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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| | | | | |
☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024
or
| | | | | |
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________
Commission file number 1-7414
Northwest Pipeline LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delaware | | 26-1157701 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
One Williams Center | | |
Tulsa, Oklahoma | | 74172-0172 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 945-5426
NO CHANGE
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large accelerated filer | ¨ | | Accelerated filer | ¨ | | Non-accelerated filer | þ | | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No þ
THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS H(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-Q WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Index
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The reports, filings, and other public announcements of Northwest Pipeline LLC may contain or incorporate by reference statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings, market conditions, and other matters.
All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events, or developments that we expect, believe, or anticipate will exist or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by various forms of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “might,” “goals,” “objectives,” “targets,” “planned,” “potential,” “projects,” “scheduled,” “will,” “assumes,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “in-service date,” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and include, among others, statements regarding:
•Our and our affiliates’ future credit ratings;
•Amounts and nature of future capital expenditures;
•Expansion and growth of our business and operations;
•Expected in-service dates for capital projects;
•Financial condition and liquidity;
•Business strategy;
•Cash flow from operations or results of operations;
•Rate case filings;
•Natural gas prices, supply, and demand; and
•Demand for our services.
Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this report. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
•The impact of operational and developmental hazards and unforeseen interruptions;
•Development and rate of adoption of alternative energy sources;
•The strength and financial resources of our competitors and the effects of competition;
•Availability of supplies, including lower than anticipated volumes from third parties, and market demand;
•Volatility of pricing including the effect of lower than anticipated energy commodity prices;
•Changes in maintenance and construction costs, as well as our ability to obtain sufficient construction-related inputs, including skilled labor;
•The impact of existing and future laws and regulations, the regulatory environment, environmental matters, and litigation, as well as our ability and the ability of other energy companies, with whom we conduct or seek to conduct business, to obtain necessary permits and approvals, and our ability to achieve favorable rate proceeding outcomes;
•Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social, and governance practices;
•The physical and financial risks associated with climate change;
•Our exposure to the credit risk of our customers and counterparties;
•Our ability to successfully expand our facilities and operations;
•Whether we are able to successfully identify, evaluate, and timely execute our capital projects and investment opportunities;
•Risks related to financing, including restrictions stemming from debt agreements, future changes in credit ratings as determined by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, and the availability and cost of capital;
•Inflation, interest rates, and general economic conditions (including future disruptions and volatility in the global credit markets and the impact of these events on customers and suppliers);
•Our costs for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by our affiliates;
•The risks resulting from outbreaks or other public health crises;
•Changes in the current geopolitical situation, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East including between Israel and Hamas and conflicts involving Iran and its proxy forces;
•Changes in U.S. governmental administration and policies;
•Risks associated with weather and natural phenomena, including climate conditions and physical damage to our facilities;
•Acts of terrorism, cybersecurity incidents, and related disruptions; and
•Additional risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, we caution investors not to unduly rely on our forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligations to and do not intend to update the above list or announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.
In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above and referred to below may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in this report. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions, or otherwise.
Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, we caution that there are important factors, in addition to those listed above, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For a detailed discussion of those factors, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2024.
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Statement of Net Income
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| | | | | (Thousands) |
Operating Revenues: | | | | | | | |
Natural gas transportation | | | | | $ | 109,864 | | | $ | 106,096 | |
Natural gas storage | | | | | 3,718 | | | 3,475 | |
Other | | | | | 3,189 | | | 2,825 | |
Total operating revenues | | | | | 116,771 | | | 112,396 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses: | | | | | | | |
Operation and maintenance | | | | | 22,124 | | | 19,516 | |
General and administrative | | | | | 11,629 | | | 12,858 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | | | 27,465 | | | 27,877 | |
| | | | | | | |
Taxes, other than income taxes | | | | | 3,470 | | | 3,619 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other (income) expense, net | | | | | (3,893) | | | (4,572) | |
Total operating expenses | | | | | 60,795 | | | 59,298 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating Income | | | | | 55,976 | | | 53,098 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other (Income) and Other Expenses: | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | | | 7,139 | | | 7,430 | |
Allowance for equity and borrowed funds used during construction (AFUDC) | | | | | (1,626) | | | (846) | |
Miscellaneous other (income) expense, net | | | | | (2,632) | | | (2,524) | |
Total other (income) and other expenses | | | | | 2,881 | | | 4,060 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net Income | | | | | $ | 53,095 | | | $ | 49,038 | |
See accompanying notes.
