S-4 1 d126379ds4.htm S-4 S-4
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 16, 2021

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC

(Exact name of registrant issuer as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   4911   75-2967830

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1616 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.

Dallas, Texas 75202

(214) 486-2000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Matthew C. Henry

Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

1616 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.

Dallas, Texas 75202

(214) 486-2000

(214) 486-2067 (facsimile)

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies of communications to:

W. Crews Lott

Baker & McKenzie LLP

1900 N. Pearl Street

Suite 1500

Dallas, Texas 75201

(214) 978-3000

(214) 978-3099 (facsimile)

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed exchange offers: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.

If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or 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   ☒ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ☐

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of
Securities to be Registered
  

Amount

to be

Registered

  

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Note

 

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price(1)

   Amount of
Registration Fee

0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025

   $450,000,000    100%   $450,000,000    $49,095

5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052

   $300,000,000    100%   $300,000,000    $32,730

 

 

(1)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee under Rule 457(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not complete the exchange offers or sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 16, 2021

PROSPECTUS

ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

Offers to Exchange

$450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052 (collectively, the exchange notes), each of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), for any and all of its outstanding 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052, respectively (collectively, the outstanding notes and such transactions, the exchange offers)

 

 

We are conducting the exchange offers in order to provide you with an opportunity to exchange your unregistered outstanding notes for the exchange notes that have been registered under the Securities Act.

The Exchange Offers

 

   

We will exchange all unregistered outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for an equal principal amount of exchange notes that are registered under the Securities Act.

 

   

You may withdraw tenders of outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offers.

 

   

The exchange offers expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                 , 2021, unless extended. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date.

 

   

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

   

The terms of the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offers are substantially identical to the outstanding notes of the respective series, except that the exchange notes will be registered under the Securities Act, do not have any transfer restrictions and do not have registration rights or additional interest provisions.

Results of the Exchange Offers

 

   

Except as prohibited by applicable law, the exchange notes may be sold in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or through a combination of such methods. There is no existing market for the exchange notes to be issued, and we do not plan to list the exchange notes on a national securities exchange or market.

 

   

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offers.

All untendered outstanding notes will remain outstanding and continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the outstanding notes and in the indenture governing the outstanding notes. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offers, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in the exchange offers must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of those exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where the broker-dealer acquired such outstanding notes as a result of market-making or other trading activities.

We have agreed to keep effective the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part until the earlier of 90 days after the completion of the exchange offers or such time as broker-dealers no longer own any notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

 

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 12 for a discussion of certain risks that you should consider before participating in the exchange offers.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the exchange notes to be distributed in the exchange offers or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                     .


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You should rely only on the information included in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. The prospectus may be used only for the purposes for which it has been published, and no person has been authorized to give any information not contained herein. If you receive any other information, you should not rely on it. You should assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business profile, financial condition, results of operations or prospects may have changed since that date. The representations and warranties contained in any agreement that we have filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or that we may publicly file in the future may contain representations and warranties made by and to the parties thereto as of specific dates. While we are responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosures of material information regarding material contractual provisions are required to make the statements in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part not misleading, those representations and warranties may be subject to exceptions and qualifications contained in separate disclosure schedules; may represent the parties’ risk allocation in the particular transaction; or may be qualified by materiality standards that differ from what may be viewed as material for securities law purposes. No offer of these securities is being made in any jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited.

 

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     2  

RISK FACTORS

     12  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     25  

INDUSTRY AND MARKET INFORMATION

     27  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     27  

CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION AND SHORT-TERM DEBT OF ONCOR AND SUBSIDIARIES

     28  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     29  

OUR BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

     31  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     38  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     39  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     57  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     57  

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

     59  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     69  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED EQUITY HOLDER MATTERS

     111  

THE EXCHANGE OFFERS

     118  

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

     127  

SUMMARY OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     141  

SUMMARY OF MATERIAL ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

     141  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     142  

LEGAL MATTERS

     143  

EXPERTS

     143  

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     143  

SEC POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES

     143  

GLOSSARY

     144  

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1  

 

 


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before participating in the exchange offers. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including the section entitled “Risk Factors.” See the section entitled “Available Information”. Unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise indicated, references in this prospectus to “Oncor,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, and/or its subsidiaries, which include Oncor Electric Delivery Transition Bond Company LLC through the date of its dissolution on December 29, 2016, and Oncor Electric Delivery NTU LLC, a regulated utility that Oncor indirectly acquired on May 16, 2019 in the InfraREIT Acquisition. References to “Sempra” refer to our indirect majority owner, Sempra Energy, and/or its subsidiaries, depending on context. On May 16, 2019, we completed the acquisition of InfraREIT and its subsidiary, InfraREIT Partners, which is sometimes referred to in this prospectus as the InfraREIT Acquisition. For your convenience, we have also provided a Glossary, beginning on page 144, of selected terms and abbreviations.

Our Business

We are a regulated electricity transmission and distribution company that provides the essential service of delivering electricity safely, reliably and economically to end-use consumers through our electrical systems, as well as providing transmission grid connections to merchant generation facilities and interconnections to other transmission grids in Texas. We are a direct, majority-owned subsidiary of Oncor Holdings, which is indirectly and wholly owned by Sempra. Oncor Holdings owns 80.25% of our outstanding membership interests and Texas Transmission owns 19.75% of our outstanding membership interests. We are a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, formed in 2007 as the successor entity to Oncor Electric Delivery Company, a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Texas in 2001.

We operate the largest transmission and distribution system in Texas, delivering electricity to more than 3.7 million homes and businesses and operating more than 139,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines at December 31, 2020. We provide:

 

   

transmission services to our electricity distribution business as well as electricity distribution companies, cooperatives and municipalities, and

 

   

distribution services to REPs that sell electricity to retail customers.

Our transmission and distribution rates are regulated by the PUCT and certain cities, and in certain instances, by the FERC. We are not a seller of electricity, nor do we purchase electricity for resale. The company is managed as an integrated business; consequently, there is only one reportable segment.

Our transmission and distribution assets are located principally in the north-central, eastern, western and panhandle regions of Texas, in over 120 counties and more than 400 incorporated municipalities. We deliver electricity across a distribution service territory that has a population in excess of 10 million, including Dallas/Fort Worth and the surrounding suburbs, as well as Waco, Wichita Falls, Odessa, Midland, Tyler, Temple, Killeen and Round Rock, among others.

Most of our power lines have been constructed over lands of others pursuant to easements or along public highways, streets and rights-of-way as permitted by law. At December 31, 2020, we had approximately 4,396 employees, including 767 employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement that expires in October 2022. Over 99% of our employees are employed on a full-time basis.

Ring-Fencing Measures

Various ring-fencing measures have been taken to enhance our credit quality and the separateness between the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities, Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities), and any other entities with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings. These measures serve to mitigate the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities’ credit exposure to Sempra and its affiliates and any other direct or indirect owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings, and to reduce the risk that the assets and liabilities of Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities would be substantively consolidated with the assets and liabilities of any Sempra entity or any other direct or indirect owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings in connection with a bankruptcy of any such entities. Such measures include, among other things: the 19.75% equity interest held by Texas Transmission; maintenance of separate books and records for the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities; and our board of directors being comprised of a majority of directors who meet certain disinterested director standards. As a result, none of the assets of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are available to satisfy the debt or obligations of any Sempra entity or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. The assets and liabilities of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are separate and distinct from those of any Sempra entities and any other direct or indirect



 

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owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. We do not bear any liability for debt or contractual obligations of Sempra and its affiliates or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and vice versa. Accordingly, our operations are conducted, and our cash flows are managed, independently from Sempra and its affiliates and any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. For more information on the ring-fencing measures, see “Our Business and Properties – Ring-Fencing Measures.”

Electricity Transmission

Our electricity transmission business is responsible for the safe and reliable operations of our transmission network and substations. These responsibilities consist of the construction and maintenance of transmission facilities and substations and the monitoring, controlling and dispatching of high-voltage electricity over our transmission facilities in coordination with ERCOT, the independent system operator and the regional coordinator of the various electricity systems within Texas.

We are a member of ERCOT, and our transmission business actively assists the operations of ERCOT and market participants. Through our transmission business, we participate with ERCOT and other member utilities to plan, design, construct and operate new transmission lines, with regulatory approval, necessary to maintain reliability, interconnect to merchant generation facilities, increase bulk power transfer capability and minimize limitations and constraints on the ERCOT transmission grid.

Transmission revenues are provided under tariffs approved by either the PUCT or, to a small degree related to limited interconnections to other markets, the FERC. Network transmission revenues compensate us for delivery of electricity over transmission facilities operating at 60kV and above. Other services we offer through our transmission business include system impact studies, facilities studies, transformation service and maintenance of transformer equipment, substations and transmission lines owned by other parties. PURA allows us to update our transmission rates periodically on an interim basis to reflect changes in invested capital. This “capital tracker” provision encourages investment in the transmission system to help ensure reliability and efficiency by allowing for timely recovery of and return on new transmission investments.

At December 31, 2020, our transmission system included 7,441 circuit miles of 345kV transmission lines and 10,686 circuit miles of 138kV and 69kV transmission lines. One hundred and fifteen generation facilities totaling 41,986 MW were directly connected to our transmission system at December 31, 2020, and 336 transmission stations and 806 distribution substations were served from our transmission system.

Electricity Distribution

Our electricity distribution business is responsible for the overall safe and efficient operation of distribution facilities, including electricity delivery, power quality and system reliability. These responsibilities consist of the ownership, management, construction, maintenance and operation of the distribution system within our certificated service area. Our distribution system receives electricity from the transmission system through substations and distributes electricity to end-users and wholesale customers through 3,660 distribution feeders at December 31, 2020.

Our distribution system included 121,129 miles of distribution lines and 3.762 million points of delivery at December 31, 2020. We added approximately 77,000 points of delivery in 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the number of distribution system points of delivery we serve, excluding lighting sites, grew an average of 2.22% per year.

We provide distribution services to REPS (approximately 95 REPs at December 31, 2020) and certain electric cooperatives in our certificated service area. The consumers of the electricity we deliver are free to choose their electricity supplier from REPs who compete for their business. Requests to recover distribution-related investments are generally included in our rate reviews. However, provisions in existing legislation also allow us to file DCRF applications, under certain circumstances, once per year in order to recover distribution-related investments on an interim basis. On April 8, 2021, we filed with the PUCT, as well as with cities with original jurisdiction over our rates, an application for approval of an updated DCRF. In our DCRF application, PUCT Docket No. 51996, we requested a $98 million increase in annual distribution revenues primarily related to 2020 distribution investments. Our application requests a rate effective date of September 1, 2021. The application is subject to PUCT approval.

2019 InfraREIT Acquisition; Lubbock Joint Project with LP&L

In May 2019, we completed the InfraREIT Acquisition, which involved our acquisition of InfraREIT and InfraREIT Partners pursuant to the InfraREIT Merger Agreement and the exchange of assets between SU and SDTS pursuant to the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange. As a result of the acquisition, we acquired our wholly-owned subsidiary NTU (formerly SDTS, a subsidiary of InfraREIT), a regulated utility that provides electricity transmission delivery service in the north-central, western and panhandle regions of Texas.



 

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The total purchase price (including cash consideration and transaction costs incurred by InfraREIT and paid by Oncor) paid by us in connection with the acquisition totaled approximately $1.324 billion (including approximately $1.275 billion representing the cash consideration, a $40 million management termination fee InfraREIT agreed to pay Hunt Consolidated, Inc. at closing and certain other transaction costs incurred by InfraREIT and its subsidiaries and paid by us on their behalf). We funded the purchase price and certain of our transaction expenses with an aggregate principal amount of $1.330 billion in capital contributions received from Sempra and certain indirect equity holders of Texas Transmission as well as proceeds received through the issuance of CP Notes. In connection with the InfraREIT Acquisition, we also extinguished all of InfraREIT’s outstanding debt (which was owed by certain of InfraREIT’s subsidiaries) totaling an aggregate principal amount of approximately $953 million. We repaid $602 million principal amount of InfraREIT’s outstanding debt using proceeds from borrowings under a short-term unsecured term loan credit agreement that we entered into in May 2019, which was subsequently repaid, and the issuance of CP Notes. We also exchanged $351 million of InfraREIT’s outstanding debt for senior secured notes issued by us.

The SDTS-SU Asset Exchange occurred immediately prior to our acquisition of InfraREIT and InfraREIT Partners. As a result of the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange, (i) SDTS assumed certain real property and other assets owned by SU in the central, north and west and panhandle regions of Texas, and (ii) SU assumed certain real property and other assets owned by SDTS in the vicinity of the Texas-Mexico border.

The InfraREIT Acquisition expanded Oncor’s existing footprint in Texas by adding various electricity transmission and distribution assets and projects in the north, central, west and panhandle regions of Texas. Among those projects is an approximately $400 million joint project with LP&L, with costs to ultimately be split by Oncor and LP&L, that involves the build out of transmission lines and associated station work to join the City of Lubbock to the ERCOT market. Oncor is completing the construction, with LP&L reimbursing Oncor for its portion of the construction costs. Once construction is complete, the resulting transmission assets will be split between LP&L and Oncor. For more information on the joint project with LP&L, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Significant Activities and Events – Lubbock Joint Project with LP&L” and Note 3 to Financial Statements.

In addition, in connection with the InfraREIT Acquisition and as a condition to closing of the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange, Sempra acquired an indirect 50% ownership interest in Sharyland Holdings, L.P. the parent of Sharyland.

January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement

On January 29, 2021, we entered into an unsecured $300 million term loan credit agreement (the January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement). The January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement has a maturity date of February 28, 2022. On January 29, 2021, we made our first borrowing under the January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement, in the amount of $160 million, and on February 26, 2021 we borrowed the remaining $140 million. Following the February 26, 2021 borrowing, no additional amounts are available for borrowing under the January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement. The proceeds from the January and February borrowings were used for general corporate purposes. The January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement provides for loans to bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at our option, (x) LIBOR plus 0.675%, or (y) an alternate base rate (the highest of (1) the prime rate of U.S. Bank National Association (U.S. Bank), (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and (3) daily one-month LIBOR plus 1%).

