Variable Interest Entities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2024

Variable Interest Entity Disclosures [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]

Note 2 – Variable Interest Entities

Consolidated VIEs

As of June 30, 2024, we consolidate the following VIEs:

Northeast JV

We own a 65 percent interest in the Northeast JV, a subsidiary that is a VIE due to certain of our voting rights being disproportionate to our obligation to absorb losses and substantially all of the Northeast JV’s activities being performed on our behalf. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Northeast JV’s economic performance. The Northeast JV provides midstream services for producers in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale regions. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from us and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.

Gulfstar One

We own a 51 percent interest in Gulfstar One, a subsidiary that, due to certain risk-sharing provisions in its customer contracts, is a VIE. Gulfstar One includes a proprietary floating-production system, Gulfstar FPS, and associated pipelines that provide production handling and gathering services in the eastern deepwater Gulf of Mexico. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Gulfstar One’s economic performance.

Cardinal

We own a 66 percent interest in Cardinal, a subsidiary that provides gathering services for the Utica Shale region and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. We are the primary beneficiary because we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Cardinal’s economic performance. In order to meet contractual gas gathering commitments, we may fund more than our proportional share of future expansion activity, which could ultimately impact relative ownership.

The following table presents amounts included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet that are only for the use or obligation of our consolidated VIEs:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2024		2023
	(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Cash and cash equivalents	$	39	$	33
Trade accounts and other receivables – net	170		215
Inventories	5		5
Other current assets and deferred charges	2		4
Property, plant, and equipment – net	4,980		5,046
Intangible assets – net of accumulated amortization	1,995		2,049
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other	28		31
Accounts payable	(64)		(109)
Accrued and other current liabilities	(30)		(28)
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other	(269)		(268)

Nonconsolidated VIEs

We own certain equity-method investments that are VIEs due primarily to our limited participating rights as a minority equity holder. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of these investments, which totaled $73 million at June 30, 2024.