XML 95 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.24.0.1
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
Sempra
Effective May 12, 2023, our company changed its legal name from Sempra Energy to Sempra. Sempra’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sempra, a California-based holding company, and its consolidated entities, which invest in, develop and operate energy infrastructure in North America, and provide electric and gas services to customers.
Sempra has three separate reportable segments, which we describe in Note 17. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Sempra realigned its reportable segments to reflect changes in how the CODM oversees our three platforms: Sempra California, Sempra Texas Utilities and Sempra Infrastructure. Our former SDG&E and SoCalGas reportable segments were combined into one operating and reportable segment, Sempra California, which is consistent with how the CODM assesses performance due to the similarities of their operations, including geographic location and regulatory framework in California. Sempra’s historical segment disclosures have been restated to conform with the current presentation, so that all discussions reflect the revised segment information of its three reportable segments. All references in these Notes to our reportable segments are not intended to refer to any legal entity with the same or similar name.
SDG&E
SDG&E’s common stock is wholly owned by Enova, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra. SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides electric service to San Diego and southern Orange counties and natural gas service to San Diego County. SDG&E has one reportable segment.
SoCalGas
SoCalGas’ common stock is wholly owned by PE, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra. SoCalGas is a regulated public natural gas distribution utility, serving customers throughout most of Southern California and part of central California. SoCalGas has one reportable segment.
Basis of Presentation
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
This is a combined report of Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas. We provide separate information for SDG&E and SoCalGas as required. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions within the consolidated financial statements of each Registrant.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements
We have prepared our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. This requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes, including the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Although we believe the estimates and assumptions are reasonable, actual amounts ultimately may differ significantly from those estimates.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events
We evaluated events and transactions that occurred after December 31, 2023 through the date the financial statements were issued, and in the opinion of management, the accompanying statements reflect all adjustments and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation.
Regulated Operations
REGULATED OPERATIONS
SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ accounting policies and financial statements reflect the application of U.S. GAAP provisions governing rate-regulated operations and the policies of the CPUC and the FERC. Under these provisions, a regulated utility records regulatory assets, which are generally costs that would otherwise be charged to expense, if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, the utility will recover those assets from customers. To the extent that recovery is no longer probable, the related regulatory assets are written off. Regulatory liabilities generally represent amounts collected from customers in advance of the actual expenditure by the utility. If the actual expenditures are less than amounts previously collected from customers, the excess would be refunded to customers, generally by reducing future rates. Regulatory liabilities may also arise from other transactions such as unrealized gains on fixed price contracts and other derivatives or certain deferred income tax benefits that are passed through to customers in future rates. In addition, SDG&E and SoCalGas record regulatory liabilities when the CPUC or, in the case of SDG&E, the FERC, requires a refund to be made to customers or has required that a gain or other transaction of net allowable costs be given to customers over future periods.
Determining probability of recovery of regulatory assets requires judgment by management and may include, but is not limited to, consideration of:
the nature of the event giving rise to the assessment
existing statutes and regulatory code
legal precedents
regulatory principles and analogous regulatory actions
testimony presented in regulatory hearings
regulatory orders
a commission-authorized mechanism established for the accumulation of costs
status of applications for rehearings or state court appeals
specific approval from a commission
historical experience
Sempra Infrastructure’s natural gas distribution utility, Ecogas, also applies U.S. GAAP provisions for rate-regulated operations, including the same evaluation of probability of recovery of regulatory assets described above.
Our Sempra Texas Utilities segment is comprised of our equity method investments in Oncor Holdings, which owns an 80.25% interest in Oncor, and Sharyland Holdings, which owns 100% of Sharyland Utilities. Oncor and Sharyland Utilities are regulated electric transmission and distribution utilities in Texas and their rates are regulated by the PUCT and, in the case of Oncor, certain cities and are subject to regulatory rate-setting processes and earnings oversight. Oncor and Sharyland Utilities prepare their financial statements in accordance with the provisions of U.S. GAAP governing rate-regulated operations.
Our Sempra Infrastructure segment includes the operating companies of our subsidiary, SI Partners, as well as certain holding companies and risk management activity. Certain business activities at Sempra Infrastructure are regulated by the CRE and the FERC and meet the regulatory accounting requirements of U.S. GAAP.
Fair Value Measurements
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, primarily NDT and benefit plan trust assets and derivatives. We also measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis in certain circumstances.
A fair value measurement reflects the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best available information. These assumptions include the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique (such as a pricing model) and the risks inherent in the inputs to the model. Also, we consider an issuer’s credit standing when measuring its liabilities at fair value.
We establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – Pricing inputs are unadjusted quoted prices available 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. Our Level 1 financial instruments primarily consist of listed equities, short-term
investments, and U.S. government treasury securities, primarily in the NDT and benefit plan trusts, and exchange-traded derivatives.
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including:
quoted forward prices for commodities
time value
current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments
volatility factors
other relevant economic measures
Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument and can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Our financial instruments in this category include listed equities, domestic corporate bonds, municipal bonds and other foreign bonds, primarily in the NDT and benefit plan trusts, and non-exchange-traded derivatives such as interest rate instruments and over-the-counter forwards and options.
Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant. Our Level 3 financial instruments consist of CRRs and, until December 31, 2022, fixed-price electricity positions, at SDG&E and the Support Agreement at Sempra Infrastructure.
We classify financial assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair-valued assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities is presented in accordance with our netting policy, as we discuss in Note 11 under “Financial Statement Presentation.”
The determination of fair values, shown in the tables below, incorporates various factors, including but not limited to, the credit standing of the counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements (such as cash deposits, letters of credit and priority interests).