March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement

On March 17, 2021, we entered into an unsecured $450 million term loan credit agreement (the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement). The March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement has a maturity date of May 17, 2022. We may borrow up to $450 million under the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement in up to four borrowings, which may be made, at our option, at any time in the period before June 4, 2021. On March 31, 2021, we made our first borrowing under the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement, in the amount of $170 million, which was used for general corporate purposes. The March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement provides for loans to bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at our option, (x) LIBOR plus 0.65%, or (y) an alternate base rate (the highest of (1) the prime rate of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Wells Fargo), (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and (3) daily one-month LIBOR plus 1%).

Notice of Corporate Separateness

We and our equity owners have implemented certain structural and operational “ring-fencing” measures that are intended to further separate us from our direct and indirect owners, including our majority indirect equity owner, Sempra. See this “Prospectus Summary” section for more information regarding these “ring-fencing” measures. By your receipt of this prospectus, you acknowledge the receipt of the notice of corporate separateness given hereby.



 

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We are a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, formed in 2007 as the successor entity to Oncor Electric Delivery Company, formerly known as TXU Electric Delivery Company, a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Texas in 2001. Our principal executive offices are located at 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX 75202. The telephone number of our principal executive offices is (214) 486-2000. Our Internet address is http://www.oncor.com. Information on our website or available by hyperlink from our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.



 

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The Exchange Offers

On September 23, 2020, pursuant to an exchange offer, we issued $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052 (outstanding 2052 notes) in exchange for a like principal amount of all of our then outstanding 7.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 30, 2029 and 6.47% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 30, 2030 and certain of our then outstanding 7.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2032, 7.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2033 and 5.30% Senior Secured Notes due 2042. On September 28, 2020, we issued $450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (outstanding 2025 notes, collectively with the outstanding 2052 notes, the outstanding notes) in a private offering. The term “2025 exchange notes” refers to the 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and the term “2052 exchange notes” refers to the 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052, each as registered under the Securities Act that are subject to the exchange offers, and all of which collectively are referred to as the “exchange notes.” The term “notes” collectively refers to the outstanding notes and the exchange notes.

 

General

  

In connection with the private offering of the outstanding 2025 notes and the exchange offer with respect to the outstanding 2052 notes, we entered into registration rights agreements with the initial purchasers or dealer-managers, as applicable, in such offerings pursuant to which we agreed, among other things, to deliver this prospectus to you and to use commercially reasonable efforts to complete the exchange offers within 315 days after the date of original issuance of the applicable outstanding notes. You are entitled to exchange in the exchange offers your outstanding notes for the exchange notes that are identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes except:

 

•  the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act;

 

•  the exchange notes are not entitled to any registration rights which are applicable to the outstanding notes under the applicable registration rights agreement; and

 

•  the additional interest provision of the applicable registration rights agreement is not applicable.

The Exchange Offers

  

We are offering to exchange:

 

•  $450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 that have been registered under the Securities Act for any and all of our existing restricted 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025; and

 

•  $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052 that have been registered under the Securities Act for any and all of our existing restricted 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052.

 

You may only exchange outstanding notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.

Resale

  

Based on an interpretation by the staff of the SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offers in exchange for the outstanding notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you (unless you are our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:

 

•  you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business; and

 

•  you have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes.

 

If you are a broker-dealer and receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you must acknowledge that you will deliver this prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes and that you are not our affiliate and did not purchase your outstanding notes from us or any of our affiliates. See “Plan of Distribution.”



 

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Any holder of outstanding notes who:

 

•  is our affiliate;

 

•  does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary course of its business; or

 

•  tenders its outstanding notes in the exchange offers with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of participating, in a distribution of exchange notes

 

cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated in Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in Shearman & Sterling (available July 2, 1993), or similar no-action letters and, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

 

Our belief that the exchange notes may be offered for resale without compliance with the registration or prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act is based on interpretations of the SEC for other exchange offers that the SEC expressed in some of its no-action letters to other issuers in exchange offers like ours. We cannot guarantee that the SEC would make a similar decision about our exchange offers. If our belief is wrong, or if you cannot truthfully make the representations mentioned above, and you transfer any exchange note issued to you in the exchange offers without meeting the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, or without an exemption from such requirements, you could incur liability under the Securities Act. We are not indemnifying you for any such liability.

Expiration Date

   The exchange offers will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2021, unless extended by us. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date.

Withdrawal

   You may withdraw the tender of your outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offers. We will return to you any of your outstanding notes that are not accepted for any reason for exchange, without expense to you, promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offers.

Conditions to the Exchange Offers

   Each exchange offer is subject to customary conditions. We reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions to exchange as to particular outstanding notes. See “The Exchange Offers—Conditions to the Exchange Offers.”

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

  

If you wish to participate in either of the exchange offers, you must either:

 

•  complete, sign and date the applicable accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, in accordance with the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal, and mail or deliver such letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal; or

 

•  if you hold outstanding notes through The Depository Trust Company (DTC), comply with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures described in this prospectus, by which you will agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal.



 

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By signing, or agreeing to be bound by, the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

•  you are not our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

•  you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes;

 

•  you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange notes;

 

•  you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business;

 

•  if you are a broker-dealer, you did not purchase your outstanding notes from us or any of our affiliates; and

 

•  if you are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities, you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

   If you are a beneficial owner of outstanding notes that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender those outstanding notes in either of the exchange offers, you should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to tender those outstanding notes on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration date.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

   If you wish to tender your outstanding notes and your outstanding notes are not immediately available, or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents, or you cannot comply with the procedures under DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program for transfer of book-entry interests prior to the expiration date, you must tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in this prospectus under “The Exchange Offers—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.”

Effect on Holders of Outstanding Notes

   As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all validly tendered outstanding notes pursuant to the terms of, the exchange offers, we will have fulfilled a covenant under the applicable registration rights agreement. Accordingly, there will be no increase in the applicable interest rate on the outstanding notes under the circumstances described in such registration rights agreement. If you do not tender your outstanding notes in either of the exchange offers, you will continue to be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the outstanding notes as set forth in the Indenture (as defined below), except we will not have any further obligation to you to provide for the exchange and registration of untendered outstanding notes under the applicable registration rights agreement. To the extent that outstanding notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offers, the trading market for outstanding notes that are not so tendered and accepted could be adversely affected.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

   All untendered outstanding notes will remain outstanding and continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the outstanding notes and in the Indenture. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offers, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.


 

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United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

   The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Summary of Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

Use of Proceeds

   We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes in the exchange offers. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Exchange Agent

   The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is the exchange agent for the exchange offers. Any questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the applicable letter of transmittal and requests for the notice of guaranteed delivery should be directed to the exchange agent. The address and telephone number of the exchange agent are set forth in the section captioned “The Exchange Offers—Exchange Agent.”

The Exchange Notes

The summary below describes the principal terms of the exchange notes. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The “Description of the Notes” section of this prospectus contains more detailed descriptions of the terms and conditions of the outstanding notes and exchange notes. The exchange notes will have terms identical in all material respects to the respective series of outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to observe certain obligations in the registration rights agreement.

 

Securities Offered

  

$750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of exchange notes consisting of:

 

•  $450,000,000 principal amount of 2025 exchange notes; and

 

•  $300,000,000 principal amount of 2052 exchange notes.

Maturity Date

  

The exchange notes will mature on each of the following dates:

 

•  October 1, 2025 for the 2025 exchange notes; and

 

•  October 1, 2052 for the 2052 exchange notes.

Indenture

   We will issue the exchange notes under the Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2002, as amended and supplemented (the Indenture), between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly The Bank of New York), as trustee (the Trustee).

Interest Rate

   The 2025 exchange notes and the 2052 exchange notes will bear interest at an annual rate equal to 0.55% and 5.35%, respectively. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months, and with respect to any period less than a full month, on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed during the period.

Interest Payment Dates

   Interest on the exchange notes will accrue from and including the date of original issuance (September 28, 2020 for the 2025 exchange notes and September 23, 2020 for the 2052 exchange notes). Oncor will pay interest in U.S. dollars on the exchange notes semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2021.

Ranking

   The exchange notes will be senior secured obligations of Oncor and will rank pari passu with our other secured indebtedness. The exchange notes will be senior in right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness. At December 31, 2020, we had $9.327 billion principal amount of senior secured debt outstanding, which is secured by the Collateral (as defined below).

Collateral

   Our obligations under the exchange notes will be secured by a lien on certain of our transmission and distribution assets, mortgaged under our deed of trust (as amended, Deed of Trust), dated as of May 15, 2008, from us to The Bank of New York Mellon


 

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   Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly The Bank of New York), as collateral agent, as described in the Deed of Trust (Collateral). See “Description of the Notes — Security.”

Optional Redemption

   We may at our option redeem all or part of the exchange notes at the respective “make-whole” redemption prices discussed in this prospectus under “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption,” plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date fixed for redemption.

Limitation of Secured Debt

   If any of the exchange notes are outstanding under the Indenture, we will not issue, incur or assume any debt secured by a lien upon any of our property (other than Excepted Property, as defined in the Indenture), except for certain permitted secured debt, unless the exchange notes are also secured by that lien, without the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of all outstanding securities issued under the Indenture, including the exchange notes. See “Description of the Notes — Limitation on Secured Debt.”

Risk Factors

   You should consider carefully all of the information set forth in this prospectus prior to exchanging your outstanding notes. In particular, we urge you to consider carefully the factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors.”

No Prior Market

   The exchange notes have no established trading market. We have not listed and do not intend to list any of the exchange notes on any securities exchange. Certain financial institutions have informed us that they intend to make a market in the exchange notes. However, these financial institutions may cease their market-making efforts at any time. If no active trading market exists, you may not be able to resell the exchange notes at their fair market value or at all.


 

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Summary Consolidated Financial Data of Oncor and Subsidiaries

The following table sets forth our summary historical consolidated financial data as of and for the periods indicated. The summary financial data as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, have been derived from our Annual Financial Statements. The summary financial data as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been derived from our historical consolidated financial statements that are not included in this prospectus.

The summary consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this prospectus.

 

     At December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
     (millions of dollars, except ratios)  

Total assets

   $ 29,172     $ 27,036     $ 22,752     $ 22,120     $ 20,811  

Property, plant & equipment — net

     21,225       19,370       16,090       14,879       13,829  

Goodwill

     4,740       4,740       4,064       4,064       4,064  

Capitalization:

          

Long-term debt, less amounts due currently(a)

   $ 9,229     $ 8,017     $ 5,835     $ 5,567     $ 5,515  

Membership interests

     11,932       10,799       8,460       7,903       7,711  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 21,161     $ 18,816     $ 14,295     $ 13,470     $ 13,226  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capitalization ratios (b):

          

Long-term debt, less amounts due currently

     43.6     42.6     40.8     41.3     41.7

Membership interests

     56.4     57.4     59.2     58.7     58.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

As of December 31, 2020, the amount is reduced by $98 million of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs related to our outstanding long-term debt securities, as of that date.

(b)

For purposes of reporting to the PUCT, the regulatory capitalization ratio at December 31, 2020 was 52.8% debt to 47.2% equity. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Member Contributions and Distributions” and Note 8 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information regarding regulatory capitalization ratios.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
     (millions of dollars, except ratios)  

Operating revenues

   $ 4,511     $ 4,347     $ 4,101     $ 3,958     $ 3,920  

Net income

   $ 713     $ 651     $ 545     $ 419     $ 431  

Capital expenditures

   $ 2,540     $ 2,097     $ 1,767     $ 1,631     $ 1,352  

Embedded interest cost on long-term debt— end of period (a)

     4.6     4.8     5.1     5.5     5.6

 

(a)

Represents the annual interest and amortization of any discounts, premiums, issuance costs, gains/losses on reacquisitions and the effects of interest rate hedges divided by the carrying value of the debt plus or minus the unamortized balance of any discounts, premiums, issuance costs, gains/losses on reacquisitions and the effects of interest rate hedges at the end of the year.



 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below as well as the other information contained in this prospectus before deciding to participate in the exchange offers. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow; however, these risks are not our only risks. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently view to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. In such a case, the trading price of the exchange notes could decline or we may not be able to make payments of interest and principal on the exchange notes, and you may lose all or part of your original investment.

Risks Related to Regulatory and Legislative Matters

Our business is subject to ongoing complex governmental regulations and legislation that have impacted, and will continue in the future to impact, our business and/or results of operations.

Our business is subject to changes in state and federal laws applicable to us (including PURA, certain provisions of the Federal Power Act, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and executive orders issued by the President of the United States and the Governor of Texas), changing governmental policy, and regulatory actions by the PUCT and other governmental authorities (including the NERC, the Texas RE, the TCEQ, the FERC and the EPA), and the rules, guidelines, directives, and protocols of ERCOT with respect to various matters including, but not limited to, market structure and design, construction and operation of transmission and distribution facilities (including actions relating to ERCOT grid integrity and reliability), the acquisition, disposal, depreciation and amortization of regulated assets and facilities, recovery of costs and investments, return on invested capital and environmental matters. We must continually adapt to any new laws, policies, regulations and regulatory actions and any changes in, revisions to, or reinterpretations of existing laws, policies and regulations and other regulatory actions, any of which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations. We could also be exposed to increased costs to comply with any more stringent requirements or new interpretations of existing requirements and to potential liability for customer refunds, penalties or other amounts, which could have an adverse effect on our business, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations.

In addition, if it is determined that we did not comply with applicable statutes, regulations, rules, tariffs or orders and we are ordered to pay a material amount in penalties, customer refunds, or other amounts, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our reputation could be materially adversely affected. For example, under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the FERC can impose penalties (up to $1 million per day per violation) for failure to comply with mandatory electric reliability standards, including standards to protect the power system against potential disruptions from cyber and physical security breaches. In addition, the PUCT may impose penalties on us if it finds that we violated PURA or any PUCT rule or order adopted under PURA. The PUCT has the authority to impose penalties of up to $25,000 per day per violation.

