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General
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]  
General/Organization and Operations
General

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") is a holding company that owns a highly diversified portfolio of locally managed businesses principally engaged in the energy industry (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company") and is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The Company's operations are organized as eight business segments: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which primarily consists of Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas") and Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River")), BHE Transmission (which consists of BHE Canada Holdings Corporation ("BHE Canada") (which primarily consists of AltaLink, L.P. ("AltaLink")) and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC), BHE Renewables (which primarily consists of BHE Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines) and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). The Company, through these locally managed and operated businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business primarily investing in wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects, the largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2020 and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in the Company's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19")

In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and containment and mitigation measures were recommended worldwide, which has had an unprecedented impact on society in general and on worldwide economic conditions. COVID-19 has impacted many of the Company's customers ranging from high unemployment levels, an inability to pay bills and business closures or operating at reduced capacity levels. While COVID-19 has impacted the Company's financial results and operations through June 30, 2020, the impacts have not been material. However, more severe impacts may still occur that could adversely affect future financial results depending on the duration and extent of COVID-19. These impacts include, but are not limited to, lower operating revenue and higher bad debt expense. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and its future impact on the Company's businesses cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of the Company's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to the Company and potential regulatory deferral or recovery of certain costs may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.
PacifiCorp [Member]  
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]  
General/Organization and Operations
General

PacifiCorp, which includes PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries, is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, irrigation and other customers in portions of Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho and California. PacifiCorp owns, or has interests in, a number of thermal, hydroelectric, wind-powered and geothermal generating facilities, as well as electric transmission and distribution assets. PacifiCorp also buys and sells electricity on the wholesale market with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. PacifiCorp is subject to comprehensive state and federal regulation. PacifiCorp's subsidiaries support its electric utility operations by providing coal mining services. PacifiCorp is an indirect subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"), a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2020 and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income materially equals comprehensive income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in PacifiCorp's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in PacifiCorp's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19")

In March 2020, COVID‑19 was declared a global pandemic and containment and mitigation measures were recommended worldwide, which has had an unprecedented impact on society in general and on economic conditions in the United States. COVID-19 has impacted many of PacifiCorp's customers ranging from high unemployment levels, an inability to pay bills and business closures or operating at reduced capacity levels. While COVID‑19 has impacted PacifiCorp's financial results and operations through June 30, 2020, the impacts have not been material. However, more severe impacts may still occur that could adversely affect future financial results depending on the duration and extent of COVID-19. These impacts include, but are not limited to, lower operating revenue from reductions in the consumption of electricity by retail utility customers, particularly in the commercial and industrial customer classes as the longer term impacts of COVID-19 and related customer and governmental responses remain uncertain, and higher bad debt expense resulting from a higher than average level of write-offs of uncollectible accounts associated with the suspension of disconnections across PacifiCorp's service territory and suspension of late payment fees in certain jurisdictions implemented to assist customers. Other impacts may include increased retirement plan contributions due to reductions in the market value of retirement plan assets. The duration and extent of COVID‑19 and its future impact on PacifiCorp's business cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of PacifiCorp's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to PacifiCorp and potential regulatory deferral or recovery of certain costs may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.

In March and April 2020, PacifiCorp filed applications requesting authorization to defer costs associated with COVID‑19 with the Utah Public Service Commission, the Oregon Public Utility Commission, the Wyoming Public Service Commission ("WPSC"), the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("IPUC"). In April 2020, as ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission, PacifiCorp filed to establish the COVID‑19 Pandemic Protections Memorandum Account. In April 2020, the WPSC approved PacifiCorp's application to defer costs associated with COVID‑19, subject to a public notice period, and required associated benefits arising from COVID‑19 to be offset against the deferred costs. During the public notice period, one party to the proceeding filed a petition for a rehearing of the matter. In July 2020, the IPUC approved PacifiCorp's application to defer costs associated with COVID‑19 and required associated benefits arising from COVID‑19 to be offset against the deferred costs.
MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]  
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]  
General/Organization and Operations
General

MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy") is a public utility with electric and natural gas operations and is the principal subsidiary of MHC Inc. ("MHC"). MHC is a holding company that conducts no business other than the ownership of its subsidiaries. MHC's nonregulated subsidiary is Midwest Capital Group, Inc. MHC is the direct, wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding"), which is an Iowa limited liability company with Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") as its sole member. BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa, that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The unaudited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2020, and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income equals comprehensive income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the unaudited Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements included in MidAmerican Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in MidAmerican Energy's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19")

In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and containment and mitigation measures were recommended worldwide, which has had an unprecedented impact on society in general and on economic conditions in the United States. COVID-19 has impacted many of MidAmerican Energy's customers ranging from high unemployment levels, an inability to pay bills and business closures or operating at reduced capacity levels. While COVID-19 has impacted MidAmerican Energy's financial results and operations through June 30, 2020, the impacts have not been material. However, more severe impacts may still occur that could adversely affect future financial results depending on the duration and extent of COVID-19. These impacts include, but are not limited to, lower operating revenue and higher bad debt expense. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and its future impact on MidAmerican Energy's business cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of MidAmerican Energy's unaudited Financial Statements, including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to MidAmerican Energy and potential regulatory recovery of certain costs may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.

