rate Reduction Bonds – Current Portion | 43,210 | 52,332 | |||||
Accounts Payable | 892,106 | 1,119,995 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 441,189 | 370,230 | |||||
Other Current Liabilities | 806,839 | 823,006 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 3,748,910 | 4,112,882 | |||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: | |||||||
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes | 3,604,791 | 3,506,030 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 3,644,477 | 3,609,475 | |||||
Derivative Liabilities | 357,869 | 379,562 | |||||
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP | 821,172 | 962,510 | |||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities | 1,290,704 | 1,196,336 | |||||
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | 9,719,013 | 9,653,913 | |||||
Long-Term Debt | 13,440,165 | 12,248,743 | |||||
Rate Reduction Bonds | 540,122 | 583,331 | |||||
Noncontrolling Interest – Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries | 155,570 | 155,570 | |||||
Common Shareholders' Equity: | |||||||
Common Shares | 1,699,292 | 1,669,392 | |||||
Capital Surplus, Paid In | 6,675,889 | 6,241,222 | |||||
Retained Earnings | 4,100,220 | 3,953,974 | |||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (52,017 | ) | (60,000 | ) | |||
Treasury Stock | (301,770 | ) | (317,771 | ) | |||
Common Shareholders' Equity | 12,121,614 | 11,486,817 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) | |||||||
Total Liabilities and Capitalization | $ | 39,725,394 | $ | 38,241,256 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 2,175,797 | $ | 2,271,425 | $ | 6,476,084 | $ | 6,413,243 | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission | 730,255 | 842,291 | 2,326,041 | 2,442,953 | |||||||||||
Operations and Maintenance | 331,054 | 344,475 | 994,660 | 970,881 | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 222,599 | 208,671 | 656,632 | 612,077 | |||||||||||
Amortization | 73,854 | 92,711 | 183,760 | 174,108 | |||||||||||
Energy Efficiency Programs | 136,832 | 129,965 | 382,785 | 366,162 | |||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 171,965 | 187,291 | 537,636 | 547,155 | |||||||||||
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission | — | — | 239,644 | — | |||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 1,666,559 | 1,805,404 | 5,321,158 | 5,113,336 | |||||||||||
Operating Income | 509,238 | 466,021 | 1,154,926 | 1,299,907 | |||||||||||
Interest Expense | 135,216 | 125,201 | 399,654 | 372,734 | |||||||||||
Other Income, Net | 26,968 | 16,718 | 103,818 | 100,656 | |||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 400,990 | 357,538 | 859,090 | 1,027,829 | |||||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 80,226 | 66,278 | 194,435 | 220,497 | |||||||||||
Net Income | 320,764 | 291,260 | 664,655 | 807,332 | |||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 1,880 | 1,880 | 5,639 | 5,639 | |||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders | $ | 318,884 | $ | 289,380 | $ | 659,016 | $ | 801,693 | |||||||
Basic Earnings Per Common Share | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 2.06 | $ | 2.53 | |||||||
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 2.05 | $ | 2.52 | |||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 324,037,169 | 317,360,110 | 320,442,253 | 317,367,252 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 326,008,342 | 317,967,311 | 321,570,926 | 317,948,498 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 320,764 | $ | 291,260 | $ | 664,655 | $ | 807,332 | |||||||
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax: | |||||||||||||||
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments | 367 | 432 | 945 | 1,627 | |||||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Marketable Securities | 169 | (136 | ) | 1,268 | (724 | ) | |||||||||
Changes in Funded Status of Pension, SERP and PBOP Benefit Plans | 1,088 | 1,110 | 5,770 | 5,918 | |||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax | 1,624 | 1,406 | 7,983 | 6,821 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | (1,880 | ) | (1,880 | ) | (5,639 | ) | (5,639 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Common Shareholders | $ | 320,508 | $ | 290,786 | $ | 666,999 | $ | 808,514 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Treasury Stock | Total Common Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information) | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 | 316,885,808 | $ | 1,669,392 | $ | 6,241,222 | $ | 3,953,974 | $ | (60,000 | ) | $ | (317,771 | ) | $ | 11,486,817 | |||||||||||
Net Income | 310,558 | 310,558 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Shares - $0.535 Per Share | (169,757 | ) | (169,757 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,880 | ) | (1,880 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plan Activity | (16,609 | ) | (16,609 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Treasury Shares | 461,662 | 17,476 | 8,633 | 26,109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 2,196 | 2,196 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2019 | 317,347,470 | 1,669,392 | 6,242,089 | 4,092,895 | (57,804 | ) | (309,138 | ) | 11,637,434 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 33,334 | 33,334 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Shares - $0.535 Per Share | (169,857 | ) | (169,857 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,880 | ) | (1,880 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Common Shares - $5 par value | 5,980,000 | 29,900 | 403,650 | 433,550 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plan Activity | 6,470 | 6,470 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Treasury Shares | 246,969 | 13,448 | 4,579 | 18,027 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital Stock Expense | (6,648 | ) | (6,648 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 4,163 | 4,163 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2019 | 323,574,439 | 1,699,292 | 6,659,009 | 3,954,492 | (53,641 | ) | (304,559 | ) | 11,954,593 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 320,764 | 320,764 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Shares - $0.535 Per Share | (173,156 | ) | (173,156 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,880 | ) | (1,880 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plan Activity | 6,697 | 6,697 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Treasury Shares | 158,984 | 10,183 | 2,789 | 12,972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 1,624 | 1,624 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | 323,733,423 | $ | 1,699,292 | $ | 6,675,889 | $ | 4,100,220 | $ | (52,017 | ) | $ | (301,770 | ) | $ | 12,121,614 |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shares | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Treasury Stock | Total Common Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information) | Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 | 316,885,808 | $ | 1,669,392 | $ | 6,239,940 | $ | 3,561,084 | $ | (66,403 | ) | $ | (317,771 | ) | $ | 11,086,242 | |||||||||||
Net Income | 271,426 | 271,426 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Shares - $0.505 Per Share | (160,027 | ) | (160,027 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,880 | ) | (1,880 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plan Activity | (15,320 | ) | (15,320 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 3,273 | 3,273 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | 316,885,808 | 1,669,392 | 6,224,620 | 3,670,603 | (63,130 | ) | (317,771 | ) | 11,183,714 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 244,647 | 244,647 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Shares - $0.505 Per Share | (160,027 | ) | (160,027 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,880 | ) | (1,880 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plan Activity | 4,627 | 4,627 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 2,142 | 2,142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2018 | 316,885,808 | 1,669,392 | 6,229,247 | 3,753,343 | (60,988 | ) | (317,771 | ) | 11,273,223 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 291,260 | 291,260 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Shares - $0.505 Per Share | (160,028 | ) | (160,028 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,880 | ) | (1,880 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Incentive Plan Activity | 4,797 | 4,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 1,406 | 1,406 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | 316,885,808 | $ | 1,669,392 | $ | 6,234,044 | $ | 3,882,695 | $ | (59,582 | ) | $ | (317,771 | ) | $ | 11,408,778 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
Operating Activities: | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 664,655 | $ | 807,332 | |||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 656,632 | 612,077 | |||||
Deferred Income Taxes | 73,487 | 70,402 | |||||
Uncollectible Expense | 46,417 | 50,720 | |||||
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense, Net | 18,507 | 5,192 | |||||
Pension and PBOP Contributions | (120,373 | ) | (188,874 | ) | |||
Regulatory Overrecoveries, Net | 80,688 | 189,932 | |||||
Amortization | 183,760 | 174,108 | |||||
Proceeds from DOE Spent Nuclear Fuel Litigation | 68,840 | — | |||||
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission | 239,644 | — | |||||
Other | (185,625 | ) | (129,039 | ) | |||
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: | |||||||
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net | (57,011 | ) | (212,326 | ) | |||
Fuel, Materials, Supplies and REC Inventory | 34,030 | 44,702 | |||||
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net | 53,687 | 70,885 | |||||
Accounts Payable | (157,355 | ) | (72,591 | ) | |||
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net | (105,133 | ) | (14,858 | ) | |||
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities | 1,494,850 | 1,407,662 | |||||
Investing Activities: | |||||||
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment | (2,129,037 | ) | (1,885,081 | ) | |||
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities | 458,322 | 405,276 | |||||
Purchases of Marketable Securities | (405,095 | ) | (396,277 | ) | |||
Proceeds from the Sale of PSNH Generation Assets | — | 193,924 | |||||
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net | (374,913 | ) | (27,342 | ) | |||
Other Investing Activities | (1,126 | ) | 3,937 | ||||
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities | (2,451,849 | ) | (1,705,563 | ) | |||
Financing Activities: | |||||||
Issuance of Common Shares, Net of Issuance Costs | 426,902 | — | |||||
Cash Dividends on Common Shares | (495,571 | ) | (480,082 | ) | |||
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock | (5,639 | ) | (5,639 | ) | |||
Decrease in Notes Payable | (197,500 | ) | (222,110 | ) | |||
Issuance of Rate Reduction Bonds | — | 635,663 | |||||
Repayment of Rate Reduction Bonds | (52,332 | ) | — | ||||
Issuance of Long-Term Debt | 1,475,000 | 1,300,000 | |||||
Retirement of Long-Term Debt | (250,855 | ) | (860,855 | ) | |||
Other Financing Activities | (450 | ) | (20,361 | ) | |||
Net Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities | 899,555 | 346,616 | |||||
Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Restricted Cash | (57,444 | ) | 48,715 | ||||
Cash and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period | 209,324 | 85,890 | |||||
Cash and Restricted Cash - End of Period | $ | 151,880 | $ | 134,605 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars) | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current Assets: | |||||||
Cash | $ | 9,286 | $ | 87,721 | |||
Receivables, Net | 428,050 | 397,026 | |||||
Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies | 34,702 | 23,082 | |||||
Unbilled Revenues | 48,211 | 56,971 | |||||
Materials and Supplies | 52,209 | 44,529 | |||||
Regulatory Assets | 173,339 | 125,155 | |||||
Prepaid Property Taxes | 66,510 | 19,555 | |||||
Prepayments and Other Current Assets | 24,236 | 40,724 | |||||
Total Current Assets | 836,543 | 794,763 | |||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 9,456,562 | 8,909,701 | |||||
Deferred Debits and Other Assets: | |||||||
Regulatory Assets | 1,404,502 | 1,505,488 | |||||
Other Long-Term Assets | 229,092 | 199,767 | |||||
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets | 1,633,594 | 1,705,255 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 11,926,699 | $ | 11,409,719 | |||
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION | |||||||
Current Liabilities: | |||||||
Notes Payable to Eversource Parent | $ | 173,100 | $ | — | |||
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion | — | 250,000 | |||||
Accounts Payable | 280,463 | 324,983 | |||||
Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies | 76,916 | 26,452 | |||||
Obligations to Third Party Suppliers | 57,823 | 56,248 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 168,053 | 109,614 | |||||
Derivative Liabilities | 64,572 | 55,058 | |||||
Other Current Liabilities | 169,600 | 161,088 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 990,527 | 983,443 | |||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: | |||||||
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes | 1,205,687 | 1,166,784 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 1,159,909 | 1,122,157 | |||||
Derivative Liabilities | 357,728 | 379,536 | |||||
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP | 248,557 | 282,771 | |||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities | 149,293 | 155,495 | |||||
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | 3,121,174 | 3,106,743 | |||||
Long-Term Debt | 3,518,464 | 3,004,016 | |||||
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption | 116,200 | 116,200 | |||||
Common Stockholder's Equity: | |||||||
Common Stock | 60,352 | 60,352 | |||||
Capital Surplus, Paid In | 2,410,765 | 2,410,765 | |||||
Retained Earnings | 1,708,892 | 1,727,899 | |||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | 325 | 301 | |||||
Common Stockholder's Equity | 4,180,334 | 4,199,317 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) | |||||||
Total Liabilities and Capitalization | $ | 11,926,699 | $ | 11,409,719 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
5
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 853,943 | $ | 865,028 | $ | 2,444,034 | $ | 2,344,903 | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased Power and Transmission | 299,017 | 314,571 | 865,389 | 850,794 | |||||||||||
Operations and Maintenance | 135,077 | 128,523 | 399,065 | 355,500 | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 76,250 | 72,017 | 224,095 | 208,899 | |||||||||||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 30,406 | 54,031 | 78,453 | 97,437 | |||||||||||
Energy Efficiency Programs | 40,129 | 30,240 | 86,897 | 71,606 | |||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 82,781 | 92,987 | 261,244 | 267,662 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 663,660 | 692,369 | 1,915,143 | 1,851,898 | |||||||||||
Operating Income | 190,283 | 172,659 | 528,891 | 493,005 | |||||||||||
Interest Expense | 39,520 | 37,609 | 112,274 | 113,107 | |||||||||||
Other Income, Net | 4,831 | 7,098 | 11,564 | 20,722 | |||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 155,594 | 142,148 | 428,181 | 400,620 | |||||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 43,907 | 41,818 | 101,219 | 102,010 | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 111,687 | $ | 100,330 | $ | 326,962 | $ | 298,610 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 111,687 | $ | 100,330 | $ | 326,962 | $ | 298,610 | |||||||
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income, Net of Tax: | |||||||||||||||
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | (20 | ) | 58 | ||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Marketable Securities | 6 | (5 | ) | 44 | (21 | ) | |||||||||
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income, Net of Tax | (1 | ) | (12 | ) | 24 | 37 | |||||||||
Comprehensive Income | $ | 111,686 | $ | 100,318 | $ | 326,986 | $ | 298,647 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
6
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total Common Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Stock Information) | Stock | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 | 6,035,205 | $ | 60,352 | $ | 2,410,765 | $ | 1,727,899 | $ | 301 | $ | 4,199,317 | |||||||||||
Net Income | 110,471 | 110,471 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,390 | ) | (1,390 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (99,000 | ) | (99,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 17 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2019 | 6,035,205 | 60,352 | 2,410,765 | 1,737,980 | 318 | 4,209,415 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 104,804 | 104,804 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,390 | ) | (1,390 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (176,400 | ) | (176,400 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 8 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2019 | 6,035,205 | 60,352 | 2,410,765 | 1,664,995 | 326 | 4,136,438 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 111,687 | 111,687 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,390 | ) | (1,390 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (66,400 | ) | (66,400 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Loss | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | 6,035,205 | $ | 60,352 | $ | 2,410,765 | $ | 1,708,892 | $ | 325 | $ | 4,180,334 |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Total Common Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Stock Information) | Stock | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 | 6,035,205 | $ | 60,352 | $ | 2,110,765 | $ | 1,415,741 | $ | 269 | $ | 3,587,127 | |||||||||||
Net Income | 98,568 | 98,568 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,390 | ) | (1,390 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (60,000 | ) | (60,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 9,000 | 9,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 40 | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | 6,035,205 | 60,352 | 2,119,765 | 1,452,919 | 309 | 3,633,345 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 99,712 | 99,712 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,390 | ) | (1,390 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 91,000 | 91,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2018 | 6,035,205 | 60,352 | 2,210,765 | 1,551,241 | 318 | 3,822,676 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 100,330 | 100,330 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,389 | ) | (1,389 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Loss | (12 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | 6,035,205 | $ | 60,352 | $ | 2,210,765 | $ | 1,650,182 | $ | 306 | $ | 3,921,605 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
7
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
Operating Activities: | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 326,962 | $ | 298,610 | |||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 224,095 | 208,899 | |||||
Deferred Income Taxes | 19,999 | 28,637 | |||||
Uncollectible Expense | 12,084 | 12,135 | |||||
Pension, SERP, and PBOP Expense, Net | 9,843 | 6,594 | |||||
Pension Contributions | (24,000 | ) | (41,150 | ) | |||
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net | 32,435 | (1,136 | ) | ||||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 78,453 | 97,437 | |||||
Other | (66,737 | ) | (55,827 | ) | |||
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: | |||||||
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net | (70,996 | ) | (126,513 | ) | |||
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net | 32,708 | 72,702 | |||||
Accounts Payable | 8,604 | (15,303 | ) | ||||
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net | (51,937 | ) | (33,965 | ) | |||
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities | 531,513 | 451,120 | |||||
Investing Activities: | |||||||
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment | (699,288 | ) | (660,673 | ) | |||
Other Investing Activities | 645 | 167 | |||||
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities | (698,643 | ) | (660,506 | ) | |||
Financing Activities: | |||||||
Cash Dividends on Common Stock | (341,800 | ) | (60,000 | ) | |||
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock | (4,169 | ) | (4,169 | ) | |||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | — | 100,000 | |||||
Issuance of Long-Term Debt | 500,000 | 500,000 | |||||
Retirement of Long-Term Debt | (250,000 | ) | (300,000 | ) | |||
Increase/(Decrease) in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent | 173,100 | (23,600 | ) | ||||
Other Financing Activities | 12,667 | (7,584 | ) | ||||
Net Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities | 89,798 | 204,647 | |||||
Net Decrease in Cash and Restricted Cash | (77,332 | ) | (4,739 | ) | |||
Cash and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period | 91,613 | 9,619 | |||||
Cash and Restricted Cash - End of Period | $ | 14,281 | $ | 4,880 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
8
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars) | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current Assets: | |||||||
Cash | $ | 264 | $ | 1,606 | |||
Receivables, Net | 385,689 | 361,296 | |||||
Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies | 39,386 | 31,344 | |||||
Unbilled Revenues | 42,794 | 34,518 | |||||
Materials, Supplies and REC Inventory | 90,169 | 114,202 | |||||
Regulatory Assets | 201,215 | 241,747 | |||||
Prepayments and Other Current Assets | 11,564 | 51,960 | |||||
Total Current Assets | 771,081 | 836,673 | |||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 9,264,180 | 8,794,700 | |||||
Deferred Debits and Other Assets: | |||||||
Regulatory Assets | 1,159,056 | 1,196,512 | |||||
Prepaid PBOP | 152,978 | 132,810 | |||||
Other Long-Term Assets | 149,785 | 109,764 | |||||
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets | 1,461,819 | 1,439,086 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 11,497,080 | $ | 11,070,459 | |||
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION | |||||||
Current Liabilities: | |||||||
Notes Payable | $ | 28,000 | $ | 278,500 | |||
Notes Payable to Eversource Parent | 48,700 | — | |||||
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion | 95,000 | — | |||||
Accounts Payable | 304,346 | 384,398 | |||||
Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies | 84,898 | 89,636 | |||||
Obligations to Third Party Suppliers | 110,243 | 109,547 | |||||
Renewable Portfolio Standards Compliance Obligations | 113,330 | 139,898 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 199,381 | 190,620 | |||||
Other Current Liabilities | 112,577 | 74,872 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 1,096,475 | 1,267,471 | |||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: | |||||||
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes | 1,329,266 | 1,294,467 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 1,519,631 | 1,513,279 | |||||
Accrued Pension and SERP | 20,544 | 14,145 | |||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities | 325,617 | 263,096 | |||||
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | 3,195,058 | 3,084,987 | |||||
Long-Term Debt | 3,246,631 | 2,944,846 | |||||
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption | 43,000 | 43,000 | |||||
Common Stockholder's Equity: | |||||||
Common Stock | — | — | |||||
Capital Surplus, Paid In | 1,663,442 | 1,633,442 | |||||
Retained Earnings | 2,253,509 | 2,098,091 | |||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (1,035 | ) | (1,378 | ) | |||
Common Stockholder's Equity | 3,915,916 | 3,730,155 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) | |||||||
Total Liabilities and Capitalization | $ | 11,497,080 | $ | 11,070,459 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
9
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 878,669 | $ | 939,460 | $ | 2,358,174 | $ | 2,400,324 | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased Power and Transmission | 300,726 | 383,208 | 859,227 | 981,895 | |||||||||||
Operations and Maintenance | 120,917 | 123,634 | 342,804 | 344,478 | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 74,664 | 70,616 | 220,303 | 205,210 | |||||||||||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 27,296 | 17,149 | 73,064 | 35,467 | |||||||||||
Energy Efficiency Programs | 84,409 | 89,430 | 227,042 | 229,408 | |||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 51,266 | 49,927 | 144,314 | 145,740 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 659,278 | 733,964 | 1,866,754 | 1,942,198 | |||||||||||
Operating Income | 219,391 | 205,496 | 491,420 | 458,126 | |||||||||||
Interest Expense | 29,322 | 26,958 | 85,442 | 80,780 | |||||||||||
Other Income, Net | 10,735 | 13,697 | 32,479 | 40,567 | |||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 200,804 | 192,235 | 438,457 | 417,913 | |||||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 45,864 | 51,640 | 99,769 | 112,247 | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 154,940 | $ | 140,595 | $ | 338,688 | $ | 305,666 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 154,940 | $ | 140,595 | $ | 338,688 | $ | 305,666 | |||||||
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax: | |||||||||||||||
Changes in Funded Status of SERP Benefit Plan | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments | 109 | 110 | 328 | 328 | |||||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Marketable Securities | 2 | (1 | ) | 12 | (6 | ) | |||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax | 112 | 110 | 343 | 325 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive Income | $ | 155,052 | $ | 140,705 | $ | 339,031 | $ | 305,991 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
10
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Common Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Stock Information) | Stock | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 | 200 | $ | — | $ | 1,633,442 | $ | 2,098,091 | $ | (1,378 | ) | $ | 3,730,155 | ||||||||||
Net Income | 94,014 | 94,014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (490 | ) | (490 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (60,600 | ) | (60,600 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 117 | 117 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2019 | 200 | — | 1,653,442 | 2,131,015 | (1,261 | ) | 3,783,196 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 89,734 | 89,734 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (490 | ) | (490 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (121,200 | ) | (121,200 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 114 | 114 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2019 | 200 | — | 1,653,442 | 2,099,059 | (1,147 | ) | 3,751,354 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 154,940 | 154,940 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (490 | ) | (490 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 10,000 | 10,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 112 | 112 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | 200 | $ | — | $ | 1,663,442 | $ | 2,253,509 | $ | (1,035 | ) | $ | 3,915,916 |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Common Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Stock Information) | Stock | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 | 200 | $ | — | $ | 1,502,942 | $ | 1,944,961 | $ | (1,823 | ) | $ | 3,446,080 | ||||||||||
Net Income | 77,149 | 77,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (490 | ) | (490 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (161,000 | ) | (161,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 92,500 | 92,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 106 | 106 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | 200 | — | 1,595,442 | 1,860,621 | (1,717 | ) | 3,454,346 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 87,921 | 87,921 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (490 | ) | (490 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 8,000 | 8,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 109 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2018 | 200 | — | 1,603,442 | 1,948,052 | (1,608 | ) | 3,549,886 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 140,595 | 140,595 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Preferred Stock | (490 | ) | (490 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 5,000 | 5,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 110 | 110 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | 200 | $ | — | $ | 1,608,442 | $ | 2,088,157 | $ | (1,498 | ) | $ | 3,695,101 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
11
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
Operating Activities: | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 338,688 | $ | 305,666 | |||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 220,303 | 205,210 | |||||
Deferred Income Taxes | 11,080 | 16,203 | |||||
Uncollectible Expense | 18,598 | 20,433 | |||||
Pension, SERP and PBOP Income, Net | (9,779 | ) | (15,855 | ) | |||
Pension and PBOP Contributions | (4,910 | ) | (60,454 | ) | |||
Regulatory Overrecoveries, Net | 46,543 | 180,797 | |||||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 73,064 | 35,467 | |||||
Other | (50,685 | ) | (49,178 | ) | |||
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: | |||||||
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net | (68,167 | ) | (155,669 | ) | |||
Materials, Supplies and REC Inventory | 24,033 | 29,156 | |||||
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net | 66,917 | 42,148 | |||||
Accounts Payable | (47,256 | ) | (13,178 | ) | |||
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net | (31,495 | ) | 33,543 | ||||
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities | 586,934 | 574,289 | |||||
Investing Activities: | |||||||
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment | (636,214 | ) | (538,973 | ) | |||
Other Investing Activities | 67 | 46 | |||||
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities | (636,147 | ) | (538,927 | ) | |||
Financing Activities: | |||||||
Cash Dividends on Common Stock | (181,800 | ) | (161,000 | ) | |||
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock | (1,470 | ) | (1,470 | ) | |||
Issuance of Long-Term Debt | 400,000 | — | |||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 30,000 | 105,500 | |||||
Increase in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent | 48,700 | 16,000 | |||||
(Decrease)/Increase in Notes Payable | (250,500 | ) | 6,500 | ||||
Other Financing Activities | (3,868 | ) | (239 | ) | |||
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities | 41,062 | (34,709 | ) | ||||
Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Restricted Cash | (8,151 | ) | 653 | ||||
Cash and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period | 14,659 | 14,708 | |||||
Cash and Restricted Cash - End of Period | $ | 6,508 | $ | 15,361 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
12
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars) | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current Assets: | |||||||
Cash | $ | 1,647 | $ | 1,439 | |||
Receivables, Net | 107,096 | 104,854 | |||||
Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies | 23,882 | 8,444 | |||||
Unbilled Revenues | 38,901 | 47,145 | |||||
Taxes Receivable | 1,111 | 25,913 | |||||
Materials, Supplies and REC Inventory | 23,960 | 37,504 | |||||
Regulatory Assets | 78,097 | 67,228 | |||||
Special Deposits | 18,526 | 47,498 | |||||
Prepayments and Other Current Assets | 2,726 | 17,564 | |||||
Total Current Assets | 295,946 | 357,589 | |||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 3,031,985 | 2,880,073 | |||||
Deferred Debits and Other Assets: | |||||||
Regulatory Assets | 792,332 | 862,288 | |||||
Other Long-Term Assets | 40,890 | 27,406 | |||||
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets | 833,222 | 889,694 | |||||
Total Assets | $ | 4,161,153 | $ | 4,127,356 | |||
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION | |||||||
Current Liabilities: | |||||||
Notes Payable to Eversource Parent | $ | 42,100 | $ | 57,000 | |||
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion | 150,000 | 150,000 | |||||
Rate Reduction Bonds – Current Portion | 43,210 | 52,332 | |||||
Accounts Payable | 89,992 | 111,292 | |||||
Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies | 35,940 | 26,029 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 54,681 | 55,526 | |||||
Other Current Liabilities | 61,260 | 64,046 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 477,183 | 516,225 | |||||
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: | |||||||
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes | 500,391 | 481,221 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities | 418,106 | 428,069 | |||||
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP | 88,492 | 124,457 | |||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities | 33,454 | 36,339 | |||||
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities | 1,040,443 | 1,070,086 | |||||
Long-Term Debt | 951,471 | 655,173 | |||||
Rate Reduction Bonds | 540,122 | 583,331 | |||||
Common Stockholder's Equity: | |||||||
Common Stock | — | — | |||||
Capital Surplus, Paid In | 678,134 | 678,134 | |||||
Retained Earnings | 475,770 | 627,258 | |||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (1,970 | ) | (2,851 | ) | |||
Common Stockholder's Equity | 1,151,934 | 1,302,541 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) | |||||||
Total Liabilities and Capitalization | $ | 4,161,153 | $ | 4,127,356 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
13
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 280,431 | $ | 290,203 | $ | 797,766 | $ | 792,700 | |||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission | 101,381 | 100,763 | 300,680 | 293,975 | |||||||||||
Operations and Maintenance | 50,838 | 55,429 | 156,197 | 153,296 | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 23,539 | 23,223 | 69,720 | 69,524 | |||||||||||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 20,421 | 27,357 | 39,944 | 41,318 | |||||||||||
Energy Efficiency Programs | 7,300 | 5,863 | 20,229 | 15,694 | |||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 12,487 | 21,095 | 50,523 | 59,775 | |||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 215,966 | 233,730 | 637,293 | 633,582 | |||||||||||
Operating Income | 64,465 | 56,473 | 160,473 | 159,118 | |||||||||||
Interest Expense | 16,378 | 16,593 | 44,654 | 43,977 | |||||||||||
Other Income, Net | 4,634 | 16,095 | 14,640 | 24,253 | |||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 52,721 | 55,975 | 130,459 | 139,394 | |||||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 11,842 | 15,309 | 29,947 | 37,857 | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 40,879 | $ | 40,666 | $ | 100,512 | $ | 101,537 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 40,879 | $ | 40,666 | $ | 100,512 | $ | 101,537 | |||||||
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax: | |||||||||||||||
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments | 268 | 268 | 806 | 835 | |||||||||||
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Marketable Securities | 10 | (7 | ) | 75 | (36 | ) | |||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax | 278 | 261 | 881 | 799 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive Income | $ | 41,157 | $ | 40,927 | $ | 101,393 | $ | 102,336 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
14
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Common Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Stock Information) | Stock | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2019 | 301 | $ | — | $ | 678,134 | $ | 627,258 | $ | (2,851 | ) | $ | 1,302,541 | ||||||||||
Net Income | 32,781 | 32,781 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (19,000 | ) | (19,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 307 | 307 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2019 | 301 | — | 678,134 | 641,039 | (2,544 | ) | 1,316,629 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 26,852 | 26,852 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (214,000 | ) | (214,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 296 | 296 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2019 | 301 | — | 678,134 | 453,891 | (2,248 | ) | 1,129,777 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 40,879 | 40,879 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends on Common Stock | (19,000 | ) | (19,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 278 | 278 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2019 | 301 | $ | — | $ | 678,134 | $ | 475,770 | $ | (1,970 | ) | $ | 1,151,934 |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Capital Surplus, Paid In | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Common Stockholder's Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Stock Information) | Stock | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 | 301 | $ | — | $ | 843,134 | $ | 511,382 | $ | (3,922 | ) | $ | 1,350,594 | ||||||||||
Net Income | 35,093 | 35,093 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 269 | 269 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2018 | 301 | — | 843,134 | 546,475 | (3,653 | ) | 1,385,956 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 25,779 | 25,779 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | 225,000 | 225,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Return of Capital | (530,000 | ) | (530,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 269 | 269 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of June 30, 2018 | 301 | — | 538,134 | 572,253 | (3,384 | ) | 1,107,003 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | 40,666 | 40,666 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income | 261 | 261 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | 301 | $ | — | $ | 538,134 | $ | 612,919 | $ | (3,123 | ) | $ | 1,147,930 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
15
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
(Thousands of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
Operating Activities: | |||||||
Net Income | $ | 100,512 | $ | 101,537 | |||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 69,720 | 69,524 | |||||
Deferred Income Taxes | 12,960 | 11,473 | |||||
Uncollectible Expense | 4,977 | 4,865 | |||||
Regulatory Underrecoveries, Net | (13,347 | ) | (19,764 | ) | |||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 39,944 | 41,318 | |||||
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense | 683 | 1,106 | |||||
Pension Contributions | (15,400 | ) | — | ||||
Other | (23,865 | ) | (9,075 | ) | |||
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: | |||||||
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net | (13,498 | ) | (32,819 | ) | |||
Materials, Supplies and REC Inventory | 13,545 | 14,555 | |||||
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net | 31,909 | 10,929 | |||||
Accounts Payable | (12,100 | ) | (3,828 | ) | |||
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net | 6,754 | 27,844 | |||||
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities | 202,794 | 217,665 | |||||
Investing Activities: | |||||||
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment | (209,031 | ) | (236,206 | ) | |||
Proceeds from the Sale of Generation Assets | — | 193,924 | |||||
Other Investing Activities | 904 | 5,149 | |||||
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities | (208,127 | ) | (37,133 | ) | |||
Financing Activities: | |||||||
Cash Dividends on Common Stock | (252,000 | ) | (150,000 | ) | |||
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent | — | 225,000 | |||||
Return of Capital | — | (530,000 | ) | ||||
Issuance of Long-Term Debt | 300,000 | — | |||||
Retirement of Long-Term Debt | — | (110,000 | ) | ||||
Issuance of Rate Reduction Bonds | — | 635,663 | |||||
Repayment of Rate Reduction Bonds | (52,332 | ) | — | ||||
Decrease in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent | (14,900 | ) | (216,300 | ) | |||
Other Financing Activities | (4,146 | ) | 1,080 | ||||
Net Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities | (23,378 | ) | (144,557 | ) | |||
Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Restricted Cash | (28,711 | ) | 35,975 | ||||
Cash and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period | 52,723 | 2,191 | |||||
Cash and Restricted Cash - End of Period | $ | 24,012 | $ | 38,166 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
16
EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout the combined notes to the unaudited condensed financial statements.