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| (Thousands) |
ASSETS | | | |
Current Assets: | | | |
Cash | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Receivables: | | | |
Advances to affiliate | 169,050 | | | 157,776 | |
Trade | 38,360 | | | 39,080 | |
Affiliates | 788 | | | 1,375 | |
Other | 1,242 | | | 1,485 | |
Materials and supplies, at average cost | 7,801 | | | 7,759 | |
Exchange gas receivables | 2,841 | | | 3,165 | |
Regulatory assets | 2,111 | | | 2,054 | |
Other | 2,359 | | | 1,801 | |
Total current assets | 224,552 | | | 214,495 | |
| | | |
Property, plant and equipment | 3,993,717 | | | 3,974,900 | |
Less-Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 2,038,518 | | | 2,026,007 | |
Total property, plant and equipment, net | 1,955,199 | | | 1,948,893 | |
| | | |
Other Long-Term Assets: | | | |
Regulatory assets | 36,475 | | | 35,796 | |
Right-of-use assets | 8,775 | | | 8,725 | |
Deferred charges and other | 20,454 | | | 19,450 | |
Total long-term other assets | 65,704 | | | 63,971 | |
| | | |
Total assets | $ | 2,245,455 | | | $ | 2,227,359 | |
(continued)
See accompanying notes.
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| (Thousands) |
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY | | | |
Current Liabilities: | | | |
Payables: | | | |
Trade | $ | 38,968 | | | $ | 47,822 | |
Affiliates | 9,865 | | | 12,780 | |
Accrued liabilities: | | | |
Exchange gas payables | 1,950 | | | 5,553 | |
Regulatory liabilities | 20,358 | | | 21,374 | |
Taxes, other than income taxes | 10,442 | | | 7,388 | |
Interest | 12,019 | | | 5,505 | |
Customer advances | 7,074 | | | 5,016 | |
Other | 16,282 | | | 10,588 | |
| | | |
Total current liabilities | 116,958 | | | 116,026 | |
| | | |
Long-Term Debt | 581,459 | | | 581,178 | |
| | | |
Other Long-Term Liabilities: | | | |
Regulatory liabilities | 247,487 | | | 252,272 | |
Asset retirement obligations | 138,115 | | | 136,263 | |
Lease liability | 7,266 | | | 7,193 | |
Other | 879 | | | 1,231 | |
Total other long-term liabilities | 393,747 | | | 396,959 | |
| | | |
Contingent Liabilities and Commitments (Note 4) | | | |
| | | |
Member’s Equity: | | | |
Member’s capital | 1,073,892 | | | 1,073,892 | |
Retained earnings | 79,399 | | | 59,304 | |
| | | |
Total member’s equity | 1,153,291 | | | 1,133,196 | |
| | | |
Total liabilities and member’s equity | $ | 2,245,455 | | | $ | 2,227,359 | |
See accompanying notes.
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Statement of Changes in Member’s Equity
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | |
| (Thousands) | | |
Member’s Capital: | | | | | |
Balance at beginning and end of period | $ | 1,073,892 | | | $ | 1,073,892 | | | |
Retained Earnings: | | | | | |
Balance at beginning of period | 59,304 | | | 34,385 | | | |
Net income | 53,095 | | | 49,038 | | | |
Cash distributions to parent | (33,000) | | | (35,800) | | | |
Balance at end of period | 79,399 | | | 47,623 | | | |
Total Member’s Equity | $ | 1,153,291 | | | $ | 1,121,515 | | | |
See accompanying notes.