In May 2020, the Iowa Utilities Board ("IUB") issued an order authorizing MidAmerican Energy to use a regulatory asset account to track increased costs and other financial impacts, including changes in revenue, associated with COVID-19. At such time as MidAmerican Energy deems appropriate, it may initiate a proceeding with the IUB to seek recovery of such costs and other financial impacts. MidAmerican Energy cannot predict at this time the amount of such financial impacts from COVID-19 or when, or if, it will seek recovery of such costs with the IUB.
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and Subsidiaries [Domain]  
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]  
General/Organization and Operations
General

MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") is an Iowa limited liability company with Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") as its sole member. BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa, that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway"). MidAmerican Funding's direct, wholly owned subsidiary is MHC Inc. ("MHC"), which constitutes substantially all of MidAmerican Funding's assets, liabilities and business activities except those related to MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt securities. MHC conducts no business other than the ownership of its subsidiaries. MHC's principal subsidiary is MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy"), a public utility with electric and natural gas operations, and its direct, wholly owned nonregulated subsidiary is Midwest Capital Group, Inc.

The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2020, and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income materially equals comprehensive income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in MidAmerican Funding's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in MidAmerican Funding's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19")

In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and containment and mitigation measures were recommended worldwide, which has had an unprecedented impact on society in general and on economic conditions in the United States. COVID-19 has impacted many of MidAmerican Energy's customers ranging from high unemployment levels, an inability to pay bills and business closures or operating at reduced capacity levels. While COVID-19 has impacted MidAmerican Funding's financial results and operations through June 30, 2020, the impacts have not been material. However, more severe impacts may still occur that could adversely affect future financial results depending on the duration and extent of COVID-19. These impacts include, but are not limited to, lower operating revenue and higher bad debt expense. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and its future impact on MidAmerican Funding's business cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of MidAmerican Funding's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets and goodwill for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to MidAmerican Funding and potential regulatory recovery of certain costs may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.

In May 2020, the Iowa Utilities Board ("IUB") issued an order authorizing MidAmerican Energy to use a regulatory asset account to track increased costs and other financial impacts, including changes in revenue, associated with COVID-19. At such time as MidAmerican Energy deems appropriate, it may initiate a proceeding with the IUB to seek recovery of such costs and other financial impacts. MidAmerican Energy cannot predict at this time the amount of such financial impacts from COVID-19 or when, or if, it will seek recovery of such costs with the IUB.
Nevada Power Company [Member]  
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]  
General/Organization and Operations
General

Nevada Power Company, together with its subsidiaries ("Nevada Power"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), a holding company that also owns Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific") and certain other subsidiaries. Nevada Power is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers, primarily in the Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and adjoining areas. NV Energy is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"). BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2020 and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income equals comprehensive income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Nevada Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in Nevada Power's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19")

In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and containment and mitigation measures were recommended worldwide, which has had an unprecedented impact on society in general and on economic conditions in the United States. COVID-19 has impacted many of Nevada Power's customers ranging from high unemployment levels, an inability to pay bills and business closures or operating at reduced capacity levels. While COVID-19 has impacted Nevada Power's financial results and operations through June 30, 2020, the impacts have not been material. However, more severe impacts may still occur that could adversely affect future financial results depending on the duration and extent of COVID-19. These impacts include, but are not limited to, lower operating revenue from reductions in the consumption of electricity by retail utility customers, particularly in the commercial, industrial and distribution only service customer classes as the longer term impacts of COVID-19 and related customer and governmental responses remain uncertain, and higher bad debt expense resulting from a higher than average level of write-offs of uncollectible accounts associated with the suspension of disconnections and late payment fees to assist customers. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and its future impact on Nevada Power's business cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of Nevada Power's unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to Nevada Power and potential regulatory recovery of certain costs may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.

In March 2020, the PUCN issued an emergency order for Nevada Power to establish a regulatory asset account related to the costs of maintaining service to customers affected by COVID-19 whose services would have been terminated or disconnected under normally-applicable terms of service.
Sierra Pacific Power Company [Member]  
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]  
General/Organization and Operations
General

Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), a holding company that also owns Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and certain other subsidiaries. Sierra Pacific is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers and regulated retail natural gas customers primarily in northern Nevada. NV Energy is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"). BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The unaudited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. Management believes the unaudited Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the unaudited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2020 and for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income equals comprehensive income for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of the unaudited Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the unaudited Financial Statements. Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements included in Sierra Pacific's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 describes the most significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the unaudited Financial Statements. There have been no significant changes in Sierra Pacific's assumptions regarding significant accounting estimates and policies during the six-month period ended June 30, 2020.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19")

In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and containment and mitigation measures were recommended worldwide, which has had an unprecedented impact on society in general and on economic conditions in the United States. COVID-19 has impacted many of Sierra Pacific's customers ranging from high unemployment levels, an inability to pay bills and business closures or operating at reduced capacity levels. While COVID-19 has impacted Sierra Pacific's financial results and operations through June 30, 2020, the impacts have not been material. However, more severe impacts may still occur that could adversely affect future financial results depending on the duration and extent of COVID-19. These impacts include, but are not limited to, lower operating revenue from reductions in the consumption of electricity by retail utility customers, particularly in the commercial, industrial and distribution only service customer classes as the longer term impacts of COVID-19 and related customer and governmental responses remain uncertain, and higher bad debt expense resulting from a higher than average level of write-offs of uncollectible accounts associated with the suspension of disconnections and late payment fees to assist customers. The duration and extent of COVID-19 and its future impact on Sierra Pacific's business cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Accordingly, significant estimates used in the preparation of Sierra Pacific's unaudited Financial Statements, including those associated with evaluations of certain long-lived assets for impairment, expected credit losses on amounts owed to Sierra Pacific and potential regulatory recovery of certain costs may be subject to significant adjustments in future periods.

In March 2020, the PUCN issued an emergency order for Sierra Pacific to establish a regulatory asset account related to the costs of maintaining service to customers affected by COVID-19 whose services would have been terminated or disconnected under normally-applicable terms of service.