The Texas Legislature meets every two years and did not meet in 2020. The Texas Legislature convened its regular session in January 2021, which is scheduled to conclude on May 31, 2021. However, at any time, the governor may convene a special session of the Texas Legislature. During any regular or special session, the Legislature may hold hearings relevant to our business and bills may be introduced that, if adopted, could materially and adversely affect our business and our business prospects. For example, reform of ERCOT is an item in the current legislative session. From February 15 through February 17, 2021, ERCOT required transmission companies, including us, to significantly reduce demand on the grid as electricity generation was insufficient to meet demand caused by extreme winter weather. A significant number of homes and businesses in our service territory and throughout ERCOT experienced power outages over that period, including over one million homes and businesses in our service territory, some for extended periods of time. On February 16, 2021, the Governor of Texas declared reform of ERCOT as an emergency item for the Texas legislative session. Both chambers of the Texas Legislature have held, and may continue to hold, hearings relating to the February 2021 winter storm and related power outages, and various bills impacting the ERCOT market have been filed. Various other governmental and regulatory entities have begun investigations or indicated an intent to investigate matters related to the operations of the ERCOT grid during the February 2021 extreme winter weather event as well. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Regulation and Rates – February 2021 Winter Weather Event Legislative, Regulatory and Legal Matters” for additional discussion of these governmental and regulatory matters, including actions taken by the PUCT. We cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any legislation, regulation, or legal action resulting from these proceedings, or any other legislative, legal or regulatory proceedings that may arise in the future related to the winter weather events, will impact our business.

 

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Our business is subject to rate regulation, and the regulatory review process could limit our ability to fully recover costs, reduce the rate we earn on invested capital, or negatively impact the timing and amount of assets we can recover in rates, any of which could adversely impact our financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.

The rates we charge are regulated by the PUCT and certain cities and are subject to cost-of-service regulation and annual earnings oversight. This regulatory treatment does not provide any assurance as to achievement of earnings levels. Our rates are based on an analysis of our costs and capital structure in a designated test year, as reviewed and approved in a regulatory proceeding. Our next base rate review is required to be filed on or before October 1, 2021. Interim rate updates allow us to recover the cost of investments before the investments are deemed prudent. Under PUCT rules, we can file a DCRF application once per year under certain circumstances to recover distribution-related investments on an interim basis, and we can file up to two interim TCOS rate adjustments in a calendar year to reflect changes in our invested transmission capital.

While rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that the PUCT will judge all of our costs to have been prudently incurred, including costs included in a regulatory asset reported on the balance sheet, or that the PUCT will not reduce the amount of invested capital included in the capital structure that our rates are based upon. There is also no assurance that the historical test year regulatory process in which rates are determined will always result in rates that will produce full recovery of our actual costs and the return on invested capital allowed by the PUCT.

We are subject to mandatory service quality and reliability standards. Efforts to comply with those standards could subject us to higher operating costs and/or increased capital expenditures, and non-compliance with applicable standards could subject us to penalties that could have a material effect on our business.

The PUCT has jurisdiction with respect to ensuring the service quality and reliability of the delivery of electricity to retail customers by electric utilities and has established reliability standards that apply to each utility. The FERC has jurisdiction with respect to ensuring the reliability of electric transmission service, including transmission facilities owned by utilities within ERCOT. The FERC has designated the NERC to establish and enforce reliability standards, under FERC oversight, for all owners, operators and users of the bulk power system. The FERC has approved the delegation by NERC of compliance and enforcement authority for reliability in the ERCOT region to the Texas RE.

To maintain compliance with the mandatory reliability standards, we may be subjected to higher operating costs and/or increased capital expenditures. While we expect to recover costs and expenditures from customers through regulated rates, there can be no assurance that the PUCT will approve full recovery of such costs or the timing of any such recovery. In addition, if we were found to be in noncompliance with applicable reliability standards, we could be subject to sanctions, including monetary penalties. Penalties imposed by the PUCT and NERC would not be recoverable from customers through regulated rates.

The PUCT is authorized to impose a penalty of up to $25,000 per violation per day if a utility fails to meet reliability standards. Oncor must report to the PUCT concerning its performance with respect to the applicable reliability standards on an annual basis. We cannot predict the outcome of any such reports or related potential enforcement actions.

Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, FERC can impose penalties (up to $1 million per day per violation) for failure to comply with reliability standards, which would not be recoverable from customers through regulated rates. We have four registrations with NERC – as a transmission planner, a transmission owner, a transmission operator and a distribution provider. As a registered entity, we are subject to periodic audits by the Texas RE of our compliance with reliability standards. These audits will occur as designated by the Texas RE at a minimum of every three years. We cannot predict the outcome of any such audits.

Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

Cyber or physical attacks on our infrastructure or other events that disrupt operations or initiate the loss of confidential data, as well as attacks on our third-party vendors, could have an adverse impact on our reputation, disrupt business operations and expose us to significant liabilities including penalties for failure to comply with federal, state or local statutes and regulations, which could have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

We are subject to cyber and physical security risks related to adversaries attacking our technology infrastructure and platforms, and transmission and distribution assets used to conduct our business.

 

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We face various cyber threats, including malware intrusion, computer viruses, unauthorized access attempts, and phishing attacks. A breach of cyber/data security measures that impairs our ability to operate our technology infrastructure or platforms could disrupt normal business operations and affect our ability to monitor and control our transmission and distribution assets, process customer information, and comply with regulatory and disclosure obligations, as well as limit communications, including communications within our technology platforms and between our technology platforms and systems operated by third-parties. In the ordinary course of business, we also collect and retain sensitive information, including customer information and personal information about employees, and a cyber breach could result in the release of such confidential information. While we have controls in place designed to protect our technology infrastructure and are not aware of any material breaches to date, any loss of confidential or proprietary data through a breach, including a breach involving one of our third-party vendors, could adversely affect our reputation, expose us to material legal and regulatory claims and fines, require compliance with notification and monitoring regulations, impair our ability to execute on business strategies and/or materially affect our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and/or cash flows.

As domestic and global cyber threats are on-going and increasing in sophistication, magnitude and frequency, our transmission and distribution infrastructure may be targets of state-sponsored attacks, terrorist activities, or other threats, including attacks designed to inflict large-scale harm on us or the service territory in which we operate. Any breach as a result of such cyber attacks could materially adversely affect the integrity of our transmission and distribution system, which could impact the stability of the ERCOT power grid. In addition, a breach as a result of such a cyber attacks could cause widespread disruptions to our systems, including the loss of access to, or destruction of critical information that could materially adversely affect our business operations. The impacts of a breach as a result of any such cyber attacks could negatively affect the general perception of our business by the public and in financial markets as well as result in significant costs to repair damaged facilities, restore service, address legal and regulatory claims and penalties, and implement increased technology protection measures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and/or cash flows.

While we maintain cyber liability insurance, this insurance is limited in scope and subject to exceptions, conditions and coverage limitations and may not cover any or all of the costs associated with the consequences of any cyber breach, and there is no guarantee that the insurance that we currently maintain will continue to be available at rates that we believe are commercially reasonable.

A physical attack on our transmission, distribution and technology infrastructure could also interfere with normal business operations and affect our ability to control our transmission and distribution assets. Certain of the various internal systems we use to conduct our businesses are highly integrated. Consequently, a breach in any one key physical asset could potentially impact other areas of our system. While we have security measures in place designed to protect our transmission and distribution system and have not had any significant security breaches, a physical security breach could adversely affect our reputation, expose us to material regulatory penalties and/or materially affect our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

We also rely on third parties for various services. If these third parties are impacted by cyber attacks or are otherwise unable to perform the services they provide us, our ability to perform our obligations to others could be impacted, which could negatively affect our financial condition and reputation. In addition, the theft, damage, or improper disclosure of sensitive data held by these third parties may subject us to further harm.

The operation and maintenance of electricity delivery facilities involves significant risks that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The operation and maintenance of delivery facilities involves many risks, including equipment breakdown or failure of facilities, lack of sufficient capital and unexpected costs to maintain the facilities, impact of unusual or adverse weather conditions or other natural events, and interrupted or degraded service on key technology platforms, as well as the risk of performance below expected levels of efficiency or reliability, the occurrence of any of which could result in lost revenues and/or increased expenses that may not be recoverable through rates. A significant number of our facilities were constructed many years ago. In particular, older transmission and distribution equipment, even if maintained in accordance with good engineering practices, may require significant expenditures to keep operating at peak efficiency or reliability. A risk of increased maintenance and capital expenditures arises from damage to facilities due to storms, natural disasters, wars, terrorist acts, cyber attacks, and other catastrophic events. Further, our ability to successfully and timely complete capital improvements to existing facilities or other capital projects is contingent upon many variables and subject to substantial risks. Should any such efforts be unsuccessful, we could be subject to additional costs that may not be recoverable through rates and/or the write-off of our investment in the project or improvement.

 

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Insurance, warranties or performance guarantees may not cover all or any of the lost revenues or increased expenses that could result from the risks discussed above. Likewise, our ability to obtain insurance at rates we believe are commercially reasonable, and the cost of and coverage provided by such insurance, could be affected by events outside our control.

Our business could be adversely affected by health epidemics and pandemics, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.

We face risks related to health epidemics and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which could lead to the disruption of our business operations by impacting the global economy and our employees, REPs, end-users, wholesale customers, network transmission customers, service providers, vendors and suppliers. These effects could also have a variety of adverse impacts on us, including reduced demand for electricity, delayed or delinquent customer payments to us (including as a result of end use customer failures to pay REPs and/or any state or national moratoriums on customer disconnections), slowed growth in our service territory, reduced availability or productivity of our workforce, constraints on our supply chain, impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets, increased pension funding requirements due to a decline in pension asset values, impairment of our ability to develop, construct and/or operate electricity delivery facilities, and impairment of our ability to access funds from financial institutions and capital markets. COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and has spread globally, including throughout the United States and Texas. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy and communities and supply chains around the world. COVID-19 has also adversely affected conditions in the capital and credit markets and may adversely affect our cost of and access to debt financing. To date, COVID-19 has not had a material adverse impact on our business, supply chain, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations. We have taken several precautionary and preemptive actions in response to COVID-19 to protect our workforce and critical operations pursuant to our pandemic response plan, including requiring employees to work remotely when possible and restricting non-essential business travel. We are also actively managing our supply chain and communicating regularly with key vendors and suppliers.

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts and may take further actions that alter our business operations as may be required by federal, state or local authorities, or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers and suppliers. The extent to which COVID-19 does impact our results will ultimately depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, and will include emerging information concerning the severity of COVID-19, the duration of the pandemic, and the actions taken by governments and private businesses to attempt to contain COVID-19. Therefore, we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the COVID-19 pandemic will have a material adverse impact on our business, supply chain, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted by any development or event beyond our control that causes economic weakness in the ERCOT market, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.

We derive substantially all of our revenues from operations in the ERCOT market, which represents approximately 90% of the electricity consumption in the State of Texas. As a result, regardless of the state of the economy in areas outside the ERCOT market, economic weakness in the ERCOT market (including due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or significant declines in oil and gas production) could lead to reduced demand for electricity in the ERCOT market. Such a reduction could lead to slowing growth in our service territory and have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, reduced demand for electricity in high growth areas of our service territory, such as west Texas, could lead to a material decrease in our construction projects and five-year capital expenditure projections.

We operate within the ERCOT market, and significant changes within ERCOT or to the ERCOT market structure, including as a result of the February 2021 winter weather events, could adversely impact our business.

Our business is built around the ERCOT market, and as a result significant changes within ERCOT or to the ERCOT market structure that impact transmission and distribution utilities, including additional regulatory requirements or oversight, could materially and adversely impact our business, operations, financial condition, or results of operations.

ERCOT is subject to oversight by the PUCT and the Texas Legislature. On February 12, 2021, the Governor of Texas declared a state of disaster for all counties in the state in response to extreme winter weather. From February 15 through February 17, 2021, ERCOT required transmission companies, including us, to significantly reduce demand on the grid as electricity generation was insufficient to meet demand caused by the extreme winter weather. A significant number of homes and businesses in our service territory and throughout ERCOT experienced power outages over that period, including over one million homes and businesses in our service territory, some for extended periods of time. On February 16, 2021, the Governor of Texas declared reform of ERCOT as an emergency item for the Texas legislative session, and hearings have

 

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been scheduled in both chambers of the Texas Legislature. Both chambers of the Texas Legislature have held hearings relating to the February 2021 winter storm and related power outages, and various bills impacting the ERCOT market have been filed. Various other governmental and regulatory entities have begun investigations or indicated an intent to investigate matters related to the operations of the ERCOT grid during the February 2021 extreme winter weather event as well, including the PUCT, FERC, NERC, the United States Congress, the Attorney General of Texas, and the Texas RE. We cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any legislation, regulation, or other legal actions resulting from these proceedings, or any other legal or regulatory proceedings that may arise in the future related to the winter weather events, including any lawsuits, will impact our business.

The PUCT has opened several projects relating to the winter weather event, including Project No. 51812 Issues Related to the State of Disaster for the February 2021 Winter Weather Event and Project No. 51825 Investigation Regarding the February 2021 Winter Weather Event. The electricity generation shortage during the extreme winter weather also resulted in wholesale electricity prices increasing to their maximum allowed limit, and this has created various financial challenges among ERCOT market participants. ERCOT has issued market notices indicating that certain amounts due in the market have not been fully paid, and certain ERCOT market participants, including customers of ours, have filed for bankruptcy protection. The PUCT has also taken, and could take additional, measures to address financial challenges experienced by ERCOT market participants resulting from the winter weather event, including its issuance on February 21, 2021 of a moratorium on customer disconnections and its March 3, 2021 waiver of certain late payment fees for invoices due between February 22, 2021 and March 3, 2021 to transmission and distribution utilities from REPs. Any such regulatory actions or any other actions by ERCOT market participants that significantly impacts our receipt of electricity delivery charges owed to us could materially adversely impact our cash flows, results of operations, and financial condition. While the PUCT has indicated that it expects the moratorium on disconnections to be temporary, the extent to which the moratorium and other regulatory actions related to the February 2021 winter weather event will impact our results will ultimately depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including the duration of the moratorium and any other regulatory, legislative, or legal actions taken to address impacts of the winter weather event.

The litigation environment in which we operate poses a significant risk to our business.

We are involved in the ordinary course of business in a number of lawsuits involving employment, commercial and environmental issues and other claims for injuries and damages, including as a result of power outages, among other matters. Lawsuits have been filed against various market participants relating to the power outages resulting from the February 2021 winter weather events, including us, and as a transmission and distribution utility operating during the winter weather event there is a risk we could be named in future lawsuits. Judges and juries in the State of Texas have demonstrated a willingness to grant large verdicts, including punitive damages, to plaintiffs in personal injury, property damage and business tort cases. We use appropriate means to contest litigation threatened or filed against us, but the litigation environment in the State of Texas poses a business risk.