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2024 | | 2023 |
| (Thousands) |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | |
Net income | $ | 53,095 | | | $ | 49,038 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided (used) by operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 27,465 | | | 27,877 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (equity AFUDC) | (1,334) | | | (693) | |
Changes in current assets and liabilities: | | | |
Trade and other accounts receivable | 963 | | | 2,497 | |
Affiliate receivables | 587 | | | (24) | |
Materials and supplies | (42) | | | (16) | |
Regulatory assets | (54) | | | (71) | |
Other current assets | (552) | | | 1,188 | |
Trade accounts payable | (5,429) | | | (358) | |
Affiliate payables | (2,915) | | | (1,319) | |
Regulatory liabilities | (3) | | | (125,506) | |
Other accrued liabilities | 15,262 | | | 5,622 | |
Other, including changes in long-term assets and liabilities: | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Other, net | (6,570) | | | (10,575) | |
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities | 80,473 | | | (52,340) | |
| | | |
FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Cash distributions to parent | (33,000) | | | (35,800) | |
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | (33,000) | | | (35,800) | |
| | | |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | |
Property, plant and equipment: | | | |
Capital expenditures (1) | (40,391) | | | (22,038) | |
Contributions and advances for construction costs | 2,995 | | | 1,657 | |
Disposal of property, plant and equipment, net | 1,197 | | | (411) | |
Advances to affiliate, net | (11,274) | | | 108,932 | |
| | | |
| | | |
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | (47,473) | | | 88,140 | |
| | | |
Increase (decrease) in cash | — | | | — | |
Cash at beginning of period | — | | | — | |
Cash at end of period | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
____________________________________ | | | |
(1) Increases to property, plant and equipment, exclusive of equity AFUDC | $ | (37,111) | | | $ | (10,613) | |
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (3,280) | | | (11,425) | |
Capital expenditures | $ | (40,391) | | | $ | (22,038) | |
See accompanying notes.
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
In this report, Northwest Pipeline LLC (Northwest) is at times referred to in the first person as “we,” “us,” or “our.”
Northwest is indirectly owned by The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams), a publicly traded Delaware corporation. We own and operate an interstate natural gas pipeline system that is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
General
Our accompanying interim financial statements do not include all the notes in our annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2023, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying unaudited financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments and others that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our interim financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note 2 – Revenue Recognition
Revenue by Category
Our revenue disaggregation by major service line includes Natural gas transportation, Natural gas storage, and Other, which are separately presented on the Statement of Net Income.
Contract Assets
The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended | |
| | | March 31, | |
| | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | |
| | | | | (Thousands) |
Balance at beginning of period | | | | | $ | 16,806 | | | $ | 12,490 | | |
Revenue recognized in excess of amounts invoiced | | | | | 1,076 | | | 1,064 | | |
Balance at end of period | | | | | $ | 17,882 | | | $ | 13,554 | | |
Contract Liabilities
The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract liabilities:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended | |
| | | March 31, | |
| | | | | 2024 | | 2023 | |
| | | | | (Thousands) |
Balance at beginning of period | | | | | $ | 1,468 | | | $ | 2,643 | | |
Recognized in revenue | | | | | (293) | | | (290) | | |
Balance at end of period | | | | | $ | 1,175 | | | $ | 2,353 | | |
Remaining Performance Obligations
Our remaining performance obligations primarily include reservation charges on contracted capacity on our firm transportation and storage contracts with customers. Amounts from certain contracts included in the table below, which are subject to periodic review and approval by the FERC, reflect the rates for such services in our current FERC tariffs for the life of the related contracts; however, these rates may change based on future rate cases or settlements approved by the FERC. This table excludes the variable consideration component for commodity charges. Certain of our contracts contain evergreen and other renewal provisions for periods beyond the initial term of the contract. The remaining performance obligations as of March 31, 2024 do not consider potential future performance obligations for which the renewal has not been exercised and exclude contracts with customers for which the underlying facilities have not received FERC authorization to be placed into service.