Our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis in the tables below include the following:
Nuclear decommissioning trusts reflect the assets of SDG&E’s NDT, excluding accounts receivable and accounts payable. A third-party trustee values the trust assets using prices from a pricing service based on a market approach. We validate these prices by comparison to prices from other independent data sources. Securities are valued using quoted prices listed on nationally recognized securities exchanges or based on closing prices reported in the active market in which the identical security is traded (Level 1). Other securities are valued based on yields that are currently available for comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings (Level 2).
For commodity contracts, interest rate instruments and foreign exchange instruments, we primarily use a market or income approach with market participant assumptions to value these derivatives. Market participant assumptions include those about risk, and the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation techniques. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. We have exchange-traded derivatives that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for the identical instruments (Level 1). We also may have other commodity derivatives that are valued using industry standard models that consider quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, volatility factors, and other relevant economic measures (Level 2). Level 3 recurring items relate to CRRs and, until December 31, 2022, fixed-price electricity positions, at SDG&E, as we discuss below in “Level 3 Information – SDG&E.”
Rabbi Trust investments include short-term investments that consist of money market and mutual funds that we value using a market approach based on closing prices reported in the active market in which the identical security is traded (Level 1).
As we discuss in Note 6, in July 2020, Sempra entered into a Support Agreement for the benefit of CFIN. We measure the Support Agreement, which includes a guarantee obligation, a put option and a call option, net of related guarantee fees, at fair value on a recurring basis. We use a discounted cash flow model to value the Support Agreement, net of related guarantee fees.
Because some of the inputs that are significant to the valuation are less observable, the Support Agreement is classified as Level 3, as we describe below in “Level 3 Information – Other Sempra.”
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of certain of our financial instruments (cash, accounts receivable, amounts due to/from unconsolidated affiliates with original maturities of less than 90 days, dividends and accounts payable, short-term debt and customer deposits) approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Investments in life insurance contracts that we hold in support of our Supplemental Executive Retirement, Cash Balance Restoration and Deferred Compensation Plans are carried at cash surrender values, which represent the amount of cash that could be realized under the contracts.
Variable Interest Entities
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
We consolidate a VIE if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is based on qualitative and quantitative analyses, which assess:
the purpose and design of the VIE;
the nature of the VIE’s risks and the risks we absorb;
the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and
the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE.
We will continue to evaluate our VIEs for any changes that may impact our determination of whether an entity is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Restricted cash includes:
certain funds at Port Arthur LNG for which withdrawals and usage are dictated by its debt agreements
funds held as collateral in lieu of a customer’s letters of credit associated with its LNG storage and regasification agreement
funds denominated in U.S. dollars and Mexican pesos to pay for rights-of-way and other costs pursuant to trust agreements related to pipeline projects
funds held in a delisting trust for the purpose of purchasing the remaining publicly owned IEnova shares
Credit Losses
CREDIT LOSSES
We are exposed to credit losses from financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other accounts receivable, amounts due from unconsolidated affiliates, our net investment in sales-type leases and a note receivable. We are also exposed to credit losses from off-balance sheet arrangements through Sempra’s guarantee related to Cameron LNG JV’s SDSRA, which we discuss in Note 6.
We regularly monitor and evaluate credit losses and record allowances for expected credit losses, if necessary, for trade and other accounts receivable using a combination of factors, including past-due status based on contractual terms, trends in write-offs, the age of the receivables and customer payment patterns, historical and industry trends, counterparty creditworthiness, economic conditions and specific events, such as bankruptcies, pandemics and other factors. We write off financial assets measured at amortized cost in the period in which we determine they are not recoverable. We record recoveries of amounts previously written off when it is known that they will be recovered.
Concentration of Credit Risk
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is the risk of loss that would be incurred as a result of nonperformance by our counterparties on their contractual obligations. We have policies governing the management of credit risk that are administered by the respective credit departments at each of our Registrants and overseen by their separate risk management committees.
This oversight includes calculating current and potential credit risk on a regular basis and monitoring actual balances in comparison to approved limits. We establish credit limits based on risk and return considerations under terms customarily available in the industry. We avoid concentration of counterparties whenever possible, and we believe our credit policies significantly reduce overall credit risk. These policies include an evaluation of:
prospective counterparties’ financial condition (including credit ratings)
collateral requirements
the use of standardized agreements that allow for the netting of positive and negative exposures associated with a single counterparty
downgrade triggers
We believe that we have provided adequate reserves for counterparty nonperformance in our allowances for credit losses.
When our development projects become operational, we rely significantly on the ability of suppliers to perform under long-term agreements and on our ability to enforce contract terms in the event of nonperformance. Also, the factors that we consider in evaluating a development project include negotiating customer and supplier agreements and, therefore, we rely on these agreements for future performance. We also may condition our decision to go forward on development projects on first obtaining these customer and supplier agreements.
Inventories
INVENTORIES
SDG&E and SoCalGas value natural gas inventory using the last-in first-out method. As inventories are sold, differences between the last-in first-out valuation and the estimated replacement cost are reflected in customer rates. These differences are generally temporary, but may become permanent if the natural gas inventory withdrawn from storage during the year is not replaced by year end. SDG&E and SoCalGas generally value materials and supplies at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
Sempra Infrastructure values natural gas inventory and materials and supplies at the lower of average cost or net realizable value, and LNG inventory using the first-in first-out method.
Greenhouse Gas Allowances and Obligations and Emissions and Renewable Energy Certificates
GREENHOUSE GAS ALLOWANCES AND OBLIGATIONS
SDG&E, SoCalGas and Sempra Infrastructure are required by AB 32 to acquire GHG allowances for every metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted into the atmosphere during electric generation and natural gas consumption. SDG&E and SoCalGas receive allocations of GHG allowances on behalf of our customers at no cost and purchase any additional allowances required. We record purchased and allocated GHG allowances at the lower of weighted-average cost or market. We measure the compliance obligation, which is based on emissions, at the carrying value of allowances held plus the fair value of additional allowances necessary to satisfy the obligation. SDG&E and SoCalGas balance costs and revenues associated with the GHG program through regulatory balancing accounts. Sempra Infrastructure records the cost of GHG obligations in cost of sales. We remove the assets and liabilities from the balance sheets as the allowances are surrendered.
RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES
RECs are energy rights established by governmental agencies for the environmental and social promotion of renewable electricity generation. A REC, and its associated attributes and benefits, can be sold separately from the underlying physical electricity associated with a renewable-based generation source in certain markets.
Retail sellers of electricity obtain RECs through renewable energy PPAs, internal generation or separate purchases in the market to comply with the RPS Program established by the governmental agencies. RECs provide documentation for the generation of a unit of renewable energy that is used to verify compliance with the RPS Program. The cost of RECs at SDG&E, which is recoverable in rates, is recorded in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power on the Statements of Operations.
Long-lived Assets
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
We test long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances have occurred that may affect the recoverability or the estimated useful lives of long-lived assets. Long-lived assets include intangible assets subject to amortization, but do not include investments in unconsolidated entities. A long-lived asset may be impaired when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset. If that comparison indicates that the asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable, the impairment is measured based on the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. This evaluation is performed at the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows exist.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of acquired companies measured at the time of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but we test it for impairment annually on October 1 or whenever events or changes in circumstances necessitate an evaluation. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, we record a goodwill impairment loss as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
For our annual goodwill impairment testing, we have the option to first make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before applying the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we elect to perform the qualitative assessment, we evaluate relevant events and circumstances, including but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and the overall financial performance of the reporting unit. If, after assessing these qualitative factors, we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determine that goodwill is impaired, we record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Other Intangible Assets at December 31, 2023 primarily include:
renewable energy transmission and consumption permits granted by the CRE at the Ventika wind power generation facilities, Don Diego Solar and Border Solar;
a favorable O&M agreement acquired in connection with the acquisition of Ductos y Energéticos del Norte, S. de R.L. de C.V.; and
the relative fair value of the PPA that was acquired in connection with the acquisition of ESJ.
Property, Plant and Equipment (PP&E)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
PP&E is recorded at cost and primarily represents the buildings, equipment and other facilities used by SDG&E and SoCalGas to provide natural gas and electric utility services, and by Other Sempra businesses in their operations, including construction work in progress, leasehold improvements and other equipment. Our plant costs include labor, materials and contract services and expenditures for replacement parts incurred during a major maintenance outage of a plant. In addition, the cost of utility plant at our rate-regulated businesses and PP&E under regulated projects that meet the regulatory accounting requirements of U.S. GAAP includes AFUDC. The cost of PP&E for our non-regulated projects includes capitalized interest. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of most retired depreciable utility plant assets less salvage value is charged to accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated composite useful life, the CPUC-prescribed period for SDG&E and SoCalGas, or the remaining term of the site leases, whichever is shortest.
Capitalized Finance Costs
SDG&E and SoCalGas finance construction projects with debt and equity funds. The CPUC and the FERC allow the recovery of the cost of these funds by the capitalization of AFUDC, calculated using rates authorized by the CPUC and the FERC, as a cost component of PP&E. SDG&E and SoCalGas earn a return on the capitalized AFUDC after the utility property is placed in service and recover the AFUDC from their customers over the expected useful lives of the assets.
Pipeline projects under construction by Sempra Infrastructure that are both subject to certain regulation and meet U.S. GAAP regulatory accounting requirements record the impact of AFUDC.
We capitalize interest costs incurred to finance capital projects and interest at equity method investments that have not commenced planned principal operations.
Asset Retirement Obligations
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
For tangible long-lived assets, we record AROs for the present value of liabilities of future costs expected to be incurred when assets are retired from service if the retirement process is legally required and if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. We also record a liability if a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement exists and can be reasonably estimated but performance is conditional upon a future event. We record the estimated retirement cost using the present value of the obligation at the time the asset is placed into service, and recognize that cost over the life of the related asset by depreciating the asset retirement cost and accreting the obligation until the liability is settled. Our rate-regulated entities record regulatory assets or
liabilities as a result of the timing difference between the recognition of costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP and costs recovered through the rate-making process.
Contingencies
CONTINGENCIES
We accrue losses for the estimated impacts of various conditions, situations or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes. For loss contingencies, we accrue the loss if an event has occurred on or before the balance sheet date and if:
information available through the date we file our financial statements indicates it is probable that a loss has been incurred, given the likelihood of uncertain future events; and
the amount of the loss or a range of possible losses can be reasonably estimated.
We do not accrue contingencies that might result in gains. We assess contingencies for litigation claims, environmental remediation and other events.
Comprehensive Income
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive income includes all changes in the equity of a business enterprise (except those resulting from investments by
owners and distributions to owners), including:
foreign currency translation adjustments
certain hedging activities
changes in unamortized net actuarial gain or loss and prior service cost related to pension and PBOP plans
The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) show the changes in the components of OCI, including the amounts attributable to NCI.
Operation and Maintenance Expenses
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES
Operation and Maintenance includes O&M and general and administrative costs, consisting primarily of personnel costs, purchased materials and services, insurance, rent, provisions for expected credit losses and litigation expense (except for litigation expense included in Aliso Canyon Litigation and Regulatory Matters).
