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Asset Retirement Obligations (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items]

Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

The Company does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The following table presents the Company's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Fossil fuel facilities	$	529	$	623
Quad Cities Station	376		358
Wind generating facilities	273		211
Offshore pipeline facilities	16		15
Solar generating facilities	24		21
Other	123		44
Total asset retirement obligations	$	1,341	$	1,272

Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds	$	676	$	599

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Beginning balance	$	1,272	$	985
Change in estimated costs	46		257
Acquisitions	122		—
Additions	51		43
Retirements	(201)		(61)
Accretion	51		48
Ending balance	$	1,341	$	1,272

Reflected as:
Other current liabilities	$	184	$	167
Other long-term liabilities	1,157		1,105
Total ARO liability	$	1,341	$	1,272

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, which includes the planning and funding for the decommissioning. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay for its share of the Quad Cities Station decommissioning.

Certain of the Company's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly owned facilities and mine sites, and as such, each subsidiary is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. The Company's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities.

Following groundwater testing at its coal combustion residuals ("CCR") surface impoundments, MidAmerican Energy discontinued sending CCR to surface impoundments and initiated analysis of additional actions to be taken. As a result of that analysis, MidAmerican Energy is removing all CCR material located below the water table and capping the material in such facilities, which is a more extensive closure activity than previously assumed. In 2019, MidAmerican Energy increased the AROs for its fossil-fueled generating facilities by $237 million related to the cost of this closure activity. Closure activity on the six existing surface impoundments is estimated to extend through 2023.

PacifiCorp [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items]

Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

PacifiCorp estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

PacifiCorp does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Cost of removal regulatory liabilities totaled $1,125 million and $1,019 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of PacifiCorp's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Beginning balance	$	257	$	227
Change in estimated costs	(11)		27
Additions	25		9
Retirements	(10)		(15)
Accretion	9		9
Ending balance	$	270	$	257

Reflected as:
Other current liabilities	$	13	$	19
Other long-term liabilities	257		238
	$	270	$	257

Certain of PacifiCorp's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly owned facilities and mine sites. PacifiCorp is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, PacifiCorp may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. PacifiCorp's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities.

MidAmerican Energy Company [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items]

Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]

MidAmerican Energy estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

MidAmerican Energy does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $466 million and $572 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table presents MidAmerican Energy's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Quad Cities Station	$	376	$	358
Fossil-fueled generating facilities	255		325
Wind-powered generating facilities	185		154
Other	2		2
Total asset retirement obligations	$	818	$	839

Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds(1)	$	676	$	599

(1)Refer to Note 6 for a discussion of the Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of MidAmerican Energy's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Beginning balance	$	839	$	562
Change in estimated costs	47		234
Additions	23		27
Retirements	(124)		(14)
Accretion	33		30
Ending balance	$	818	$	839

Reflected as:
Other current liabilities	$	109	$	135
Asset retirement obligations	709		704
	$	818	$	839

Retirements in 2020 and 2019 relate to settlements of MidAmerican Energy's CCR ARO liabilities.

MidAmerican Funding, LLC and Subsidiaries [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items]

Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]

Refer to Note 11 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

Nevada Power Company [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items]

Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

Nevada Power estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

Nevada Power does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $340 million and $332 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table presents Nevada Power's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Waste water remediation	$	36	$	37
Evaporative ponds and dry ash landfills	13		12

Solar	3		2
Other	20		23
Total asset retirement obligations	$	72	$	74

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Nevada Power's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Beginning balance	$	74	$	83
Change in estimated costs	9		6

Retirements	(14)		(19)
Accretion	3		4
Ending balance	$	72	$	74

Reflected as:
Other current liabilities	$	25	$	14
Other long-term liabilities	47		60
	$	72	$	74

In 2008, Nevada Power signed an administrative order of consent as owner and operator of Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit Nos. 1, 2 and 3 and as co-owner and operating agent of Unit No. 4. Based on the administrative order of consent, Nevada Power recorded estimated AROs and capital remediation costs. However, actual costs of work under the administrative order of consent may vary significantly once the scope of work is defined and additional site characterization has been completed. In connection with the termination of the co-ownership arrangement, effective October 22, 2013, between Nevada Power and California Department of Water Resources ("CDWR") for the Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit No. 4, Nevada Power and CDWR entered into a cost-sharing agreement that sets forth how the parties will jointly share in costs associated with all investigation, characterization and, if necessary, remedial activities as required under the administrative order of consent.

Certain of Nevada Power's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly-owned facilities, and as such, Nevada Power is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. Management has identified legal obligations to retire generation plant assets specified in land leases for Nevada Power's jointly-owned Navajo Generating Station, retired in November 2019, and the Higgins Generating Station. Provisions of the lease require the lessees to remove the facilities upon request of the lessors at the expiration of the leases. Nevada Power's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sierra Pacific Power Company [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items]

Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

Sierra Pacific estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

Sierra Pacific does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $197 million and $217 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table presents Sierra Pacific's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Asbestos	$	5	$	5
Evaporative ponds and dry ash landfills	3		2
Other	3		3
Total asset retirement obligations	$	11	$	10

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Sierra Pacific's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Beginning balance	$	10	$	10



Accretion	1		—
Ending balance	$	11	$	10

Reflected as -


Other long-term liabilities	$	11	$	10

Certain of Sierra Pacific's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly-owned facilities, and as such, Sierra Pacific is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. Sierra Pacific's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities in other long-term liabilities on the Balance Sheets.

Eastern Energy Gas Holdings, LLC [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations Disclosure [Line Items]

Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

Eastern Energy Gas estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

Eastern Energy Gas does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on the Cove Point LNG facility, interim removal of natural gas pipelines and certain storage wells in EGTS' underground natural gas storage network cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Cost of removal regulatory liabilities totaled $88 million and $73 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Eastern Energy Gas will continue to monitor operational and strategic developments to identify if sufficient information exists to reasonably estimate a retirement date for these assets.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Eastern Energy Gas' ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):


	2020		2019

Beginning balance	$	89	$	88
Change in estimated costs	(51)		—
Additions	48		—
Retirements	(3)		(3)
Disposal of Questar Pipeline Group	(16)		—
Accretion	4		4
Ending balance	$	71	$	89

Reflected as:
Other current liabilities	$	36	$	14
Other long-term liabilities	35		75
Total ARO liability	$	71	$	89