The following table presents the amount of the contract liabilities balance expected to be recognized as revenue when performance obligations are satisfied and the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under certain contracts as of March 31, 2024.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Contract Liabilities | | Remaining Performance Obligations |
| (Thousands) |
2024 (nine months) | $ | 885 | | | $ | 285,582 | |
2025 (one year) | 290 | | | 379,010 | |
2026 (one year) | — | | | 358,499 | |
2027 (one year) | — | | | 352,185 | |
2028 (one year) | — | | | 346,683 | |
Thereafter | — | | | 2,251,160 | |
Total | $ | 1,175 | | | $ | 3,973,119 | |
Accounts Receivable
Receivables from contracts with customers are included within Receivables - Trade and Receivables - Affiliates, and receivables that are not related to contracts with customers are included within the balance of Receivables - Advances to affiliate and Receivables - Other on our Balance Sheet.
Note 3 – Rate and Regulatory Matters
Rate Case Settlement
On November 15, 2022, the FERC approved our Petition for Approval of Pre-Filing Stipulation and Settlement Agreement (Settlement) in Docket No. RP22-1155. The Settlement establishes a new general system firm Rate Schedule TF-1 (Large Customer) daily reservation rate of $0.37250/Dth with a $0.00935/Dth commodity rate (which were made effective January 1, 2023), resolved other rate issues, established a Modernization and Emission Reduction Program and satisfies our rate case filing obligation under our settlement in Docket No. RP17-346. Provisions were included in the Settlement that establish a moratorium on any Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended (NGA) Section 4 or 5 proceedings that would seek to place new rates in effect any earlier than January 1, 2026. The Settlement also provides that we file an NGA Section 4 general rate case with rates to be effective not later than April 1, 2028, unless (a) we have entered into a pre-filing settlement or (b) a Section 5 general rate case has been filed on or before April 1, 2028.
As a result of the Settlement, in January 2023, we refunded approximately $126 million, including interest, associated with the decrease in federal tax rates due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Reform).
Note 4 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
Environmental Matters
Beginning in the mid-1980s, we evaluated many of our facilities for the presence of toxic and hazardous substances to determine to what extent, if any, remediation might be necessary. We identified polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in air compressor systems, soils, and related properties at certain compressor station sites. Similarly, we identified hydrocarbon impacts at these facilities due to the former use of earthen pits, lubricating oil leaks or spills, and excess pipe coating released to the environment. In addition, heavy metals have been identified at these sites due to the former use of mercury containing meters and paint and welding rods containing lead, cadmium, and arsenic. The PCBs were remediated pursuant to a Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the late 1980s, and we conducted a voluntary clean-up of the hydrocarbon and mercury impacts in the early 1990s. In 2005, the Washington Department of Ecology required us to re-evaluate our previous clean-ups in Washington. During 2006 to 2015, 129 meter stations were evaluated, of which 82 required remediation. As of March 31, 2024, two meter stations are still being remediated. During 2006 to 2018, 14 compressor stations were evaluated, of which 11 required remediation. As of March 31, 2024, four compressor stations are still being remediated. At March 31, 2024, we had accrued liabilities totaling approximately $1.0 million, $0.2 million of which is recorded in Accrued liabilities - Other and $0.8 million of which is recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities - Other on the Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2023, we had accrued liabilities totaling approximately $1.0 million, $0.2 million of which is recorded in Accrued liabilities - Other and $0.8 million of which is recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities - Other on the Balance Sheet. We are conducting environmental assessments and implementing a variety of remedial measures that may result in increases or decreases in the total estimated costs.
The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely propose and promulgate new rules, and issue updated guidance to existing rules. These rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine and combustion turbine maximum achievable control technology, review and updates to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and rules for new and existing source performance standards for volatile organic compounds and methane. We continuously monitor these regulatory changes and how they may impact our operations. Implementation of new or modified regulations may result in impacts to our operations and increase the cost of additions to Total property, plant, and equipment, net on the Balance Sheet for both new and existing facilities in affected areas; however, due to regulatory uncertainty on final rule content and applicability timeframes, we are unable to reasonably estimate the cost of these regulatory impacts at this time.
Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit and potential for rate recovery. We believe that, with respect to any expenditures required to meet applicable standards and regulations, the FERC would grant the requisite rate relief so that substantially all of such expenditures would be permitted to be recovered through rates.