Legal Fees
LEGAL FEES
Legal fees that are associated with a past event for which a liability has been recorded are accrued when it is probable that fees also will be incurred and amounts are estimable.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We accrue losses for a legal proceeding when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. However, the uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings make it difficult to reasonably estimate the costs and effects of resolving these matters. Accordingly, actual costs incurred may differ materially from amounts accrued, may exceed, and in some cases have exceeded, applicable insurance coverage and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects. Unless otherwise indicated, we are unable to reasonably estimate possible losses or a range of losses in excess of any amounts accrued.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS
Our natural gas distribution utility in Mexico, Ecogas, uses its local currency as its functional currency. The assets and liabilities of its foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates at the end of the reporting period, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. The resulting noncash translation adjustments do not enter into the calculation of earnings or retained earnings but are reflected in OCI and AOCI.
Cash flows of this consolidated foreign subsidiary are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates for the period. We report the effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies in Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash on Sempra’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense includes current and deferred income taxes. We record deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the book and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Investment tax credits from prior years are generally amortized to income by SDG&E and SoCalGas over the estimated service lives of the properties as required by the CPUC. However, in 2023, the scope of projects eligible for investment tax credits was expanded to include standalone energy storage projects, which are transferable under the IRA. The IRA also provided an election that permits investment tax credits related to standalone energy storage projects to be returned to utility customers over a period that is shorter than the life of the applicable asset. Under this election, SDG&E records a regulatory liability to offset these investment tax credits, which reduces both SDG&E’s and Sempra’s ETR.
Under the regulatory accounting treatment required for flow-through temporary differences, the Registrants recognize:
regulatory assets to offset deferred income tax liabilities if it is probable that the amounts will be recovered from customers; and
regulatory liabilities to offset deferred income tax assets if it is probable that the amounts will be returned to customers.
When there are uncertainties related to potential income tax benefits, the position we take must have at least a more-likely-than-not chance of being sustained (based on the position’s technical merits) upon challenge by the respective authorities in order to qualify for recognition. The term “more-likely-than-not” means a likelihood of more than 50%. Otherwise, we may not recognize any of the potential tax benefit associated with the position. We recognize a benefit for a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not criterion at the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon its effective resolution.
Unrecognized income tax benefits involve management’s judgment regarding the likelihood of the benefit being sustained. The final resolution of uncertain tax positions could result in adjustments to recorded amounts and may affect our ETR.
We accrue income tax to the extent we intend to repatriate cash to the U.S. from our continuing international operations. We currently do not record deferred income taxes for other basis differences between financial statement and income tax investment amounts in non-U.S. subsidiaries because they are indefinitely reinvested. We recognize income tax expense for basis differences related to global intangible low-taxed income as a period cost if and when incurred.
We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes in income tax expense.
We provide additional information about income taxes in Note 8.
Revenue from Contract with Customer
Revenues from contracts with customers are primarily related to the transmission, distribution and storage of natural gas and the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity through our regulated utilities. We also provide other midstream and renewable energy-related services. We assess our revenues on a contract-by-contract basis as well as a portfolio basis to determine the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty, if any, of revenues being recognized.
We generally recognize revenues when performance of the promised commodity service is provided to customers and invoices are issued for an amount that reflects the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for those services. We consider the delivery and transmission of natural gas and electricity and providing of natural gas storage services as ongoing and integrated services. Generally, natural gas or electricity services are received and consumed by the customer simultaneously. Performance obligations related to these services are satisfied over time and represent a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the customers. We recognize revenue based on units delivered, as the satisfaction of respective performance obligations can be directly measured by the amount of natural gas or electricity delivered to the customer. In most cases, the right to consideration from the customer directly corresponds to the value transferred to the customer and we recognize revenue in the amount that we have the right to invoice.
The payment terms in customer contracts vary. Typically, we have an unconditional right to customer payments, which are due after the performance obligation to the customer is satisfied. The term between invoicing and when payment is due is typically between 10 and 90 days.
We exclude sales and usage-based taxes from revenues. In addition, SDG&E and SoCalGas pay franchise fees to operate in various municipalities. SDG&E and SoCalGas bill these franchise fees to their customers based on a CPUC-authorized rate. These franchise fees, which are required to be paid regardless of SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ ability to collect from the customer, are accounted for on a gross basis and reflected in utilities revenues from contracts with customers and operating expense.
Utilities Revenues
Utilities revenues represent the majority of our consolidated revenues from contracts with customers and include:
The transmission, distribution and storage of natural gas at:
SDG&E 
SoCalGas
Sempra’s Ecogas
The generation, transmission and distribution of electricity at SDG&E.
Utilities revenues are derived from and recognized upon the delivery of natural gas or electricity services to customers. Amounts that we bill customers are based on tariffs set by regulators within the respective state or country. For SDG&E and SoCalGas, amounts that we bill to customers also include adjustments for previously recognized regulatory revenues.
SDG&E, SoCalGas and Ecogas recognize revenues based on regulator-approved revenue requirements, which allow the utilities to recover their reasonable operating costs and provides the opportunity to realize their authorized rates of return on their investments. While SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ revenues are not affected by actual sales volumes, the pattern of their revenue
recognition during the year is affected by seasonality. SDG&E and SoCalGas recognize annual authorized revenue for customers using seasonal factors established in applicable proceedings. This generally results in a significant portion of operating revenues being recognized in the third quarter of each year for SDG&E and in the first and fourth quarters of each year for SoCalGas.
SDG&E has an arrangement to provide the California ISO with the ability to control its high-voltage transmission lines for prices approved by the FERC. Revenue is recognized over time as access is provided to the California ISO.
Factors that can affect the amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows include weather, seasonality and timing of customer billings, which may result in unbilled revenues that can vary significantly from month to month and generally approximate one-half month’s deliveries.