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. Basis of Presentation
Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business. Eversource Energy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH (electric utilities), Yankee Gas and NSTAR Gas (natural gas utilities) and Aquarion (water utilities). Eversource provides energy delivery and/or water service to approximately four million electric, natural gas and water customers through eight regulated utilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH include the accounts of each of their respective subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the unaudited condensed financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."
The combined notes to the financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Combined Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of the Eversource 2018 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 26, 2019. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The financial statements contain, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly Eversource's, CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's financial position as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, and the results of operations, comprehensive income and common shareholders' equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. The results of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year.
Eversource consolidates CYAPC and YAEC because CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's combined ownership and voting interests in each of these entities is greater than 50 percent. Intercompany transactions between CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and the CYAPC and YAEC companies have been eliminated in consolidation of the Eversource financial statements.
Eversource's utility subsidiaries' electric, natural gas and water distribution and transmission businesses are subject to rate-regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for entities with rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the differences in the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses from those of other businesses and industries. See Note 2, "Regulatory Accounting," for further information.
Certain reclassifications of prior period data were made in the accompanying financial statements to conform to the current period presentation.
B. Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Effective: In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which provides a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. Under the new guidance, immediate recognition of all credit losses expected over the life of a financial instrument is required. The standard is effective January 1, 2020 and requires a modified retrospective method through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The Company is assessing the impacts of this standard on the accounting for credit losses on its financial instruments, including accounts receivable, and does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted: On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which amended existing lease accounting guidance. The Company applied the Topic 842 lease criteria to new leases and lease renewals entered into effective on or after January 1, 2019. The ASU required balance sheet recognition of leases deemed to be operating leases as well as additional disclosure requirements. The recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows were not significantly changed.
17
The Company also adopted the modified retrospective transition method allowed in ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) - Targeted Improvements, which allowed the Company to adopt the new leases standard as of January 1, 2019, with prior periods presented in the financial statements continuing to follow existing lease accounting guidance under Topic 840 (Leases) in the accounting literature. Implementation of ASU 2018-11 had no effect on retained earnings, and the requirements of the new lease standard (Topic 842) are reflected in the 2019 financial statements and footnotes.
The Company elected the practical expedient package whereby it did not need to reassess whether or not an existing contract is or contains a lease or whether a lease is an operating or capital lease, and it did not need to reassess initial direct costs for leases. Election of this practical expedient allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classifications. The Company elected the practical expedient to not reevaluate land easements existing at adoption if they were not previously accounted for as leases. The Company also elected to use the discount rate as of the January 1, 2019 implementation date to discount its operating lease liabilities. The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases.
The Company determined the impact the ASUs had on its financial statements by reviewing its lease population and identifying lease data needed for the disclosure requirements. The Company implemented a new lease accounting system in 2019 to ensure ongoing compliance with the ASU’s requirements. Adoption of the new standard resulted in the recording of operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets on the balance sheet upon transition at January 1, 2019 of $58.0 million at Eversource, $25.3 million at NSTAR Electric, $0.6 million at CL&P, and $0.6 million at PSNH. Implementation of the new guidance did not have an impact on each company’s results of operations or cash flows.
C. Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission
Northern Pass was Eversource's planned 1,090 MW HVDC transmission line that would interconnect from the Québec-New Hampshire border to Franklin, New Hampshire and an associated alternating current radial transmission line between Franklin and Deerfield, New Hampshire. As a result of a final decision received on July 19, 2019 from the New Hampshire Supreme Court, whereby the court issued a decision denying Northern Pass’ appeal and affirming the NHSEC’s evaluation and decision that denied Northern Pass’ siting application on NPT, Eversource concluded that construction of NPT was no longer probable. As a result, substantially all of the capitalized project costs, which totaled $318 million, certain of which are subject to cost reimbursement agreements, were impaired.
Based on the conclusion that the construction of Northern Pass was not probable, Eversource recorded an impairment charge in the second quarter of 2019 for all of the project costs associated with Northern Pass, which were primarily engineering design, siting, permitting and legal costs, along with appropriate allowances for funds used during construction, and recognized a receivable for certain cost reimbursement agreements. Additionally, Eversource recorded an impairment charge associated with the land acquired to construct Northern Pass in order to recognize the land at its estimated fair value based on assessed values and transaction costs. In total, this resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge of $239.6 million within Operating Income on the statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, and was reflected in the Electric Transmission segment. The after-tax impact of the second quarter impairment charge was $204.4 million, or $0.64 per share, after giving effect to the estimated fair value of the related land, reimbursement agreements, and the impact of expected income tax benefits associated with the impairment charge. Eversource does not expect any significant estimated future cash expenditures associated with this impairment charge.
D. Provision for Uncollectible Accounts
Eversource, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, presents its receivables at estimated net realizable value by maintaining a provision for uncollectible accounts. This provision is determined based upon a variety of judgments and factors, including the application of an estimated uncollectible percentage to each receivable aging category. The estimate is based upon historical collection and write-off experience and management's assessment of collectability from customers. Management continuously assesses the collectability of receivables and adjusts collectability estimates based on actual experience. Receivable balances are written off against the provision for uncollectible accounts when the customer accounts are terminated and these balances are deemed to be uncollectible.
The PURA allows CL&P and Yankee Gas to accelerate the recovery of accounts receivable balances attributable to qualified customers under financial or medical duress (uncollectible hardship accounts receivable) outstanding for greater than 180 days and 90 days, respectively. The DPU allows NSTAR Electric and NSTAR Gas to recover in rates amounts associated with certain uncollectible hardship accounts receivable. These uncollectible hardship customer account balances are included in Regulatory Assets or Other Long-Term Assets on the balance sheets.
The total provision for uncollectible accounts is included in Receivables, Net on the balance sheets. The provision for uncollectible hardship accounts is included in the total uncollectible provision balance. The provision balances are as follows:
Total Provision for Uncollectible Accounts | Provision for Uncollectible Hardship Accounts | ||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||
Eversource | $ | 225.5 | $ | 212.7 | $ | 146.5 | $ | 131.5 | |||||||
CL&P | 94.1 | 88.0 | 77.8 | 71.9 | |||||||||||
NSTAR Electric | 80.7 | 74.5 | 49.4 | 42.5 | |||||||||||
PSNH | 10.6 | 11.1 | — | — |
18
Uncollectible expense associated with customers' accounts receivable included in Operations and Maintenance expense on the statements of income is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Eversource | $ | 14.9 | $ | 21.5 | $ | 46.4 | $ | 50.7 | |||||||
CL&P | 4.5 | 4.4 | 12.1 | 12.1 | |||||||||||
NSTAR Electric | 7.0 | 9.1 | 18.6 | 20.4 | |||||||||||
PSNH | 1.8 | 1.6 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
E. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value measurement guidance is applied to derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as "normal purchases" or "normal sales" ("normal") and to the marketable securities held in trusts. Fair value measurement guidance is also applied to valuations of the investments used to calculate the funded status of pension and PBOP plans, the nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets such as goodwill and AROs, and the estimated fair value of preferred stock, long-term debt and RRBs.
Fair Value Hierarchy: In measuring fair value, Eversource uses observable market data when available in order to minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Inputs used in fair value measurements are categorized into three fair value hierarchy levels for disclosure purposes. The entire fair value measurement is categorized based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Eversource evaluates the classification of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a quarterly basis, and Eversource's policy is to recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting 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 2 - Inputs are quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable.
Level 3 - Quoted market prices are not available. Fair value is derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or assumptions are unobservable. Where possible, valuation techniques incorporate observable market inputs that can be validated to external sources such as industry exchanges, including prices of energy and energy-related products.
Uncategorized - Investments that are measured at net asset value are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.
Determination of Fair Value: The valuation techniques and inputs used in Eversource's fair value measurements are described in Note 4, "Derivative Instruments," Note 5, "Marketable Securities," and Note 11, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the financial statements.
F. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Investments in Offshore Wind Business: Eversource's offshore wind business includes ownership interests in North East Offshore and Bay State Wind, which together hold power purchase agreements and contracts for the Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects. Eversource's offshore wind projects are being developed in joint and equal partnership with Ørsted.
On February 8, 2019, Eversource and Ørsted entered into an equal partnership to acquire key offshore wind assets in the Northeast, where Eversource owns 50 percent of these assets. Eversource's initial payment and contribution under the terms of the partnership agreements totaled approximately $225 million for a 50 percent ownership interest in North East Offshore, which holds the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects, as well as a 257 square-mile lease off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Eversource also has a 50 percent ownership interest in Bay State Wind, which holds the Sunrise Wind project. These equity investments are included in long-term assets on the balance sheet, and earnings impacts are included in Other Income, Net on the statement of income. As of September 30, 2019, Eversource's total equity investment balance in its offshore wind business was $637.2 million. In the third quarter of 2019, Eversource made additional capital contributions of $133.6 million.
19
G. Other Income, Net
The components of Other Income, Net on the statements of income were as follows:
For the Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension, SERP and PBOP Non-Service Income Components | $ | 10.1 | $ | 1.7 | $ | 5.6 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 14.8 | $ | 2.0 | $ | 9.0 | $ | 2.0 | |||||||||||||||
AFUDC Equity | 10.5 | 3.6 | 5.6 | 1.0 | 12.0 | 3.3 | 4.2 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity in Earnings/(Loss) and Impairment of Unconsolidated Affiliates (1) | 6.1 | — | 0.2 | — | (27.9 | ) | — | 0.2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Income/(Loss) | (2.8 | ) | (0.8 | ) | (0.9 | ) | (0.3 | ) | 1.8 | 0.7 | (0.4 | ) | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest Income (2) | 2.9 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 2.5 | 10.8 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 9.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on Sale of Property | — | — | — | — | 5.0 | — | 0.5 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 0.2 | — | 0.1 | — | 0.2 | 0.2 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Other Income, Net | $ | 27.0 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 10.7 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 16.7 | $ | 7.1 | $ | 13.7 | $ | 16.1 | |||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension, SERP and PBOP Non-Service Income Components | $ | 23.2 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 18.0 | $ | 3.5 | $ | 44.6 | $ | 7.3 | $ | 26.8 | $ | 6.4 | |||||||||||||||
AFUDC Equity | 34.5 | 9.4 | 14.7 | 2.1 | 32.6 | 9.4 | 11.5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity in Earnings/(Loss) and Impairment of Unconsolidated Affiliates (1) | 37.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | — | (0.4 | ) | — | 0.6 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Income/(Loss) | (2.3 | ) | 0.9 | (1.5 | ) | — | 2.2 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Income (2) | 10.8 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 9.0 | 16.2 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 13.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on Sale of Property | 0.2 | — | — | — | 5.0 | — | 0.5 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 0.4 | (0.1 | ) | 0.2 | — | 0.5 | 0.2 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Other Income, Net | $ | 103.8 | $ | 11.6 | $ | 32.5 | $ | 14.6 | $ | 100.7 | $ | 20.7 | $ | 40.6 | $ | 24.3 |
(1) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, equity in earnings/(loss) and impairment of unconsolidated affiliates includes an other-than-temporary impairment of $32.9 million of the Access Northeast project investment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, equity in earnings includes $20.4 million and $17.6 million, respectively, of unrealized gains associated with an investment in a renewable energy fund.
(2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, see Note 2, "Regulatory Accounting," for further information on $5.2 million of interest income recognized in 2019 for the equity return component of carrying charges on storm costs at PSNH. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, PSNH recognized $8.7 million for the equity return component of carrying charges on storm costs incurred from August 2011 through March 2013.
H. Other Taxes
Eversource's companies that serve customers in Connecticut collect gross receipts taxes levied by the state of Connecticut from their customers. These gross receipts taxes are recorded separately with collections in Operating Revenues and with payments in Taxes Other Than Income Taxes on the statements of income as follows:
For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Eversource | $ | 42.6 | $ | 43.5 | $ | 124.0 | $ | 122.5 | |||||||
CL&P | 39.8 | 40.6 | 107.8 | 107.7 |
As agents for state and local governments, Eversource's companies that serve customers in Connecticut and Massachusetts collect certain sales taxes that are recorded on a net basis with no impact on the statements of income.
Separate from above were amounts recorded as Taxes Other Than Income Taxes related to the remittance to the State of Connecticut of energy efficiency funds collected from customers in Operating Revenues. These amounts were $21.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, and $10.7 million and $36.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. Energy efficiency funds collected from customers after July 1, 2019 are no longer subject to remittance to the State of Connecticut. These amounts were recorded separately, with collections in Operating Revenues and with payments in Taxes Other Than Income Taxes on the Eversource and CL&P statements of income.
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I. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Non-cash investing activities include plant additions included in Accounts Payable as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) | As of September 30, 2019 | As of September 30, 2018 | |||||
Eversource | $ | 317.8 | $ | 303.7 | |||
CL&P | 107.6 | 103.0 | |||||
NSTAR Electric | 79.0 | 62.5 | |||||
PSNH | 35.8 | 48.3 |
Beginning in 2019, Eversource began issuing treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan. The issuance of treasury shares represents a non-cash transaction, as the treasury shares were used to fulfill Eversource's obligations that require the issuance of common shares.
The following table reconciles cash as reported on the balance sheets to the cash and restricted cash balance as reported on the statements of cash flows:
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash as reported on the Balance Sheets | $ | 22.7 | $ | 9.3 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 108.1 | $ | 87.7 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||
Restricted cash included in: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prepayments and Other Current Assets | 37.7 | 4.6 | 6.1 | 18.5 | 72.1 | 3.5 | 13.0 | 47.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketable Securities | 19.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 25.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Long-Term Assets | 71.9 | — | — | 3.2 | 3.2 | — | — | 3.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and Restricted Cash reported on the Statements of Cash Flows | $ | 151.9 | $ | 14.3 | $ | 6.5 | $ | 24.0 | $ | 209.3 | $ | 91.6 | $ | 14.7 | $ | 52.7 |
Restricted cash included in Prepayments and Other Current Assets primarily represents cash collections related to the PSNH RRB customer charges that are held in trust, and required ISO-NE cash deposits. Restricted cash included in Marketable Securities represents money market funds held in trusts to fund certain non-qualified executive benefits and restricted trusts to fund CYAPC and YAEC's spent nuclear fuel storage facilities obligations. Restricted cash included in Other Long-Term Assets at Eversource primarily relates to DOE Phase IV damages proceeds received at CYAPC and YAEC in the second quarter of 2019. See Note 9D, "Commitments and Contingencies - Spent Nuclear Fuel Obligations - Yankee Companies," for further information.
2. REGULATORY ACCOUNTING
Eversource's utility companies are subject to rate regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The regulated companies' financial statements reflect the effects of the rate-making process. The rates charged to the customers of Eversource's regulated companies are designed to collect each company's costs to provide service, including a return on investment.
Management believes it is probable that each of the regulated companies will recover its respective investments in long-lived assets, including regulatory assets. If management were to determine that it could no longer apply the accounting guidance applicable to rate-regulated enterprises to any of the regulated companies' operations, or if management could not conclude it is probable that costs would be recovered from customers in future rates, the costs would be charged to net income in the period in which the determination is made.
Regulatory Assets: The components of regulatory assets were as follows:
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Benefit Costs | $ | 1,835.1 | $ | 400.5 | $ | 542.8 | $ | 148.5 | $ | 1,914.8 | $ | 424.7 | $ | 544.4 | $ | 169.6 | |||||||||||||||
Income Taxes, Net | 713.4 | 460.2 | 108.6 | 11.4 | 728.6 | 454.4 | 105.9 | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitized Stranded Costs | 576.1 | — | — | 576.1 | 608.4 | — | — | 608.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Storm Restoration Costs, Net | 508.9 | 258.9 | 190.2 | 59.8 | 576.0 | 302.6 | 212.9 | 60.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulatory Tracker Mechanisms | 282.7 | 56.5 | 121.1 | 58.1 | 316.0 | 33.2 | 169.1 | 67.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative Liabilities | 345.8 | 342.3 | — | — | 356.5 | 356.5 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill-related | 335.7 | — | 288.3 | — | 348.4 | — | 299.1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Retirement Obligations | 101.3 | 33.8 | 51.7 | 3.5 | 89.2 | 32.3 | 42.2 | 3.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Regulatory Assets | 131.8 | 25.6 | 57.6 | 13.0 | 208.0 | 27.0 | 64.6 | 12.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Regulatory Assets | 4,830.8 | 1,577.8 | 1,360.3 | 870.4 | 5,145.9 | 1,630.7 | 1,438.2 | 929.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Current Portion | 538.2 | 173.3 | 201.2 | 78.1 | 514.8 | 125.2 | 241.7 | 67.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Long-Term Regulatory Assets | $ | 4,292.6 | $ | 1,404.5 | $ | 1,159.1 | $ | 792.3 | $ | 4,631.1 | $ | 1,505.5 | $ | 1,196.5 | $ | 862.3 |
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Storm Filings: On November 16, 2018, CL&P filed for recovery of $153 million of storm costs incurred from October 2017 through May 2018, with recovery over six years to begin May 1, 2019. Through the course of the proceeding, CL&P updated its request to $145.5 million to reflect final invoicing and capitalization amounts. On April 17, 2019, PURA authorized recovery of $141.0 million as part of storm cost recovery and the remainder to be recorded to plant or other balance sheet accounts. CL&P began recovery of the $141.0 million in distribution rates effective May 1, 2019.
On March 26, 2019, the NHPUC approved the recovery of $38.1 million, plus carrying charges, of storm costs incurred from December 2013 through April 2016 and the transfer of funding from PSNH’s major storm reserve to recover those costs. The costs of these storms (excluding the equity return component of the carrying charges) were deferred as regulatory assets, and the funding reserve collected from customers was accrued as a regulatory liability. As a result of the duration of time between incurring storm costs in December 2013 through April 2016 and final approval from the NHPUC in 2019, PSNH recognized $5.2 million (pre-tax) for the equity return component of the carrying charges within Other Income, Net on the statement of income in the first quarter of 2019, which has been collected from customers. Also included in the March 26, 2019 NHPUC approval is a prospective requirement for PSNH to annually net its storm funding reserve collected from customers against deferred storm costs.
In addition, on June 27, 2019, the NHPUC approved a temporary rate settlement that permits PSNH to recover approximately $68.5 million in unrecovered storm costs over a five-year period beginning August 1, 2019, with debt carrying charges.
Regulatory Costs in Long-Term Assets: Eversource's regulated companies had $144.3 million (including $44.7 million for CL&P, $61.5 million for NSTAR Electric and $17.8 million for PSNH) and $122.9 million (including $42.1 million for CL&P, $49.3 million for NSTAR Electric and $12.2 million for PSNH) of additional regulatory costs as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, that were included in long-term assets on the balance sheets. These amounts represent incurred costs for which recovery has not yet been specifically approved by the applicable regulatory agency. However, based on regulatory policies or past precedent on similar costs, management believes it is probable that these costs will ultimately be approved and recovered from customers in rates.