Washington State Climate Commitment Act
In 2021, the state of Washington passed its Climate Commitment Act establishing a market-based cap-and-invest program to reduce carbon emissions. This program took effect on January 1, 2023, and sets a limit, or cap, on overall carbon emissions in the state and requires businesses like ours to obtain allowances equal to their annual covered carbon emissions. The state’s cap will be reduced over time to meet the state’s carbon emissions reduction targets, which means fewer carbon emissions allowances will be available to purchase each year. These allowances can be purchased through quarterly auctions hosted by the state or bought and sold on a secondary market. In 2023, we began purchasing allowances for the carbon emissions from nine of our thirteen compressor stations within the state whose annual carbon emissions exceed 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. We also began purchasing allowances for our delivery of natural gas to certain of our customers and certain of our facilities in the state whose annual carbon emissions are insufficient to require their direct participation in the program. Our Settlement allows us to recover the costs of purchasing allowances under the program in our next rate case.
At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, a total of $23.7 million and $22.3 million, respectively, were included in Other Long-Term Assets - Regulatory assets on our Balance Sheet and was comprised of the cost of the purchased allowances held, the estimated difference between the allowances held and the allowances required, and the interest income component of the regulatory asset. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $1.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively, were included in Accrued liabilities - Other on our Balance Sheet as the estimated difference. The interest income is reflected in Miscellaneous other (income) expense, net on our Statement of Net Income and was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and minimal for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Other Matters
Various other proceedings are pending against us and are considered incidental to our operations.
Summary
We have disclosed all significant matters for which we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. We estimate that for all matters for which we are able to reasonably estimate a range of loss, including those noted above and others that are not individually significant, our aggregate reasonably possible losses beyond amounts accrued for all of our contingent liabilities are immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity and financial position. These calculations have been made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties.
Note 5 – Debt and Financing Arrangements
Credit Facility
We, along with Williams and Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco), are party to a credit agreement with aggregate commitments available of $3.75 billion, with up to an additional $500 million increase in aggregate commitments available under certain circumstances. We and Transco are each able to borrow up to $500 million under this credit facility to the extent not otherwise utilized by the other co-borrowers. At March 31, 2024, no letters of credit have been issued and no loans were outstanding under the credit facility.
Commercial Paper Program
Williams has a $3.5 billion commercial paper program. Williams’ management considers amounts outstanding under this program to be a reduction of available capacity under the credit facility. At March 31, 2024, Williams had no outstanding commercial paper.
Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Methods
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Short-term financial assets: The carrying values of short-term financial assets that have variable interest rates (advances to affiliate), accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Long-term debt: The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt, which we consider as a level 2 measurement, is determined by a market approach using broker quoted indicative period-end bond prices. The quoted prices are based on observable transactions in less active markets for our debt or similar instruments. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of our long-term debt, including current maturities, were $581.5 million and $571.6 million, respectively, at March 31, 2024, and $581.2 million and $581.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023.
Note 7 – Transactions with Affiliates
We are a participant in Williams’ cash management program, and we make advances to and receive advances from Williams. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our advances to Williams totaled approximately $169.1 million and $157.8 million, respectively. These advances are represented by demand notes and are classified as Receivables - Advances to affiliate on the Balance Sheet. The interest rate on these intercompany demand notes is based upon the daily overnight investment rate paid on Williams’ excess cash at the end of each month, which was approximately 5.2 percent at March 31, 2024. The interest income from these advances was $1.9 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Such interest income is included in Other (Income) and Other Expenses – Miscellaneous other (income) expense, net on the Statement of Net Income.
We have no employees. Services necessary to operate our business are provided to us by Williams and certain affiliates of Williams. We reimburse Williams and its affiliates for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments made (including salary, bonus, incentive compensation and benefits) in connection with these services. Employees of Williams also provide general, administrative and management services to us, and we are charged for certain administrative expenses incurred by Williams. These charges are either directly identifiable or allocated to our assets. Direct charges are for goods and services provided by Williams at our request. Allocated charges are based on a three-factor formula, which considers revenues; property, plant, and equipment; and payroll. In management’s estimation, the allocation methodologies used are reasonable and result in a reasonable allocation to us of our costs of doing business incurred by Williams. We have recorded $22.3 million and $22.1 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, for these service expenses, which are primarily included in Operation and maintenance and General and administrative expenses on the Statement of Net Income.