SDG&E and SoCalGas recognize revenues from the sale of allocated California GHG emission allowances at quarterly auctions administered by CARB. GHG allowances are delivered to CARB in advance of the quarterly auctions, and SDG&E and SoCalGas have the right to payment when the GHG allowances are sold at auction. GHG revenue is recognized on a point in time basis within the quarter the auction is held. SDG&E and SoCalGas balance costs and revenues associated with the GHG program through regulatory balancing accounts.
Energy-Related Businesses Revenues
Revenues at Sempra Infrastructure typically represent revenues from long-term, U.S. dollar-based contracts with customers for the sale of natural gas and LNG, as well as storage and transportation of natural gas. Invoiced amounts are based on the volume of natural gas delivered and contracted prices.
We generate pipeline transportation revenues from firm agreements, under which customers pay a fee for reserving transportation capacity. Revenue is recognized when the volumes are delivered to the customers’ agreed upon delivery point. We recognize revenues for our stand-ready obligation to provide capacity and transportation services throughout the contractual delivery period, as the benefits are received and consumed simultaneously as customers utilize pipeline capacity for the transport and receipt of natural gas and LPG. Invoiced amounts are based on a variable usage fee and a fixed capacity charge, adjusted for the Consumer Price Index, the effects of any foreign currency impacts and the actual quantity of commodity transported.
Sempra Infrastructure develops, invests in and operates solar and wind facilities that have long-term PPAs to sell the electricity and the related green energy attributes they generate to customers, generally load serving entities, industrial and other customers. Load serving entities will sell electric service to their end-users and wholesale customers immediately upon receipt of our power delivery, and industrial and other customers immediately consume the electricity to run their facilities, and thus, we recognize the revenue under the PPAs as the electricity is generated and delivered. We invoice customers based on the volume of energy delivered at rates pursuant to the PPAs.
TdM is a natural gas-fired power plant that generates revenues from selling electricity and/or resource adequacy to the California ISO and to governmental, public utility and wholesale power marketing entities, as the power is delivered at the interconnection point.
We recognize storage revenue from firm capacity reservation agreements, under which we collect a fee for reserving storage capacity for customers in our storage facilities. Under these firm agreements, customers pay a monthly fixed reservation fee based on the storage capacity reserved rather than the actual volumes stored. For the fixed-fee component, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. We bill customers for any capacity used in excess of the contracted capacity and such revenues are recognized in the month of occurrence. We also recognize revenue for interruptible storage services.
Sempra Infrastructure sells natural gas to the CFE and other customers under supply agreements. Sempra Infrastructure recognizes the revenue from the sale of natural gas upon transfer of the natural gas via pipelines to customers at the agreed upon delivery points, and in the case of the CFE, at its thermoelectric power plants.
Remaining Performance Obligations    
We do not disclose information about remaining performance obligations for (a) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, (b) variable consideration recognized at the amount at which we have the right to invoice for services performed, or (c) variable consideration allocated to wholly unsatisfied performance obligations.
For contracts greater than one year, at December 31, 2023, we expect to recognize revenue related to the fixed fee component of the consideration as shown below. Sempra’s remaining performance obligations primarily relate to capacity agreements for natural gas storage and transportation at Sempra Infrastructure and transmission line projects at SDG&E. SoCalGas did not have any remaining performance obligations for contracts greater than one year at December 31, 2023.
Contract Liabilities from Revenues from Contracts with Customers
From time to time, we receive payments in advance of satisfying the performance obligations associated with customer contracts. We defer such revenues as contract liabilities and recognize them in earnings as the performance obligations are satisfied.
REVENUES FROM SOURCES OTHER THAN CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Certain of our revenues are derived from sources other than contracts with customers and are accounted for under other accounting standards outside the scope of ASC 606.
Utilities Regulatory Revenues
Alternative Revenue Programs
We recognize revenues from alternative revenue programs when the regulator-specified conditions for recognition have been met and adjust these revenues as they are recovered or refunded through future utility service.
Decoupled Revenues. As we discuss above, the regulatory framework requires SDG&E and SoCalGas to recover authorized revenue based on estimated annual demand forecasts approved in regular proceedings before the CPUC. However, actual demand for natural gas and electricity will generally vary from CPUC-approved forecasted demand due to the impacts from weather volatility, energy efficiency programs, rooftop solar and other factors affecting consumption. The CPUC regulatory framework provides for SDG&E and SoCalGas to use a “decoupling” mechanism, which allows SDG&E and SoCalGas to record revenue shortfalls or excess revenues resulting from any difference between actual and forecasted demand to be recovered or refunded in authorized revenue in a subsequent period based on the nature of the account.
Incentive Mechanisms. The CPUC applies performance-based measures and incentive mechanisms to all California IOUs, under which SDG&E and SoCalGas have earnings potential above authorized base margins if they achieve or exceed specific performance and operating goals. Generally, for performance-based awards, if performance is above or below specific benchmarks, the utility is eligible for financial awards or subject to financial penalties.
Incentive awards are included in revenues when we receive required CPUC approval of the award, the timing of which may not be consistent from year to year. We would record penalties for results below the specified benchmarks against revenues when we believe it is probable that the CPUC would assess a penalty.
Other Cost-Based Regulatory Recovery
The CPUC, and the FERC as it relates to SDG&E, authorize SDG&E and SoCalGas to collect revenue requirements for operating costs and capital related costs (depreciation, taxes and return on rate base) from customers, including:
costs to purchase natural gas and electricity;
costs associated with administering public purpose, demand response, and customer energy efficiency programs;
other programmatic activities, such as gas distribution, gas transmission, gas storage integrity management and wildfire mitigation; and
costs associated with third party liability insurance premiums.