Regulatory Liabilities: The components of regulatory liabilities were as follows:
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
EDIT due to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | $ | 2,846.9 | $ | 1,025.7 | $ | 1,083.2 | $ | 394.0 | $ | 2,883.0 | $ | 1,031.0 | $ | 1,103.7 | $ | 396.4 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of Removal | 552.0 | 56.3 | 325.2 | 20.5 | 521.0 | 39.9 | 307.1 | 22.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Benefit Costs | 79.7 | — | 67.4 | — | 91.2 | — | 76.9 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Regulatory Tracker Mechanisms | 404.3 | 169.7 | 167.9 | 43.3 | 309.0 | 89.5 | 163.7 | 48.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
AFUDC - Transmission | 72.6 | 46.4 | 26.2 | — | 70.7 | 47.4 | 23.3 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Subject to Refund due to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | 18.3 | — | — | 9.0 | 24.6 | — | — | 12.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Regulatory Liabilities | 111.9 | 29.9 | 49.1 | 6.0 | 80.2 | 24.0 | 29.2 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Regulatory Liabilities | 4,085.7 | 1,328.0 | 1,719.0 | 472.8 | 3,979.7 | 1,231.8 | 1,703.9 | 483.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Current Portion | 441.2 | 168.1 | 199.4 | 54.7 | 370.2 | 109.6 | 190.6 | 55.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Long-Term Regulatory Liabilities | $ | 3,644.5 | $ | 1,159.9 | $ | 1,519.6 | $ | 418.1 | $ | 3,609.5 | $ | 1,122.2 | $ | 1,513.3 | $ | 428.1 |
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3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
The following tables summarize property, plant and equipment by asset category:
Eversource | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||
(Millions of Dollars) | |||||||
Distribution - Electric | $ | 15,737.6 | $ | 15,071.1 | |||
Distribution - Natural Gas | 3,723.7 | 3,546.2 | |||||
Transmission - Electric | 10,570.6 | 10,153.9 | |||||
Distribution - Water | 1,686.3 | 1,639.8 | |||||
Solar | 199.2 | 164.1 | |||||
Utility | 31,917.4 | 30,575.1 | |||||
Other (1) | 935.2 | 778.6 | |||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | 32,852.6 | 31,353.7 | |||||
Less: Accumulated Depreciation | |||||||
Utility | (7,417.6 | ) | (7,126.2 | ) | |||
Other | (375.1 | ) | (336.7 | ) | |||
Total Accumulated Depreciation | (7,792.7 | ) | (7,462.9 | ) | |||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 25,059.9 | 23,890.8 | |||||
Construction Work in Progress | 1,852.0 | 1,719.6 | |||||
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | $ | 26,911.9 | $ | 25,610.4 |
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||
Distribution - Electric | $ | 6,417.9 | $ | 7,102.3 | $ | 2,257.7 | $ | 6,176.4 | $ | 6,756.4 | $ | 2,178.6 | |||||||||||
Transmission - Electric | 4,938.5 | 4,186.6 | 1,440.7 | 4,700.5 | 4,065.9 | 1,338.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Solar | — | 199.2 | — | — | 164.1 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross | 11,356.4 | 11,488.1 | 3,698.4 | 10,876.9 | 10,986.4 | 3,517.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Less: Accumulated Depreciation | (2,370.6 | ) | (2,860.3 | ) | (803.0 | ) | (2,302.6 | ) | (2,702.0 | ) | (772.9 | ) | |||||||||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 8,985.8 | 8,627.8 | 2,895.4 | 8,574.3 | 8,284.4 | 2,744.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Construction Work in Progress | 470.8 | 636.4 | 136.6 | 335.4 | 510.3 | 135.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | $ | 9,456.6 | $ | 9,264.2 | $ | 3,032.0 | $ | 8,909.7 | $ | 8,794.7 | $ | 2,880.1 |
(1) | These assets are primarily comprised of building improvements, computer software, hardware and equipment at Eversource Service. |
In the second quarter of 2019, Eversource recorded an impairment charge for the NPT project costs, which had been recorded within Construction Work in Progress and also the Transmission - Electric asset category. For further information regarding the impairment of NPT, see Note 1C, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission," to the financial statements.
4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The electric and natural gas companies purchase and procure energy and energy-related products, which are subject to price volatility, for their customers. The costs associated with supplying energy to customers are recoverable from customers in future rates. These regulated companies manage the risks associated with the price volatility of energy and energy-related products through the use of derivative and non-derivative contracts.
Many of the derivative contracts meet the definition of, and are designated as, normal and qualify for accrual accounting under the applicable accounting guidance. The costs and benefits of derivative contracts that meet the definition of normal are recognized in Operating Expenses on the statements of income, as applicable, as electricity or natural gas is delivered.
Derivative contracts that are not designated as normal are recorded at fair value as current or long-term Derivative Assets or Derivative Liabilities on the balance sheets. For the electric and natural gas companies, regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities are recorded to offset the fair values of derivatives, as contract settlement amounts are recovered from, or refunded to, customers in their respective energy supply rates.
23
The gross fair values of derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty are offset and reported as net Derivative Assets or Derivative Liabilities, with current and long-term portions, on the balance sheets. The following table presents the gross fair values of contracts, categorized by risk type, and the net amounts recorded as current or long-term derivative assets or liabilities:
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Fair Value Hierarchy | Commodity Supply and Price Risk Management | Netting (1) | Net Amount Recorded as a Derivative | Commodity Supply and Price Risk Management | Netting (1) | Net Amount Recorded as a Derivative | ||||||||||||||||||
Current Derivative Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CL&P | Level 3 | $ | 11.6 | $ | (0.3 | ) | $ | 11.3 | $ | 9.6 | $ | (3.4 | ) | $ | 6.2 | ||||||||||
Other | Level 2 | — | — | — | 1.5 | (0.9 | ) | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Derivative Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CL&P | Level 3 | 70.9 | (2.2 | ) | 68.7 | 74.2 | (2.3 | ) | 71.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Current Derivative Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CL&P | Level 3 | (64.6 | ) | — | (64.6 | ) | (55.1 | ) | — | (55.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other | Level 2 | (3.5 | ) | 0.2 | (3.3 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Long-Term Derivative Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CL&P | Level 3 | (357.7 | ) | — | (357.7 | ) | (379.5 | ) | — | (379.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other | Level 2 | (0.2 | ) | — | (0.2 | ) | — | — | — |
(1) | Amounts represent derivative assets and liabilities that Eversource elected to record net on the balance sheets. These amounts are subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements for which the right of offset exists. |
For further information on the fair value of derivative contracts, see Note 1E, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurements," to the financial statements.
Derivative Contracts at Fair Value with Offsetting Regulatory Amounts
Commodity Supply and Price Risk Management: As required by regulation, CL&P, along with UI, has capacity-related contracts with generation facilities. CL&P has a sharing agreement with UI, with 80 percent of the costs or benefits of each contract borne by or allocated to CL&P and 20 percent borne by or allocated to UI. The combined capacities of these contracts as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were 679 MW and 787 MW, respectively. The capacity contracts extend through 2026 and obligate both CL&P and UI to make or receive payments on a monthly basis to or from the generation facilities based on the difference between a set capacity price and the capacity market price received in the ISO-NE capacity markets. In addition, CL&P has a contract to purchase 0.1 million MWh of energy per year through 2020.
As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Eversource had New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") financial contracts for natural gas futures in order to reduce variability associated with the price of 11.6 million and 12.5 million MMBtu of natural gas, respectively.
For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were losses of $9.2 million and gains of $1.6 million, respectively, deferred as regulatory costs, which reflect the change in fair value associated with Eversource's derivative contracts. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were losses of $19.5 million and $25.8 million, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements of Derivative Instruments
Derivative contracts classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy relate to the financial contracts for natural gas futures. Prices are obtained from broker quotes and are based on actual market activity. The contracts are valued using NYMEX natural gas prices. Valuations of these contracts also incorporate discount rates using the yield curve approach.
The fair value of derivative contracts classified as Level 3 utilizes significant unobservable inputs. The fair value is modeled using income techniques, such as discounted cash flow valuations adjusted for assumptions related to exit price. Significant observable inputs for valuations of these contracts include energy and energy-related product prices in future years for which quoted prices in an active market exist. Fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are prepared by individuals with expertise in valuation techniques, pricing of energy and energy-related products, and accounting requirements. The future power and capacity prices for periods that are not quoted in an active market or established at auction are based on available market data and are escalated based on estimates of inflation in order to address the full term of the contract.
Valuations of derivative contracts using a discounted cash flow methodology include assumptions regarding the timing and likelihood of scheduled payments and also reflect non-performance risk, including credit, using the default probability approach based on the counterparty's credit rating for assets and the Company's credit rating for liabilities. Valuations incorporate estimates of premiums or discounts that would be required by a market participant to arrive at an exit price, using historical market transactions adjusted for the terms of the contract.
24
The following is a summary of Level 3 derivative contracts and the range of the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the valuations over the duration of the contracts:
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
CL&P | Range | Period Covered | Range | Period Covered | |||||||||||||||||||||
Capacity Prices | $ | 3.01 | — | 7.34 | per kW-Month | 2023 - 2026 | $ | 4.30 | — | 7.44 | per kW-Month | 2022 - 2026 | |||||||||||||
Forward Reserve | 0.80 | — | 1.90 | per kW-Month | 2019 - 2024 | 0.75 | — | 1.78 | per kW-Month | 2019 - 2024 |
Exit price premiums of 2.6 percent through 14.1 percent are also applied to these contracts and reflect the uncertainty and illiquidity premiums that would be required based on the most recent market activity available for similar type contracts.
Significant increases or decreases in future capacity or forward reserve prices in isolation would decrease or increase, respectively, the fair value of the derivative liability. Any increases in risk premiums would increase the fair value of the derivative liability. Changes in these fair values are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and do not impact net income.
Valuations using significant unobservable inputs: The following table presents changes in the Level 3 category of derivative assets and derivative liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a net basis.
CL&P | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Derivatives, Net: | |||||||||||||||
Fair Value as of Beginning of Period | $ | (345.4 | ) | $ | (369.3 | ) | $ | (356.5 | ) | $ | (362.3 | ) | |||
Net Realized/Unrealized (Losses)/Gains Included in Regulatory Assets | (8.5 | ) | 1.2 | (16.4 | ) | (27.0 | ) | ||||||||
Settlements | 11.6 | 8.2 | 30.6 | 29.4 | |||||||||||
Fair Value as of End of Period | $ | (342.3 | ) | $ | (359.9 | ) | $ | (342.3 | ) | $ | (359.9 | ) |
5. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Eversource holds marketable securities that are primarily used to fund certain non-qualified executive benefits. The trusts that hold marketable securities are not subject to regulatory oversight by state or federal agencies. CYAPC and YAEC maintain legally restricted trusts, each of which holds marketable securities, to fund the spent nuclear fuel removal obligations of their nuclear fuel storage facilities.
Equity Securities: Unrealized gains and losses on equity securities held in Eversource's non-qualified executive benefit trust are recorded in Other Income, Net on the statements of income. The fair value of these equity securities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $43.4 million and $44.0 million, respectively. For each of the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were unrealized gains of $2.4 million, recorded in Other Income, Net related to these equity securities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were unrealized gains of $5.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Eversource's equity securities also include CYAPC's and YAEC's marketable securities held in spent nuclear fuel trusts, which had fair values of $163.7 million and $200.0 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses for these spent nuclear fuel trusts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and are recorded in Marketable Securities with the corresponding offset to Other Long-Term Liabilities on the balance sheets, with no impact on the statements of income.
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities: The following is a summary of the available-for-sale debt securities, which are recorded at fair value and are included in current and long-term Marketable Securities on the balance sheets.
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Amortized Cost | Pre-Tax Unrealized Gains | Pre-Tax Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | Amortized Cost | Pre-Tax Unrealized Gains | Pre-Tax Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Securities | $ | 203.0 | $ | 8.9 | $ | (0.1 | ) | $ | 211.8 | $ | 190.0 | $ | 0.4 | $ | (4.0 | ) | $ | 186.4 |
Eversource's debt securities include CYAPC's and YAEC's marketable securities held in spent nuclear fuel trusts in the amounts of $174.7 million and $143.9 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities held in Eversource's non-qualified benefit trust are recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. There have been no significant unrealized losses, other-than-temporary impairments, or credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. Factors considered in determining whether a credit loss exists include the duration and severity of the impairment, adverse conditions specifically affecting the issuer, and the payment history, ratings and rating changes of the security. For asset-backed debt securities, underlying collateral and expected future cash flows are also evaluated.
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As of September 30, 2019, the contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows:
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | |||||
Less than one year (1) | $ | 28.6 | $ | 28.5 | |||
One to five years | 49.8 | 51.2 | |||||
Six to ten years | 30.0 | 31.9 | |||||
Greater than ten years | 94.6 | 100.2 | |||||
Total Debt Securities | $ | 203.0 | $ | 211.8 |
(1) | Amounts in the Less than one year category include securities in the CYAPC and YAEC spent nuclear fuel trusts, which are restricted and are classified in long-term Marketable Securities on the balance sheets. |
Realized Gains and Losses: Realized gains and losses are recorded in Other Income, Net for Eversource's benefit trust and are offset in Other Long-Term Liabilities for CYAPC and YAEC. Eversource utilizes the specific identification basis method for the Eversource non-qualified benefit trust, and the average cost basis method for the CYAPC and YAEC spent nuclear fuel trusts to compute the realized gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities.
Fair Value Measurements: The following table presents the marketable securities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis by the level in which they are classified within the fair value hierarchy:
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||
Level 1: | |||||||
Mutual Funds and Equities | $ | 207.1 | $ | 244.0 | |||
Money Market Funds | 19.6 | 25.9 | |||||
Total Level 1 | $ | 226.7 | $ | 269.9 | |||
Level 2: | |||||||
U.S. Government Issued Debt Securities (Agency and Treasury) | $ | 95.2 | $ | 79.6 | |||
Corporate Debt Securities | 49.5 | 39.5 | |||||
Asset-Backed Debt Securities | 13.1 | 14.0 | |||||
Municipal Bonds | 25.6 | 19.2 | |||||
Other Fixed Income Securities | 8.8 | 8.2 | |||||
Total Level 2 | $ | 192.2 | $ | 160.5 | |||
Total Marketable Securities | $ | 418.9 | $ | 430.4 |
U.S. government issued debt securities are valued using market approaches that incorporate transactions for the same or similar bonds and adjustments for yields and maturity dates. Corporate debt securities are valued using a market approach, utilizing recent trades of the same or similar instruments and also incorporating yield curves, credit spreads and specific bond terms and conditions. Asset-backed debt securities include collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage backed securities, and securities collateralized by auto loans, credit card loans or receivables. Asset-backed debt securities are valued using recent trades of similar instruments, prepayment assumptions, yield curves, issuance and maturity dates, and tranche information. Municipal bonds are valued using a market approach that incorporates reported trades and benchmark yields. Other fixed income securities are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, and discounted cash flows.
6. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
Short-Term Debt - Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $1.45 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas and Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut are also parties to a five-year $1.45 billion revolving credit facility, which terminates on December 8, 2023. The revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $1.45 billion commercial paper program.
NSTAR Electric has a $650 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. NSTAR Electric is also a party to a five-year $650 million revolving credit facility, which terminates on December 8, 2023. The revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.
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The amount of borrowings outstanding and available under the commercial paper programs were as follows:
Borrowings Outstanding as of | Available Borrowing Capacity as of | Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of | |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource Parent Commercial Paper Program | $ | 684.5 | $ | 631.5 | $ | 765.5 | $ | 818.5 | 2.25 | % | 2.77 | % | |||||||||
NSTAR Electric Commercial Paper Program | 28.0 | 278.5 | 622.0 | 371.5 | 1.98 | % | 2.50 | % |
There were no borrowings outstanding on either the Eversource parent or NSTAR Electric revolving credit facilities as of September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.
Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs and revolving credit facility are included in Notes Payable and are classified in current liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.
We expect the future operating cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, along with our existing borrowing availability and access to both debt and equity markets, will be sufficient to meet any working capital and future operating requirements, and capital investment forecasted opportunities.
Intercompany Borrowings: Eversource parent uses its available capital resources to provide loans to its subsidiaries to assist them in meeting their short-term borrowing needs. In addition, growth in Eversource's key business initiatives requires cash infusion to those subsidiaries. Eversource parent records intercompany interest income from its loans to subsidiaries, which is eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource's balance sheets. As of September 30, 2019, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P of $173.1 million, to PSNH of $42.1 million, and to Harbor Electric Energy Company ("HEEC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSTAR Electric, of $48.7 million. As of December 31, 2018, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $57.0 million. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent are included in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent and are classified in current liabilities on the respective subsidiary's balance sheets.
Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorization: On April 26, 2019, the NHPUC approved PSNH’s request for authorization to issue up to $300 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2019. On August 14, 2019, PURA approved CL&P's request for authorization to issue up to $675 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2022.
Long-Term Debt: The following table summarizes long-term debt issuances and repayments:
(Millions of Dollars) | Issue Date | Issuance/(Repayment) | Maturity Date | Use of Proceeds for Issuance/ Repayment Information | |||||
CL&P: | |||||||||
4.00% 2018 Series A First Mortgage Bonds (1) | April 2019 | $ | 300.0 | April 2048 | Paid short-term borrowings that were used to pay long-term debt that matured on February 1, 2019 and fund capital expenditures and working capital | ||||
3.20% 2017 Series A First Mortgage Bonds (2) | September 2019 | 200.0 | March 2027 | Paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
5.50% 2009 Series A First Mortgage Bonds | February 2009 | (250.0 | ) | February 2019 | Paid at maturity on February 1, 2019 | ||||
NSTAR Electric: | |||||||||
3.25% 2019 Debentures | May 2019 | 400.0 | May 2029 | Paid short-term borrowings that were used to fund investments in eligible green expenditures | |||||
PSNH: | |||||||||
3.60% 2019 Series T First Mortgage Bonds | June 2019 | 300.0 | July 2049 | Paid long-term debt due to mature in December 2019, paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
Other: | |||||||||
NSTAR Gas 3.74% Series Q First Mortgage Bonds | July 2019 | 75.0 | August 2049 | Paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
Yankee Gas 2.23% Series P First Mortgage Bonds | September 2019 | 100.0 | October 2024 | Paid long-term debt due to mature in November 2019, paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
Yankee Gas 3.30% Series Q First Mortgage Bonds | September 2019 | 100.0 | October 2049 | Paid long-term debt due to mature in November 2019, paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital |
(1) | These bonds are part of the same series issued by CL&P in March 2018. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of these bonds is now $800 million. |
(2) | These bonds are part of the same series issued by CL&P in March 2017. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of these bonds is now $500 million. |
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7. RATE REDUCTION BONDS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Rate Reduction Bonds: On May 8, 2018, PSNH Funding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSNH, issued $635.7 million of securitized RRBs in multiple tranches with a weighted average interest rate of 3.66 percent, and final maturity dates ranging from 2026 to 2035. The RRBs are expected to be repaid by February 1, 2033. RRB payments consist of principal and interest and will be paid semi-annually, beginning on February 1, 2019. The RRBs were issued pursuant to a finance order issued by the NHPUC on January 30, 2018 to recover remaining costs resulting from the divestiture of PSNH’s generation assets.
PSNH Funding is considered a VIE primarily because the equity capitalization is insufficient to support its operations. PSNH has the power to direct the significant activities of the VIE and is most closely associated with the VIE as compared to other interest holders. Therefore, PSNH is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates PSNH Funding in its consolidated financial statements. The following tables summarize the impact of PSNH Funding on PSNH's balance sheets and income statements:
(Millions of Dollars) | |||||||
Balance Sheet: | As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | |||||
Restricted Cash - Current Portion (included in Prepayments and Other Current Assets) | $ | 18.5 | $ | 47.5 | |||
Restricted Cash - Long-Term Portion (included in Other Long-Term Assets) | 3.2 | 3.2 | |||||
Securitized Stranded Costs (included in Regulatory Assets) | 576.1 | 608.4 | |||||
Other Regulatory Liabilities (included in Regulatory Liabilities) | 7.7 | 5.8 | |||||
Accrued Interest (included in Other Current Liabilities) | 3.4 | 14.4 | |||||
Rate Reduction Bonds - Current Portion | 43.2 | 52.3 | |||||
Rate Reduction Bonds - Long-Term Portion | 540.1 | 583.3 |
(Millions of Dollars) | For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||
Income Statement: | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Amortization of RRB Principal (included in Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net) | $ | 10.8 | $ | 10.2 | $ | 32.2 | $ | 17.1 | |||||||
Interest Expense on RRB Principal (included in Interest Expense) | 5.2 | 6.0 | 15.9 | 8.8 |
8. PENSION BENEFITS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSION
Eversource provides defined benefit retirement plans ("Pension Plans") that cover eligible employees. In addition to the Pension Plans, Eversource maintains non-qualified defined benefit retirement plans ("SERP Plans"), which provide benefits in excess of Internal Revenue Code limitations to eligible participants consisting of current and retired employees. Eversource also provides defined benefit postretirement plans ("PBOP Plans") that provide life insurance and a health reimbursement arrangement created for the purpose of reimbursing retirees and dependents for health insurance premiums and certain medical expenses to eligible employees that meet certain age and service eligibility requirements. We contributed $112.5 million and $183.2 million to the Pension Plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $7.9 million and $5.7 million to the PBOP Plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The components of net periodic benefit expense/(income) for the Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans, prior to amounts capitalized as Property, Plant and Equipment or deferred as regulatory assets for future recovery, are shown below. The service cost component of net periodic benefit expense, less the capitalized portion, is included in Operations and Maintenance expense on the statements of income. The remaining components of net periodic benefit expense/(income), less the deferred portion, are included in Other Income, Net on the statements of income. Pension, SERP and PBOP expense reflected in the statements of cash flows for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH does not include the intercompany allocations or the corresponding capitalized and deferred portion, as these amounts are cash settled on a short-term basis.
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Pension and SERP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Service Cost | $ | 16.2 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 3.6 | $ | 1.5 | $ | 20.9 | $ | 5.2 | $ | 4.3 | $ | 2.7 | |||||||||||||||
Interest Cost | 54.8 | 11.4 | 12.3 | 6.0 | 49.2 | 10.5 | 10.9 | 5.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Return on Pension Plan Assets | (91.6 | ) | (18.1 | ) | (24.2 | ) | (10.1 | ) | (97.8 | ) | (19.4 | ) | (26.6 | ) | (10.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Actuarial Loss | 35.6 | 6.3 | 11.8 | 2.3 | 35.7 | 7.1 | 10.1 | 3.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior Service Cost | 0.3 | — | — | — | 2.0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income) | $ | 15.3 | $ | 4.0 | $ | 3.5 | $ | (0.3 | ) | $ | 10.0 | $ | 3.6 | $ | (1.2 | ) | $ | 0.8 | |||||||||||||
Intercompany Allocations | N/A | $ | 2.0 | $ | 1.9 | $ | 0.5 | N/A | $ | 1.5 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Pension and SERP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Service Cost | $ | 51.6 | $ | 13.6 | $ | 11.0 | $ | 5.6 | $ | 64.2 | $ | 16.2 | $ | 13.1 | $ | 8.4 | |||||||||||||||
Interest Cost | 163.8 | 34.4 | 36.6 | 18.2 | 147.1 | 31.4 | 32.6 | 16.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Return on Pension Plan Assets | (275.4 | ) | (55.1 | ) | (72.9 | ) | (30.6 | ) | (293.8 | ) | (59.7 | ) | (78.3 | ) | (32.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Actuarial Loss | 107.9 | 20.6 | 33.1 | 8.2 | 107.6 | 21.9 | 31.0 | 9.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior Service Cost | 0.9 | — | 0.2 | — | 6.0 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income) | $ | 48.8 | $ | 13.5 | $ | 8.0 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 31.1 | $ | 10.6 | $ | (1.4 | ) | $ | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||
Intercompany Allocations | N/A | $ | 6.5 | $ | 6.1 | $ | 1.8 | N/A | $ | 4.5 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 1.4 |
PBOP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Service Cost | $ | 2.0 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 2.5 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||
Interest Cost | 8.1 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 7.7 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Return on Plan Assets | (16.7 | ) | (2.2 | ) | (7.5 | ) | (1.3 | ) | (18.2 | ) | (2.6 | ) | (8.1 | ) | (1.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Actuarial Loss | 2.1 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior Service Cost/(Credit) | (5.8 | ) | 0.2 | (4.2 | ) | 0.1 | (6.0 | ) | 0.3 | (4.3 | ) | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income) | $ | (10.3 | ) | $ | 0.2 | $ | (8.1 | ) | $ | (0.1 | ) | $ | (11.4 | ) | $ | — | $ | (9.2 | ) | $ | — | ||||||||||
Intercompany Allocations | N/A | $ | (0.2 | ) | $ | (0.3 | ) | $ | (0.1 | ) | N/A | $ | (0.3 | ) | $ | (0.3 | ) | $ | (0.1 | ) | |||||||||||
PBOP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Service Cost | $ | 5.9 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 1.3 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 7.5 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||
Interest Cost | 24.5 | 4.7 | 7.1 | 2.5 | 23.0 | 4.4 | 6.5 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Return on Plan Assets | (50.1 | ) | (6.9 | ) | (22.6 | ) | (4.0 | ) | (54.2 | ) | (7.8 | ) | (24.4 | ) | (4.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Actuarial Loss | 6.2 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 7.7 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior Service Cost/(Credit) | (17.6 | ) | 0.8 | (12.7 | ) | 0.3 | (17.6 | ) | 0.8 | (12.7 | ) | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income) | $ | (31.1 | ) | $ | 0.7 | $ | (24.4 | ) | $ | (0.4 | ) | $ | (33.6 | ) | $ | — | $ | (27.3 | ) | $ | (0.1 | ) | |||||||||
Intercompany Allocations | N/A | $ | (0.6 | ) | $ | (0.9 | ) | $ | (0.3 | ) | N/A | $ | (0.8 | ) | $ | (1.0 | ) | $ | (0.3 | ) |
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9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A. Environmental Matters
Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH are subject to environmental laws and regulations intended to mitigate or remove the effect of past operations and improve or maintain the quality of the environment. These laws and regulations require the removal or the remedy of the effect on the environment of the disposal or release of certain specified hazardous substances at current and former operating sites. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH have an active environmental auditing and training program and each believes it is substantially in compliance with all enacted laws and regulations.