During April 2024, we declared and paid a cash distribution of $42.5 million to our parent.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our historical Financial Statements and accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and with the Financial Statements and accompanying notes contained in this Form 10-Q.
Results of Operations
This analysis discusses financial results of our operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Variances due to changes in natural gas prices and transportation volumes have little impact on revenues, because under our rate design methodology, the majority of overall cost of service is recovered through firm capacity reservation charges in our transportation rates.
Net Income for the first three months of 2024 of $53.1 million increased by $4.1 million, or 8 percent when compared to the $49.0 million recognized during the first three months of 2023 due to the following significant variances:
Operating Revenues increased $4.4 million, or 4 percent, primarily driven by:
•$3.8 million increase in Natural gas transportation revenues primarily due to an increase in short-term firm transportation from the sale of new capacity that was not available in the prior year;
•$0.4 million increase in Other revenues from higher park and loan services; and
•$0.2 million increase in Natural gas storage revenues primarily due to capacity release.
Operating Expenses increased $1.5 million, or 3 percent, primarily due to:
•$2.6 million increase in Operation and Maintenance costs due to higher labor costs, higher contract services related to pipeline inspection and higher storage facility expenses, partially offset by
•$1.2 million decrease in General and administrative expenses due to a favorable change in allocated corporate expenses and lower insurance premiums.
Other (Income) and Other Expenses had a $1.2 million favorable change primarily due to an increase in the allowance for funds used during construction as a result of increased capital expenditures and the absence of interest expense on the regulatory liability associated with the decrease in federal tax rates due to Tax Reform that was refunded to customers in January 2023 as a result of the approval of our Settlement (also see Note 3 – Rate and Regulatory Matters).
Pipeline Expansion Projects
Ryckman Creek Loop
The Ryckman Creek Loop expansion involves an expansion of our existing natural gas transmission system to provide incremental firm transportation capacity from a receipt point in Northeast Oregon (Stanfield) to multiple delivery points in Southwest Wyoming. We plan to place the project in service as early as the fourth quarter of 2025 assuming timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The project is expected to increase capacity by 50.5 MDth/d.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Senior Vice President and our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended) (Disclosure Controls) or our internal control over financial reporting (Internal Controls) will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. We monitor our Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls and make modifications as necessary; our intent in this regard is that the Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls will be modified as systems change and conditions warrant.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls was performed as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Senior Vice President and our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our Senior Vice President and our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that these Disclosure Controls are effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes during the first quarter of 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Environmental
While it is not possible for us to predict the final outcome of any pending legal proceedings involving governmental authorities under federal, state, and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, we do not anticipate a material effect on our financial position if we were to receive an unfavorable outcome in any one or more of such proceedings. Our threshold for disclosing material environmental legal proceedings involving a governmental authority where potential monetary sanctions are involved is $1 million.
Other
The additional information called for by this item is provided in Note 4 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments, included in the Notes to Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, which information is incorporated by reference into this item.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, includes certain risk factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results. Those Risk Factors have not materially changed.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following instruments are included as exhibits to this report.
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Exhibit | | Description |
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2 | | |
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3.1 | | |
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3.2 | | |
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31.1* | | |
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31.2* | | |
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32** | | |
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101.INS* | | XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document. |
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101.SCH* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. |
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101.CAL* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. |
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101.DEF* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. |
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101.LAB* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. |
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101.PRE* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. |
104* | | Cover Page Interactive Data File. The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document (contained in Exhibit 101). |
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* | Filed herewith. |
** | Furnished herewith. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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| | | | NORTHWEST PIPELINE LLC (Registrant) |
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Date: | May 6, 2024 | By: | | /s/ Billeigh W. Mark |
| | | | Billeigh W. Mark |
| | | | Controller |
| | | | (Principal Accounting Officer) |