Authorized costs are recovered as the commodity service is delivered. To the extent authorized amounts collected vary from actual costs, the differences are generally recovered or refunded in a subsequent period based on the nature of the balancing account mechanism. In general, the revenue recognition criteria for balanced costs billed to customers are met at the time the costs are incurred. Because these costs are substantially recovered in rates through a balancing account mechanism, changes in these costs are reflected as changes in revenues. The CPUC and the FERC may impose various review procedures before authorizing recovery or refund of amounts accumulated for authorized programs, including limitations on the program’s total cost, revenue requirement limits or reviews of costs for reasonableness. These procedures could result in disallowances of recovery from customers.
We discuss balancing accounts and their effects further in Note 4.
Other Revenues
Sempra Infrastructure generates lease revenues from certain of its natural gas and ethane pipelines, compressor stations, LPG storage facilities, a rail facility and refined products terminals. We discuss the recognition of lease income in Note 16.
Sempra Infrastructure has an agreement with Tangguh PSC to supply LNG to the ECA Regas Facility. Under the terms of the agreement, Tangguh PSC must either deliver the contracted number of cargoes or pay a diversion fee for non-delivery of LNG cargoes.
Sempra Infrastructure also recognizes other revenues associated with derivatives related to the sales of natural gas and electricity under short-term and long-term contracts and into the spot market and other competitive markets. Revenues include the net realized gains and losses on physical and derivative settlements and net unrealized gains and losses from the change in fair values of these derivatives.
Investments in Noncontrolling Interests
We generally account for investments under the equity method when we have significant influence over, but do not have control of, these entities. Equity earnings and losses, both before and net of income tax, are combined and presented as Equity Earnings on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Distributions received from equity method investees are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as either a return on investment in operating activities or a return of investment in investing activities based on the “nature of the distribution” approach.
Our equity method investments include various domestic and foreign entities. Our domestic equity method investees are typically partnerships that are pass-through entities for income tax purposes and therefore they do not record income tax. Sempra’s income tax on earnings from these equity method investees, other than Oncor Holdings as we discuss below, is included in Income Tax Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our foreign equity method investees are generally corporations whose operations are taxable on a standalone basis in the countries in which they operate, and we recognize our equity in such income or loss net of investee income tax. See Note 8 for information on how equity earnings and losses before income taxes are factored into the calculations of our pretax income or loss and ETR.
Oncor is a domestic partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is not included in the consolidated income tax return of Sempra. Rather, only our pretax equity earnings from our investment in Oncor Holdings (a disregarded entity for tax purposes) are included in our consolidated income tax return. A tax sharing agreement with TTI, Oncor Holdings and Oncor provides for the calculation of an income tax liability substantially as if Oncor Holdings and Oncor were taxed as corporations and requires tax payments determined on that basis. While partnerships are not subject to income taxes, in consideration of the tax sharing agreement and Oncor being subject to the provisions of U.S. GAAP governing rate-regulated operations, Oncor recognizes amounts determined under cost-based regulatory rate-setting processes (with such costs including income taxes), as if it were taxed as a corporation. As a result, since Oncor Holdings consolidates Oncor, we recognize equity earnings from our investment in Oncor Holdings net of its recorded income tax.
Employee Benefit Plans
Plan Assets
Investment Allocation Strategy for Sempra’s Pension Master Trust
Sempra’s pension master trust holds the investments for our pension plans and a portion of the investments for our PBOP plans. We maintain additional trusts, as we discuss below, for certain of SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ PBOP plans. Other than through indexing and certain collective investment strategies, the trusts do not invest in securities of Sempra.
The current asset allocation objective for the pension master trust is to protect the funded status of the plans while generating sufficient returns to cover future benefit payments and accruals. A portion of the pension master trust is invested in accordance with plan specific de-risking glidepaths designed to reduce the assets’ exposure to risk as the plans become better funded. We assess the portfolio performance by comparing actual returns with relevant benchmarks.
We maintain asset allocations at strategic levels within reasonable bands of variance. The asset allocations are reviewed by our Plan Funding Committee and our Pension and Benefits Investment Committee (the Committees) on a regular basis to help ensure that plan assets are positioned to meet plan obligations. When evaluating strategic asset allocations, the Committees consider many variables, including:
long-term cost
variability and level of contributions
funded status
a range of expected outcomes over varying confidence levels
In accordance with the Sempra pension investment guidelines, derivative financial instruments may be used by the pension master trust’s equity and fixed income portfolio investment managers to equitize cash, hedge certain exposures, and as substitutes for certain types of fixed income securities.
Rate of Return Assumption
The expected return on assets in our pension and PBOP plans is based on the weighted-average of the plans’ target investment allocations to specific asset classes as of the measurement date. We expect a return of between 4% and 12% on return-seeking assets and between 2% and 6% for risk-mitigating assets. Certain trusts that hold assets for SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ PBOP plans are subject to taxation, which impacts the expected after-tax return on assets in the plan.
Concentration of Risk
Plan assets are diversified across global equity and bond markets, and concentration of risk in any one economic, industry, maturity or geographic sector is limited.
Investment Strategy for Sempra’s, SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ PBOP Plans
Sempra’s PBOP plan is funded by cash contributions from Sempra. SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ PBOP plans are funded by cash contributions from SDG&E and SoCalGas and their current retirees. The assets of these plans are placed into the pension master trust and other Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association trusts. Specific target asset allocations are periodically reviewed to help ensure that plan assets are positioned to meet plan obligations.
Share-based Compensation Our practice is to satisfy share-based awards by issuing new shares rather than by open-market purchases.
We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors based on estimated fair values on the date of grant. We recognize compensation costs net of an estimated forfeiture rate (based on historical experience) and recognize the compensation costs for nonqualified stock options and RSUs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three years. However, for awards granted to retirement-eligible participants, the expense is recognized over the initial year in which the award was granted as the award requires service through
the end of the year in which it was granted. For awards granted to participants who become eligible for retirement during the requisite service period, the expense is recognized over the period between the date of grant and the later of the end of the year in which the award was granted or the date the participant first becomes eligible for retirement. Substantially all awards outstanding are classified as equity instruments; therefore, we recognize additional paid in capital as we recognize the compensation expense associated with the awards. We recognize in earnings the tax benefits (or deficiencies) resulting from tax deductions that are in excess of (or less than) tax benefits related to compensation cost recognized for share-based payments.