The number of environmental sites and related reserves for which remediation or long-term monitoring, preliminary site work or site assessment is being performed are as follows:
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Number of Sites | Reserve (in millions) | Number of Sites | Reserve (in millions) | ||||||||||
Eversource | 58 | $ | 70.3 | 60 | $ | 64.7 | |||||||
CL&P | 15 | 6.0 | 15 | 5.4 | |||||||||
NSTAR Electric | 15 | 9.5 | 16 | 10.9 | |||||||||
PSNH | 9 | 5.7 | 9 | 5.4 |
Included in the number of sites and reserve amounts above are former MGP sites that were operated several decades ago and manufactured gas from coal and other processes, which resulted in certain by-products remaining in the environment that may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment, for which Eversource may have potential liability. The reserve balances related to these former MGP sites were $56.4 million and $50.1 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and related primarily to the natural gas business segment.
These reserve estimates are subjective in nature as they take into consideration several different remediation options at each specific site. The reliability and precision of these estimates can be affected by several factors, including new information concerning either the level of contamination at the site, the extent of Eversource's, CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's responsibility for remediation or the extent of remediation required, recently enacted laws and regulations or changes in cost estimates due to certain economic factors. It is possible that new information or future developments could require a reassessment of the potential exposure to required environmental remediation. As this information becomes available, management will continue to assess the potential exposure and adjust the reserves accordingly.
B. Long-Term Contractual Arrangements
On December 28, 2018, under Public Act 17-3, "An Act Concerning Zero Carbon Procurement," DEEP selected the Millstone Nuclear Power Station generation facility and Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant, along with smaller generation facilities, in DEEP’s zero-carbon request for proposal. CL&P and UI were directed by DEEP to enter into ten-year contracts to purchase a combined total of approximately 9 million MWh annually from the Millstone generation facility. On March 15, 2019, CL&P and UI each signed a ten-year contract with the owner of Millstone Nuclear Power Station in order to purchase a combined amount of approximately 50 percent of the facility's output (approximately 40 percent by CL&P). The Millstone Nuclear Power Station has a 2,112 MW nameplate capacity. PURA approved the contracts on September 18, 2019.
The significant output of the Millstone generation facility, the contract period, and the pricing will result in estimated annual contractual commitments of approximately $360 million over the ten-year contract term. CL&P plans to sell the energy purchased under this contract into the market and use the proceeds from these energy sales to offset the contract costs. As the net costs under this contract will be recovered from customers in future rates, the contract will not have an impact on the net income of CL&P. Energy deliveries under this contract began in October 2019, for which payments will begin in November 2019. Contracts with other suppliers selected by DEEP are being reviewed by PURA.
C. Guarantees and Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, Eversource parent provides credit assurances on behalf of its subsidiaries, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, in the form of guarantees.
Eversource parent issued a guaranty on behalf of its subsidiary, NPT, under which, beginning at the time the Northern Pass Transmission line would go into commercial operation, Eversource parent would guarantee the financial obligations of NPT under the TSA with HQ in an amount not to exceed $25 million. Eversource parent's obligations under the guaranty expire upon the full, final and indefeasible payment of the guaranteed obligations. In the second quarter of 2019, Eversource concluded that construction of the NPT project was no longer probable. For further information regarding the impairment of NPT, see Note 1C, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission," to the financial statements. While this guaranty is currently outstanding, it is expected to be extinguished in connection with the final dissolution of NPT.
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Management does not anticipate a material impact to net income or cash flows as a result of these various guarantees and indemnifications. The following table summarizes Eversource parent's exposure to guarantees and indemnifications of its subsidiaries to external parties, as of September 30, 2019:
Company | Description | Maximum Exposure (in millions) | Expiration Dates | |||||
On behalf of subsidiaries: | ||||||||
Various | Surety Bonds (1) | $ | 34.3 | 2019 - 2021 | ||||
Rocky River Realty Company and Eversource Service | Lease Payments for Real Estate | 6.8 | 2024 | |||||
Bay State Wind | Real Estate Purchase | 2.5 | 2020 |
(1) | Surety bond expiration dates reflect termination dates, the majority of which will be renewed or extended. Certain surety bonds contain credit ratings triggers that would require Eversource parent to post collateral in the event that the unsecured debt credit ratings of Eversource parent are downgraded. |
On October 25, 2019, Eversource parent issued a guaranty on behalf of its 50 percent-owned joint venture subsidiary, Sunrise Wind LLC, whereby Eversource parent will guaranty Sunrise Wind LLC’s performance of certain obligations, in an amount not to exceed $15.4 million, under the Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificate Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Agreement"). The Agreement was executed on October 23, 2019, by and between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA") and Sunrise Wind LLC. Obligations of Eversource parent under the guaranty expire at such time as the guaranteed obligations have been fully performed.
D. Spent Nuclear Fuel Obligations - Yankee Companies
CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH have plant closure and fuel storage cost obligations to the Yankee Companies, which have each completed the physical decommissioning of their respective nuclear facilities and are now engaged in the long-term storage of their spent fuel. The Yankee Companies fund these costs through litigation proceeds received from the DOE and, to the extent necessary, through wholesale, FERC-approved rates charged under power purchase agreements with several New England utilities, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, in turn recover these costs from their customers through state regulatory commission-approved retail rates. The Yankee Companies collect amounts that management believes are adequate to recover the remaining plant closure and fuel storage cost estimates for the respective plants. Management believes CL&P and NSTAR Electric will recover their shares of these obligations from their customers. PSNH has recovered its total share of these costs from its customers.
Spent Nuclear Fuel Litigation:
The Yankee Companies have filed complaints against the DOE in the Court of Federal Claims seeking monetary damages resulting from the DOE's failure to provide for a permanent facility to store spent nuclear fuel pursuant to the terms of the 1983 spent fuel and high level waste disposal contracts between the Yankee Companies and the DOE. The court had previously awarded the Yankee Companies damages for Phase I, II and III of litigation resulting from the DOE's failure to meet its contractual obligations. These Phases covered damages incurred in the years 1998 through 2012, and the awarded damages have been received by the Yankee Companies with certain amounts of the damages refunded to their customers.
DOE Phase IV Damages - On May 22, 2017, each of the Yankee Companies filed subsequent lawsuits against the DOE in the Court of Federal
Claims. The Yankee Companies sought monetary damages totaling $104.4 million for CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC, resulting from the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel for disposal covering the years from 2013 to 2016 (“DOE Phase IV”). On February 21, 2019, the Yankee Companies received a partial summary judgment and partial final judgment in their favor for the undisputed amount of monetary damages of $103.2 million. The court awarded CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC damages of $40.7 million, $28.1 million and $34.4 million, respectively. The DOE did not appeal the court's judgment and the decision became final on April 23, 2019. On June 12, 2019, CYAPC and YAEC received damages of $40.7 million and $28.1 million, respectively, which were recorded as restricted cash within Other Long-Term Assets on the Eversource consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019.
On June 12, 2019, the court accepted an offer of judgment in the amount of $0.5 million to settle the disputed amount of approximately $1 million in Phase IV contested damages. The Yankee Companies received the $0.5 million payment in July 2019.
In September 2019, the Yankee Companies made a required informational filing with FERC as to the use of proceeds. FERC approval and payment to the Eversource utilities (CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH) is expected in the fourth quarter of 2019. At this time, the damages are primarily expected to be used by the Yankee Companies to fund remaining fuel storage obligations, and management does not expect significant amounts to be refunded to the utilities. The utilities will ultimately refund any amounts received to utility customers.
E. FERC ROE Complaints
Four separate complaints have been filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively the "Complainants"). In each of the first three complaints, filed on October 1, 2011, December 27, 2012, and July 31, 2014, respectively, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE billed of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive ("incentive cap") of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.
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The ROE originally billed during the period October 1, 2011 (beginning of the first complaint period) through October 15, 2014 consisted of a base ROE of 11.14 percent and incentives up to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, the FERC set the base ROE at 10.57 percent and the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint period. This was also effective for all prospective billings to customers beginning October 16, 2014. This FERC order was vacated on April 14, 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the "Court").
All amounts associated with the first complaint period have been refunded, which totaled $38.9 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) at Eversource and reflected both the base ROE and incentive cap prescribed by the FERC order. The refund consisted of $22.4 million for CL&P, $13.7 million for NSTAR Electric and $2.8 million for PSNH.
Eversource has recorded a reserve of $39.1 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) for the second complaint period as of September 30, 2019. This reserve represents the difference between the billed rates during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $14.6 million for NSTAR Electric and $3.1 million for PSNH as of September 30, 2019.
On October 16, 2018, FERC issued an order on all four complaints describing how it intends to address the issues that were remanded by the Court. FERC proposed a new framework to determine (1) whether an existing ROE is unjust and unreasonable and, if so, (2) how to calculate a replacement ROE. The parties to these proceedings were directed to submit briefs on this new proposed framework and how they would apply the proposed framework in each of the four complaint proceedings. Initial briefs were filed by the NETOs, Complainants and FERC Trial Staff on January 11, 2019 and reply briefs were filed on March 8, 2019. The NETOs' brief was supportive of the overall ROE methodology determined in the October 16, 2018 order provided the FERC does not change the proposed methodology or alter its implementation in a manner that has a material impact on the results.
The FERC order included illustrative calculations for the first complaint using FERC's proposed frameworks with financial data from that complaint. Those preliminary calculations indicated that for the first complaint period, for the NETOs that FERC concludes are of average financial risk, (1) a preliminary range of presumptively just and reasonable base ROEs is 9.60 percent to 10.99 percent; (2) the pre-existing base ROE of 11.14 percent is therefore unjust and unreasonable; (3) the preliminary just and reasonable base ROE is 10.41 percent; and (4) the preliminary incentive cap on total ROE is 13.08 percent.
If the results of these illustrative calculations were included in a final FERC order for each of the complaint periods, then a 10.41 percent base ROE and a 13.08 percent incentive cap would not have a significant impact on our financial statements for all of the complaint periods.
Although the order provided illustrative calculations, FERC stated that these calculations are merely preliminary. The FERC’s preliminary calculations are not binding and do not represent what we believe to be the most likely outcome of a final FERC order, as changes to the methodology by FERC are possible as a result of the parties’ arguments and calculations in the briefing process. Until FERC issues a final decision on each of these four complaints, there is significant uncertainty, and at this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of gain or loss for any of the four complaint proceedings. The October 16, 2018 FERC order or the 2019 briefs did not provide a reasonable basis for a change to the reserve or recognized ROEs for any of the complaint periods.
Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH currently record revenues at the 10.57 percent base ROE and incentive cap at 11.74 percent established in the October 16, 2014 FERC order.
The average impact of a 10 basis point change to the base ROE for each of the 15-month complaint periods would affect Eversource's after-tax earnings by approximately $3 million.
F. Eversource and NSTAR Electric Boston Harbor Civil Action
On July 15, 2016, the United States Attorney on behalf of the United States Army Corps of Engineers filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts under provisions of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and the Clean Water Act against NSTAR Electric, HEEC, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (together with NSTAR Electric and HEEC, the "Defendants"). The action alleged that the Defendants failed to comply with certain permitting requirements related to the placement of the HEEC-owned electric distribution cable beneath Boston Harbor. The action sought an order to compel HEEC to comply with cable depth requirements in the United States Army Corps of Engineers' permit or alternatively to remove the electric distribution cable and cease unauthorized work in U.S. waterways. The action also sought civil penalties and other costs.
The parties reached a settlement pursuant to which HEEC agreed to install a new 115kV distribution cable across Boston Harbor to Deer Island, utilizing a different route, and remove portions of the existing cable. Upon installation and completion of the new cable and removal of the portions of the existing cable, all issues surrounding the current permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers are expected to be resolved, and such litigation is expected to be dismissed with prejudice. Construction of the new distribution cable was completed in August 2019 and removal of the portions of the existing cable is expected to be completed by May of 2020.
NSTAR Electric agreed to provide a rate base credit of $17.5 million to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for the new cable. This negotiated credit resulted in the initial $17.5 million of construction costs on the new cable being expensed as incurred, all of which was fully expensed in 2018. In connection with the new cable that was placed into service, a corresponding ARO was recognized for approximately $32 million within Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets as of September 30, 2019.
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10. LEASES
Eversource, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, has entered into lease agreements as a lessee for the use of land, office space, service centers, vehicles, information technology, and equipment. These lease agreements are classified as either finance or operating leases and the liability and right-of-use asset are recognized on the balance sheet at lease commencement. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Eversource determines whether or not a contract contains a lease based on whether or not it provides Eversource with the use of a specifically identified asset for a period of time, as well as both the right to direct the use of that asset and receive the significant economic benefits of the asset. Eversource has elected the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components and instead to account for both as a single lease component, with the exception of the information technology asset class where the lease and non-lease components are separated.
The provisions of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH lease agreements contain renewal options. The renewal options range from one year to twenty years. The renewal period is included in the measurement of the lease liability if it is reasonably certain that Eversource will exercise these renewal options.
For leases entered into or modified after the January 1, 2019 implementation date, the discount rate utilized for classification and measurement purposes as of the inception date of the lease is based on each company's collateralized incremental interest rate to borrow over a comparable term for an individual lease, as the rate implicit in the lease is not determinable.
CL&P and PSNH entered into certain contracts for the purchase of energy that qualify as leases. These contracts do not have minimum lease payments and therefore are not recognized as a lease liability on the balance sheet and are not reflected in the future minimum lease payments table below. Expense related to these contracts are included as variable lease cost in the table below. The expense and long-term obligation for these contracts are included in the annually reported contractual obligations table in Note 12B, "Commitments and Contingencies - Long-Term Contractual Arrangements," of the Eversource 2018 Form 10-K.
The components of lease cost, prior to amounts capitalized, are as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Financing Lease Cost: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of Right-of-use-Assets | $ | 0.4 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | $ | 1.1 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||
Interest on Lease Liabilities | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | — | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Finance Lease Cost | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.2 | — | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Lease Cost | 2.9 | 0.1 | 0.5 | — | 8.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable Lease Cost | 15.3 | 3.6 | — | 11.7 | 46.4 | 10.1 | — | 36.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Lease Cost | $ | 18.9 | $ | 4.0 | $ | 0.7 | $ | 11.7 | $ | 57.4 | $ | 11.4 | $ | 1.8 | $ | 36.5 |
Operating lease cost, less the capitalized portion, is included in Operations and Maintenance (or Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense for transmission segment leases) on the statements of income. Amortization of finance lease assets is included in Depreciation on the statements of income. Interest expense on finance leases is included in Interest Expense, Net on the statements of income.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
As of September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Balance Sheet Classification | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | ||||||||||||
Operating Leases: | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Lease Right-of-use-Assets, Net | Other Long-Term Assets | $ | 52.3 | $ | 0.9 | $ | 24.2 | $ | 0.4 | ||||||||
Operating Lease Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Lease Liabilities - Current Portion | Other Current Liabilities | $ | 8.9 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.6 | $ | — | ||||||||
Operating Lease Liabilities - Long-Term | Other Long-Term Liabilities | 43.4 | 0.4 | 23.6 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Lease Liabilities | $ | 52.3 | $ | 0.9 | $ | 24.2 | $ | 0.4 | |||||||||
Finance Leases: | |||||||||||||||||
Finance Lease Right-of-use-Assets, Net | Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | $ | 8.8 | $ | 2.2 | $ | 3.4 | $ | 0.9 | ||||||||
Finance Lease Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||
Finance Lease Liabilities - Current Portion | Other Current Liabilities | $ | 2.3 | $ | 1.6 | $ | — | $ | 0.1 | ||||||||
Finance Lease Liabilities - Long-Term | Other Long-Term Liabilities | 8.7 | 1.8 | 4.4 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||
Total Finance Lease Liabilities | $ | 11.0 | $ | 3.4 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 0.9 |
The finance lease payments that NSTAR Electric will make over the next twelve months are entirely interest-related, due to escalating payments. As such, none of the finance lease payments over the next twelve months will reduce the finance lease liability.
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Other information related to leases is as follows (in millions of dollars, unless otherwise noted):
Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | ||||||||||||
As of September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term (Years): | |||||||||||||||
Operating Leases | 12 | 2 | 20 | 9 | |||||||||||
Financing Leases | 11 | 2 | 22 | 9 | |||||||||||
Weighted-Average Discount Rate (Percentage): | |||||||||||||||
Operating Leases | 3.9 | % | 2.5 | % | 4.1 | % | 3.7 | % | |||||||
Financing Leases | 4.2 | % | 10.5 | % | 2.9 | % | 3.5 | % | |||||||
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Operating Cash Flows from Operating Leases | $ | 2.9 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 0.5 | $ | — | |||||||
Operating Cash Flows from Finance Leases | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | — | |||||||||||
Financing Cash Flows from Finance Leases | 0.5 | 0.4 | — | — | |||||||||||
Supplemental Non-Cash Information on Lease Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Right-of-use-Assets Obtained in Exchange for New Operating Lease Liabilities | 0.9 | 0.8 | — | — | |||||||||||
Right-of-use-Assets Obtained in Exchange for New Finance Lease Liabilities | — | — | — | — |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
Cash Paid for Amounts Included in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Operating Cash Flows from Operating Leases | $ | 8.7 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 1.2 | $ | 0.1 | |||||||
Operating Cash Flows from Finance Leases | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | — | |||||||||||
Financing Cash Flows from Finance Leases | 1.5 | 1.0 | — | 0.1 | |||||||||||
Supplemental Non-Cash Information on Lease Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Right-of-use-Assets Obtained in Exchange for New Operating Lease Liabilities | 2.6 | 1.0 | — | 0.2 | |||||||||||
Right-of-use-Assets Obtained in Exchange for New Finance Lease Liabilities | 1.3 | — | — | — |
Future minimum lease payments, excluding variable costs, under long-term leases, as of September 30, 2019 are as follows:
Operating Leases | Finance Leases | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||
October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 | $ | 2.6 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 0.3 | $ | — | $ | 0.9 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Year Ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 10.1 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 3.4 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 8.9 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 2.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 7.4 | — | 1.6 | 0.1 | 1.5 | — | 0.6 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 4.9 | — | 1.6 | — | 0.7 | — | 0.6 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2024 | 2.8 | — | 1.6 | — | 0.7 | — | 0.6 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Thereafter | 28.9 | 0.1 | 28.7 | 0.2 | 13.3 | — | 12.8 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Future lease payments | 65.6 | 0.9 | 37.0 | 0.5 | 23.4 | 4.0 | 15.7 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Less amount representing interest | 13.3 | — | 12.8 | 0.1 | 12.4 | 0.6 | 11.3 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Present value of future minimum lease payments | $ | 52.3 | $ | 0.9 | $ | 24.2 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 11.0 | $ | 3.4 | $ | 4.4 | $ | 0.9 |
At December 31, 2018, future minimum rental payments, excluding executory costs, such as property taxes, state use taxes, insurance, and maintenance were as follows:
Operating Leases (Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||
2019 | $ | 11.5 | $ | 1.5 | $ | 7.2 | $ | 0.5 | |||||||
2020 | 9.8 | 1.4 | 6.0 | 0.4 | |||||||||||
2021 | 8.7 | 1.2 | 5.3 | 0.4 | |||||||||||
2022 | 7.2 | 1.1 | 4.4 | 0.4 | |||||||||||
2023 | 4.7 | 0.5 | 3.1 | 0.2 | |||||||||||
Thereafter | 32.7 | 0.2 | 29.5 | 0.3 | |||||||||||
Future minimum lease payments | $ | 74.6 | $ | 5.9 | $ | 55.5 | $ | 2.2 |
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Capital Leases (Millions of Dollars) | Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||
2019 | $ | 3.4 | $ | 2.0 | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.1 | |||||||
2020 | 3.4 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
2021 | 2.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
2022 | 1.5 | — | 0.6 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
2023 | 0.7 | — | 0.6 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
Thereafter | 13.9 | — | 13.4 | 0.5 | |||||||||||
Future minimum lease payments | 25.8 | 5.5 | 16.1 | 1.0 | |||||||||||
Less amount representing interest | 13.8 | 1.0 | 12.4 | 0.1 | |||||||||||
Present value of future minimum lease payments | $ | 12.0 | $ | 4.5 | $ | 3.7 | $ | 0.9 |
11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments:
Preferred Stock, Long-Term Debt and Rate Reduction Bonds: The fair value of CL&P's and NSTAR Electric's preferred stock is based upon pricing models that incorporate interest rates and other market factors, valuations or trades of similar securities and cash flow projections. The fair value of long-term debt and RRB debt securities is based upon pricing models that incorporate quoted market prices for those issues or similar issues adjusted for market conditions, credit ratings of the respective companies and treasury benchmark yields. The fair values provided in the table below are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Carrying amounts and estimated fair values are as follows:
Eversource | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As of September 30, 2019: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption | $ | 155.6 | $ | 160.3 | $ | 116.2 | $ | 116.6 | $ | 43.0 | $ | 43.7 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt | 14,293.2 | 15,479.2 | 3,518.5 | 4,104.4 | 3,341.6 | 3,695.3 | 1,101.5 | 1,165.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Rate Reduction Bonds | 583.3 | 634.1 | — | — | — | — | 583.3 | 634.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2018: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption | $ | 155.6 | $ | 156.8 | $ | 116.2 | $ | 113.8 | $ | 43.0 | $ | 43.0 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt | 13,086.1 | 13,154.9 | 3,254.0 | 3,429.2 | 2,944.8 | 3,024.1 | 805.2 | 819.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Rate Reduction Bonds | 635.7 | 645.8 | — | — | — | — | 635.7 | 645.8 |
Derivative Instruments and Marketable Securities: Derivative instruments and investments in marketable securities are carried at fair value. For further information, see Note 4, "Derivative Instruments," and Note 5, "Marketable Securities," to the financial statements.
See Note 1E, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurements," for the fair value measurement policy and the fair value hierarchy.
12. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by component, net of tax, are as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments | Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Marketable Securities | Defined Benefit Plans | Total | Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments | Unrealized Losses on Marketable Securities | Defined Benefit Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1st | $ | (4.4 | ) | $ | (0.5 | ) | $ | (55.1 | ) | $ | (60.0 | ) | $ | (6.2 | ) | $ | — | $ | (60.2 | ) | $ | (66.4 | ) | ||||||||
OCI Before Reclassifications | — | 1.3 | 2.6 | 3.9 | — | (0.7 | ) | 2.6 | 1.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI | 0.9 | — | 3.2 | 4.1 | 1.6 | — | 3.3 | 4.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net OCI | 0.9 | 1.3 | 5.8 | 8.0 | 1.6 | (0.7 | ) | 5.9 | 6.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30th | $ | (3.5 | ) | $ | 0.8 | $ | (49.3 | ) | $ | (52.0 | ) | $ | (4.6 | ) | $ | (0.7 | ) | $ | (54.3 | ) | $ | (59.6 | ) |
Eversource's qualified cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements on debt issuances that were settled in prior years. The settlement amount was recorded in AOCI and is being amortized into Net Income over the term of the underlying debt instrument. CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH continue to amortize interest rate swaps settled in prior years from AOCI into Interest Expense over the remaining life of the associated long-term debt. Such interest rate swaps are not material to their respective financial statements.
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Defined benefit plan OCI amounts before reclassifications relate to actuarial gains and losses that arose during the year and were recognized in AOCI. The unamortized actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs on the defined benefit plans are amortized from AOCI into Other Income, Net over the average future employee service period, and are reflected in amounts reclassified from AOCI.
Eversource did not elect to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to Retained Earnings as permitted by ASU 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220).
13. COMMON SHARES
The following table sets forth the Eversource parent common shares and the shares of common stock of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that were authorized and issued, as well as the respective per share par values:
Shares | ||||||||||||
Authorized as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 | Issued as of | |||||||||||
Par Value | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||
Eversource | $ | 5 | 380,000,000 | 339,858,402 | 333,878,402 | |||||||
CL&P | $ | 10 | 24,500,000 | 6,035,205 | 6,035,205 | |||||||
NSTAR Electric | $ | 1 | 100,000,000 | 200 | 200 | |||||||
PSNH | $ | 1 | 100,000,000 | 301 | 301 |
Common Share Issuance and Forward Sale Agreement: On June 4, 2019, Eversource completed an equity offering of 17,940,000 common shares, consisting of 5,980,000 common shares issued directly by the Company and 11,960,000 common shares issuable pursuant to a forward sale agreement with an investment bank. The issuance of 5,980,000 common shares resulted in proceeds of $426.9 million, net of issuance costs, and was reflected in shareholders’ equity and as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows.
Under the forward sale agreement, a total of 11,960,000 common shares were borrowed from third parties and sold by the underwriters. The forward sale agreement allows Eversource, at its election and prior to May 29, 2020, to physically settle the forward sale agreement by issuing common shares in exchange for net proceeds at the then-applicable forward sale price specified by the agreement (initially, $71.48 per share) or, alternatively, to settle the forward sale agreement in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of shares or cash. The forward sale price is subject to adjustment daily based on a floating interest rate factor and will decrease in respect of certain fixed amounts specified in the agreement, such as dividends.