Our revenues are concentrated in a small number of customers and a significant delay or default in payment could adversely affect our cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Our revenues from the distribution of electricity are collected from REPs (approximately 95 REPs at December 31, 2020) and certain electric cooperatives in our certificated service area, that sell the electricity we distribute to consumers. REPs are generally noninvestment grade. REP subsidiaries of our two largest customers represented 25% and 18% of our total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, and 23% and 18% for the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, we collect network transmission revenues from distribution companies and cooperatives and municipalities. Currently, the majority of this network transmission customer revenue comes from customers who are investment grade and, as a result, generally considered low credit risk. PUCT rules allow for the recovery of uncollectible amounts due from REPs (but not network transmission customers) through rates. Adverse economic conditions, structural problems in the market served by ERCOT or the financial difficulties of one or more customers could adversely impact the credit rating of our customers, impair the ability of these customers to pay for our services or could cause them to delay such payments. We depend on these customers to timely remit these revenues to us. Delays or defaults in payment from customers could materially and adversely affect our cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations, particularly in the event of any moratoriums on the ability of REPs to disconnect customers for nonpayment or other regulatory actions that impact our receipt of electricity delivery charges owed to us. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Regulation and Rates – February 2021 Winter Weather Event Legislative, Regulatory and Legal Matters” for a discussion of the February 2021 winter weather event and potential impacts on customer payments to us.

 

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We are dependent upon a limited number of suppliers and service providers for certain of our operations. If any of these suppliers or service providers failed or became unable to perform on their agreements with us, it could disrupt our business and have an adverse effect on our cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations.

We rely on suppliers and service providers to provide us with certain specialized materials and services, including materials and services for power line construction, maintenance and repair, information technology and customer operations. The financial condition of our suppliers and service providers or their ability to perform may be adversely affected by global events, regulations, or general economic conditions, such as credit risk and turbulent macroeconomic events. Because many of the tasks of these suppliers and service providers require specialized electric industry knowledge and equipment, if any of these parties fail to perform, go out of business or otherwise become unable to perform, we may not be able to transition to substitute suppliers or service providers in a timely manner. This could delay our construction and improvement projects, increase our costs and/or disrupt our operations, which could negatively impact our business and reputation. In addition, we could be subject to fines or penalties in the event a delay resulted in a violation of a PUCT or other regulatory order.

The loss of the services of our key management and personnel could adversely affect our ability to operate our business.

Our future success will depend on our ability to continue to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. We compete for such personnel with many other companies, in and outside our industry, government entities and other organizations. Our workforce strategy to attract, develop, reward and retain a qualified workforce includes a market competitive total reward strategy and talent development and succession planning to retain key talent and build bench strength for future leadership roles. These plans and processes are in place to assure we have the talent to meet our business goals. However, we may not be successful in retaining our current personnel or in hiring or retaining qualified personnel in certain highly technical or specialized roles in the future. Our failure to attract new personnel or retain our existing personnel in these areas and other areas could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our revenues and results of operations are seasonal.

A significant portion of our revenues is derived from rates that we collect from REPs based on the amount of electricity we distribute to electricity customers on behalf of such REPs. Sales of electricity to residential and commercial customers are influenced by temperature fluctuations. Thus, our revenues and results of operations are subject to seasonality, weather conditions and other electricity usage drivers, with revenues being highest in the summer.

The costs of providing pension benefits and OPEB and related funding requirements may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We offer certain pension and health care and life insurance benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents upon the retirement of such employees through pension and OPEB plans.

We also have contractual liabilities related to the Vistra Retirement Plan, a defined benefit pension plan. Until October 2016, we were a member of the same controlled group (within the meaning of ERISA) as Vistra. We also maintain an OPEB plan to cover eligible retirees of Oncor and EFH Corp./Vistra whose employment services were assigned to both Oncor (or a predecessor regulated utility business) and the non-regulated business of EFH Corp./Vistra.

Our costs or share of the costs of providing pension and OPEB benefits and related funding requirements are dependent upon numerous factors, assumptions and estimates and are subject to changes in these factors, assumptions and estimates, including the market value of the assets funding the pension and OPEB plans and future benefit costs for pension and OPEB plans. Benefits costs and related funding requirements could also increase or decrease due to changes in employee demographics (including but not limited to age, compensation levels and years of accredited service), the level of contributions made to retiree plans, mortality assumptions, expected and actual earnings on plan assets, general interest rates, and the discount rates used in determining the projected benefit obligation. Changes made to the provisions of the plans may also impact current and future benefit costs. Significant unplanned increases in benefit costs could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and/or cash flows.

PURA provides for our recovery of pension and OPEB costs related to our active and retired employees as well as certain EFH Corp./Vistra active and retired employees for periods prior to the January 1, 2002 deregulation and disaggregation of EFH Corp.’s electric utility businesses, and we are authorized to establish a regulatory asset or liability for the difference between the amounts of pension and OPEB costs approved in current billing rates and the actual amounts that would otherwise have been recorded as charges or credits to earnings related to recoverable service. Amounts in these regulatory assets are ultimately subject to regulatory approval, and disallowance of any of these regulatory assets could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had

 

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recorded regulatory assets totaling $966 million and $964 million, respectively, related to pension and OPEB costs, including amounts related to deferred expenses as well as amounts related to unfunded liabilities that otherwise would be recorded as other comprehensive income.

See Note 9 to Annual Financial Statements, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Application of Critical Accounting Policies – Defined Benefit Pension Plans and OPEB Plans” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Pension and OPEB Plans Funding” for further information regarding pension and OPEB funding.

We regularly evaluate opportunities to make selective strategic acquisitions involving regulated assets. Acquisitions involve various risks, and we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of any such acquisitions.

We regularly evaluate opportunities to make selective strategic acquisitions involving regulated assets. Additional equity or debt capital may be required to complete any acquisition. In addition, any acquisition may be structured in such a manner that could result in the assumption of secured or unsecured debt and other liabilities. Any such transaction may require PUCT and other regulatory approvals. An acquisition may involve risks relating to the combination of assets and facilities, the diversion of management’s attention and the impact on our credit ratings.

For example, we completed the InfraREIT Acquisition in May 2019, which involved the acquisition of a business that owned primarily regulated electric transmission and distribution assets and was previously operated as an independent company. Any potential cost savings, synergies or other benefits from the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected. In addition, some of the assets that we acquired have yet to undergo prudence review by the PUCT. There can be no assurance that the PUCT will judge all of the costs related to those assets to have been prudently incurred.

Insufficient electric capacity within ERCOT or disruptions at power generation facilities owned by third parties could interrupt and/or negatively impact our transmission and distribution services.

The electricity we transmit and distribute to customers of REPs is obtained by the REPs from electricity generation facilities. We do not own or operate any generation facilities, and we are subject to ERCOT directives with respect to the flow of power on the electric grid. In the event of extreme weather or other emergency events that impact power availability within ERCOT, ERCOT could require us to reduce demand on the grid. If we are required by ERCOT to institute outages or if generation capacity is otherwise inadequate or interrupted, it could negatively impact our reputation, our revenues from transmission and distribution services may be diminished or interrupted, and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected.

Changes in technology that decrease electricity demand or consumption or increased conservation efforts may reduce our ability to timely recover the cost of our investment and earn a reasonable return on our electricity delivery facilities and may significantly impact our business in other ways as well.

Research and development activities are ongoing to improve existing and alternative technologies and services to produce and store electricity, including gas turbines, fuel cells, microturbines, photovoltaic (solar) cells and concentrated solar thermal devices and batteries. It is possible that advances in these or other technologies will reduce the costs of electricity production from these technologies to a level that will enable these technologies to compete effectively with traditional generation plants and/or transmission and distribution assets. Such changes in technology, as well as public perception of alternative technologies and legislation or regulations could also alter the channels through which retail customers buy and receive electricity service. To the extent self-generation or storage facilities or distributed energy resources become a more cost-effective or otherwise preferred option for certain customers, our revenues, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted.

Also, electricity demand could be reduced by increased energy efficiency programs, conservation efforts, governmental actions to require or incentivize reductions in electricity consumption, and advances in technology, which could likewise significantly reduce our ability to timely recover the cost of our investment and earn a reasonable return on our electricity delivery facilities Effective energy conservation by our customers could result in significantly reduced energy demand, or significantly slow the growth in demand. Such reduction in demand could materially adversely impact our revenues, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Goodwill that we have recorded is subject to at least annual impairment evaluations, and as a result, we could be required to write off some or all of this goodwill, which may adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

In accordance with accounting standards, recorded goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed annually or more frequently for impairment, if certain conditions exist, and may be impaired. Any reduction in or impairment of the value of goodwill will result in a charge against earnings, which may adversely impact our reported results of operations and financial condition. See Note 1 to Annual Financial Statements for more information about our goodwill impairment assessment and testing.

Risks Related to Financial and Market Matters

Adverse actions with respect to our credit ratings could negatively affect our ability to access capital.

Our access to capital markets and our cost of debt could be directly affected by our credit ratings. Any adverse action with respect to our credit ratings would likely cause debt issuance and borrowing costs to increase and could cause the potential pool of investors and funding sources to decrease. Our Credit Facility also provides that interest rates charged for borrowings may be adjusted based on our credit ratings. See “Management’s Discussion And Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Credit Rating Provisions and Material Debt Covenants – Material Debt Credit Rating, Financial, and Cross-Default Covenants” for more information on material credit rating covenants in our Credit Facility.

Our credit ratings are currently higher than those of Sempra, our majority indirect equity owner. If credit rating agencies were to change their views of our independence from Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities), our credit ratings could decline. Despite our ring-fencing measures, rating agencies have in the past taken, and could in the future take, an adverse action with respect to our credit ratings in response to activities involving financing and liability management activities by our indirect majority equity owner. In the event any such adverse action takes place and causes our borrowing costs to increase, we may not be able to recover such increased costs if they exceed our PUCT-approved cost of debt determined in our most recent rate review or subsequent rate reviews.

Most of our large suppliers and counterparties require an expected level of creditworthiness in order for them to enter into transactions with us. If our credit ratings decline, the costs to operate our business could increase because counterparties could require the posting of collateral in the form of cash-related instruments, or counterparties could decline to do business with us.

Market volatility may impact our business and financial condition in ways that we currently cannot predict.

Because our operations are capital intensive, we expect to rely over the long term on access to financial markets, as a significant source of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by cash-on-hand, operating cash flows or our Credit Facility and CP Program. It is likely we will incur additional debt in connection with our large capital expenditure plan, which calls for various investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure, including investments to support system expansion, system maintenance, and technology and innovation. Our ability to access the capital, credit, or commercial paper markets may be severely restricted due to market conditions at a time when we would like, or need, to access those markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. In addition, the cost of debt financing may be materially and adversely impacted by changes in general interest rates. Even if we are able to obtain debt financing, we may be unable to recover in rates some or all of the costs of such debt financing if they exceed our PUCT-approved cost of debt determined in our most recent rate review or subsequent rate reviews. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the capital, credit, and commercial paper markets will continue to be a reliable or acceptable source of short-term or long-term financing for us. Fluctuations in actual market returns as well as changes in general interest rates may also result in increased or decreased benefit costs in future periods. Additionally, disruptions in the capital, credit, and commercial paper markets could have a broader impact on the economy in general in ways that could lead to reduced electricity usage, which could have a negative impact on our revenues, or have an impact on our customers, counterparties and/or lenders, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us.

Our ring-fencing measures may not work as planned, which may result in a bankruptcy court subjecting Oncor to the claims of its affiliates’ creditors.

Various ring-fencing measures have been taken to enhance our credit quality and the separateness between the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities, Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities), and any other direct or indirect owners of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. These enhancements are intended to minimize the risk that a court would order any of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities’ assets and liabilities to be substantively consolidated with those of Sempra or any of its

 

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affiliates or any other direct or indirect owners of Oncor or Oncor Holdings or their affiliates in connection with a bankruptcy of any such entities. Substantive consolidation is an equitable remedy in bankruptcy that results in the pooling of the assets and liabilities of the debtor and one or more of its affiliates solely for purposes of the bankruptcy case, including for purposes of distributions to creditors and voting on and treatment under a reorganization plan. Bankruptcy courts have broad equitable powers, and as a result, outcomes in bankruptcy proceedings are inherently difficult to predict. To the extent a bankruptcy court were to determine that substantive consolidation is appropriate under the facts and circumstances, then the assets and liabilities of any Oncor Ring-Fenced Entity that is subject to the substantive consolidation order would be available to help satisfy the debt or contractual obligations of the affiliated entity that is a debtor in bankruptcy and subject to the same substantive consolidation order. If any Oncor Ring-Fenced Entity were included in such a substantive consolidation order, the secured creditors of Oncor would retain their liens and priority with respect to Oncor’s assets.

See Note 1 to Annual Financial Statements and “Our Business and Properties – Ring-Fencing Measures” for additional information on our ring-fencing measures.

In the future, we could have liquidity needs that could be difficult to satisfy under some circumstances, especially in uncertain financial market conditions.

Our operations are capital intensive. We rely on access to financial markets and our Credit Facility as a significant source of liquidity for capital requirements, including maturities of long-term debt, not satisfied by cash-on-hand or operating cash flows. The inability to raise capital on favorable terms or access liquidity facilities, particularly during times of uncertainty similar to those experienced in the financial markets in 2008, 2009 and, more recently, during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely impact our ability to sustain and grow our business and would likely increase capital costs that may not be recoverable through rates. Our access to the financial markets and our Credit Facility, and the pricing and terms we receive in the financial markets, could be adversely impacted by various factors, such as:

 

   

changes in financial markets that reduce available credit or the ability to obtain or renew liquidity facilities on acceptable terms;

 

   

economic weakness in the ERCOT market;

 

   

changes in interest rates;

 

   

a deterioration of our credit or a reduction in our credit ratings;

 

   

a deterioration of the credit or insolvency or financial distress of one or more lenders under our Credit Facility that affects the ability of the lender(s) to make loans to us;

 

   

a deterioration of the credit of Sempra or its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities) or a reduction in the credit ratings of Sempra or such affiliates that is perceived to potentially have an adverse impact on us despite the ring-fencing of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities from Sempra and such affiliates;

 

   

a material breakdown in our risk management procedures; and

 

   

changes that restrict our ability to access our Credit Facility.

Our primary source of liquidity, aside from operating cash flows, has been our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility, which also supports our CP Program. Because our CP Program is supported by our Credit Facility, CP Notes outstanding is a reduction to the available borrowing capacity. The Credit Facility, our term loan credit agreement, and the Note Purchase Agreement each contain a debt-to-capital ratio covenant that effectively limits our ability to incur indebtedness in the future. At December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with these covenants. See Notes 5 and 6 to Annual Financial Statements for further information regarding this covenant and our Credit Facility, as well as our CP Program.