SEMPRA NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS
We use a Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of each nonqualified stock option grant. The use of a valuation model requires us to make certain assumptions about selected model inputs. Expected volatility is calculated based on a blend of the historical and implied volatility of Sempra’s common stock price. The average expected term for options is based on the vesting schedule, contractual term of the option, expected employee exercise and post-termination behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term estimated at the date of the grant.
SEMPRA RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
We use Sempra’s common stock price at the grant date to estimate the fair value of our service-based RSUs and our RSUs that vest based on the compound annual growth rate of Sempra’s EPS.
We use a Monte-Carlo simulation model to estimate the fair value of our RSUs that vest based on Sempra’s total return to shareholders. Our determination of fair value is affected by the historical volatility of the common stock price for Sempra and its peer group companies. The valuation also is affected by the risk-free rates of return and a number of other variables.
Derivative Financial Instruments
HEDGE ACCOUNTING
We may designate a derivative as a cash flow hedging instrument if it effectively converts anticipated cash flows associated with revenues or expenses to a fixed dollar amount. We may utilize cash flow hedge accounting for derivative commodity instruments, foreign currency instruments and interest rate instruments. Designating cash flow hedges is dependent on the business context in which the instrument is being used, the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk of variability of future cash flows of a given revenue or expense item, and other criteria.
ENERGY DERIVATIVES
Our market risk is primarily related to natural gas and electricity price volatility and the specific physical locations where we transact. We use energy derivatives to manage these risks. The use of energy derivatives in our various businesses depends on the particular energy market, and the operating and regulatory environments applicable to the business, as follows:
SDG&E and SoCalGas use natural gas derivatives and SDG&E uses electricity derivatives, for the benefit of customers, with the objective of managing price risk and basis risk, and stabilizing and lowering natural gas and electricity costs. These derivatives include fixed-price natural gas and electricity positions, options, and basis risk instruments, which are either exchange-traded or over-the-counter financial instruments, or bilateral physical transactions. This activity is governed by risk management and transacting activity plans limited by company policy. SDG&E’s risk management and transacting activity plans for electricity derivatives are also required to be filed with, and have been approved by, the CPUC. SoCalGas is also subject to certain regulatory requirements and thresholds related to natural gas procurement under the GCIM. Natural gas and electricity derivative activities are recorded as commodity costs that are offset by regulatory account balances and are recovered in rates. Net commodity cost impacts on the Consolidated Statements of Operations are reflected in Cost of Natural Gas or in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power.
SDG&E is allocated and may purchase CRRs, which serve to reduce the regional electricity price volatility risk that may result from local transmission capacity constraints. Unrealized gains and losses do not impact earnings, as they are offset by regulatory account balances. Realized gains and losses associated with CRRs, which are recoverable in rates, are recorded in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Sempra Infrastructure may use natural gas and electricity derivatives, as appropriate, in an effort to optimize the earnings of its assets which support the following businesses: LNG, natural gas pipelines and storage, and power generation. Gains and losses associated with undesignated derivatives are recognized in Energy-Related Businesses Revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
From time to time, our various businesses, including SDG&E and SoCalGas, may use other derivatives to hedge exposures such as GHG allowances.
INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES
We are exposed to interest rates primarily as a result of our current and expected use of financing. SDG&E and SoCalGas, as well as Sempra and its other subsidiaries and JVs, periodically enter into interest rate derivative agreements intended to moderate our exposure to interest rates and to lower our overall costs of borrowing. In addition, we may utilize interest rate swaps, typically designated as cash flow hedges, to lock in interest rates on outstanding debt or in anticipation of future financings.
In December 2022, Sempra Infrastructure entered into an undesignated contingent interest rate swap to lock in interest rates on up to $3.5 billion of the variable rate indebtedness from anticipated future project-level debt financing that would be used to pay for construction costs of the PA LNG Phase 1 project. The contingent interest rate swap had a 25-year tenor, and its settlement was conditional upon the closing of project-level debt financing with respect to the PA LNG Phase 1 project. In March 2023, we closed on the project-level debt financing and, shortly thereafter, paid $14 million to cash settle the contingent interest rate swap.
As we discuss in Note 7, a minimum of 60% of the projected amount of term loans outstanding is required to be hedged under the Port Arthur LNG term loan facility agreement. In March 2023, Port Arthur LNG entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with 17 counterparties to hedge the variability in cash flows related to the SOFR-based component of interest payments on forecasted loans outstanding under the agreement. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps generally increase in proportion to the forecasted borrowings up to a maximum amount of $4.2 billion prior to the maturity of the term loans on March 20, 2030. Under the interest rate swaps, which are designated as cash flow hedges, Port Arthur LNG receives interest at term SOFR and pays interest at a fixed rate of 3.23% based on amortizing notional amounts maturing in 2048.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES
We may utilize cross-currency swaps to hedge exposure related to Mexican peso-denominated debt at our Mexican subsidiaries and JVs. These cash flow hedges exchange our Mexican peso-denominated principal and interest payments into the U.S. dollar and swap Mexican fixed interest rates for U.S. fixed interest rates. From time to time, Sempra Infrastructure and its JVs may use other foreign currency derivatives to hedge exposures related to cash flows associated with revenues from contracts denominated in Mexican pesos that are indexed to the U.S. dollar.