Eversource’s intent is to physically settle the forward sale agreement by issuing common shares. As of September 30, 2019, if Eversource had elected to net settle the forward sale agreement, Eversource would have been required to pay $169.7 million under a cash settlement or would have been required to deliver 1,985,105 common shares under a net share settlement.
Issuances of shares under the forward sale agreement are classified as equity transactions. Accordingly, no amounts relating to the forward sale agreement have or will be recorded in the financial statements until settlements take place. Prior to any settlements, the only impact to the financial statements is the inclusion of incremental shares within the calculation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method. See Note 15, "Earnings Per Share," for information on the forward sale agreement’s impact on the calculation of diluted EPS.
Treasury Shares: As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were 16,124,979 and 16,992,594 Eversource common shares held as treasury shares, respectively. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Eversource common shares outstanding were 323,733,423 and 316,885,808, respectively.
Beginning in 2019, Eversource began issuing treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.
14. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Dividends on the preferred stock of CL&P and NSTAR Electric totaled $1.9 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 and $5.6 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. These dividends were presented as Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests on the Eversource statements of income. Noncontrolling Interest – Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries on the Eversource balance sheets totaled $155.6 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. On the Eversource balance sheets, Common Shareholders' Equity was fully attributable to Eversource parent and Noncontrolling Interest – Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries was fully attributable to the noncontrolling interest.
15. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic EPS is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the potential dilutive effect of certain share-based compensation awards and the equity forward sale agreement, as if they were converted into outstanding common shares. The dilutive effect of unvested RSU and performance share awards, as well as the equity forward sale agreement, is calculated using the treasury stock method. RSU and performance share awards are included in basic weighted average common shares outstanding as of the date that all necessary vesting conditions have been satisfied.
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As described in Note 13, "Common Shares," earnings per share dilution, if any, related to the forward sale agreement will be determined under the treasury stock method until settlement of the forward sale agreement. Under this method, the number of Eversource common shares used in calculating diluted EPS is deemed to be increased by the excess, if any, of the number of shares that would be issued upon physical settlement of the forward sale agreement less the number of shares that would be purchased by Eversource in the market (based on the average market price during the same reporting period) using the proceeds receivable upon settlement (based on the adjusted forward sale price at the end of that reporting period). Share dilution occurs when the average market price of Eversource's common shares is higher than the adjusted forward sale price.
The following table sets forth the components of basic and diluted EPS:
Eversource (Millions of Dollars, except share information) | For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders | $ | 318.9 | $ | 289.4 | $ | 659.0 | $ | 801.7 | |||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 324,037,169 | 317,360,110 | 320,442,253 | 317,367,252 | |||||||||||
Dilutive Effect of: | |||||||||||||||
Share-Based Compensation Awards and Other | 737,972 | 607,201 | 691,636 | 581,246 | |||||||||||
Equity Forward Sale Agreement | 1,233,201 | — | 437,037 | — | |||||||||||
Total Dilutive Effect | 1,971,173 | 607,201 | 1,128,673 | 581,246 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 326,008,342 | 317,967,311 | 321,570,926 | 317,948,498 | |||||||||||
Basic EPS | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 2.06 | $ | 2.53 | |||||||
Diluted EPS | $ | 0.98 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 2.05 | $ | 2.52 |
16. REVENUES
The following tables present operating revenues disaggregated by revenue source:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from Contracts with Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retail Tariff Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 1,041.4 | $ | 43.0 | $ | — | $ | 40.0 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,124.4 | |||||||||||||
Commercial | 736.6 | 41.6 | — | 17.8 | — | (1.4 | ) | 794.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 90.6 | 18.1 | — | 1.3 | — | (3.2 | ) | 106.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Retail Tariff Sales Revenues | 1,868.6 | 102.7 | — | 59.1 | — | (4.6 | ) | 2,025.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Transmission Revenues | — | — | 365.5 | — | 15.4 | (300.7 | ) | 80.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenues | 33.1 | 5.5 | — | 1.3 | — | — | 39.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 12.3 | 0.5 | 3.1 | 1.7 | 242.7 | (243.0 | ) | 17.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Reserve for Revenues Subject to Refund | 4.5 | 1.5 | — | (0.8 | ) | — | — | 5.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 1,918.5 | 110.2 | 368.6 | 61.3 | 258.1 | (548.3 | ) | 2,168.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Alternative Revenue Programs | 6.7 | (7.6 | ) | (20.9 | ) | 2.6 | — | 19.0 | (0.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues (1) | 6.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.3 | — | — | 7.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 1,931.6 | $ | 103.4 | $ | 347.8 | $ | 64.2 | $ | 258.1 | $ | (529.3 | ) | $ | 2,175.8 | ||||||||||||
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For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from Contracts with Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retail Tariff Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 2,879.8 | $ | 402.0 | $ | — | $ | 100.5 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,382.3 | |||||||||||||
Commercial | 2,002.0 | 254.9 | — | 48.1 | — | (3.4 | ) | 2,301.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 254.0 | 72.5 | — | 3.5 | — | (8.7 | ) | 321.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Retail Tariff Sales Revenues | 5,135.8 | 729.4 | — | 152.1 | — | (12.1 | ) | 6,005.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Transmission Revenues | — | — | 971.6 | — | 43.7 | (811.4 | ) | 203.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenues | 123.9 | 41.6 | — | 3.2 | — | — | 168.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 40.0 | 1.9 | 9.9 | 5.2 | 723.4 | (725.2 | ) | 55.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Reserve for Revenues Subject to Refund | (1.7 | ) | 4.7 | — | (1.9 | ) | — | — | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 5,298.0 | 777.6 | 981.5 | 158.6 | 767.1 | (1,548.7 | ) | 6,434.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Alternative Revenue Programs | 15.0 | — | 56.1 | 4.2 | — | (50.8 | ) | 24.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues (1) | 14.2 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | — | — | 17.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 5,327.2 | $ | 779.9 | $ | 1,037.9 | $ | 163.5 | $ | 767.1 | $ | (1,599.5 | ) | $ | 6,476.1 |
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from Contracts with Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retail Tariff Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 1,111.7 | $ | 42.8 | $ | — | $ | 41.2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,195.7 | |||||||||||||
Commercial | 789.6 | 40.8 | — | 17.9 | — | (1.2 | ) | 847.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 98.7 | 18.9 | — | 1.3 | — | (2.6 | ) | 116.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Retail Tariff Sales Revenues | 2,000.0 | 102.5 | — | 60.4 | — | (3.8 | ) | 2,159.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Transmission Revenues | — | — | 364.5 | — | 11.7 | (300.2 | ) | 76.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenues | 48.8 | 11.4 | — | 1.3 | — | — | 61.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 20.2 | (0.5 | ) | 3.1 | 1.9 | 212.9 | (213.5 | ) | 24.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Reserve for Revenues Subject to Refund | 5.2 | (3.5 | ) | — | (1.3 | ) | — | — | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 2,074.2 | 109.9 | 367.6 | 62.3 | 224.6 | (517.5 | ) | 2,321.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Alternative Revenue Programs | (51.6 | ) | (1.5 | ) | (37.0 | ) | 1.1 | — | 33.8 | (55.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues | 4.8 | 0.6 | — | 0.1 | — | — | 5.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 2,027.4 | $ | 109.0 | $ | 330.6 | $ | 63.5 | $ | 224.6 | $ | (483.7 | ) | $ | 2,271.4 | ||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues from Contracts with Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retail Tariff Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 2,900.4 | $ | 395.9 | $ | — | $ | 100.9 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 3,397.2 | |||||||||||||
Commercial | 2,023.0 | 245.4 | — | 47.9 | — | (3.4 | ) | 2,312.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 268.6 | 71.9 | — | 3.4 | — | (7.5 | ) | 336.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Retail Tariff Sales Revenues | 5,192.0 | 713.2 | — | 152.2 | — | (10.9 | ) | 6,046.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Transmission Revenues | — | — | 988.9 | — | 34.4 | (826.9 | ) | 196.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenues | 141.4 | 41.4 | — | 3.1 | — | — | 185.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 54.4 | (1.4 | ) | 9.4 | 5.4 | 658.1 | (659.8 | ) | 66.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Reserve for Revenues Subject to Refund | (21.2 | ) | (11.5 | ) | — | (3.3 | ) | — | — | (36.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 5,366.6 | 741.7 | 998.3 | 157.4 | 692.5 | (1,497.6 | ) | 6,458.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Alternative Revenue Programs | (57.2 | ) | (3.2 | ) | (45.3 | ) | 3.7 | — | 41.5 | (60.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues | 12.4 | 2.0 | — | 0.4 | — | — | 14.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 5,321.8 | $ | 740.5 | $ | 953.0 | $ | 161.5 | $ | 692.5 | $ | (1,456.1 | ) | $ | 6,413.2 |
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For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues from Contracts with Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Retail Tariff Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 513.6 | $ | 374.4 | $ | 153.4 | $ | 539.6 | $ | 414.8 | $ | 157.3 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 247.0 | 406.1 | 84.1 | 259.0 | 443.8 | 87.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 37.4 | 32.4 | 20.8 | 39.4 | 38.0 | 21.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Retail Tariff Sales Revenues | 798.0 | 812.9 | 258.3 | 838.0 | 896.6 | 265.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Transmission Revenues | 175.2 | 132.9 | 57.4 | 179.1 | 128.3 | 57.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenues | 13.8 | 14.4 | 4.9 | 13.3 | 18.1 | 17.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 9.0 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 9.3 | 10.3 | 4.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Reserve for Revenues Subject to Refund | — | — | 4.5 | 8.3 | — | (3.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 996.0 | 963.3 | 329.1 | 1,048.0 | 1,053.3 | 341.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Alternative Revenue Programs | (15.2 | ) | 9.8 | (8.8 | ) | (64.3 | ) | (15.4 | ) | (8.9 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other Revenues (1) | 4.1 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Eliminations | (131.0 | ) | (96.2 | ) | (40.5 | ) | (121.5 | ) | (100.2 | ) | (42.4 | ) | |||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 853.9 | $ | 878.7 | $ | 280.4 | $ | 865.0 | $ | 939.5 | $ | 290.2 | |||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues from Contracts with Customers | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Retail Tariff Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential | $ | 1,426.9 | $ | 1,027.8 | $ | 425.1 | $ | 1,410.0 | $ | 1,071.6 | $ | 418.8 | |||||||||||
Commercial | 708.4 | 1,058.3 | 236.8 | 702.2 | 1,083.8 | 238.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Industrial | 105.8 | 90.1 | 58.1 | 111.8 | 96.9 | 59.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Retail Tariff Sales Revenues | 2,241.1 | 2,176.2 | 720.0 | 2,224.0 | 2,252.3 | 717.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Transmission Revenues | 445.9 | 383.1 | 142.6 | 469.8 | 367.7 | 151.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenues | 39.6 | 55.9 | 28.4 | 34.3 | 56.4 | 52.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Other Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 27.0 | 13.2 | 11.8 | 25.0 | 27.9 | 11.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Reserve for Revenues Subject to Refund | — | — | (1.7 | ) | (8.3 | ) | (3.7 | ) | (9.2 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total Revenues from Contracts with Customers | 2,753.6 | 2,628.4 | 901.1 | 2,744.8 | 2,700.6 | 923.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Alternative Revenue Programs | 45.6 | 19.1 | 6.4 | (68.4 | ) | (15.6 | ) | (18.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other Revenues (1) | 7.9 | 5.2 | 1.4 | 6.5 | 5.1 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Eliminations | (363.1 | ) | (294.5 | ) | (111.1 | ) | (338.0 | ) | (289.8 | ) | (112.6 | ) | |||||||||||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | 2,444.0 | $ | 2,358.2 | $ | 797.8 | $ | 2,344.9 | $ | 2,400.3 | $ | 792.7 |
(1) | Other Revenues include certain fees charged to customers, which are not considered revenue from contracts with customers. Other revenues also includes lease revenues under lessor accounting guidance of $1.2 million at Eversource, $0.3 million at CL&P, and $0.7 million at NSTAR Electric for the three months ended September 30, 2019, and $3.4 million at Eversource, $0.7 million at CL&P, and $2.0 million at NSTAR Electric for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. |
17. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Eversource is organized into the Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission, Natural Gas Distribution and Water Distribution reportable segments and Other based on a combination of factors, including the characteristics of each segments' services, the sources of operating revenues and expenses and the regulatory environment in which each segment operates. These reportable segments represent substantially all of Eversource's total consolidated revenues. Revenues from the sale of electricity, natural gas and water primarily are derived from residential, commercial and industrial customers and are not dependent on any single customer. The Electric Distribution reportable segment includes the results of PSNH's generation facilities prior to sales in January and August 2018, and NSTAR Electric's solar power facilities. Eversource's reportable segments are determined based upon the level at which Eversource's chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about the allocation of company resources.
39
The remainder of Eversource's operations is presented as Other in the tables below and primarily consists of 1) the equity in earnings of Eversource parent from its subsidiaries and intercompany interest income, both of which are eliminated in consolidation, and interest expense related to the debt of Eversource parent, 2) the revenues and expenses of Eversource Service, most of which are eliminated in consolidation, 3) the operations of CYAPC and YAEC, 4) Eversource Water Ventures, Inc., parent company of Aquarion, and 5) the results of other unregulated subsidiaries, which are not part of its core business. In addition, Other in the tables below includes Eversource parent's equity ownership interests that are not consolidated, which include a natural gas pipeline owned by Enbridge, Inc., the offshore wind business, a renewable energy investment fund, and two companies that transmit hydroelectricity imported from the Hydro-Quebec system in Canada. In the ordinary course of business, Yankee Gas and NSTAR Gas purchase natural gas transmission services from the Enbridge, Inc. natural gas pipeline project described above. These affiliate transaction costs total approximately $62.5 million annually and are classified as Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission on the Eversource statements of income.
Each of Eversource's subsidiaries, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, has one reportable segment.
Cash flows used for investments in plant included in the segment information below are cash capital expenditures that do not include amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized portions of pension and PBOP expense.
Eversource's segment information is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 1,931.6 | $ | 103.4 | $ | 347.8 | $ | 64.2 | $ | 258.1 | $ | (529.3 | ) | $ | 2,175.8 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | (188.4 | ) | (16.1 | ) | (64.3 | ) | (11.1 | ) | (17.2 | ) | 0.6 | (296.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses | (1,448.2 | ) | (99.3 | ) | (159.6 | ) | (25.5 | ) | (275.9 | ) | 638.4 | (1,370.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Operating Income/(Loss) | $ | 295.0 | $ | (12.0 | ) | $ | 123.9 | $ | 27.6 | $ | (35.0 | ) | $ | 109.7 | $ | 509.2 | |||||||||||
Interest Expense | $ | (53.2 | ) | $ | (11.7 | ) | $ | (33.6 | ) | $ | (8.9 | ) | $ | (41.7 | ) | $ | 13.9 | $ | (135.2 | ) | |||||||
Other Income/(Loss), Net | 13.9 | — | 61.4 | (0.2 | ) | 497.0 | (545.1 | ) | 27.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders | 197.3 | (17.1 | ) | 107.5 | 17.5 | 435.2 | (421.5 | ) | 318.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 5,327.2 | $ | 779.9 | $ | 1,037.9 | $ | 163.5 | $ | 767.1 | $ | (1,599.5 | ) | $ | 6,476.1 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | (517.6 | ) | (56.0 | ) | (188.0 | ) | (35.0 | ) | (45.6 | ) | 1.7 | (840.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission | — | — | (239.6 | ) | — | — | — | (239.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses | (4,166.8 | ) | (620.4 | ) | (366.9 | ) | (75.4 | ) | (719.8 | ) | 1,708.2 | (4,241.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Operating Income | $ | 642.8 | $ | 103.5 | $ | 243.4 | $ | 53.1 | $ | 1.7 | $ | 110.4 | $ | 1,154.9 | |||||||||||||
Interest Expense | $ | (153.3 | ) | $ | (35.4 | ) | $ | (94.5 | ) | $ | (26.2 | ) | $ | (130.3 | ) | $ | 40.0 | $ | (399.7 | ) | |||||||
Other Income, Net | 44.2 | 1.1 | 78.2 | 0.2 | 813.7 | (833.6 | ) | 103.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders | 422.7 | 57.6 | 138.4 | 26.3 | 697.2 | (683.2 | ) | 659.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flows Used for Investments in Plant | 861.0 | 327.8 | 686.7 | 79.9 | 173.6 | — | 2,129.0 |
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 2,027.4 | $ | 109.0 | $ | 330.6 | $ | 63.5 | $ | 224.6 | $ | (483.7 | ) | $ | 2,271.4 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | (206.1 | ) | (13.9 | ) | (58.3 | ) | (11.7 | ) | (12.0 | ) | 0.6 | (301.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses | (1,562.2 | ) | (102.4 | ) | (96.7 | ) | (25.5 | ) | (200.9 | ) | 483.7 | (1,504.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Operating Income/(Loss) | $ | 259.1 | $ | (7.3 | ) | $ | 175.6 | $ | 26.3 | $ | 11.7 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 466.0 | ||||||||||||
Interest Expense | $ | (52.4 | ) | $ | (11.3 | ) | $ | (30.3 | ) | $ | (8.5 | ) | $ | (30.5 | ) | $ | 7.8 | $ | (125.2 | ) | |||||||
Other Income, Net | 32.2 | 1.5 | 9.0 | 0.7 | 251.7 | (278.4 | ) | 16.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Common Shareholders | 173.8 | (12.6 | ) | 109.5 | 17.6 | 271.1 | (270.0 | ) | 289.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
40
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 5,321.8 | $ | 740.5 | $ | 953.0 | $ | 161.5 | $ | 692.5 | $ | (1,456.1 | ) | $ | 6,413.2 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | (486.0 | ) | (59.6 | ) | (171.8 | ) | (34.6 | ) | (35.9 | ) | 1.7 | (786.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses | (4,238.6 | ) | (585.7 | ) | (268.7 | ) | (73.9 | ) | (617.2 | ) | 1,457.0 | (4,327.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Operating Income | $ | 597.2 | $ | 95.2 | $ | 512.5 | $ | 53.0 | $ | 39.4 | $ | 2.6 | $ | 1,299.9 | |||||||||||||
Interest Expense | $ | (152.0 | ) | $ | (33.7 | ) | $ | (89.9 | ) | $ | (25.5 | ) | $ | (94.8 | ) | $ | 23.2 | $ | (372.7 | ) | |||||||
Other Income/(Loss), Net | 70.9 | 5.1 | 26.7 | (0.4 | ) | 913.8 | (915.4 | ) | 100.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders | 379.3 | 50.2 | 329.6 | 26.3 | 905.9 | (889.6 | ) | 801.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flows Used for Investments in Plant | 717.4 | 245.5 | 735.8 | 68.1 | 118.3 | — | 1,885.1 |
The following table summarizes Eversource's segmented total assets:
Eversource (Millions of Dollars) | Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | Electric Transmission | Water Distribution | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
As of September 30, 2019 | $ | 21,999.4 | $ | 4,103.5 | $ | 10,666.9 | $ | 2,311.9 | $ | 19,137.8 | $ | (18,494.1 | ) | $ | 39,725.4 | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2018 | 21,389.1 | 3,904.9 | 10,285.0 | 2,253.0 | 17,874.2 | (17,464.9 | ) | 38,241.3 |
For further information regarding the 2019 impairment of NPT, see Note 1C, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission," to the financial statements.
41
EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2019, as well as the Eversource 2018 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K. References in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "Eversource," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries. All per-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the unaudited condensed financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."
Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource. The earnings and EPS of each business discussed below do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole. EPS by business is a financial measure not recognized under GAAP, calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period. Our earnings discussion also includes a non-GAAP financial measure referencing our 2019 earnings and EPS excluding the impairment charge for the NPT project.
We use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate and provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our 2019 results without including the impact of the NPT impairment charge. We believe the NPT impairment charge is not indicative of our ongoing performance. Due to the nature and significance of the impairment charge on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders, we believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a more meaningful representation of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance of our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.
From time to time, we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, assumptions of future events, future financial performance or growth and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can generally identify our forward-looking statements through the use of words or phrases such as "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "forecast," "should," "could," and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections of management and are not guarantees of future performance. These expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections may vary materially from actual results. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:
• | cyberattacks or breaches, including those resulting in the compromise of the confidentiality of our proprietary information and the personal information of our customers, |
• | acts of war or terrorism, physical attacks or grid disturbances that may damage and disrupt our transmission and distribution systems, |
• | ability or inability to commence and complete our major strategic development projects and opportunities, |
• | actions or inaction of local, state and federal regulatory, public policy and taxing bodies, |
• | substandard performance of third-party suppliers and service providers, |
• | fluctuations in weather patterns, including extreme weather due to climate change, |
• | changes in business conditions, which could include disruptive technology related to our current or future business model, |
• | increased conservation measures of customers and development of alternative energy sources, |
• | contamination of, or disruption in, our water supplies, |
• | changes in economic conditions, including impact on interest rates, tax policies, and customer demand and payment ability, |
• | changes in levels or timing of capital expenditures, |
• | disruptions in the capital markets or other events that make our access to necessary capital more difficult or costly, |
• | changes in laws, regulations or regulatory policy, including compliance with environmental laws and regulations, |
• | changes in accounting standards and financial reporting regulations, |
• | actions of rating agencies, and |
• | other presently unknown or unforeseen factors. |
Other risk factors are detailed in our reports filed with the SEC and updated as necessary, and we encourage you to consult such disclosures.
All such factors are difficult to predict and contain uncertainties that may materially affect our actual results, many of which are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as each speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all of such factors, nor can we assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. For more information, see Item 1A, Risk Factors, included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in
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Eversource's 2018 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K. This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Eversource's 2018 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K also describe material contingencies and critical accounting policies in the accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Combined Notes to Financial Statements. We encourage you to review these items.
Financial Condition and Business Analysis
Executive Summary
The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
Earnings Overview and Future Outlook:
• | We earned $318.9 million, or $0.98 per share, in the third quarter of 2019, and $659.0 million, or $2.05 per share, in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $289.4 million, or $0.91 per share, in the third quarter of 2018, and $801.7 million, or $2.52 per share, in the first nine months of 2018. Results for the first nine months of 2019 include an after-tax impairment charge of $204.4 million, or $0.64 per share, related to our investment in the NPT project. Excluding that impairment charge, we earned $863.4 million, or $2.69 per share, in the first nine months of 2019. |
• | Our electric distribution segment earned $197.3 million, or $0.61 per share, in the third quarter of 2019, and $422.7 million, or $1.32 per share, in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $173.8 million, or $0.55 per share, in the third quarter of 2018, and $379.3 million, or $1.19 per share, in the first nine months of 2018. Our natural gas distribution segment had a net loss of $17.1 million, or $0.05 per share, in the third quarter of 2019, and earnings of $57.6 million, or $0.18 per share, in the first nine months of 2019, compared with a net loss of $12.6 million, or $0.04 per share, in the third quarter of 2018, and earnings of $50.2 million, or $0.16 per share, in the first nine months of 2018. Our water distribution segment earned $17.5 million, or $0.06 per share, in the third quarter of 2019, and $26.3 million, or $0.08 per share, in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $17.6 million, or $0.06 per share, in the third quarter of 2018, and $26.3 million, or $0.08 per share, in the first nine months of 2018. |
• | Our electric transmission segment earned $107.5 million, or $0.33 per share, in the third quarter of 2019, and $138.4 million, or $0.43 per share, in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $109.5 million, or $0.34 per share, in the third quarter of 2018, and $329.6 million, or $1.04 per share, in the first nine months of 2018. Excluding the after-tax NPT impairment charge of $204.4 million, or $0.64 per share, our electric transmission segment earned $342.8 million, or $1.07 per share, in the first nine months of 2019. |
• | Eversource parent and other companies earned $13.7 million, or $0.03 per share, in the third quarter of 2019, and $14.0 million, or $0.04 per share, in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2018, and $16.3 million, or $0.05 per share, in the first nine months of 2018. |
• | Excluding the NPT impairment charge, we continue to project non-GAAP 2019 earnings of between $3.40 per share and $3.50 per share. |
Liquidity:
• | Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.49 billion in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $1.41 billion in the first nine months of 2018. Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $2.13 billion in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $1.89 billion in the first nine months of 2018. Cash totaled $22.7 million as of September 30, 2019, compared with $108.1 million as of December 31, 2018. |
• | In the third quarter of 2019, we issued $475 million of new long-term debt, consisting of $200 million by CL&P, $200 million by Yankee Gas and $75 million by NSTAR Gas. Proceeds from these new issuances were used primarily to repay short-term borrowings, repay long-term debt at maturity and fund capital expenditures and working capital. |
• | On September 9, 2019, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.535 per share, which was paid on September 30, 2019 to shareholders of record as of September 20, 2019. |
Strategic:
• | On October 23, 2019, NYSERDA announced the execution of a 25-year agreement with the Sunrise Wind project to purchase Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (ORECs) from an 880 MW offshore wind facility. The project was selected on July 18, 2019 and will use a combination of lease areas from Bay State Wind and North East Offshore, and will sell ORECs to NYSERDA at a price of $110.37 per MWh. Subject to Eversource’s and Ørsted's final investment decisions, the project is expected to be operational in 2024. |
• | On September 30, 2019, Eversource and Ørsted submitted several alternative bids, called Constitution Wind, to DEEP, in response to Connecticut's offshore wind RFP for 400 MW (and up to 2,000 MW). We currently expect a decision on these proposals in late November 2019. |
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Earnings Overview
Consolidated: Below is a summary of our earnings by business, which also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of consolidated non-GAAP earnings and EPS, as well as EPS by business, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of consolidated Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and diluted EPS.