We are required to maintain a regulatory capital structure at or below the debt-to-equity ratio established periodically by the PUCT for ratemaking purposes. Currently our authorized regulatory capital structure set by the PUCT is 57.5% debt to 42.5% equity. At December 31, 2020, our regulatory capital structure was 52.8% debt to 47.2% equity. Our ability to incur additional long-term debt is limited by our authorized regulatory capital structure and we are able to issue future long-term debt only to the extent that such issuance would not cause our capital structure to exceed the authorized regulatory debt-to-equity ratio.

Our capital deployment program may not be executed as planned, which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

There can be no guarantee that the execution of our capital deployment program will be successful, and there can be no assurance that the capital investments we intend to make in connection with our electricity delivery business will produce the desired improvements to service and reliability or cost management. Furthermore, there can be no guarantee that our capital

 

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investments will ultimately be recoverable through rates. For more information regarding the limitation on recovering the value of investments using rates, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Key Risks and Challenges Relating to Future Earnings and Results of Operations” and “– Regulation and Rates.”

The phase out of LIBOR could affect interest rates under our variable rate debt and the overall interest rate environment.

In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The administrator that publishes LIBOR has indicated its intention to extend the expected cessation date for submission and publication of rates for certain tenors of U.S. dollar LIBOR has since been extended until June 30, 2023. Additionally, in the U.S., the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, convened by the Federal Reserve Board and the New York Fed, has selected the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) as its recommended alternative to U.S. dollar LIBOR. Our Credit Facility and term loan agreement use U.S. dollar LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing interest rates. Our Credit Facility and term loan agreement each include mechanisms for amending the agreement to provide for the replacement of U.S. dollar LIBOR with an alternative rate of interest upon the occurrence of certain events related to the phase out of LIBOR. However, we have not yet pursued any amendments or other contractual alternatives to address this matter and are currently evaluating the impact of the potential replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate. Any amendment or alternative provisions may not adequately address the actual changes to LIBOR or successor benchmark rates. It is not presently known whether SOFR or any of the other alternative reference rates that have been proposed will attain market acceptance as replacements for each applicable currency of LIBOR. A successor benchmark rate, including SOFR in the case of U.S. dollar LIBOR, could be higher or more volatile than LIBOR prior to its discontinuance, which could negatively impact the cost of our variable rate debt, impact our ability to refinance some or all of our existing variable rate debt, influence the valuation of any derivative contracts or otherwise have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the discontinuation, reform or replacement of LIBOR or any other benchmark rates may have an unpredictable impact on contractual mechanics in the credit markets or cause disruption to the broader financial markets. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential discontinuation, reform or replacement could have a significant impact on the overall interest rate environment.

Risks Related to the Exchange Offers

There may be adverse consequences if you do not exchange your outstanding notes.

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers, you will continue to be subject to restrictions on transfer of your outstanding notes as set forth in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the September 2020 private offering of the outstanding 2025 notes or in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the September 2020 exchange offer with respect to the outstanding 2052 notes. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless they are registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the applicable registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. You should refer to “Prospectus Summary—The Exchange Offers” and “The Exchange Offers” for information about how to tender your outstanding notes.

The tender of outstanding notes under the exchange offers will reduce the outstanding amount of the outstanding notes, which may have an adverse effect upon, and increase the volatility of, the market prices of the outstanding notes due to a reduction in liquidity.

Your ability to transfer the exchange notes may be limited if there is no active trading market, and there is no assurance that any active trading market will develop for the exchange notes.

We are offering the exchange notes to the holders of the outstanding notes. We do not intend to list the notes on any securities exchange. There is currently no established market for the exchange notes, and we cannot assure you as to the liquidity of markets that may develop for the exchange notes, your ability to sell the exchange notes or the price at which you would be able to sell the exchange notes. If such markets were to exist, the exchange notes could trade at prices that may be lower than their principal amount or purchase price depending on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the market for similar notes, our financial and operating performance and other factors. Certain financial institutions have informed us that they intend to make a market in the notes after the exchange offers are completed. However, these financial institutions may cease their market-making efforts at any time without notice. We cannot assure you that an active market for the exchange notes will develop or, if developed, that it will continue. If no active trading market develops, you may not be able to resell the notes at their fair market value or at all.

 

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Certain persons who participate in the exchange offers must deliver a prospectus in connection with resales of the exchange notes.

We have not requested, and do not intend to request, an interpretation by the staff of the SEC as to whether the exchange notes issued pursuant to our exchange offers in exchange for the outstanding notes may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by any holder without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act. Instead, based on interpretations of the staff of the SEC contained in Exxon Capital Holdings Corp., SEC no-action letter (April 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., SEC no-action letter (June 5, 1991) and Shearman & Sterling, SEC no-action letter (July 2, 1993), we believe that you may offer for resale, resell or otherwise transfer the exchange notes without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. We cannot guarantee that the SEC would make a similar decision about our exchange offers. If our belief is wrong, or if you cannot truthfully make the representations mentioned above, and you transfer any exchange note issued to you in the exchange offers without meeting the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, or without an exemption from such requirements, you could incur liability under the Securities Act. Additionally, in some instances described in this prospectus under “Plan of Distribution,” certain holders of exchange notes will remain obligated to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to transfer the exchange notes. If such a holder transfers any exchange notes without delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or without an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such a holder may incur liability under the Securities Act. We do not and will not assume, or indemnify such a holder against, this liability.

Risks Related to the Notes

The following risks apply to the outstanding notes and will apply equally to the exchange notes.

The market price of the notes will fluctuate.

Any material differences between our actual results and the historical results contained in our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC could have a significant adverse impact on the market price of the notes, assuming a market for the notes develops. In addition, any downgrade of our credit ratings could have an adverse impact on the market price of the notes.

The terms of the notes contain limited covenants and other protections.

The Indenture governing the notes contains covenants restricting our ability to take certain actions. However, each of these covenants contains specified exceptions. In addition, these covenants are limited and do not protect holders of the notes from all events that could have a negative effect on the creditworthiness of the notes and the market price of the notes, assuming a market for the notes develops.

The Indenture and the Deed of Trust permit us to incur significant additional debt. Accordingly, the Indenture will not afford the holders of the notes protection in the event we incur significant additional debt.

The notes and the Indenture under which the notes are issued do not place any limitation on the amount of unsecured debt that may be incurred by us. The Indenture and the Deed of Trust also permit us to incur a significant amount of additional secured debt, including debt secured equally and ratably by the Collateral, subject to certain limitations, as described further under “Description of the Notes —Securing Additional Obligations” and “—Limitation on Secured Debt.” Our incurrence of additional debt may have important consequences for holders of the notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes, a loss in the trading value of the notes, if any, and a risk that the credit rating of the notes is lowered or withdrawn. The covenants contained in the Indenture and the Deed of Trust will not afford holders of notes protection in the event we incur significant additional debt.

It may be difficult to realize the value of the Collateral securing the notes.

Each of the assets and facilities that will be included in the Collateral is subject to the same kinds of risks as are described under “—Risks Related to Regulatory and Legislative Matters”, “— Risks Related to Our Business and Operations” and “—Risks Related to Financial and Market Matters”. We cannot provide any assurance that any of the necessary permits, certificates or other entitlements to operate those assets and facilities would be transferable to the Trustee or any purchaser from the Trustee in the event of a foreclosure upon that asset or facility. The Trustee’s ability to foreclose on the Collateral on behalf of the holders of the notes may be subject to perfection, the consent of third parties and, with respect to those assets that are subject to the jurisdiction of the PUCT and the FERC, the prior approval by the PUCT and the FERC. The Trustee’s ability to foreclose may also be subject to priority issues and practical problems associated with the realization of the Trustee’s security interest in the Collateral. We cannot assure holders of the notes that the consents of any third parties and

 

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approvals by governmental entities will be given when required to implement a foreclosure on such assets, especially if we are not in compliance with the underlying permits at the time. Accordingly, the Trustee may not have the ability to foreclose upon those assets or assume or transfer the right to operate those assets or facilities, and a temporary shutdown of operations may result and the value of the Collateral may significantly decrease. Even if the Trustee assumes the right to operate the assets and facilities, there may also be practical problems associated with the Trustee’s ability to identify a qualified operator to operate and maintain the assets and facilities. In addition, future regulatory developments or other inabilities to obtain or comply with required permits may adversely affect the value of the Collateral.

No appraisals of any Collateral have been prepared in connection with the exchange offers. The value of the Collateral at any time will depend on market and other economic conditions, including the availability of suitable buyers for the Collateral. By their nature some or all of the pledged assets may be illiquid and may have no readily ascertainable market value. We cannot assure holders of the notes that the fair market value of the Collateral as of the date of this prospectus exceeds the principal amount of the debt secured thereby. The value of the assets pledged as Collateral for the notes could be impaired in the future as a result of changing economic conditions, our failure to implement our business strategy, competition and other future trends.

Bankruptcy laws may limit your ability to realize value from the Collateral.

The right of the Trustee to repossess and dispose of the Collateral upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Indenture is likely to be significantly impaired by applicable bankruptcy law if a bankruptcy case were to be commenced by or against us prior to the Trustee having repossessed and disposed of, or otherwise exercised remedies in respect of, the Collateral. Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, a secured creditor is prohibited from repossessing its security from a debtor in a bankruptcy case, or from disposing of a security repossessed from such debtor, without bankruptcy court approval. Moreover, the U.S. Bankruptcy Code permits the debtor to continue to retain and to use collateral even though the debtor is in default under the applicable debt instrument, provided that the secured creditor is given “adequate protection.” The meaning of the term “adequate protection” may vary according to circumstances, but it is intended in general to protect the value of the secured creditor’s interest in the collateral and may include cash payments or the granting of additional security, if and at such times as the court in its discretion determines that the value of the secured creditor’s interest in the collateral is declining during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. In view of the lack of a precise definition of the term “adequate protection” and the broad discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court, it is impossible to predict (1) how long payments under the notes could be delayed following the commencement of a bankruptcy case, (2) whether or when the Trustee could repossess or dispose of the Collateral and (3) whether or to what extent holders of the notes would be compensated for any delay in payment or loss of value of the Collateral through the requirement of “adequate protection.”

In the event a bankruptcy court determines the value of the Collateral is not sufficient to repay all amounts due on the notes and any other obligations secured by the Collateral then the holders of the notes and such other obligations would hold secured claims to the extent of the value of the Collateral securing such claims, and would hold unsecured claims with respect to any shortfall. Applicable federal bankruptcy laws may not permit the payment and/or accrual of post-petition interest (including make-whole premiums), costs and attorneys’ fees during a debtor’s bankruptcy case. In addition, if we were to become the subject of a bankruptcy case, the bankruptcy trustee or debtor may seek to avoid certain pre-petition transfers made by us, including transfers held to be preferences or fraudulent conveyances. While transfers to secured creditors are generally not preferential, transfers to undersecured creditors may be subject to avoidance.

Any future pledges of Collateral may be avoidable.

Any further pledge of Collateral in favor of the Trustee may be avoidable by the pledgor (as debtor in possession) or by its trustee in bankruptcy or other third parties if certain events or circumstances exist or occur, such that the pledge or granting of the security interest is deemed a fraudulent conveyance or preference.

The Trustee’s ability to exercise remedies with respect to Collateral is limited.

The Deed of Trust provides the Trustee on behalf of the holders of obligations secured by the Deed of Trust with significant remedies, including foreclosures and sale of all or parts of the Collateral. However, the rights of the Trustee to exercise significant remedies (such as foreclosure) are, subject to certain exceptions, generally limited to a payment default, bankruptcy of us or the acceleration of the indebtedness.

Proceeds from any sale of the Collateral upon foreclosure may be insufficient to repay the notes in full.

We cannot assure you that the net proceeds from a sale of the Collateral securing the notes would be sufficient to repay all of the notes following a foreclosure upon the Collateral or a liquidation of our assets.

 

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The value of the Collateral and the amount to be received upon a sale of the Collateral will depend upon many factors including, among others, the condition of the Collateral, the ability to sell the Collateral in an orderly sale, the condition of the national and local economies, the availability of buyers and similar factors. The book value of the Collateral should not be relied on as a measure of realizable value for these assets. By their nature, portions of the Collateral may be illiquid and may have no readily ascertainable market value. In addition, a significant portion of the Collateral includes assets that may only be usable, and thus retain value, as part of our existing business operations. Accordingly, any sale of the Collateral separate from the sale of our business operations may not be feasible or of significant value.

Additionally, applicable law requires that every aspect of any foreclosure or other disposition of Collateral be “commercially reasonable.” If a court were to determine that any aspect of the Trustee’s exercise of remedies was not commercially reasonable, the ability of the Trustee and the holders of the notes to recover the difference between the amount realized through such exercise of remedies and the amount owed on the notes may be adversely affected and, in the worst case, the holders of the notes could lose all claims for such deficiency amount.

There can be no assurance that our expected use of proceeds from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes to finance eligible projects under our sustainable bond framework will be suitable for the investment criteria of a holder.

The outstanding 2025 notes were issued pursuant to our sustainable bond framework. We received approximately $443 million in proceeds (net of the initial purchasers’ discount, fees and expenses) from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes. We intend to use those proceeds to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, eligible projects consisting of investments in or expenditures with minority- and women-owned business suppliers beginning September 28, 2020 (the issuance date of the outstanding 2025 notes) or in the 24 months prior to September 28, 2020, pursuant to our sustainable bond framework. We expect to allocate/disburse all net proceeds from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes to eligible projects within a three year period after September 28, 2020. However, we cannot provide any assurances that any of those eligible projects will be capable of being implemented in or substantially in such manner and/or in accordance with any timing schedule, or that such eligible projects will be completed within any specified period or at all or with the results or outcome as we originally expected or anticipated. We have significant flexibility in allocating/disbursing the net proceeds from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes, and there can be no assurance that those proceeds will be totally or partially disbursed for any such eligible projects. Neither the terms of the outstanding 2025 notes, the 2025 exchange notes nor the Indenture require us to use the proceeds as anticipated, and any failure by us to comply with the anticipated use of proceeds will not constitute a breach of or an event of default under the outstanding 2025 notes, the 2025 exchange notes or the Indenture.

