SEGMENT INFORMATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

We use operating income to measure segment profitability and to allocate resources to our businesses. At September 30, 2019, we reported two segments, which are described below.

Our utility segment includes both our electric and natural gas utility operations. Our electric utility operations are engaged in the generation, distribution, and sale of electricity to customers in southeastern Wisconsin (including metropolitan Milwaukee), east central Wisconsin, and northern Wisconsin. Prior to April 1, 2019, we also provided electric service to Tilden, who owns an iron ore mine in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This customer was transferred to UMERC on April 1, 2019 as UMERC's new generation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is now operational. In addition, our electric utility operations include our steam operations, which produce, distribute, and sell steam to customers in metropolitan Milwaukee. Our natural gas utility operations are engaged in the purchase, distribution, and sale of natural gas to retail customers and the transportation of customer-owned natural gas in our three service areas within southeastern, east central, and northern Wisconsin.

Our non-utility operations are reported in the other segment. No significant items were reported in the other segment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. Prior to October 2018, our other segment included Bostco, our non-utility subsidiary that was originally formed to develop and invest in real estate. In March 2017, we sold substantially all of the remaining assets of Bostco, and, in October 2018, Bostco was dissolved.