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts) | Amount | Per Share | Amount | Per Share | Amount | Per Share | Amount | Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP) | $ | 318.9 | $ | 0.98 | $ | 289.4 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 659.0 | $ | 2.05 | $ | 801.7 | $ | 2.52 | |||||||||||||||
Regulated Companies | $ | 305.2 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 288.3 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 849.4 | $ | 2.65 | $ | 785.4 | $ | 2.47 | |||||||||||||||
Eversource Parent and Other Companies | 13.7 | 0.03 | 1.1 | — | 14.0 | 0.04 | 16.3 | 0.05 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP Earnings | $ | 318.9 | $ | 0.98 | $ | 289.4 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 863.4 | $ | 2.69 | $ | 801.7 | $ | 2.52 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission (after-tax) | — | — | — | — | (204.4 | ) | (0.64 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders (GAAP) | $ | 318.9 | $ | 0.98 | $ | 289.4 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 659.0 | $ | 2.05 | $ | 801.7 | $ | 2.52 |
Regulated Companies: Our regulated companies comprise the electric distribution, electric transmission, natural gas distribution and water distribution segments. A summary of our segment earnings and EPS is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts) | Amount | Per Share | Amount | Per Share | Amount | Per Share | Amount | Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP) | $ | 305.2 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 288.3 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 645.0 | $ | 2.01 | $ | 785.4 | $ | 2.47 | |||||||||||||||
Electric Distribution | $ | 197.3 | $ | 0.61 | $ | 173.8 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 422.7 | $ | 1.32 | $ | 379.3 | $ | 1.19 | |||||||||||||||
Electric Transmission, excluding Northern Pass Transmission impairment (Non-GAAP) | 107.5 | 0.33 | 109.5 | 0.34 | 342.8 | 1.07 | 329.6 | 1.04 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Distribution | (17.1 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (12.6 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 57.6 | 0.18 | 50.2 | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||||||
Water Distribution | 17.5 | 0.06 | 17.6 | 0.06 | 26.3 | 0.08 | 26.3 | 0.08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income - Regulated Companies (Non-GAAP) | $ | 305.2 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 288.3 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 849.4 | $ | 2.65 | $ | 785.4 | $ | 2.47 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission (after-tax) | — | — | — | — | (204.4 | ) | (0.64 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income - Regulated Companies (GAAP) | $ | 305.2 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 288.3 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 645.0 | $ | 2.01 | $ | 785.4 | $ | 2.47 |
Our electric distribution segment earnings increased $23.5 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the third quarter of 2018, due primarily to CL&P base distribution rate increases effective May 1, 2019 and May 1, 2018, an NSTAR Electric base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2019, the base distribution rate increase at PSNH effective July 1, 2019, lower non-tracked operations and maintenance expense and the property tax settlement at PSNH, partially offset by the absence in 2019 of a 2018 benefit at PSNH relating to carrying charges on storm costs, lower non-service income from our benefit plans and higher depreciation expense.
Our electric distribution segment earnings increased $43.4 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the first nine months of 2018, due primarily to the CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH base distribution rate increases, and, effective July 1, 2018, higher earnings from CL&P's capital tracker mechanism due to increased electric system improvements. The earnings increase was partially offset by the absence in 2019 of a 2018 benefit at PSNH relating to carrying charges on storm costs, higher depreciation expense, lower non-service income from our benefit plans, and the absence in 2019 of generation earnings at PSNH due to the sale of its generation assets in 2018.
Our electric transmission segment earnings decreased $2 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the third quarter of 2018, due primarily to the absence of the NPT AFUDC income related to equity.
Our electric transmission segment earnings decreased $191.2 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the first nine months of 2018, due primarily to the impairment of NPT, which resulted in an after-tax charge of $204.4 million, or $0.64 per share in the second quarter of 2019. Excluding the NPT impairment charge, earnings increased $13.2 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the first nine months of 2018, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of our continued investment in our transmission infrastructure, partially offset by a lower benefit from the annual billing and cost reconciliation filing with FERC. For further information on the impairment of NPT, see "Other Matters - Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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Our natural gas distribution segment earnings decreased $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the third quarter of 2018, due primarily to lower revenues due to the seasonality of the decoupled rate structure arising from the Yankee Gas base distribution rate case that provides lower earnings in non-heating months (and greater earnings in the winter heating months). In addition, our earnings decreased due to higher operations and maintenance expense, higher property tax expense and depreciation expense, partially offset by higher earnings from capital tracker mechanisms due to continued investments in natural gas infrastructure.
Our natural gas distribution segment earnings increased $7.4 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the first nine months of 2018, due primarily to the impact of the Yankee Gas base distribution rate increase effective November 15, 2018 and higher earnings from capital tracker mechanisms due to continued investments in natural gas infrastructure. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, property and other tax expense, and depreciation expense.
Our water distribution segment had earnings of $17.5 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $26.3 million in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $17.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 and $26.3 million in the first nine months of 2018. Our water distribution business is seasonal, with lower earnings occurring during the winter months and higher earnings occurring during the summer months.
Eversource Parent and Other Companies: Eversource parent and other companies had earnings of $13.7 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $14.0 million in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2018 and $16.3 million in the first nine months of 2018. The increase in earnings in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the third quarter of 2018, was due primarily to the absence in 2019 of the third quarter 2018 impairment of our investment in the Access Northeast project, partially offset by the absence in 2019 of income tax benefits recognized in 2018, and higher interest expense. The decrease in earnings in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the first nine months of 2018, was due primarily to the absence in 2019 of income tax benefits recognized in 2018, and higher interest expense, partially offset by the absence of the third quarter 2018 impairment of our investment in the Access Northeast project, and a higher return at Eversource Service as a result of increased investments in property, plant and equipment.
Electric, Natural Gas and Water Sales Volumes: Weather, fluctuations in energy supply costs, conservation measures (including utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs), and economic conditions affect customer energy usage and water consumption. Industrial sales volumes are less sensitive to temperature variations than residential and commercial sales volumes. In our service territories, weather impacts both electric and water sales volumes during the summer and both electric and natural gas sales volumes during the winter; however, natural gas sales volumes are more sensitive to temperature variations than electric sales volumes. Customer heating or cooling usage may not directly correlate with historical levels or with the level of degree-days that occur.
Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table below). For CL&P, NSTAR Electric, Yankee Gas, and NSTAR Gas, fluctuations in retail sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms ("Decoupled" in the table below). These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues. Fluctuations in water sales volumes largely do not impact earnings as our Connecticut water distribution business is also decoupled.
A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes, our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, and our water MG sales volumes, and percentage changes, is as follows:
Electric | Firm Natural Gas | Water | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales Volumes (GWh) | Percentage Decrease | Sales Volumes (MMcf) | Percentage Increase | Sales Volumes (MG) | Percentage Decrease | |||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30: | 2019 | 2018 (1) | 2019 | 2018 (2) | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Traditional | 2,078 | 2,206 | (5.8 | )% | — | — | — | % | 695 | 732 | (5.1 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Decoupled and Special Contracts (3) | 12,261 | 13,110 | (6.5 | )% | 11,557 | 11,342 | 1.9 | % | 6,961 | 7,118 | (2.2 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total Sales Volumes | 14,339 | 15,316 | (6.4 | )% | 11,557 | 11,342 | 1.9 | % | 7,656 | 7,850 | (2.5 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Traditional | 5,803 | 5,981 | (3.0 | )% | — | — | — | % | 1,604 | 1,684 | (4.8 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Decoupled and Special Contracts (3) | 33,298 | 34,690 | (4.0 | )% | 74,915 | 73,325 | 2.2 | % | 16,173 | 16,491 | (1.9 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total Sales Volumes | 39,101 | 40,671 | (3.9 | )% | 74,915 | 73,325 | 2.2 | % | 17,777 | 18,175 | (2.2 | )% |
(1) Effective February 1, 2018, NSTAR Electric operated entirely under a decoupled rate structure. The 2018 sales volumes for NSTAR Electric have been recast to present January 2018 as decoupled to conform to the current year presentation.
(2) Effective November 15, 2018, Yankee Gas operated under a decoupled rate structure. The 2018 sales volumes for Yankee Gas have been recast to present 2018 as decoupled to conform to the current year presentation.
(3) Special contracts are unique to Yankee Gas natural gas distribution customers who take service under such an arrangement and generally specify the amount of distribution revenue to be paid to Yankee Gas regardless of the customers' usage.
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Liquidity
Cash totaled $22.7 million as of September 30, 2019, compared with $108.1 million as of December 31, 2018.
Short-Term Debt - Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $1.45 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, NSTAR Gas, Yankee Gas and Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut are also parties to a five-year $1.45 billion revolving credit facility, which terminates on December 8, 2023. The revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $1.45 billion commercial paper program.
NSTAR Electric has a $650 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. NSTAR Electric is also a party to a five-year $650 million revolving credit facility, which terminates on December 8, 2023. The revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $650 million commercial paper program.
The amount of borrowings outstanding and available under the commercial paper programs were as follows:
Borrowings Outstanding as of | Available Borrowing Capacity as of | Weighted-Average Interest Rate as of | |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Eversource Parent Commercial Paper Program | $ | 684.5 | $ | 631.5 | $ | 765.5 | $ | 818.5 | 2.25 | % | 2.77 | % | |||||||||
NSTAR Electric Commercial Paper Program | 28.0 | 278.5 | 622.0 | 371.5 | 1.98 | % | 2.50 | % |
There were no borrowings outstanding on either the Eversource parent or NSTAR Electric revolving credit facilities as of September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.
Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs and revolving credit facility are included in Notes Payable and are classified in current liabilities on the Eversource and NSTAR Electric balance sheets as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.
Intercompany Borrowings: Eversource parent uses its available capital resources to provide loans to its subsidiaries to assist them in meeting their short-term borrowing needs. In addition, growth in Eversource's key business initiatives requires cash infusion to those subsidiaries. Eversource parent records intercompany interest income from its loans to subsidiaries, which is eliminated in consolidation. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to its subsidiaries are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource's balance sheets. As of September 30, 2019, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P of $173.1 million, to PSNH of $42.1 million, and to Harbor Electric Energy Company ("HEEC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSTAR Electric, of $48.7 million. As of December 31, 2018, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to PSNH of $57.0 million. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent are included in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent and are classified in current liabilities on the respective subsidiary's balance sheets.
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Long-Term Debt: The following table summarizes long-term debt issuances and repayments:
(Millions of Dollars) | Issue Date | Issuance/(Repayment) | Maturity Date | Use of Proceeds for Issuance/ Repayment Information | |||||
CL&P: | |||||||||
4.00% 2018 Series A First Mortgage Bonds (1) | April 2019 | $ | 300.0 | April 2048 | Paid short-term borrowings that were used to pay long-term debt that matured on February 1, 2019 and fund capital expenditures and working capital | ||||
3.20% 2017 Series A First Mortgage Bonds (2) | September 2019 | 200.0 | March 2027 | Paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
5.50% 2009 Series A First Mortgage Bonds | February 2009 | (250.0 | ) | February 2019 | Paid at maturity on February 1, 2019 | ||||
NSTAR Electric: | |||||||||
3.25% 2019 Debentures | May 2019 | 400.0 | May 2029 | Paid short-term borrowings that were used to fund investments in eligible green expenditures | |||||
PSNH: | |||||||||
3.60% 2019 Series T First Mortgage Bonds | June 2019 | 300.0 | July 2049 | Paid long-term debt due to mature in December 2019, paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
Other: | |||||||||
NSTAR Gas 3.74% Series Q First Mortgage Bonds | July 2019 | 75.0 | August 2049 | Paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
Yankee Gas 2.23% Series P First Mortgage Bonds | September 2019 | 100.0 | October 2024 | Paid long-term debt due to mature in November 2019, paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital | |||||
Yankee Gas 3.30% Series Q First Mortgage Bonds | September 2019 | 100.0 | October 2049 | Paid long-term debt due to mature in November 2019, paid short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital |
(1) | These bonds are part of the same series issued by CL&P in March 2018. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of these bonds is now $800 million. |
(2) | These bonds are part of the same series issued by CL&P in March 2017. The aggregate outstanding principal amount of these bonds is now $500 million. |
Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorization: On April 26, 2019, the NHPUC approved PSNH’s request for authorization to issue up to $300 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2019. On August 14, 2019, PURA approved CL&P’s request for authorization to issue up to $675 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2022.
Eversource does not expect to issue additional public long-term debt in 2019.
Rate Reduction Bonds: PSNH's RRB payments consist of principal and interest and are paid semi-annually, beginning on February 1, 2019. PSNH paid $52.3 million of RRB principal payments and $26.8 million of interest payments in the first nine months of 2019.
Common Share Issuance and Forward Sale Agreement: On June 4, 2019, Eversource completed an equity offering of 17,940,000 common shares, consisting of 5,980,000 common shares issued directly by us and 11,960,000 common shares issuable pursuant to a forward sale agreement with an investment bank. The issuance of 5,980,000 common shares resulted in proceeds of $426.9 million, net of issuance costs, and was reflected in shareholders’ equity and as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows.
Under the forward sale agreement, a total of 11,960,000 common shares were borrowed from third parties and sold by the underwriters. The forward sale agreement allows Eversource, at its election and prior to May 29, 2020, to physically settle the forward sale agreement by issuing common shares in exchange for net proceeds at the then-applicable forward sale price specified by the agreement (initially, $71.48 per share) or, alternatively, to settle the forward sale agreement in whole or in part through the delivery or receipt of shares or cash. The forward sale price is subject to adjustment daily based on a floating interest rate factor and will decrease in respect of certain fixed amounts specified in the agreement, such as dividends.
Eversource’s intent is to physically settle the forward sale agreement by issuing common shares. As of September 30, 2019, if Eversource had elected to net settle the forward sale agreement, Eversource would have been required to pay $169.7 million under a cash settlement or would have been required to deliver 1,985,105 common shares under a net share settlement.
Issuances of shares under the forward sale agreement are classified as equity transactions. Accordingly, no amounts relating to the forward sale agreement have or will be recorded in the financial statements until settlements take place. Prior to any settlements, the only impact to the financial statements is the inclusion of incremental shares within the calculation of diluted EPS using the treasury stock method. See Note 15, "Earnings Per Share," for information on the forward sale agreement’s impact on the calculation of diluted EPS.
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Eversource intends to use the net proceeds received upon the direct issuance of common shares and the net proceeds expected to be received upon settlement of the forward sale agreement to repay short-term debt under the commercial paper program, to fund capital spending to enhance reliability and fund clean energy initiatives, and for general corporate purposes.
Cash Flows: Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.49 billion in the first nine months of 2019, compared with $1.41 billion in the first nine months of 2018. The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to a decrease in 2019 of approximately $212 million of major storm restoration cost payments, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, and a $68.5 million decrease in pension and PBOP cash contributions made in 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018. Also contributing to the increase were $17.4 million of lower income tax payments made in 2019, as compared to 2018, and $68.8 million in DOE Phase IV proceeds received by CYAPC and YAEC in the second quarter of 2019. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts were the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms, and the timing of accounts payable cash payments and other working capital items.
On September 9, 2019, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.535 per share, which was paid on September 30, 2019 to shareholders of record as of September 20, 2019. In the first nine months of 2019, we paid cash dividends of $495.6 million, compared with $480.1 million paid in the first nine months of 2018.
In the first nine months of 2019, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH paid $341.8 million, $181.8 million, and $252.0 million, respectively, in common stock dividends to Eversource parent.
Beginning in 2019, Eversource began issuing treasury shares to satisfy awards under the Company's incentive plans, shares issued under the dividend reinvestment and share purchase plan, and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP expense. In the first nine months of 2019, investments for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, and PSNH were $2.13 billion, $699.3 million, $636.2 million, and $209.0 million, respectively.
We expect the future operating cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, along with our existing borrowing availability and access to both debt and equity markets, will be sufficient to meet any working capital and future operating requirements, and capital investment forecasted opportunities.
Credit Ratings: On July 25, 2019, S&P downgraded the ratings on Eversource and all of its subsidiaries and revised the outlooks from negative to stable.
A summary of our corporate credit ratings and outlooks by Moody's, S&P and Fitch is as follows:
Moody's | S&P | Fitch | |||||||||
Current | Outlook | Current | Outlook | Current | Outlook | ||||||
Eversource Parent | Baa1 | Stable | A- | Stable | BBB+ | Stable | |||||
CL&P | A3 | Stable | A | Stable | A- | Stable | |||||
NSTAR Electric | A1 | Stable | A | Stable | A | Stable | |||||
PSNH | A3 | Stable | A | Stable | A- | Stable |
A summary of the current credit ratings and outlooks by Moody's, S&P and Fitch for senior unsecured debt of Eversource parent and NSTAR Electric, and senior secured debt of CL&P and PSNH is as follows:
Moody's | S&P | Fitch | |||||||||
Current | Outlook | Current | Outlook | Current | Outlook | ||||||
Eversource Parent | Baa1 | Stable | BBB+ | Stable | BBB+ | Stable | |||||
CL&P | A1 | Stable | A+ | Stable | A+ | Stable | |||||
NSTAR Electric | A1 | Stable | A | Stable | A+ | Stable | |||||
PSNH | A1 | Stable | A+ | Stable | A+ | Stable |
Business Development and Capital Expenditures
Our consolidated capital expenditures, including amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC, and the capitalized and deferred portions of pension and PBOP expense (all of which are non-cash factors), totaled $2.18 billion in the first nine months of 2019, compared to $1.96 billion in the first nine months of 2018. These amounts included $158.8 million and $113.9 million in the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements, primarily at Eversource Service and The Rocky River Realty Company.
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Electric Transmission Business: Our consolidated electric transmission business capital expenditures decreased by $35.0 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the first nine months of 2018. A summary of electric transmission capital expenditures by company is as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | |||||
CL&P | $ | 333.6 | $ | 346.7 | |||
NSTAR Electric | 237.3 | 210.8 | |||||
PSNH | 108.4 | 142.1 | |||||
NPT | 9.7 | 24.4 | |||||
Total Electric Transmission Segment | $ | 689.0 | $ | 724.0 |
Eastern Massachusetts Transmission Projects: These projects consist of a portfolio of electric transmission upgrades in southern New Hampshire, northern Massachusetts and continuing into the greater Boston metropolitan area, of which 28 upgrades are in Eversource's service territory (two in New Hampshire and 26 in Massachusetts). The two New Hampshire upgrades, including the Merrimack Valley Reliability Project, have been placed in service and 17 Massachusetts upgrades have been placed in service. The majority of the remaining upgrades are under construction and are expected to be placed in service in 2021. We estimate our portion of the investment will be approximately $700 million, of which $414 million has been spent and capitalized through September 30, 2019.
GHCC: The Greater Hartford Central Connecticut ("GHCC") Solution consists of 27 projects with an expected investment of approximately $350 million. As of September 30, 2019, 24 projects have been placed in service, and three projects are in active construction and are expected to be placed in service through mid-2020. As of September 30, 2019, CL&P had spent and capitalized $265.7 million in costs associated with GHCC.
Seacoast Reliability Project: The Seacoast Reliability Project consists of a 13-mile, 115kV transmission line within several New Hampshire communities, using a combination of overhead, underground and underwater line designs to help meet the growing demand for electricity in the Seacoast region. On December 10, 2018, the NHSEC indicated its unanimous approval of the project, and subsequently issued its written decision on January 31, 2019. On April 11, 2019, the NHSEC issued its written decision denying motions for rehearing submitted by three entities that intervened in the proceeding. On May 13, 2019, two appeals of the NHSEC's approval orders were filed with the New Hampshire Supreme Court. While the court has not yet determined whether it will hear those appeals, it denied a motion for a stay of construction on August 22, 2019. On October 14, 2019, the U.S. District Court denied a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop construction of the project in wetlands until after an appeal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit is deliberated. This project is under construction and is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2020. We now estimate the investment in this project to be approximately $125 million, of which PSNH had spent and capitalized $51.7 million in costs through September 30, 2019. The increase of approximately $40 million was due primarily to revised schedules associated with the extensive siting and permitting processes and mandated permit conditions included with the approvals.
All project costs are anticipated to be fully recoverable through transmission rates.
Distribution Business: A summary of distribution capital expenditures is as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | Total Electric | Natural Gas | Water | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic Business | $ | 189.4 | $ | 204.8 | $ | 29.4 | $ | 423.6 | $ | 48.7 | $ | 9.8 | $ | 482.1 | |||||||||||||
Aging Infrastructure | 171.2 | 143.2 | 74.7 | 389.1 | 225.2 | 65.4 | 679.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Load Growth and Other | 46.0 | 55.3 | 11.1 | 112.4 | 51.5 | 1.2 | 165.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Distribution | 406.6 | 403.3 | 115.2 | 925.1 | 325.4 | 76.4 | 1,326.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Solar | — | 6.6 | — | 6.6 | — | — | 6.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 406.6 | $ | 409.9 | $ | 115.2 | $ | 931.7 | $ | 325.4 | $ | 76.4 | $ | 1,333.5 | |||||||||||||
2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic Business | $ | 199.5 | $ | 144.6 | $ | 57.4 | $ | 401.5 | $ | 52.7 | $ | 10.9 | $ | 465.1 | |||||||||||||
Aging Infrastructure | 100.7 | 79.7 | 61.6 | 242.0 | 166.3 | 51.4 | 459.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Load Growth and Other | 59.5 | 39.3 | 9.1 | 107.9 | 38.2 | 1.8 | 147.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Distribution | 359.7 | 263.6 | 128.1 | 751.4 | 257.2 | 64.1 | 1,072.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Solar and Generation | — | 48.1 | 0.9 | 49.0 | — | — | 49.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 359.7 | $ | 311.7 | $ | 129.0 | $ | 800.4 | $ | 257.2 | $ | 64.1 | $ | 1,121.7 |
For the electric distribution business, basic business includes the purchase of meters, tools, vehicles, information technology, transformer replacements, equipment facilities, and the relocation of plant. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of overhead lines, plant substations, underground cable replacement, and equipment failures. Load growth and other includes requests for new business and capacity additions on distribution lines and substation additions and expansions.
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For the natural gas distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including meters, pipe relocations due to public works projects, vehicles, and tools. Aging infrastructure projects seek to improve the reliability of the system through enhancements related to cast iron and bare steel replacement of main and services, corrosion mediation, and station upgrades. Load growth and other reflects growth in existing service territories including new developments, installation of services, and expansion.
For the water distribution business, basic business addresses daily operational needs including periodic meter replacement, water main relocation, facility maintenance, and tools. Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of water mains, regulators, storage tanks, pumping stations, wellfields, reservoirs, and treatment facilities. Load growth and other reflects growth in our service territory, including improvements to acquisitions, installation of new services, and interconnections of systems.
Offshore Wind Business: Our offshore wind business includes ownership interests in North East Offshore and Bay State Wind, which together hold power purchase agreements (PPAs) and contracts for the Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind and Sunrise Wind projects. Our offshore wind projects are being developed in joint and equal partnership with Ørsted. This business also participates in opportunities for solicitations for offshore wind in the Northeast U.S.
On February 8, 2019, Eversource and Ørsted entered into an equal partnership to acquire key offshore wind assets in the Northeast, where Eversource owns 50 percent of these assets. Eversource's initial payment and contribution under the terms of the partnership agreements totaled approximately $225 million for a 50 percent ownership interest in North East Offshore, which holds the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects, as well as a 257 square-mile lease off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Eversource also has a 50 percent ownership interest in Bay State Wind, which holds the Sunrise Wind project. Bay State Wind's lease area is located approximately 25 miles south of the coast of Massachusetts on a separate 300-square-mile ocean lease adjacent to the North East Offshore area and has the ultimate potential to generate at least 2,000 MW of clean, renewable energy. Together, the Bay State Wind and the North East Offshore lease sites jointly-owned by Eversource and Ørsted could eventually develop at least 4,000 MW of clean, renewable offshore wind energy. In the third quarter of 2019, Eversource made additional capital contributions of $133.6 million. As of September 30, 2019, Eversource's total equity investment balance in its offshore wind business was $637.2 million.
The following table provides a summary of the Eversource and Ørsted major projects with announced contracts:
Wind Project | State Servicing | Size (MW) | Term (Years) | Price per MWh (1) | Projected In-Service Date |
Revolution Wind | Rhode Island | 400 | 20 | $98.43 | Late 2023 |
Revolution Wind | Connecticut | 304 | 20 | (2) | Late 2023 |
South Fork Wind | New York (LIPA) | 90 | 20 | $160.33 | End of 2022 |
South Fork Wind | New York (LIPA) | 40 | 20 | $86.25 (2) | End of 2022 |
Sunrise Wind | New York (NYSERDA) | 880 | 25 | $110.37 (3) | 2024 |
(1) | Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are fixed price contracts with no price escalation. South Fork Wind includes a 2 percent average price escalation over the contract term. |
(2) | Revolution Wind 104 MW PPAs (for which pricing has not yet been publicly disclosed) and South Fork Wind PPA-amendment are awaiting regulatory approval. |
(3) | Index OREC strike price. |
Revolution Wind, South Fork Wind, and Sunrise Wind Projects: The Revolution Wind project was selected under separate Connecticut and Rhode Island procurements based on each state's clean energy requirements. In Rhode Island, a 20-year PPA for 400 MW was executed and has been approved by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. In Connecticut, two 20-year PPAs for a total of 200 MW were executed and have been approved by the PURA, and two 20-year PPAs for a total of 104 MW were executed and are currently awaiting regulatory approval.