The eligible projects to which we allocate/disburse the net proceeds from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes have complex direct or indirect social impacts. Any information we provide regarding these impacts will be estimates determined by our management based on the information available at the time, which are inherently imprecise and should not be taken as fact. Additionally, any project may become controversial or criticized by stakeholders. Any of these factors, the failure by us to allocate/disburse the net proceeds from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes to one or more eligible projects, the failure of those investments or financings to satisfy investor expectations or requirements or the withdrawal of any opinion or certification of a third party or any attestation relating to our compliance in whole or in part with any matters subject to such opinion or certification could materially and adversely impact the market price of the 2025 exchange notes.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, including the attached consolidated financial statements, and other presentations made by us contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that are included in this prospectus, including the incorporated documents, as well as statements made in presentations, in response to questions or otherwise, that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate to occur in the future, including such matters as projections, capital allocation, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, future acquisitions or dispositions, development or operation of facilities, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “intends,” “plans,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “should,” “projection,” “target,” “goal,” “objective” and “outlook”), are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that in making any such forward-looking statement our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such forward-looking statement involves uncertainties and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the discussion of risk factors under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and the discussions under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this prospectus and the following important factors, among others, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements:

 

   

legislation, governmental policies and orders, and regulatory actions, including those of the U.S. Congress, the President of the U.S., the Texas Legislature, the Governor of Texas, the FERC, the PUCT, ERCOT, the NERC, the Texas RE, the U.S. Department of Energy, the EPA, and the TCEQ, and including with respect to:

 

   

allowed rate of return;

 

   

permitted capital structure;

 

   

industry, market and rate structure;

 

   

recovery of investments;

 

   

acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities;

 

   

operation and construction of assets and facilities;

 

   

changes in tax laws and policies, including the impact of the TCJA and the CARES Act; and

 

   

changes in and compliance with environmental, sourcing/supply chain, reliability and safety laws and policies;

 

   

legal and administrative proceedings and settlements, including the exercise of equitable powers by courts;

 

   

weather conditions and other natural phenomena;

 

   

health epidemics and pandemics, including the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Oncor’s business and the economy in general;

 

   

acts of sabotage, wars or terrorist or cyber security threats or activities;

 

   

economic conditions, including the impact of a recessionary environment;

 

   

unanticipated population growth or decline, or changes in market demand and demographic patterns, particularly in the ERCOT region;

 

   

ERCOT grid needs;

 

   

changes in business strategy, development plans or vendor relationships;

 

   

unanticipated changes in interest rates or rates of inflation;

 

   

unanticipated changes in operating expenses, liquidity needs and capital expenditures;

 

   

inability of various counterparties to meet their financial obligations to us, including failure of counterparties to perform under agreements;

 

   

general industry trends;

 

   

hazards customary to the industry and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses resulting from such hazards;

 

   

changes in technology used by and services offered by us;

 

   

significant changes in our relationship with our employees, including the availability of qualified personnel, and the potential adverse effects if labor disputes or grievances were to occur;

 

   

changes in assumptions used to estimate costs of providing employee benefits, including pension and OPEB, and future funding requirements related thereto;

 

   

significant changes in critical accounting policies material to us;

 

   

commercial bank and financial market conditions, access to capital, the cost of such capital, and the results of financing and refinancing efforts, including availability of funds in the capital markets and the potential impact of disruptions in U.S. credit markets;

 

   

circumstances which may contribute to future impairment of goodwill, intangible or other long-lived assets;

 

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financial and other restrictions under our debt agreements;

 

   

our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to make interest payments on our debt instruments;

 

   

actions by credit rating agencies;

 

   

our ability to effectively execute our operational strategy; and

 

   

the risk that any potential cost savings and any other potential synergies from the InfraREIT Acquisition may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only at the date on which it is made, and, except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them; nor can we assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. As such, you should not unduly rely on such forward-looking statements.

 

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INDUSTRY AND MARKET INFORMATION

The industry and market data and other statistical information used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications, government publications, reports by market research firms or other published independent sources, including certain data published by ERCOT, the independent system operator and the regional coordinator of the various electricity systems within Texas. We did not commission any of these publications or reports. Some data is also based on our good faith estimates, which are derived from our review of internal surveys, as well as the independent sources listed above. Independent industry publications and surveys generally state that they have obtained information from sources believed to be reliable, but do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, we have not independently verified such data and we make no representation as to the accuracy of such information. Forecasts are particularly likely to be inaccurate, especially over long periods of time, and we do not know what assumptions regarding general economic growth are used in preparing the forecasts included in this prospectus. Similarly, while we believe that our internal and external research is reliable, it has not been verified by any independent sources and we make no assurances that the predictions contained therein are accurate.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offers. In consideration for issuing the exchange notes as contemplated in this prospectus, we will receive in exchange a like principal amount of outstanding notes, the terms of which are identical in all material respects to the exchange notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to observe certain obligations in the applicable registration rights agreement. The outstanding notes surrendered in exchange for the exchange notes will be retired and cancelled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any change in our capitalization.

 

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CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION AND SHORT-TERM DEBT OF ONCOR AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following table summarizes our consolidated capitalization and short-term debt as of December 31, 2020. This table should be read in conjunction with the information included under the headings “Use of Proceeds,” “Selected Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and related notes included herein.

 

     At December 31, 2020  
     Amount      Percent  
     (millions of dollars, except
percentages)
 

Capitalization:

     

Long-term debt, less amounts due currently (a)

   $ 9,229        43.6

Membership interests

     11,932        56.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 21,161        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term debt:

     

Short-term debt (b)

   $ 70     

Long-term debt due currently

     —       
  

 

 

    

Total short-term debt

   $ 70     
  

 

 

    

 

(a)

As of December 31, 2020, the amount is reduced by $98 million of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs related to our outstanding long-term debt securities, as of that date.

(b)

Excludes $9 million in outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility.

 

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     At December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
     (millions of dollars, except ratios)  

Total assets

   $ 29,172     $ 27,036     $ 22,752     $ 22,120     $ 20,811  

Property, plant & equipment — net

     21,225       19,370       16,090       14,879       13,829  

Goodwill

     4,740       4,740       4,064       4,064       4,064  

Capitalization:

          

Long-term debt, less amounts due currently (a)

   $ 9,229     $ 8,017     $ 5,835     $ 5,567     $ 5,515  

Membership interests

     11,932       10,799       8,460       7,903       7,711  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 21,161     $ 18,816     $ 14,295     $ 13,470     $ 13,226  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capitalization ratios (b):

          

Long-term debt, less amounts due currently

     43.6     42.6     40.8     41.3     41.7

Membership interests

     56.4     57.4     59.2     58.7     58.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

As of December 31, 2020, the amount is reduced by $98 million of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs related to our outstanding long-term debt securities, as of that date.

(b)

For purposes of reporting to the PUCT, the regulatory capitalization ratio at December 31, 2020 was 52.8% debt to 47.2% equity. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Member Contributions and Distributions” and Note 8 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information regarding regulatory capitalization ratios.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
     (millions of dollars, except ratios)  

Operating revenues

   $ 4,511     $ 4,347     $ 4,101     $ 3,958     $ 3,920  

Net income

   $ 713     $ 651     $ 545     $ 419     $ 431  

Capital expenditures

   $ 2,540     $ 2,097     $ 1,767     $ 1,631     $ 1,352  

Embedded interest cost on long-term debt — end of period (a)

     4.6     4.8     5.1     5.5     5.6

 

(a)

Represents the annual interest and amortization of any discounts, premiums, issuance costs, gains/losses on reacquisitions and the effects of interest rate hedges divided by the carrying value of the debt plus or minus the unamortized balance of any discounts, premiums, issuance costs, gains/losses on reacquisitions and the effects of interest rate hedges at the end of the year.

In May 2019, Oncor acquired its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary NTU through the InfraREIT Acquisition, and as a result, financial data for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 include NTU’s results. For more information on the InfraREIT Acquisition, see “Our Business and Properties – 2019 InfraREIT Acquisition.”

 

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Quarterly Information (unaudited)

Results of operations by quarter for each of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized below. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of such amounts have been made. Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s operations because of seasonal and other factors. Dollar amounts below are in millions.

 

2020

   First Quarter      Second Quarter      Third Quarter      Fourth Quarter  

Operating revenues

   $ 1,072      $ 1,090      $ 1,232      $ 1,117  

Operating income

     242        285        362        250  

Net income

     131        176        258        148  

2019

   First Quarter      Second Quarter      Third Quarter      Fourth Quarter  

Operating revenues

   $ 1,016      $ 1,041      $ 1,211      $ 1,079  

Operating income

     216        253        369        236  

Net income

     116        139        263        133  

 

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OUR BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

Overview of Oncor

We are a regulated electricity transmission and distribution company that provides the essential service of delivering electricity safely, reliably and economically to end-use consumers through our electrical systems, as well as providing transmission grid connections to merchant generation facilities and interconnections to other transmission grids in Texas. We are a direct, majority-owned subsidiary of Oncor Holdings, which is indirectly and wholly owned by Sempra. Oncor Holdings owns 80.25% of our outstanding membership interests and Texas Transmission owns 19.75% of our outstanding membership interests. We are a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, formed in 2007 as the successor entity to Oncor Electric Delivery Company, a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Texas in 2001.

We operate the largest transmission and distribution system in Texas, delivering electricity to more than 3.7 million homes and businesses and operating more than 139,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines at December 31, 2020. We provide:

 

   

transmission services to our electricity distribution business as well as electricity distribution companies, cooperatives and municipalities, and

 

   

distribution services to REPs that sell electricity to retail customers.

Our transmission and distribution rates are regulated by the PUCT and certain cities, and in certain instances, by the FERC. We are not a seller of electricity, nor do we purchase electricity for resale. The company is managed as an integrated business; consequently, there is only one reportable segment.

Our transmission and distribution assets are located principally in the north-central, eastern, western and panhandle regions of Texas, in over 120 counties and more than 400 incorporated municipalities. We deliver electricity across a distribution service territory that has a population in excess of 10 million, including Dallas/Fort Worth and the surrounding suburbs, as well as Waco, Wichita Falls, Odessa, Midland, Tyler, Temple, Killeen and Round Rock, among others.

Ring-Fencing Measures

Since 2007, various ring-fencing measures have been taken to enhance our credit quality and the separateness between the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities and entities with ownership interests in Oncor or Oncor Holdings. These ring-fencing measures serve to mitigate the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities’ credit exposure to owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings, and to reduce the risk that the assets and liabilities of Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities would be substantively consolidated with the assets and liabilities of any direct or indirect owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings in connection with a bankruptcy of any such entities. These measures include the November 2008 sale of 19.75% of Oncor’s equity interests to Texas Transmission.

In March 2018, Sempra indirectly acquired Oncor Holdings pursuant to the Sempra Acquisition. The Sempra Order issued by the PUCT approving the Sempra Acquisition outlines certain ring-fencing measures, governance mechanisms and restrictions that apply after the Sempra Acquisition. As a result of these ring-fencing measures, Sempra does not control Oncor, and the ring-fencing measures limit Sempra’s ability to direct the management, policies and operations of Oncor, including the deployment or disposition of Oncor’s assets, declarations of dividends, strategic planning and other important corporate issues and actions.

None of the assets of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are available to satisfy the debt or obligations of any Sempra entity or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. The assets and liabilities of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are separate and distinct from those of any Sempra entities and any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. We do not bear any liability for debt or contractual obligations of Sempra and its affiliates or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and vice versa. Accordingly, our operations are conducted, and our cash flows are managed, independently from Sempra and its affiliates and any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings.

Oncor is a limited liability company governed by a board of directors, not its members. The Sempra Order and our Limited Liability Company Agreement require that the board of directors of Oncor consist of thirteen members, constituted as follows:

 

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seven Disinterested Directors, who (i) shall be independent directors in all material respects under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange in relation to Sempra or its subsidiaries and affiliated entities and any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and (ii) shall have no material relationship with Sempra or its subsidiaries or affiliated entities or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, currently or within the previous ten years;

 

   

two members designated by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings);

 

   

two members designated by Texas Transmission; and

 

   

two current or former officers of Oncor (the Oncor Officer Directors), currently Robert S. Shapard and E. Allen Nye, Jr., who are our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive, respectively.

In order for a current or former officer of Oncor to be eligible to serve as an Oncor Officer Director, the officer cannot have worked for Sempra or any of its affiliates (excluding Oncor Holdings and Oncor) or any other entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings in the ten-year period prior to the officer being employed by Oncor. Oncor Holdings, at the direction of STIH, has the right to nominate and/or seek the removal of the Oncor Officer Directors, subject to approval by a majority of the Oncor board of directors. STIH is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of, and controlled by, Sempra following the Sempra Acquisition.

In addition, the Sempra Order provides that Oncor’s board of directors cannot be overruled by the board of directors of Sempra or any of its subsidiaries on dividend policy, the issuance of dividends or other distributions (except for contractual tax payments), debt issuance, capital expenditures, operation and maintenance expenditures, management and service fees, and appointment or removal of board members, provided that certain actions may also require the additional approval of the Oncor Holdings board of directors. The Sempra Order also provides that any changes to the size, composition, structure or rights of the board must first be approved by the PUCT. In addition, if Sempra acquires Texas Transmission’s interest in Oncor, the two board positions on Oncor’s board of directors that Texas Transmission is entitled to appoint will be eliminated and the size of Oncor’s board of directors will be reduced by two.