We are also exposed to exchange rate movements at our Mexican subsidiaries and JVs, which have U.S. dollar-denominated cash balances, receivables, payables and debt (monetary assets and liabilities) that give rise to Mexican currency exchange rate movements for Mexican income tax purposes. They also have deferred income tax assets and liabilities denominated in the Mexican peso, which must be translated to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. In addition, monetary assets and liabilities and certain nonmonetary assets and liabilities are adjusted for Mexican inflation for Mexican income tax purposes. We may utilize foreign currency derivatives as a means to manage the risk of exposure to significant fluctuations in our income tax expense and equity earnings from these impacts; however, we generally do not hedge our deferred income tax assets and liabilities or for inflation.
Noncontrolling interests
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Ownership interests in a consolidated entity that are held by unconsolidated owners are accounted for and reported as NCI.
Earnings Per Share
Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings attributable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
The potentially dilutive impact from stock options and RSUs is calculated under the treasury stock method. Under this method, proceeds based on the exercise price and unearned compensation are assumed to be used to repurchase shares on the open market at the average market price for the period, reducing the number of potential new shares to be issued and sometimes causing an antidilutive effect.
Gains and Losses on NDTs
Net unrealized gains and losses, as well as realized gains and losses that are reinvested in the NDT, are included in noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities on Sempra’s and SDG&E’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. We determine the cost of securities in the trusts on the basis of specific identification.
Leases As the lessee for both operating and finance leases, we have elected to combine lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for real estate, fleet vehicles, helicopters, power generating facilities and pipelines, whereby fixed or in-substance fixed payments allocable to the nonlease component are accounted for as part of the related lease liability and ROU asset. As the lessor, we have elected to combine lease and nonlease components as a single lease component for refined products terminals if the timing and pattern of transfer of the lease and nonlease components are the same and the lease component would be classified as an operating lease if accounted for separately.
Certain of our contracts are short-term leases, which have a lease term of 12 months or less at lease commencement. We do not recognize a lease liability or ROU asset arising from short-term leases for all existing classes of underlying assets. In such cases, we recognize short-term lease costs on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our short-term lease costs for the period reasonably reflect our short-term lease commitments.
As of the lease commencement date, we recognize a lease liability for our obligation to make future lease payments, which we initially measure at present value using our incremental borrowing rate at the date of lease commencement, unless the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable. We determine our incremental borrowing rate based on the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. We also record a corresponding ROU asset, initially equal to the lease liability and adjusted for lease payments made at or before lease commencement, lease incentives, and any initial direct costs. We test ROU assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances have occurred that may affect the recoverability or the estimated useful lives of the ROU assets.
For our operating leases, our non-regulated entities recognize a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term in operating expenses. SDG&E and SoCalGas recognize this single lease cost on a basis that is consistent with the recovery of such costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP governing rate-regulated operations.
For our finance leases, the interest expense on the lease liability and amortization of the ROU asset are accounted for separately. Our non-regulated entities use the effective interest rate method to account for the imputed interest on the lease liability and amortize the ROU asset on a straight-line basis over the lease term. SDG&E and SoCalGas recognize amortization of the ROU asset on a basis that is consistent with the recovery of such costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP governing rate-regulated operations.
Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants.
Lessor, Leases
Generally, we recognize operating lease income on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and sales-type lease income based on the effective interest method over the lease term. Certain of our leases contain rate adjustments or are based on foreign currency exchange rates that may result in lease payments received that vary in amount from one period to the next. In addition to minimum fixed payments, our refined products terminals receive variable lease payments for barrels delivered that exceed minimum delivery requirements.
Environmental Costs
We generally capitalize the significant costs we incur to mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination or extend the life, increase the capacity, or improve the safety or efficiency of property used in current operations. The following table shows our capital expenditures (including construction work in progress) in order to comply with environmental laws and regulations:
At SDG&E and SoCalGas, costs that relate to current operations or an existing condition caused by past operations are generally recorded as a regulatory asset due to the probability that these costs will be recovered in rates.
The environmental issues currently facing us, except for those related to the Leak as we discuss above or resolved during the last three years, include (1) investigation and remediation of SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ manufactured-gas sites, (2) cleanup of third-party waste-disposal sites used by SDG&E and SoCalGas at which we have been identified as a PRP and (3) mitigation of damage to the marine environment caused by the cooling-water discharge from SONGS.
We record environmental liabilities when our liability is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. In many cases, however, investigations are not yet at a stage where we can determine whether we are liable or, if the liability is probable, to reasonably estimate the amount or range of amounts of the costs. Estimates of our liability are further subject to uncertainties such as the nature and extent of site contamination, evolving cleanup standards and imprecise engineering evaluations. We review our accruals periodically and, as investigations and cleanups proceed, we make adjustments as necessary.
Segment Reporting
Sempra has three separately managed reportable segments, as follows:
Sempra California provides natural gas and electric service to Southern California and part of central California through Sempra’s wholly owned subsidiaries, SDG&E and SoCalGas.
Sempra Texas Utilities holds our investment in Oncor Holdings, which owns an 80.25% interest in Oncor, a regulated electric transmission and distribution utility serving customers in the north-central, eastern, western and panhandle regions of Texas; and our indirect 50% interest in Sharyland Holdings, which owns Sharyland Utilities, a regulated electric transmission utility serving customers near the Texas-Mexico border.
Sempra Infrastructure includes the operating companies of our subsidiary, SI Partners, as well as a holding company and certain services companies. Sempra Infrastructure develops, builds, operates and invests in energy infrastructure to help enable the energy transition in North American markets and globally. Sempra Infrastructure owns a 70% interest in SI Partners.
The cost of common services shared by the business segments is assigned directly or allocated based on various cost factors, depending on the nature of the service provided. Interest income and expense is recorded on intercompany loans. The loan balances and related interest are eliminated in consolidation.