The South Fork Wind project was selected by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and a 20-year PPA for 90 MW was executed and approved. Subsequently, LIPA agreed to expand the original PPA to 130 MW through an amendment to the original agreement. Negotiations are currently underway to finalize this amendment.
On October 23, 2019, NYSERDA announced the execution of a 25-year agreement with the Sunrise Wind project to purchase ORECs from an 880 MW offshore wind facility. The Sunrise Wind project is held by Bay State Wind and will use a combination of lease areas from Bay State Wind and North East Offshore. Sunrise Wind will be developed 35 miles east of Montauk Point, Long Island.
The completion dates for these projects are subject to permitting, engineering, siting and finalizing PPAs, where applicable.
Solicitations for Offshore Wind: Eversource and Ørsted participated in the following opportunities for solicitations for offshore wind based on each state's clean energy requirements:
• | Connecticut’s offshore wind RFP for 400 MW (and up to 2,000 MW) was issued on August 16, 2019. Eversource and Ørsted submitted several alternative bids, called Constitution Wind, on September 30, 2019. We currently expect a decision in late November 2019. |
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• | Massachusetts’ second offshore wind RFP for 400 MW to 800 MW was originally issued on May 23, 2019, and subsequently revised on August 7, 2019. Eversource and Ørsted submitted several alternative bids on August 23, 2019, none of which was selected. |
FERC Regulatory Matters
FERC ROE Complaints: Four separate complaints have been filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively the "Complainants"). In each of the first three complaints, filed on October 1, 2011, December 27, 2012, and July 31, 2014, respectively, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE billed of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive ("incentive cap") of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.
The ROE originally billed during the period October 1, 2011 (beginning of the first complaint period) through October 15, 2014 consisted of a base ROE of 11.14 percent and incentives up to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, the FERC set the base ROE at 10.57 percent and the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint period. This was also effective for all prospective billings to customers beginning October 16, 2014. This FERC order was vacated on April 14, 2017 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the "Court").
All amounts associated with the first complaint period have been refunded. Eversource has recorded a reserve of $39.1 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) for the second complaint period as of September 30, 2019. This reserve represents the difference between the billed rates during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $14.6 million for NSTAR Electric and $3.1 million for PSNH as of September 30, 2019.
On October 16, 2018, FERC issued an order on all four complaints describing how it intends to address the issues that were remanded by the Court. FERC proposed a new framework to determine (1) whether an existing ROE is unjust and unreasonable and, if so, (2) how to calculate a replacement ROE. The parties to these proceedings were directed to submit briefs on this new proposed framework and how they would apply the proposed framework in each of the four complaint proceedings. Initial briefs were filed by the NETOs, Complainants and FERC Trial Staff on January 11, 2019 and reply briefs were filed on March 8, 2019. The NETOs' brief was supportive of the overall ROE methodology determined in the October 16, 2018 order provided the FERC does not change the proposed methodology or alter its implementation in a manner that has a material impact on the results.
The FERC order included illustrative calculations for the first complaint using FERC's proposed frameworks with financial data from that complaint. Those preliminary calculations indicated that for the first complaint period, for the NETOs that FERC concludes are of average financial risk, (1) a preliminary range of presumptively just and reasonable base ROEs is 9.60 percent to 10.99 percent; (2) the pre-existing base ROE of 11.14 percent is therefore unjust and unreasonable; (3) the preliminary just and reasonable base ROE is 10.41 percent; and (4) the preliminary incentive cap on total ROE is 13.08 percent.
If the results of these illustrative calculations were included in a final FERC order for each of the complaint periods, then a 10.41 percent base ROE and a 13.08 percent incentive cap would not have a significant impact on our financial statements for all of the complaint periods.
Although the order provided illustrative calculations, FERC stated that these calculations are merely preliminary. The FERC’s preliminary calculations are not binding and do not represent what we believe to be the most likely outcome of a final FERC order, as changes to the methodology by FERC are possible as a result of the parties’ arguments and calculations in the briefing process. Until FERC issues a final decision on each of these four complaints, there is significant uncertainty, and at this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of gain or loss for any of the four complaint proceedings. The October 16, 2018 FERC order or the 2019 briefs did not provide a reasonable basis for a change to the reserve or recognized ROEs for any of the complaint periods.
Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH currently record revenues at the 10.57 percent base ROE and incentive cap at 11.74 percent established in the October 16, 2014 FERC order.
The average impact of a 10 basis point change to the base ROE for each of the 15-month complaint periods would affect Eversource's after-tax earnings by approximately $3 million.
FERC Notices of Inquiry: On March 21, 2019, FERC issued two Notices of Inquiry ("NOI") that may affect Eversource transmission ROEs and incentives. One NOI (the "FERC ROE NOI") seeks comments from all stakeholders on FERC's policies for evaluating ROEs for electric public utilities, and interstate natural gas and oil pipelines. The other NOI (the "FERC transmission incentives NOI") seeks comments on FERC's policies for implementing electric transmission incentives. On June 26, 2019, the NETOs jointly filed comments in the FERC ROE NOI, supporting the methodology established in the FERC’s October 16, 2018 order with minor enhancements going forward. Also on June 26, 2019, Eversource filed comments in the FERC transmission incentives NOI, requesting that FERC retain policies that have been effective in encouraging new transmission investment and remain flexible enough to attract investment in new and emerging transmission technologies. The NETOs jointly filed reply comments in the FERC ROE NOI on July 26, 2019. Eversource filed reply comments in the FERC transmission incentives NOI on August 26, 2019. At this time, Eversource cannot predict how these NOIs will affect its ROEs or incentives.
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FERC Transmission Rate Settlement: On December 28, 2015, FERC initiated a proceeding to review the NETOs' regional and local transmission formula rates due to a lack of transparency, finding that the formula rates appeared to lack sufficient details to determine how costs are derived and recovered in rates. This proceeding was set for hearing but held in abeyance to provide time for settlement judge procedures. On August 17, 2018, a signed Settlement Agreement between twenty-eight parties, including all six New England state regulatory commissions, the NETOs (including CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH) and other settling parties, was filed at the FERC. The Settlement Agreement included, among other things, a new formula rate template in which all regional and local transmission revenue requirements will be determined through a single formula rate. The Settlement Agreement was contested by a group of municipal entities and the FERC Trial Staff. On May 22, 2019, FERC rejected the Settlement Agreement and remanded the proceeding for hearings. The parties have been engaged in further settlement negotiations and reached an agreement in principle on October 22, 2019. The FERC Chief Administrative Law Judge has approved a suspension of the schedule for ninety days for the NETOs to review the terms with other active parties and finalize and submit the settlement to FERC.
Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters
Electric, Natural Gas and Water Utility Base Distribution Rates: The regulated companies’ distribution rates are set by their respective state regulatory commissions, and their tariffs include mechanisms for periodically adjusting their rates for the recovery of specific incurred costs. Other than as described below, for the first nine months of 2019, changes made to the regulated companies’ rates did not have a material impact on their earnings, financial position, or cash flows. For further information, see "Financial Condition and Business Analysis – Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters" included in Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of the Eversource 2018 Form 10-K.
U.S. Federal Corporate Income Taxes: On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law, which amended existing federal tax rules to reduce the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. For our regulated companies, the most significant changes are (1) the benefit of incurring a lower federal income tax expense and (2) the reduction in ADIT liabilities (now excess ADIT or EDIT), which are estimated to be approximately $2.8 billion and included in regulatory liabilities as of September 30, 2019. The refund of these EDIT regulatory liabilities to customers will generally be made over the same period as the remaining useful lives of the underlying assets that gave rise to the ADIT liabilities. The refund of EDIT has begun at several of our distribution companies and is reflected in rates. The refund to customers and resulting amortization of the EDIT regulatory liabilities results in lower Revenues on the statements of income and lower current tax expense. This is offset by the reduction to Income Tax Expense due to the amortization of the EDIT. The refund of EDIT results in a lower effective tax rate and no impact on net income.
Storm Restoration Costs, Net: In the second half of 2019, three significant storms, one in July and two in October, caused extensive damage to our electric distribution systems and significant customer outages across all three states. A storm must meet certain criteria to qualify for recovery with the criteria specific to each state jurisdiction and utility company. Once a storm qualifies for recovery, all qualifying expenses incurred during storm restoration efforts are deferred and recovered from customers. Costs for storms that do not meet the specific criteria are expensed as incurred. The July 2019 storm resulted in qualifying storm restoration costs of approximately $16 million for NSTAR Electric. Management continues to evaluate the storm restoration costs of the October 2019 storms and believes the storm restoration costs for all storms were prudent and meet the criteria for specific cost recovery in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and that recovery from customers is probable through the applicable regulatory recovery processes.
Massachusetts:
Hingham Condemnation: On April 22, 2019, the town of Hingham, Massachusetts voted to acquire the water system and treatment plant that supplies water to the towns of Hingham, Hull and North Cohasset. The acquisition price is currently estimated to be more than $100 million, subject to adjustment based on actual capital investments as legally required and other future closing adjustments. Aquarion will continue to operate the water system during the transition period until the sale occurs. The Company is evaluating the impact of the sale on its financial statements, which will be recorded when the sale transaction occurs. No loss is expected. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020. As of September 30, 2019, these water distribution assets were included within Property, Plant and Equipment, Net and goodwill on the balance sheet and were also reflected in the Water Distribution segment and reporting unit.
New Hampshire:
Distribution Rates: On April 26, 2019, PSNH filed an application with the NHPUC for approval of a temporary annual base distribution rate increase of approximately $33 million, effective July 1, 2019. On June 27, 2019, the NHPUC approved a settlement agreement that was reached by PSNH, the NHPUC Staff, the Office of the Consumer Advocate, and another settling party, to implement a temporary annual base distribution rate increase of $28.3 million. Although new rates were implemented on August 1, 2019 to customers, the provisions of the temporary base distribution rate increase were effective July 1, 2019. The settlement agreement also permits PSNH to recover approximately $68.5 million in unrecovered storm costs over a five-year period beginning August 1, 2019, with debt carrying charges, which is included in the temporary rate increase.
On May 28, 2019, PSNH filed an application with the NHPUC for a permanent increase in base distribution rates of approximately $70 million, effective July 1, 2020, which includes the temporary rate increase request. The temporary rates are subject to reconciliation based on the outcome of the permanent rate case now before the NHPUC. The NHPUC is permitted up to twelve months to adjudicate the permanent rate application from the date of filing.
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Legislative and Policy Matters
New Hampshire: On July 8, 2019, the New Hampshire Superior Court approved a settlement between PSNH and the Town of Bow, New Hampshire, where the town had over-assessed the value of the property owned by PSNH for the 2014 through 2018 property tax years. The result of this settlement was $10.0 million in over-paid property taxes, of which PSNH has received $3.75 million in cash through September 30, 2019. PSNH will receive another cash payment of $0.5 million in December 2019, the balance thereafter to be credited against future property taxes payable, annually through 2023. In addition, PSNH received the results of a final decision on a property tax dispute with the City of Portsmouth, which amounted to $1 million for the 2015 through 2016 property tax years.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and, at times, difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Changes in these estimates, assumptions and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our management communicates to and discusses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees significant matters relating to critical accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies that we believed were the most critical in nature were reported in the Eversource 2018 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes with regard to these critical accounting policies.
Refer to Note 1C, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission," to the financial statements for further discussion of critical accounting estimates surrounding impairment analysis.
Other Matters
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission: Northern Pass was Eversource's planned 1,090 MW HVDC transmission line that would interconnect from the Québec-New Hampshire border to Franklin, New Hampshire and an associated alternating current radial transmission line between Franklin and Deerfield, New Hampshire. As a result of a final decision received on July 19, 2019 from the New Hampshire Supreme Court, whereby the court issued a decision denying Northern Pass’ appeal and affirming the NHSEC’s evaluation and decision that denied Northern Pass’ siting application on NPT, Eversource concluded that construction of NPT was no longer probable. As a result, substantially all of the capitalized project costs, which totaled $318 million, certain of which are subject to cost reimbursement agreements, were impaired.
Based on the conclusion that the construction of Northern Pass was not probable, Eversource recorded an impairment charge in the second quarter of 2019 for all of the project costs associated with Northern Pass, which were primarily engineering design, siting, permitting and legal costs, along with appropriate allowances for funds used during construction, and recognized a receivable for certain cost reimbursement agreements. Additionally, Eversource recorded an impairment charge associated with the land acquired to construct Northern Pass in order to recognize the land at its estimated fair value based on assessed values and transaction costs. In total, this resulted in a pre-tax impairment charge of $239.6 million within Operating Income on the statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, and was reflected in the Electric Transmission segment. The after-tax impact of the second quarter impairment charge was $204.4 million, or $0.64 per share, after giving effect to the estimated fair value of the related land, reimbursement agreements, and the impact of expected income tax benefits associated with the impairment charge. Eversource does not expect any significant estimated future cash expenditures associated with this impairment charge.
Accounting Standards: For information regarding new accounting standards, see Note 1B, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting Standards," to the financial statements.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments: Refer to Note 9B, "Commitments and Contingencies – Long-Term Contractual
Arrangements," for discussion of material changes to contractual obligations.
Web Site: Additional financial information is available through our website at www.eversource.com. We make available through our website a link to the SEC's EDGAR website (http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html), at which site Eversource's, CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's combined Annual Reports on Form 10-K, combined Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports may be reviewed. Information contained on the Company's website or that can be accessed through the website is not incorporated into and does not constitute a part of this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for Eversource for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | Increase/ (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 2,175.8 | $ | 2,271.4 | $ | (95.6 | ) | $ | 6,476.1 | $ | 6,413.2 | $ | 62.9 | ||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission | 730.3 | 842.3 | (112.0 | ) | 2,326.0 | 2,443.0 | (117.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Operations and Maintenance | 331.1 | 344.5 | (13.4 | ) | 994.7 | 970.9 | 23.8 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 222.6 | 208.7 | 13.9 | 656.6 | 612.1 | 44.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization | 73.9 | 92.7 | (18.8 | ) | 183.8 | 174.1 | 9.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Energy Efficiency Programs | 136.8 | 130.0 | 6.8 | 382.8 | 366.1 | 16.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 171.9 | 187.2 | (15.3 | ) | 537.7 | 547.1 | (9.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission | — | — | — | 239.6 | — | 239.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 1,666.6 | 1,805.4 | (138.8 | ) | 5,321.2 | 5,113.3 | 207.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | 509.2 | 466.0 | 43.2 | 1,154.9 | 1,299.9 | (145.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | 135.2 | 125.2 | 10.0 | 399.6 | 372.7 | 26.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Other Income, Net | 27.0 | 16.7 | 10.3 | 103.8 | 100.6 | 3.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 401.0 | 357.5 | 43.5 | 859.1 | 1,027.8 | (168.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 80.2 | 66.2 | 14.0 | 194.5 | 220.5 | (26.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income | 320.8 | 291.3 | 29.5 | 664.6 | 807.3 | (142.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 1.9 | 1.9 | — | 5.6 | 5.6 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders | $ | 318.9 | $ | 289.4 | $ | 29.5 | $ | 659.0 | $ | 801.7 | $ | (142.7 | ) |
Operating Revenues
Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes, our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, and our water MG sales volumes, and percentage changes, is as follows:
Electric | Firm Natural Gas | Water | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales Volumes (GWh) | Percentage Decrease | Sales Volumes (MMcf) | Percentage Increase | Sales Volumes (MG) | Percentage Decrease | |||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30: | 2019 | 2018 (1) | 2019 | 2018 (2) | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Traditional | 2,078 | 2,206 | (5.8 | )% | — | — | — | % | 695 | 732 | (5.1 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Decoupled and Special Contracts (3) | 12,261 | 13,110 | (6.5 | )% | 11,557 | 11,342 | 1.9 | % | 6,961 | 7,118 | (2.2 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total Sales Volumes | 14,339 | 15,316 | (6.4 | )% | 11,557 | 11,342 | 1.9 | % | 7,656 | 7,850 | (2.5 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Traditional | 5,803 | 5,981 | (3.0 | )% | — | — | — | % | 1,604 | 1,684 | (4.8 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Decoupled and Special Contracts (3) | 33,298 | 34,690 | (4.0 | )% | 74,915 | 73,325 | 2.2 | % | 16,173 | 16,491 | (1.9 | )% | ||||||||||||||
Total Sales Volumes | 39,101 | 40,671 | (3.9 | )% | 74,915 | 73,325 | 2.2 | % | 17,777 | 18,175 | (2.2 | )% |
(1) Effective February 1, 2018, NSTAR Electric operated entirely under a decoupled rate structure. The 2018 sales volumes for NSTAR Electric have been recast to present January 2018 as decoupled to conform to the current year presentation.
(2) Effective November 15, 2018, Yankee Gas operated under a decoupled rate structure. The 2018 sales volumes for Yankee Gas have been recast to present 2018 as decoupled to conform to the current year presentation.
(3) Special contracts are unique to Yankee Gas natural gas distribution customers who take service under such an arrangement and generally specify the amount of distribution revenue to be paid to Yankee Gas regardless of the customers' usage.
Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table above). For CL&P, NSTAR Electric, Yankee Gas, and NSTAR Gas, fluctuations in retail sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms ("Decoupled" in the table above). These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized. Fluctuations in water sales volumes largely do not impact earnings as our Connecticut water distribution business is also decoupled.
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Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues by segment increased/(decreased) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||
Electric Distribution | $ | (95.8 | ) | $ | 5.4 | ||
Natural Gas Distribution | (5.6 | ) | 39.4 | ||||
Electric Transmission | 17.2 | 84.9 | |||||
Water Distribution | 0.7 | 2.0 | |||||
Other | 33.5 | 74.6 | |||||
Eliminations | (45.6 | ) | (143.4 | ) | |||
Total Operating Revenues | $ | (95.6 | ) | $ | 62.9 |
Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Revenues:
Base Distribution Revenues:
• | Base electric distribution revenues increased $33.3 million and $72.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, respectively, due primarily to the impact of CL&P's base distribution rate increases effective May 1, 2019 and May 1, 2018, which include recovery of storm costs and certain other items that do not impact earnings, an NSTAR Electric base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2019, and a PSNH base distribution rate increase effective July 1, 2019. |
• | Base natural gas distribution revenues decreased $4.1 million and increased $12.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, respectively. These fluctuations are due primarily to the seasonality of the decoupled rate structure arising from the Yankee Gas base distribution rate case that provides lower revenues in non-heating months (and greater revenues in the winter heating months). |
Tracked Distribution Revenues: Tracked distribution revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs have no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply and natural gas supply procurement and other energy-related costs, and electric retail transmission charges, which decreased significantly due primarily to the lower federal corporate income tax rate that was reflected effective January 1, 2019. In addition, cost tracking mechanisms include energy efficiency program costs, electric restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), and additionally for NSTAR Electric, pension and PBOP benefits and net metering for distributed generation. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market and the sale of RECs to various counterparties. However, tracked revenues do include certain incentives earned, return on rate base, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings.
Tracked distribution revenues increased/(decreased) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to the following:
Electric Distribution | Natural Gas Distribution | ||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Energy supply procurement | $ | (48.1 | ) | $ | 45.6 | $ | 0.9 | $ | 23.0 | ||||||
Retail transmission | (37.7 | ) | (110.8 | ) | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Stranded cost recovery | (11.0 | ) | 2.9 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
Other distribution tracking mechanisms | (5.2 | ) | 21.7 | 2.0 | 5.9 | ||||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue | (15.7 | ) | (17.5 | ) | (5.9 | ) | 0.2 |
Electric Transmission Revenues: Electric transmission revenues increased $17.2 million and $84.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, respectively, due primarily to continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.
Other Revenues and Eliminations: Other revenues primarily include the revenues of Eversource's service company, most of which are eliminated in consolidation. Eliminations are also primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived
from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the
wholesale transmission business.
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity and natural gas on behalf of our customers. These electric and natural gas supply costs are recovered from customers in rates through commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs).
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Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense increased/(decreased) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||
Electric Distribution | $ | (50.7 | ) | $ | 33.5 | ||
Natural Gas Distribution | (6.3 | ) | 22.9 | ||||
Transmission | (43.1 | ) | (107.6 | ) | |||
Eliminations | (11.9 | ) | (65.8 | ) | |||
Total Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission | $ | (112.0 | ) | $ | (117.0 | ) |
The decrease in purchased power expense at the electric distribution business for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, was driven primarily by lower average sales volumes, partially offset by higher average prices associated with the procurement of energy supply. The decrease in natural gas supply costs at our natural gas distribution business for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, was due primarily to lower average prices, partially offset by higher average sales volumes.
The increase in purchased power expense at the electric distribution business for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, was driven primarily by higher prices associated with the procurement of energy supply. The increase in natural gas supply costs at our natural gas distribution business for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, was due primarily to higher average sales volumes.
The decrease in transmission costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, was primarily the result of a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers, and a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments. In addition, the decrease in transmission costs was a result of a decrease in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network. Effective January 1, 2019, the retail transmission rate was adjusted to reflect the lower federal corporate income tax rate, resulting in a decrease in the cost of retail transmission service.
Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base electric, natural gas and water distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs). Operations and Maintenance expense increased/(decreased) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs): | |||||||
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits | $ | (16.7 | ) | $ | (25.3 | ) | |
Operations-related expenses, including vegetation management, vehicles, and outside services | (1.9 | ) | 23.9 | ||||
Storm Restoration Costs | 9.3 | 13.3 | |||||
Other non-tracked operations and maintenance | (4.7 | ) | (13.6 | ) | |||
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs) | (14.0 | ) | (1.7 | ) | |||
Base Natural Gas Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs) | 2.7 | 10.6 | |||||
Water Distribution | (0.5 | ) | 0.6 | ||||
Tracked Costs (Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission and Natural Gas Distribution) - Increase due primarily to higher electric transmission expenses, partially offset by the absence in 2019 of PSNH generation operations expenses due to the 2018 sales of thermal and hydroelectric generation assets | 11.2 | 42.3 | |||||
Other and eliminations: | |||||||
Eversource Parent and Other Companies - other operations and maintenance | 75.8 | 102.9 | |||||
Eliminations | (88.6 | ) | (130.9 | ) | |||
Total Operations and Maintenance | $ | (13.4 | ) | $ | 23.8 |
Depreciation expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to higher utility plant in service balances and new depreciation rates effective with the 2018 CL&P distribution rate case settlement agreement.
Amortization expense includes the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs included in certain regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, and the amortization of certain costs. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues. Energy supply and energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs, partially offset by increased amortization of PSNH's securitized regulatory asset related to the 2018 RRB issuance of $0.6 million.
Amortization expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to an increase in storm cost recovery at CL&P and NSTAR Electric, and increased amortization of PSNH's securitized regulatory asset related to the 2018 RRB issuance of $15.1 million.
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Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to higher spending for CL&P's and PSNH's energy efficiency programs, partially offset by a decrease in spending on certain large energy efficiency projects in 2019 at NSTAR Electric, due to timing. The costs of the state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to a decrease of $10.7 million and $14.7 million, respectively, related to CL&P's remittance of energy efficiency funds to the State of Connecticut. Energy efficiency funds collected from customers after July 1, 2019 are no longer subject to remittance to the State of Connecticut. The decrease is also due to amounts received by PSNH in the third quarter of 2019 relating to a refund of property taxes as a result of a settlement with the town of Bow, New Hampshire ($8.3 million), and a decrease in NSTAR Electric's property taxes due to a decrease in tax rates.
Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission reflects an impairment charge of $239.6 million that was recorded in the second quarter of 2019 as a result of the July 19, 2019 New Hampshire Supreme Court decision. The after-tax impact of this impairment charge was $204.4 million. For further information on the impairment of NPT, see "Other Matters - Impairment of Northern Pass Transmission" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Interest Expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to an increase in interest on long-term debt as a result of new debt issuances ($14.8 million and $26.1 million, respectively), an increase in interest on the 2018 PSNH RRB issuance ($7.1 million, for the nine months) and an increase in interest on notes payable ($5.6 million, for the nine months). Partially offsetting these increases was an increase in AFUDC related to debt funds and other capitalized interest ($6.9 million and $17.9 million, respectively).
Other Income, Net increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periods in 2018, due primarily to an increase in equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates related to Eversource's equity method investments ($34.0 million and $37.4 million, respectively). In the third quarter of 2018, Eversource recognized a $32.9 million other-than-temporary impairment charge to our equity method investment in the Access Northeast project, which was reflected as a loss within equity in earnings. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($4.7 million and $21.4 million, respectively), the absence in 2019 of a gain on sale of property ($4.4 million, for the three and nine months), investment losses in 2019 compared to investment income in 2018 ($4.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively) and a decrease in the recognition of the equity component of the carrying charges related to storm costs recorded in interest income at PSNH ($8.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively).
Income Tax Expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the absence of an aggregate benefit relating to both federal tax reform and a tax reserve in 2018 ($18 million), the absence of the impairment of Access Northeast in 2018 ($6.9 million), items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($5.6 million), and higher pre-tax earnings ($2.8 million). The increase was partially offset by amortization of EDIT ($9.8 million) and tax planning ($9.5 million). The impact of the amortization of the EDIT regulatory liability, including the tax gross up portion, that reduced revenue is $13.5 million offset by current tax benefits of $3.7 million and amortization of EDIT of $9.8 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, which results in no impact on earnings.