Additional regulatory commitments, governance mechanisms and restrictions provided in the Sempra Order and our Limited Liability Company Agreement to ring-fence Oncor from its owners include, among others:

 

   

A majority of the Disinterested Directors of Oncor and the directors designated by Texas Transmission that are present and voting (of which at least one must be present and voting) must approve any annual or multi-year budget if the aggregate amount of capital expenditures or operating and maintenance expenditures in such budget is more than a 10% increase or decrease from the corresponding amounts of such expenditures in the budget for the preceding fiscal year or multi-year period, as applicable;

 

   

Oncor may not pay any dividends or make any other distributions (except for contractual tax payments) if a majority of its Disinterested Directors or either of the two directors appointed by Texas Transmission determines that it is in the best interests of Oncor to retain such amounts to meet expected future requirements;

 

   

At all times, Oncor will remain in compliance with the debt-to-equity ratio established by the PUCT from time to time for ratemaking purposes, and Oncor will not pay dividends or other distributions (except for contractual tax payments), if that payment would cause its debt-to-equity ratio to exceed the debt-to-equity ratio approved by the PUCT;

 

   

If the credit rating on Oncor’s senior secured debt by any of the three major rating agencies falls below BBB (or the equivalent), Oncor will suspend dividends and other distributions (except for contractual tax payments), unless otherwise allowed by the PUCT;

 

   

Without the prior approval of the PUCT, neither Sempra nor any of its affiliates (excluding Oncor) will incur, guaranty or pledge assets in respect of any indebtedness that is dependent on the revenues of Oncor in more than a proportionate degree than the other revenues of Sempra or on the membership interests of Oncor, and there will be no debt at STH or STIH at any time following the closing of the Sempra Acquisition;

 

   

Neither Oncor nor Oncor Holdings will lend money to, borrow money from or share credit facilities with Sempra or any of its affiliates (other than Oncor subsidiaries), or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings;

 

   

There must be maintained certain “separateness measures” that reinforce the legal and financial separation of Oncor from its owners, including a requirement that dealings between Oncor, Oncor Holdings and their subsidiaries with Sempra, any of Sempra’s other affiliates or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, must be on an arm’s-length basis, limitations on affiliate transactions, separate recordkeeping requirements and a prohibition on Sempra or its affiliates or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings pledging Oncor assets or membership interests for any entity other than Oncor; and

 

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Sempra will continue to hold indirectly at least 51% of the ownership interests in Oncor and Oncor Holdings for at least five years following the closing of the Sempra Acquisition, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the PUCT.

Oncor’s Market (ERCOT statistics below were derived from information published by ERCOT)

We operate within the ERCOT market. This market represents approximately 90% of the electricity consumption in Texas. ERCOT is the regional reliability coordinating organization for member electricity systems in Texas and the Independent System Operator (ISO) of the interconnected transmission grid for those systems. ERCOT is subject to oversight by the PUCT and the Texas Legislature. ERCOT is responsible for ensuring reliability, adequacy and security of the electric systems, as well as nondiscriminatory access to transmission service by all wholesale market participants in the ERCOT region. ERCOT’s membership consists of corporate and associate members, including electric cooperatives, municipal power agencies, independent generators, independent power marketers, transmission service providers, distribution services providers, independent REPs and consumers.

In 2020, ERCOT’s hourly demand peaked at 73,821 MW as compared to the peak hourly demand of 74,820 MW in 2019. The ERCOT market has limited interconnections to other markets in the U.S. and Mexico, which currently limits potential imports into and exports out of the ERCOT market to 1,106 MW of generation capacity (or approximately 1.5% of peak demand). In addition, wholesale transactions within the ERCOT market are generally not subject to regulation by the FERC.

The ERCOT market operates under reliability standards set by NERC. The PUCT has primary jurisdiction over the ERCOT market to ensure the adequacy and reliability of power supply across Texas’ main interconnected transmission grid. We, along with other owners of transmission and distribution facilities in Texas, assist the ERCOT ISO in its operations. We have planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance responsibility for the portion of the transmission grid and for the load-serving substations we own, primarily within our certificated distribution service area. We participate with the ERCOT ISO and other ERCOT utilities in obtaining regulatory approvals and planning, designing, constructing and upgrading transmission lines in order to remove existing constraints and interconnect generation on the ERCOT transmission grid. The transmission line projects are necessary to meet reliability needs, support energy production and increase bulk power transfer capability.

Oncor’s Strategies

We focus on delivering electricity in a safe and reliable manner, minimizing service interruptions, and investing in our transmission and distribution infrastructure to maintain our system, serve our growing customer base with a modernized grid, and support energy production.

We believe that building and leveraging upon opportunities to scale our operating advantage and technology programs enables us to create value by eliminating duplicative costs, efficiently managing supply costs, and building and standardizing distinctive process expertise over a larger grid. Scale also allows us to take part in large capital investments in our transmission and distribution system, with a smaller fraction of overall capital at risk and with an enhanced ability to streamline costs. Our organic growth strategies are to invest in technology upgrades and to construct transmission and distribution facilities to meet the needs of our customers, the state of Texas, and the ERCOT market. We regularly evaluate opportunities to make selective strategic acquisitions involving regulated assets. We and other transmission and distribution businesses in ERCOT benefit from regulatory capital recovery mechanisms known as “capital trackers” that we believe enable adequate and more timely recovery of transmission and distribution investments through our regulated rates.

Oncor’s Operations

Performance Indicators We achieved or exceeded market performance protocols in 12 out of 14 PUCT market metrics in 2020. These metrics measure the success of transmission and distribution companies in facilitating customer transactions in the competitive Texas electricity market.

Investing in Infrastructure and Technology — In 2020, we invested approximately $2.5 billion in our network to upgrade the transmission system and associated facilities, to extend the distribution infrastructure and to pursue certain initiatives in infrastructure, including investment to support system expansion, system maintenance, technology and innovation.

 

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Electricity Transmission — Our electricity transmission business is responsible for the safe and reliable operations of our transmission network and substations. These responsibilities consist of the construction and maintenance of transmission facilities and substations and the monitoring, controlling and dispatching of high-voltage electricity over our transmission facilities in coordination with ERCOT.

We are a member of ERCOT, and our transmission business actively assists the operations of ERCOT and market participants. Through our transmission business, we participate with ERCOT and other member utilities to plan, design, construct and operate new transmission lines, with regulatory approval, necessary to maintain reliability, interconnect to merchant generation facilities, increase bulk power transfer capability and minimize limitations and constraints on the ERCOT transmission grid.

Transmission revenues are provided under tariffs approved by either the PUCT or, to a small degree related to limited interconnections to other markets, the FERC. Network transmission revenues compensate us for delivery of electricity over transmission facilities operating at 60kV and above. Other services we offer through our transmission business include system impact studies, facilities studies, transformation service and maintenance of transformer equipment, substations and transmission lines owned by other parties.

PURA allows us to update our transmission rates periodically on an interim basis to reflect changes in invested capital. This “capital tracker” provision encourages investment in the transmission system to help ensure reliability and efficiency by allowing for timely recovery of and return on new transmission investments.

At December 31, 2020, our transmission system included:

 

   

18,127 miles of transmission lines:

 

   

7,441 circuit miles of 345kV transmission lines, and

 

   

10,686 circuit miles of 138kV and 69kV transmission lines,

 

   

service to 115 generation facilities totaling 41,986 MW directly connected to our transmission system; and

 

   

service to 336 transmission stations and 806 distribution substations from our transmission system.

At December 31, 2020, our transmission facilities had the following connections to other transmission grids in Texas:

 

     Number of Interconnected Lines  

Grid Connections

   345kV      138kV      69kV  

Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

     9        122        30  

Rayburn Country Electric Cooperative, Inc.

     1        48        5  

Lower Colorado River Authority

     9        29        2  

Texas New Mexico Power

     4        20        14  

Tex-La Electric Cooperative of Texas, Inc.

     1        13        1  

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (a)

     4        8        13  

Texas Municipal Power Agency

     7        6        —    

Lone Star Transmission

     12        —          —    

CenterPoint Energy Inc.

     6        —          —    

Other small systems operating wholly within Texas

     15        15        5  

 

(a)

One of the 345kV lines is an asynchronous high-voltage direct current connection with the Southwest Power Pool.

Electricity Distribution — Our electricity distribution business is responsible for the overall safe and efficient operation of distribution facilities, including electricity delivery, power quality and system reliability. These responsibilities consist of the ownership, management, construction, maintenance and operation of the distribution system within our certificated service area. Our distribution system receives electricity from the transmission system through substations and distributes electricity to end-users and wholesale customers through 3,660 distribution feeders.

At December 31, 2020, our distribution system included:

 

   

121,129 miles of distribution lines:

 

   

89,953 miles of overhead lines, and

 

   

31,176 miles of underground lines,

 

   

3.762 million points of delivery,

 

   

77,000 approximate number of points of delivery added in 2020, and

 

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2.22% average growth per year over the past five years in the number of distribution system points of delivery we serve, excluding lighting sites.

Distribution revenues from residential and small business users are based on actual monthly consumption (kWh), and, depending on size and annual load factor, revenues from large commercial and industrial users are based either on actual monthly demand (kilowatts) or the greater of actual monthly demand (kilowatts) or 80% of peak monthly demand during the prior eleven months.

The PUCT allows utilities to file DCRF applications, under certain circumstances, once per year to recover distribution-related investments on an interim basis.

Properties Most of our power lines have been constructed over lands of others pursuant to easements or along public highways, streets and rights-of-way as permitted by law. In addition to power lines and related assets in our transmission and distribution system, we also own or lease land, offices, facilities, equipment, and vehicles to operate our business. Certain of our transmission and distribution assets are subject to a first priority lien pursuant to our Deed of Trust. See Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements for more information on our Deed of Trust.

CustomersOur transmission customers consist of municipalities, electric cooperatives and other distribution companies. Our distribution customers consist of REPs (approximately 95 REPs at December 31, 2020) and certain electric cooperatives in our certificated service area. Revenues from REP subsidiaries of our two largest customers collectively represented 25% and 18% of our total operating revenues for the year ended at December 31, 2020. No other customer represented more than 10% of our total operating revenues. The consumers of the electricity we deliver are free to choose their electricity supplier from REPs who compete for their business.

CompetitionOncor operates in certificated areas designated by the PUCT. The majority of Oncor’s service territory is single certificated, with Oncor as the only certificated transmission and distribution provider. However, in multi-certificated areas of Texas, Oncor competes with certain utilities and rural electric cooperatives for the right to serve end-use customers.

Seasonality Our revenues and results of operations are subject to seasonality, weather conditions and other electricity usage drivers, with distribution revenues being highest in the summer.

Regulation and RatesAs our operations are wholly within Texas, we believe we are not a public utility as defined in the Federal Power Act and, as a result, we are not subject to general regulation under this act. However, we are subject to reliability standards adopted and enforced by the Texas RE and the NERC (including critical infrastructure protection) under the Federal Power Act. See “Risk Factors – We are subject to mandatory service quality and reliability standards. Efforts to comply with those standards could subject us to higher operating costs and/or increased capital expenditures, and non-compliance with applicable standards could subject us to penalties that could have a material effect on our business.”

The PUCT has original jurisdiction over wholesale transmission rates and services and retail rates and services in unincorporated areas and in those municipalities that have ceded original jurisdiction to the PUCT and has exclusive appellate jurisdiction to review the retail rate and service orders and ordinances of municipalities. Generally, PURA prohibits the collection of any rates or charges by a public utility (as defined by PURA) that does not have the prior approval of the appropriate regulatory authority (i.e., the PUCT or the municipality with original jurisdiction).

At the state level, PURA requires utility owners or operators of transmission facilities to provide open-access wholesale transmission services to third parties at rates and terms that are nondiscriminatory and comparable to the rates and terms of the utility’s own use of its system. The PUCT has adopted rules implementing the state open-access requirements for all utilities that are subject to the PUCT’s jurisdiction over transmission services, including us.

As a regulated utility, our business is subject to extensive governmental regulations and compliance obligations, which could greatly impact our business. See “Risk Factors – Our business is subject to ongoing complex governmental regulations and legislation that have impacted, and will continue in the future to impact, our business and/or results of operations” andWe are subject to mandatory service quality and reliability standards. Efforts to comply with those standards could subject us to higher operating costs and/or increased capital expenditures, and non-compliance with applicable standards could subject us to penalties that could have a material effect on our business.” as well as “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and Notes 2 and 7 to Annual Financial Statements for a discussion of certain regulatory matters and commitments and the material effects of compliance with regulations on our business.

 

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Environmental Regulations and Related Considerations The TCEQ and the EPA have jurisdiction over water discharges (including storm water) from facilities in Texas. We believe our facilities are presently in material compliance with applicable state and federal requirements relating to discharge of pollutants into the water. We believe we hold all required waste water discharge permits from the TCEQ for facilities in operation and have applied for or obtained necessary permits for facilities under construction. We also believe we can satisfy the requirements necessary to obtain any required permits or renewals. There are also federal rules pertaining to Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans for oil-filled electrical equipment and bulk storage facilities for oil that affect certain of our facilities. We have implemented SPCC plans as required for those substations, work centers and distribution systems, and believe we are currently in material compliance with these rules.

Treatment, storage and disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste are regulated at the state level under the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act and at the federal level under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act. The EPA has issued regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 and the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the TCEQ has issued regulations under the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act applicable to our facilities. We are in material compliance with applicable solid and hazardous waste regulations.

Our capital expenditures for environmental matters totaled $35 million in 2020 and are expected to total approximately $45 million in 2021.

2019 InfraREIT Acquisition; Lubbock Joint Project with LP&L

In May 2019, we completed the InfraREIT Acquisition, which involved our acquisition of InfraREIT and InfraREIT Partners pursuant to the InfraREIT Merger Agreement and the exchange of assets between SU and SDTS pursuant to the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange. As a result of the acquisition, we acquired our wholly-owned subsidiary NTU (formerly SDTS, a subsidiary of InfraREIT), a regulated utility that provides electricity transmission delivery service in the north-central, western and panhandle regions of Texas.

The total purchase price (including cash consideration and transaction costs incurred by InfraREIT and paid by Oncor) paid by us in connection with the acquisition totaled approximately $1.324 billion (including approximately $1.275 billion representing the cash consideration, a $40 million management termination fee InfraREIT agreed to pay Hunt Consolidated, Inc. at closing and certain other transaction costs incurred by InfraREIT and its subsidiaries and paid by us on their behalf). We funded the purchase price and certain of our transaction expenses with an aggregate principal amount of $1.330 billion in capital contributions received from Sempra and certain indirect equity holders of Texas Transmission as well as proceeds received through the issuance of CP Notes. In connection with the InfraREIT Acquisition, we also extinguished all of InfraREIT’s outstanding debt (which was owed by certain of InfraREIT’s subsidiaries) totaling an aggregate principal amount of approximately $953 million. We repaid $602 million principal amount of InfraREIT’s outstanding debt using proceeds from borrowings under a short-term unsecured term loan credit agreement that we entered into in May 2019, which was subsequently repaid, and the issuance of CP Notes. We also exchanged $351 million of InfraREIT’s outstanding debt for senior secured notes issued by us.

The SDTS-SU Asset Exchange occurred immediately prior to our acquisition of InfraREIT and InfraREIT Partners. As a result of the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange, (i) SDTS assumed certain real property and other assets owned by SU in the central, north and west and panhandle regions of Texas, and (ii) SU assumed certain real property and other assets owned by SDTS in the vicinity of the Texas-Mexico border.