Income Tax Expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the impairment of NPT in 2019 ($35.2 million), amortization of EDIT ($26.9 million), and tax planning ($9.5 million). The decrease was partially offset by the absence of an aggregate benefit relating to both federal tax reform and a tax reserve in 2018 ($18 million), items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($12.1 million), higher pre-tax earnings ($8.6 million), and the absence of the impairment of Access Northeast in 2018 ($6.9 million). The impact of the amortization of the EDIT regulatory liability, including the tax gross up portion, that reduced revenue is $37.0 million offset by current tax benefits of $10.1 million and amortization of EDIT of $26.9 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which results in no impact on earnings.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS –
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES
The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | Increase/ (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | Increase/ (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | Increase/ (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 2,444.0 | $ | 2,344.9 | $ | 99.1 | $ | 2,358.2 | $ | 2,400.3 | $ | (42.1 | ) | $ | 797.8 | $ | 792.7 | $ | 5.1 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission | 865.4 | 850.8 | 14.6 | 859.2 | 981.9 | (122.7 | ) | 300.7 | 294.0 | 6.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operations and Maintenance | 399.1 | 355.5 | 43.6 | 342.8 | 344.5 | (1.7 | ) | 156.2 | 153.3 | 2.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 224.1 | 208.9 | 15.2 | 220.3 | 205.2 | 15.1 | 69.7 | 69.5 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 78.5 | 97.4 | (18.9 | ) | 73.1 | 35.5 | 37.6 | 39.9 | 41.3 | (1.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Energy Efficiency Programs | 86.9 | 71.6 | 15.3 | 227.0 | 229.4 | (2.4 | ) | 20.2 | 15.7 | 4.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 261.1 | 267.7 | (6.6 | ) | 144.4 | 145.7 | (1.3 | ) | 50.6 | 59.8 | (9.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 1,915.1 | 1,851.9 | 63.2 | 1,866.8 | 1,942.2 | (75.4 | ) | 637.3 | 633.6 | 3.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Income | 528.9 | 493.0 | 35.9 | 491.4 | 458.1 | 33.3 | 160.5 | 159.1 | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | 112.3 | 113.1 | (0.8 | ) | 85.4 | 80.8 | 4.6 | 44.6 | 44.0 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Income, Net | 11.6 | 20.7 | (9.1 | ) | 32.5 | 40.6 | (8.1 | ) | 14.6 | 24.3 | (9.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 428.2 | 400.6 | 27.6 | 438.5 | 417.9 | 20.6 | 130.5 | 139.4 | (8.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 101.2 | 102.0 | (0.8 | ) | 99.8 | 112.2 | (12.4 | ) | 30.0 | 37.9 | (7.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 327.0 | $ | 298.6 | $ | 28.4 | $ | 338.7 | $ | 305.7 | $ | 33.0 | $ | 100.5 | $ | 101.5 | $ | (1.0 | ) |
Operating Revenues
Sales Volumes: A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes is as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | Decrease | Percentage Decrease | ||||||||
CL&P | 15,681 | 16,376 | (695 | ) | (4.2 | )% | |||||
NSTAR Electric | 17,617 | 18,314 | (697 | ) | (3.8 | )% | |||||
PSNH | 5,803 | 5,981 | (178 | ) | (3.0 | )% |
Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at PSNH impact earnings. For CL&P and NSTAR Electric, fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms.
Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, increased $99.1 million at CL&P and $5.1 million at PSNH, and decreased $42.1 million at NSTAR Electric, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018.
Base Distribution Revenues:
• | CL&P's distribution revenues increased $47.9 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increases effective May 1, 2019 and May 1, 2018, which include recovery of storm costs and certain other items that do not impact earnings. |
• | NSTAR Electric's distribution revenues increased $17.5 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2019. |
• | PSNH's distribution revenues increased $7.1 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increase effective July 1, 2019. |
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Tracked Revenues: Tracked revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in retail rates through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, recovery of these costs have no impact on earnings. Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include, among others, energy supply procurement and other energy-related costs, and retail transmission charges, which decreased significantly due primarily to the lower federal corporate income tax rate that was reflected effective January 1, 2019. In addition, cost tracking mechanisms include energy efficiency program costs, restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues (including securitized RRB charges), and additionally for NSTAR Electric, pension and PBOP benefits and net metering for distributed generation. Tracked revenues also include wholesale market sales transactions, such as sales of energy and energy-related products into the ISO-NE wholesale electricity market and the sale of RECs to various counterparties. However, tracked revenues do include certain incentives earned, return on rate base, and carrying charges that are billed in rates to customers, which do impact earnings.
Tracked revenues increased/(decreased) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | ||||||||
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues | |||||||||||
Energy supply procurement | $ | 44.3 | $ | (7.6 | ) | $ | 8.9 | ||||
Retail transmission | (15.8 | ) | (73.8 | ) | (21.2 | ) | |||||
Stranded cost recovery | (10.7 | ) | 4.3 | 9.3 | |||||||
Other distribution tracking mechanisms | 3.6 | 11.8 | 6.3 | ||||||||
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue | 5.3 | (0.5 | ) | (23.9 | ) |
PSNH's energy supply procurement revenues include the absence in 2019 of the recovery of generation rate base return due to the sale of its thermal and hydroelectric generation assets in 2018. Revenues from CL&P's other distribution tracking mechanisms include higher earnings from its capital tracker mechanism effective July 1, 2018 due to increased electric system improvements.
Transmission Revenues: Transmission revenues increased $55.2 million at CL&P, $13.5 million at NSTAR Electric, and $16.2 million at PSNH for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.
Eliminations: Eliminations are primarily related to the Eversource electric transmission revenues that are derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business. The impact of eliminations decreased revenues by $25.1 million at CL&P, $4.7 million at NSTAR Electric and increased revenues by $1.5 million at PSNH for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018.
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity on behalf of CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH's customers. These energy supply costs are recovered from customers in commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense increased/(decreased) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | ||||||||
Purchased Power Costs | $ | 54.2 | $ | (45.2 | ) | $ | 24.5 | ||||
Transmission Costs | (15.1 | ) | (73.1 | ) | (19.4 | ) | |||||
Eliminations | (24.5 | ) | (4.4 | ) | 1.6 | ||||||
Total Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission | $ | 14.6 | $ | (122.7 | ) | $ | 6.7 |
Purchased Power Costs: Included in purchased power costs are the costs associated with providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers.
• | The increase at CL&P was due primarily to an increase in the price of power procured on behalf of our customers. |
• | The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due primarily to a decrease in the volume of power procured on behalf of our customers. |
• | The increase at PSNH was due primarily to higher purchased power energy expenses that are recovered as a component of the Energy Service tracking mechanism. |
Transmission Costs: Included in transmission costs are charges that recover the cost of transporting electricity over high-voltage lines from generation facilities to substations, including costs allocated by ISO-NE to maintain the wholesale electric market.
The decrease in transmission costs at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH was due primarily to a reduction to the retail transmission rate that was adjusted to reflect the lower federal corporate income tax rate, effective January 1, 2019, resulting in a decrease in the cost of retail transmission service. In addition, the decrease in transmission costs at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH was primarily a result of a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments.
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Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs). Operations and Maintenance expense increased/(decreased) for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | CL&P | NSTAR Electric | PSNH | ||||||||
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs): | |||||||||||
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits | $ | (9.5 | ) | $ | (12.2 | ) | $ | (3.6 | ) | ||
Operations-related expenses, including vegetation management, vehicles, and outside services | 8.2 | 8.7 | 7.0 | ||||||||
Storm restoration costs | 5.3 | 7.8 | 0.2 | ||||||||
Other non-tracked operations and maintenance | 4.4 | (16.3 | ) | (1.7 | ) | ||||||
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs) | 8.4 | (12.0 | ) | 1.9 | |||||||
Tracked Costs: | |||||||||||
Absence in 2019 of PSNH generation operations expenses due to the 2018 sales of thermal and hydroelectric generation assets | — | — | (9.4 | ) | |||||||
Transmission expenses | 29.2 | 1.9 | 3.8 | ||||||||
Other tracked operations and maintenance | 6.0 | 8.4 | 6.6 | ||||||||
Total Tracked Costs | 35.2 | 10.3 | 1.0 | ||||||||
Total Operations and Maintenance | $ | 43.6 | $ | (1.7 | ) | $ | 2.9 |
Depreciation increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
• | The increase at CL&P was due to higher net plant in service balances and the implementation of new depreciation rates effective with the 2018 CL&P distribution rate case settlement agreement. |
• | The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to higher net plant in service balances. |
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net expense includes the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs included in certain regulatory-approved cost tracking mechanisms, and the amortization of certain costs. This deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues. Energy supply and energy-related costs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.
• | The increase at NSTAR Electric for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, was due primarily to an increase in both storm cost recovery and costs associated with low income customers. The remaining increases in amortization was driven by the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. |
• | The decrease at CL&P and PSNH for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy supply and energy-related costs, partially offset by an increase in storm cost recovery. The decrease at PSNH is also partially offset by $15.1 million of higher amortization of PSNH's securitized regulatory asset related to the 2018 RRB issuance. |
Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased/decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
• | The increase at CL&P and PSNH was due to higher spending for energy efficiency programs. |
• | The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to the timing of spending on certain large energy efficiency projects in 2019. |
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
• | The decrease of $14.7 million at CL&P related to the remittance of energy efficiency funds to the State of Connecticut. Energy efficiency funds collected from customers after July 1, 2019 are no longer subject to remittance to the State of Connecticut. The decrease was partially offset by higher property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances and higher gross earnings taxes (the costs of which are tracked). |
• | The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to lower property taxes as a result of a decrease in tax rates. |
• | The decrease at PSNH was due to a refund of property taxes as a result of a settlement with the town of Bow, New Hampshire ($8.3 million). |
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Interest Expense decreased/increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
• | The decrease at CL&P was due to lower interest on long-term debt ($3.5 million), partially offset by an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($2.5 million). |
• | The increase at NSTAR Electric was due to higher interest on long-term debt ($4.8 million). |
• | The increase at PSNH was due to an increase in interest on the 2018 PSNH RRB issuance ($7.1 million), partially offset by lower interest on long-term debt ($1.2 million), a decrease in interest on notes payable ($1.8 million), a decrease in interest related to regulatory deferrals ($1.6 million) and an increase in AFUDC related to debt funds ($1.2 million). |
Other Income, Net decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
• | The decrease at CL&P was due to a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($7.2 million). |
• | The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($8.8 million) and investment losses in 2019 compared to investment income in 2018 ($2.1 million), partially offset by an increase in AFUDC related to equity funds ($3.2 million). |
• | The decrease at PSNH was due to the absence in 2019 of a gain on the sale of property ($4.4 million), a decrease in the recognition of the equity component of the carrying charges related to storm costs recorded in interest income ($3.5 million) and a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($2.9 million). Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in AFUDC related to equity funds ($2.1 million). |
Income Tax Expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
• | The decrease at CL&P was due to amortization of EDIT ($3.6 million), items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($3.1 million), and return to provision items ($3 million), partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings ($5.8 million) and higher state taxes ($3.1 million). The impact of the amortization of the EDIT regulatory liability, including the tax gross up portion, that reduced revenue is approximately $5 million, offset by current tax benefits of $1.4 million and amortization of EDIT of $3.6 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which results in no impact on earnings. |
• | The decrease at NSTAR Electric was due to amortization of EDIT ($14.4 million), items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($2.7 million), and return to provision items ($1.3 million), partially offset by higher pre-tax earnings ($4.4 million) and higher state taxes ($1.6 million). The impact of the amortization of the EDIT regulatory liability, including the tax gross up portion, that reduced revenue is approximately $19.8 million, offset by a current tax benefit of $5.4 million and amortization of EDIT of $14.4 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which results in no impact on earnings. |
• | The decrease at PSNH was due to lower state taxes ($3.2 million), amortization of EDIT ($3.1 million), lower pre-tax earnings ($1.8 million), and return to provision items ($1.1 million), partially offset by items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($1.3 million). The impact of the amortization of the EDIT regulatory liability, including the tax gross up portion, that reduced revenue is approximately $4.3 million, offset by a current tax benefit of $1.2 million and amortization of EDIT of $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which results in no impact on earnings. |
EARNINGS SUMMARY
CL&P's earnings increased $28.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to base distribution rate increases effective May 1, 2019 and May 1, 2018, higher earnings from its capital tracker mechanism, and an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, lower non-service income from our benefit plans, higher depreciation expense and higher property tax expense.
NSTAR Electric's earnings increased $33.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2019, lower non-tracked operations and maintenance expense, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, and lower property tax expense. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher depreciation expense.
PSNH's earnings decreased $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the absence in 2019 of generation earnings as a result of the sale of its generation assets in 2018, a lower amount of carrying charges on storm costs approved for recovery in 2019, as compared to 2018, lower non-service income from our benefit plans, and higher operations and maintenance expense. The earnings decrease was partially offset by the base distribution rate increase effective July 1, 2019 and an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base.
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LIQUIDITY
Cash Flows: CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activities of $531.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to $451.1 million in the same period of 2018. The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to the absence in 2019 of approximately $120 million of storm restoration cost payments, the timing of collections on our accounts receivable and cash payments made on our accounts payable, and a decrease of $17.2 million in pension contributions made in 2019. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts were higher income tax payments made in 2019 of $32.9 million, and the timing of other working capital items.
NSTAR Electric had cash flows provided by operating activities of $586.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to $574.3 million in the same period of 2018. The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to a decrease of approximately $77 million of major storm restoration cost payments, the timing of cash collections on our accounts receivable, a decrease of $55.5 million in pension and PBOP cash contributions, and lower income tax payments made in 2019 of $26.5 million. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts were the timing of collections for regulatory tracking mechanisms and the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable and other working capital items.
PSNH had cash flows provided by operating activities of $202.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to $217.7 million in the same period of 2018. The decrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to $15.4 million in pension contributions made in 2019 and the timing of cash payments made on our accounts payable and other working capital items. Partially offsetting these unfavorable impacts were income tax refunds of $11.5 million in 2019, as compared to income tax payments of $14.9 million in the same period in 2018.
For further information on CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's liquidity and capital resources, see "Liquidity" and "Business Development and Capital Expenditures" included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(Millions of Dollars) | 2019 | 2018 | Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||
Operating Revenues | $ | 853.9 | $ | 865.0 | $ | (11.1 | ) | ||||
Operating Expenses: | |||||||||||
Purchased Power and Transmission | 299.0 | 314.6 | (15.6 | ) | |||||||
Operations and Maintenance | 135.1 | 128.5 | 6.6 | ||||||||
Depreciation | 76.3 | 72.0 | 4.3 | ||||||||
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net | 30.4 | 54.0 | (23.6 | ) | |||||||
Energy Efficiency Programs | 40.1 | 30.2 | 9.9 | ||||||||
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes | 82.7 | 93.0 | (10.3 | ) | |||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 663.6 | 692.3 | (28.7 | ) | |||||||
Operating Income | 190.3 | 172.7 | 17.6 | ||||||||
Interest Expense | 39.5 | 37.6 | 1.9 | ||||||||
Other Income, Net | 4.8 | 7.0 | (2.2 | ) | |||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 155.6 | 142.1 | 13.5 | ||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 43.9 | 41.8 | 2.1 | ||||||||
Net Income | $ | 111.7 | $ | 100.3 | $ | 11.4 |
Operating Revenues
Sales Volumes: CL&P's retail electric GWh sales volumes were 5,728 and 6,153 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, resulting in a decrease of 6.9 percent. Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to its PURA-approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanism.
Operating Revenues: Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, decreased $11.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018.
Base Distribution Revenues: CL&P's distribution revenues increased $13.8 million due primarily to the impact of its base distribution rate increase effective May 1, 2019 as a result of the PURA-approved rate case settlement agreement, which includes recovery of storm costs and certain other items that do not impact earnings.
Tracked Revenues: Tracked revenues increased/(decreased) for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | |||
Retail Tariff Tracked Revenues | |||
Energy supply procurement | $ | (15.9 | ) |
Retail transmission | 1.7 | ||
Stranded cost recovery | (4.4 | ) | |
Other distribution tracking mechanisms | (5.0 | ) | |
Wholesale Market Sales Revenue | 0.5 |
Revenues from CL&P's other distribution tracking mechanisms include higher earnings from its capital tracker mechanism effective July 1, 2018, due to increased electric system improvements.
Transmission Revenues: Transmission revenues increased $16.6 million due primarily to continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.
Eliminations: Eliminations are primarily related to transmission revenues derived from ISO-NE regional transmission charges to the distribution business that recover the costs of the wholesale transmission business. The impact of eliminations decreased revenues by $9.5 million.
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Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity on behalf of CL&P's customers. These energy supply costs are recovered from customers in PURA-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). Purchased Power and Transmission expense increased/(decreased) for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | |||
Purchased Power Costs | $ | (6.2 | ) |
Transmission Costs | 0.1 | ||
Eliminations | (9.5 | ) | |
Total Purchased Power and Transmission | $ | (15.6 | ) |
The decrease in purchased power costs was due primarily to a decrease in both the price and volume of power procured on behalf of our customers. The increase in transmission costs was primarily a result of an increase in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers, and an increase in Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network. This was partially offset by a decrease in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investments.
Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs). Operations and Maintenance expense increased/(decreased) for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars) | |||
Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs): | |||
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits | $ | (5.2 | ) |
Operations-related expenses, including vegetation management, vehicles, and outside services | (5.2 | ) | |
Storm Restoration Costs | 8.6 | ||
Other non-tracked operations and maintenance | (0.1 | ) | |
Total Base Electric Distribution (Non-Tracked Costs) | (1.9 | ) | |
Total Tracked Costs | 8.5 | ||
Total Operations and Maintenance | $ | 6.6 |
Depreciation expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to higher net plant in service balances and the implementation of new depreciation rates effective with the 2018 CL&P distribution rate case settlement agreement.
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net expense includes the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs included in certain regulatory-approved cost tracking mechanisms, and the amortization of certain costs. This deferral adjusts expenses to match the corresponding revenues. Energy supply and energy-related costs, which are the primary drivers of amortization, are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings. Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net decreased at CL&P for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy supply and energy-related costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs, partially offset by an increase in storm cost recovery.
Energy Efficiency Programs expense includes costs of various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs that are recovered from customers in rates, most of which have no impact on earnings. Energy Efficiency Programs expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to higher spending for energy efficiency programs.
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to a decrease related to the remittance of energy efficiency funds to the State of Connecticut. Energy efficiency funds collected from customers after July 1, 2019 are no longer subject to remittance to the State of Connecticut.
Interest Expense increased at CL&P for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to an increase in interest expense on regulatory deferrals ($1.1 million) and an increase in interest expense on notes payable ($1.0 million), partially offset by an increase in AFUDC related to debt funds ($0.2 million).
Other Income, Net decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to market value changes related to the deferred compensation plans ($1.5 million) and a decrease related to pension, SERP and PBOP non-service income components ($0.3 million).
Income Tax Expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($3.4 million), higher pretax income ($2.8 million) and state taxes ($1 million), partially offset by amortization of EDIT ($2.2 million) and return to provision items ($2.9 million). The impact of the amortization of the EDIT regulatory liability, including the tax gross up portion that reduced revenue is approximately $3 million, offset by a current tax benefit of $0.8 million, and amortization of EDIT of $2.2 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, which results in no impact on earnings.
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EARNINGS SUMMARY
CL&P's earnings increased $11.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, due primarily to the base distribution rate increase effective May 1, 2019, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, lower non-tracked operations and maintenance expense and higher earnings from its capital tracker mechanism. The earnings increase was partially offset by higher depreciation expense.
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ITEM 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Market Risk Information
Commodity Price Risk Management: Our regulated companies enter into energy contracts to serve our customers and the economic impacts of those contracts are passed on to our customers. Accordingly, the regulated companies have no exposure to loss of future earnings or fair values due to these market risk-sensitive instruments. Eversource's Energy Supply Risk Committee, comprised of senior officers, reviews and approves all large-scale energy related transactions entered into by its regulated companies.
Other Risk Management Activities
Interest Rate Risk Management: We manage our interest rate risk exposure in accordance with our written policies and procedures.
Credit Risk Management: Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that we would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties pursuant to the terms of our contractual obligations. We serve a wide variety of customers and transact with suppliers that include IPPs, industrial companies, natural gas and electric utilities, oil and gas producers, financial institutions, and other energy marketers. Margin accounts exist within this diverse group, and we realize interest receipts and payments related to balances outstanding in these margin accounts. This wide customer and supplier mix generates a need for a variety of contractual structures, products and terms that, in turn, require us to manage the portfolio of market risk inherent in those transactions in a manner consistent with the parameters established by our risk management process.
Our regulated companies are subject to credit risk from certain long-term or high-volume supply contracts with energy marketing companies. Our regulated companies manage the credit risk with these counterparties in accordance with established credit risk practices and monitor contracting risks, including credit risk. As of September 30, 2019, our regulated companies held collateral in the form of letters of credit of $10.5 million from counterparties related to our standard service contracts. As of September 30, 2019, Eversource had $19.2 million of cash posted with ISO-NE related to energy transactions.
We have provided additional disclosures regarding interest rate risk management and credit risk management in Part II, Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," in Eversource's 2018 Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no additional risks identified and no material changes with regard to the items previously disclosed in the Eversource 2018 Form 10-K.
ITEM 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Management, on behalf of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, evaluated the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2019 to determine whether they are effective in ensuring that the disclosure of required information is made timely and in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations of the SEC. This evaluation was made under management's supervision and with management's participation, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There are inherent limitations of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumventing or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. The principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their review, that the disclosure controls and procedures of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and regulations and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
We are parties to various legal proceedings. We have disclosed certain legal proceedings in Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings," and elsewhere in our 2018 Form 10-K. These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.
PSNH Merrimack Generation Facility Civil Suit: On March 4, 2019, the Sierra Club and the Conservation Law Foundation (the “Plaintiffs”) filed a citizens suit under the federal Clean Water Act against PSNH and a non-affiliated party that currently owns the Merrimack generation facility (the “Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire (the “Court”). With respect to PSNH, the suit alleges that there was a failure to completely report certain monitoring data to the EPA and other agencies as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit at the Merrimack generation facility for events occurring after January 3, 2014, but prior to PSNH’s sale of the Merrimack generation facility on January 10, 2018. The Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief and imposition of maximum civil penalties assessable against PSNH as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. At a hearing on August 15, 2019, the Court was informed that the maximum civil penalties against PSNH are $195 million.
At this time, PSNH cannot predict the outcome of this matter or the impact on its financial statements. PSNH believes this action is without merit and intends to defend it vigorously; however, an adverse outcome in this suit could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Yankee Companies v. U.S. Department of Energy: As previously disclosed, on May 22, 2017, each of the Yankee Companies filed subsequent lawsuits against the DOE in the Court of Federal Claims. The Yankee Companies sought monetary damages totaling $104.4 million for CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC, resulting from the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel for disposal covering the years from 2013 to 2016 (“DOE Phase IV”). On February 21, 2019, the Yankee Companies received a partial summary judgment and partial final judgment in their favor for the undisputed amount of monetary damages of $103.2 million. The court awarded CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC damages of $40.7 million, $28.1 million and $34.4 million, respectively. The DOE did not appeal the court's judgment and the decision became final on April 23, 2019. On June 12, 2019, the court accepted an offer of judgment in the amount of $0.5 million to settle the disputed amount of approximately $1 million in Phase IV contested damages. The Yankee Companies received the $0.5 million payment in July 2019. For a further discussion of the Yankee Companies v. U.S. Department of Energy, see Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” of our 2018 Form 10-K.
Other than as set forth above, there have been no additional material legal proceedings identified and no further material changes with regard to the legal proceedings previously disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
We are subject to a variety of significant risks in addition to the matters set forth under our forward-looking statements section in Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We have identified a number of these risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," in our 2018 Form 10-K, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. These risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our risk profile. There have been no additional risk factors identified and no material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
The following table discloses purchases of our common shares made by us or on our behalf for the periods shown below. The common shares purchased consist of open market purchases made by the Company or an independent agent. These share transactions related to matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans and Programs (at month end) | |||||
July 1 - July 31, 2019 | — | $ | — | — | — | ||||
August 1 - August 31, 2019 | — | — | — | — | |||||
September 1 - September 30, 2019 | 2,185 | 85.75 | — | — | |||||
Total | 2,185 | $ | 85.75 | — | — |
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ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
Each document described below is filed herewith, unless designated with an asterisk (*), which exhibits are incorporated by reference by the registrant under whose name the exhibit appears.
Exhibit No. | Description | ||
Listing of Exhibits (Eversource) | |||
31 | |||
31.1 | |||
32 | |||
Listing of Exhibits (CL&P) | |||
* | 4.1 | Supplemental Indenture (2017 Series A Bonds) between CL&P and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, dated as of September 1, 2019 (Exhibit 4.1, CL&P Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2019, File No. 000-00404) | |
31 | |||
31.1 | |||
32 | |||
Listing of Exhibits (NSTAR Electric Company) | |||
31 | |||
31.1 | |||
32 | |||
Listing of Exhibits (PSNH) | |||
31 | |||
31.1 | |||
32 | |||
Listing of Exhibits (Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH) | |||
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 | ||
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | ||
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation | ||
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition | ||
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101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels | ||
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation | ||
104 | The cover page from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
EVERSOURCE ENERGY | |||
November 7, 2019 | By: | /s/ Jay S. Buth | |
Jay S. Buth | |||
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY | |||
November 7, 2019 | By: | /s/ Jay S. Buth | |
Jay S. Buth | |||
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY | |||
November 7, 2019 | By: | /s/ Jay S. Buth | |
Jay S. Buth | |||
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE | |||
November 7, 2019 | By: | /s/ Jay S. Buth | |
Jay S. Buth | |||
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
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