The InfraREIT Acquisition expanded Oncor’s existing footprint in Texas by adding various electricity transmission and distribution assets and projects in the north, central, west and panhandle regions of Texas. Among those projects is an approximately $400 million joint project with LP&L, with costs to ultimately be split by Oncor and LP&L, that involves the build out of transmission lines and associated station work to join the City of Lubbock to the ERCOT market. Oncor is completing the construction, with LP&L reimbursing Oncor for its portion of the construction costs. Once construction is complete, the resulting transmission assets will be split between LP&L and Oncor. For more information on the joint project with LP&L, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Significant Activities and Events – Lubbock Joint Project with LP&L” and Note 3 to Annual Financial Statements.

In addition, in connection with the InfraREIT Acquisition and as a condition to closing of the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange, Sempra acquired an indirect 50% ownership interest in Sharyland Holdings, L.P. the parent of Sharyland.

 

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EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings and 2018 Sempra Acquisition

In April 2014, EFH Corp. (at the time the indirect owner of 80.03% of Oncor’s outstanding equity) and the substantial majority of its direct and indirect subsidiaries at the time commenced proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities were not parties to the EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings. In March 2018, pursuant to the Sempra Acquisition, EFH Corp. merged with an indirect subsidiary of Sempra, with EFH Corp. (renamed STH) continuing as the surviving company and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra. Sempra paid cash consideration of approximately $9.45 billion to acquire the indirect 80.03% outstanding membership interest in Oncor held by Oncor Holdings and other EFH Corp. assets and liabilities unrelated to Oncor. In addition, in a separate transaction, Oncor Holdings acquired 0.22% of the outstanding membership interests in Oncor for $26 million in cash, or $18.60 per membership interest, from Investment LLC. As a result, after the Sempra Acquisition, Oncor Holdings owns 80.25% of our outstanding membership interests and Texas Transmission owns 19.75% of our outstanding membership interests.

The Sempra Acquisition was consummated after obtaining the approval of the bankruptcy court in the EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings, the Federal Communications Commission, and the PUCT. The Sempra Order issued by the PUCT and our Limited Liability Company Agreement outline certain ring-fencing measures, governance mechanisms and restrictions that apply after the Sempra Acquisition. As a result of these ring-fencing measures, Sempra does not control Oncor, and the ring-fencing measures limit Sempra’s ability to direct the management, policies and operations of Oncor. For more information on the ring-fencing measures applicable after the Sempra Acquisition, see “Ring-Fencing Measures” above.

The Sempra Order also contains certain operational and financial commitments, including that Oncor will make minimum capital expenditures equal to at least $7.5 billion over the period from January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2022 (subject to certain adjustments). Our capital expenditures from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 totaled $6.4 billion and we project spending $2.4 billion for 2021 and at least $2.4 billion for 2022. For a discussion of our projected capital expenditures for the five year period 2021 through 2025, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Available Liquidity and Liquidity Needs, Including Capital Expenditures.”

Human Capital Management At December 31, 2020, we had 4,396 employees, including 767 employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement that expires in October 2022. Over 99% of our employees are employed on a full-time basis. In addition, at December 31, 2020, we had 53 interns serving in full-time and part-time internships.

We strive to create a workplace culture that emphasizes the following key areas:

 

   

SafetySafety is a key priority of the company and our human capital management strategy. Employees are regularly educated and trained on safety issues and receive regular safety communications, particularly in field locations. We regularly track our safety performance and benchmark it against industry peers, and achievement of significant safety milestones are recognized and celebrated. In addition, a safety performance metric is included in our annual and long-term incentive programs.

 

   

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We are committed to creating and maintaining a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion and have instituted various initiatives to promote this effort. For example, our diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, “Together We Deliver”, works to continue to support and implement innovative programs across the company that demonstrate the importance of diversity, equity, inclusivity and togetherness. Our Together We Deliver council chapters are based out of offices and service centers across our service territory and help empower all employees to work together to achieve sustainable growth and longevity. In 2020, we also established an officer level steering committee for diversity, equity, and inclusion and hired a Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to further our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

 

   

Collaboration Our company-wide “One Oncor” initiative emphasizes cross functional collaboration and a team mentality.

 

   

Ethical Conduct Ethical conduct is a core value of the company, and every employee is required to complete an annual code of conduct training. We also maintain an ethics and compliance hotline monitored by an independent, third party service, where employees may anonymously report any suspected unethical behavior or policy violations.

 

   

Innovation We have instituted a continuous improvement framework that enables and encourages employees to identify and execute improvement opportunities to our services, business processes and systems. All employees are also required to complete continuous improvement training.

 

   

Healthy Lifestyles and Community Involvement We have established various health and wellness initiatives to encourage employees to adopt healthy living habits. In addition, the company promotes various community initiatives and non-profit partnerships and also encourages employee volunteerism and participation in community events.

 

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Attracting, retaining, and developing high quality talent is key to our human capital management strategy. We employ a multi-faceted recruiting strategy to recruit a diverse, high quality talent pool, including leveraging several higher education and high school partnerships established across our service territory and helping higher education and technical institutions develop linemen schools and courses. We also believe market-competitive compensation and benefits packages are necessary to attract and retain talent and strive to provide competitive packages that include performance-based compensation that rewards both organizational achievement as well as individual efforts. We also maintain leadership and workforce training and development programs to ensure employees’ continued professional growth. We also offer a tuition reimbursement to reimburse certain amounts related to eligible higher education degrees or certification programs.

In addition, our board of directors annually reviews our talent management strategy, including talent development plans and our talent pipeline. Our executive officers also conduct regular ongoing succession planning with respect to other members of management.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal and administrative proceedings in the normal course of business the ultimate resolution of which, in the opinion of management, should not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Notes 2 and 7 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information concerning our legal and regulatory proceedings.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 should be read in conjunction with Selected Financial Data and the Annual Financial Statements.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes a discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 in Item 7 of Part II, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

All dollar amounts in the tables in the following discussion and analysis are stated in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

BUSINESS

We are a regulated electricity transmission and distribution company principally engaged in providing delivery services in the north-central, eastern, western and panhandle regions of Texas to REPs that sell power to retail customers. We provide transmission services to our electricity distribution business as well as electricity distribution companies, cooperatives and municipalities. We are a majority-owned subsidiary of Oncor Holdings, which is indirectly and wholly owned by Sempra. Oncor Holdings owns 80.25% of our outstanding membership interests and Texas Transmission owns 19.75% of our outstanding membership interests. We are managed as an integrated business; consequently, there is only one reportable segment.

Our consolidated financial statements includes the results of our wholly owned indirect subsidiary, NTU, which we acquired as part of the InfraREIT Acquisition that closed on May 16, 2019. NTU is a regulated utility that primarily provides electricity transmission delivery service in the north-central, western and panhandle regions of Texas.

Ring-Fencing Measures

Various ring-fencing measures have been taken to enhance our credit quality and the separateness between the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities, Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities), and any other entities with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings. These measures serve to mitigate the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities’ credit exposure to Sempra and its affiliates and any other direct or indirect owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings, and to reduce the risk that the assets and liabilities of Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities would be substantively consolidated with the assets and liabilities of any Sempra entity or any other direct or indirect owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings in connection with a bankruptcy of any such entities. Such measures include, among other things: the 19.75% equity interest held by Texas Transmission; maintenance of separate books and records for the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities; and our board of directors being comprised of a majority of Disinterested Directors. As a result, none of the assets of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are available to satisfy the debt or obligations of any Sempra entity or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. The assets and liabilities of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are separate and distinct from those of any Sempra entities and any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. We do not bear any liability for debt or contractual obligations of Sempra and its affiliates or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and vice versa. Accordingly, our operations are conducted, and our cash flows are managed, independently from Sempra and its affiliates and any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. For more information on the ring-fencing measures, see “Our Business and Properties – Ring-Fencing Measures.”

Significant Activities and Events

February 2021 Winter Weather Event — On February 12, 2021, the Governor of Texas declared a state of disaster for all counties in the state in response to extreme winter weather. From February 15 through February 17, 2021, ERCOT required transmission companies, including us, to significantly reduce demand on the grid as electricity generation was insufficient to meet demand caused by the extreme winter weather. A significant number of homes and businesses in our service territory and throughout ERCOT experienced power outages over that period, including over one million homes and businesses in our service territory, some for extended periods of time. As a result of the load shedding events and state-wide power outages, various legislative, regulatory, and legal proceedings have been initiated or could be initiated in the future. The winter weather events have also resulted in various financial challenges in the ERCOT market, and the PUCT has taken a number of actions to address such challenges, including issuing a moratorium on customer disconnections for failure to pay. PUCT rules allow for the recovery of uncollectible amounts due from REPs (but not network transmission customers) through rates. To the extent we fail to receive a significant amount of electricity delivery charges owed to us, it could have a

 

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material and adverse effect on our cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations. While the PUCT has indicated that it expects the moratorium on disconnections to be temporary, the extent to which the moratorium and other events related to the February 2021 winter weather event will impact our results will ultimately depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including the duration of the moratorium and any other legislative, regulatory, or legal actions related to the February 2021 winter weather event. See “—Regulation and Rates — February 2021 Winter Weather Event Legislative, Regulatory and Legal Matters” below for further discussion of legislative, regulatory, and legal proceedings related to the February 2021 winter weather event.

COVID-19 Pandemic — In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the President of the United States declared a national state of emergency, and the Governor of Texas issued a disaster proclamation for all counties in the state. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the global economy, communities, and supply chains around the world. As a critical infrastructure provider of electricity transmission and distribution services, our operations have continued throughout the pandemic. We have implemented our pandemic response plan and taken various precautionary and preemptive actions under that plan to protect our workforce and critical operations, including requiring employees to work remotely where possible, restricting non-essential business travel, implementing increased sanitation measures and temperature screenings at Oncor facilities, and actively monitoring our supply chain and key vendors and suppliers.

To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Usage from commercial and industrial customers decreased modestly for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to year ended December 31, 2019, which we believe is largely due to the effects of the pandemic. We expect this trend to continue in the near term. For the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to year ended December 31, 2019, overall residential usage declined modestly, which was primarily attributable to weather. However, we believe the decline in residential usage was less than it otherwise would have been due to increases in the number of residential customers staying at home during the pandemic. The revenue from the increased residential usage that we believe is attributable to the pandemic has offset the revenue decline from the commercial and industrial usage decrease for the year ended December 31, 2020. However, we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, residential usage due to the effects of the pandemic would continue to offset any commercial and industrial decreased usage in the future. For a discussion of the factors contributing to overall distribution base revenues, see “Results of Operations—Financial Results – Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019.”

While the pandemic-related impacts on usage have not materially adversely affected us to date, we cannot predict whether, or to what extent they will affect us in the future, particularly if circumstances related to the pandemic worsen or continue for an extended period of time. We also face other risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the pandemic will have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations in the future. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic does impact our results will ultimately depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including the duration of the pandemic and governmental actions to address the pandemic.

In March 2020, the PUCT took action to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residential customers in the areas of Texas open to electricity customer choice, creating the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program (COVID-19 ERP) to aid certain residential customers unable to pay their electricity bills. Customer enrollment in the COVID-19 ERP closed on September 30, 2020, and financial assistance under the program was available to enrolled residential customers for electricity bills issued on or after March 26, 2020 through September 30, 2020. In connection with the COVID-19 ERP, the PUCT suspended service disconnections due to nonpayment for customers enrolled in the program through September 30, 2020. At expiration of the program, approximately 2.2% of residential premises in our service territory were enrolled in the program.

To fund the program, the PUCT provided for a surcharge to be collected by transmission and distribution utilities through rates and directed ERCOT to provide loans to those transmission and distribution utilities for the initial funding of the COVID-19 ERP. As a result, in April 2020 we filed a tariff rider implementing the surcharge and received an unsecured loan from ERCOT in the principal amount of $7 million, which was repaid in December 2020. At December 31, 2020, we had billed $32 million under the rider surcharge. Reimbursements paid by us pursuant to the COVID-19 ERP totaled $38 million through December 31, 2020 (including $18 million of reimbursements to Oncor for electricity delivery charges). As of February 9, 2021, we had billed amounts under the tariff surcharge approximately equal to the reimbursements paid by us pursuant to the COVID-19 ERP and ceased billing the tariff rider surcharge.

REPs were permitted to resume residential customer service disconnections beginning October 1, 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact customers and the economy in our service territory, customer inability to pay their electric bills could potentially impact the ability of REPs to pay electricity delivery charges owed to us. A significant amount of uncollectible amounts due from REPs could have an adverse effect on our cash flows. However, we believe that PUCT rules that allow for the recovery of uncollectible amounts due from REPs through rates significantly reduces the risk of a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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The PUCT also authorized the transmission and distribution utilities to use a regulatory asset accounting mechanism and a subsequent process to seek future recovery of expenses resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we are recording incremental costs incurred by Oncor resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs relating to the implementation of our pandemic response plan, as a regulatory asset. At December 31, 2020, we recorded $21 million with respect to this regulatory asset. We expect COVID-19 pandemic related costs, including costs related to our pandemic response plan, to continue throughout the pandemic, and depending on the duration of the pandemic, total expenditures could be material. For more information on recovery of regulatory assets and liabilities, see Note 1 to Annual Financial Statements.

Rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs. The regulatory assets we have established with respect to COVID-19 pandemic costs that we have incurred and may continue to incur are subject to PUCT review for reasonableness and possible disallowance in our next base rate review, which is required to be filed on or before October 1, 2021. Any failure to recover such costs could have an adverse effect on our cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations. For more information on the COVID-19 ERP and PUCT matters relating to the COVID-19 pandemic that impact Oncor, see Note 2 to Annual Financial Statements.

Debt-Related Activities — In January 2020, we entered into a $450 million term loan credit agreement (January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement), and drew under the agreement in each of January, February and March in an aggregate principal amount of $450 million. In March 2020, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% Senior Secured Notes due May 15, 2030 (2030 Notes) and $400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.70% Senior Secured Notes due May 15, 2050 (2050 Notes). In March 2020, we also entered into a $350 million term loan credit agreement (March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement), and drew under the agreement in each of June and July in an aggregate principal amount of $110 million. In September 2020, we issued (i) $300 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2052 notes in exchange for a like aggregate principal amount of notes consisting of all of our then outstanding 7.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 30, 2029 and 6.47% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 30, 2030, and certain of our then outstanding 7.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2032, 7.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2033, and 5.30% Senior Secured Notes due 2042, and (ii) $450 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2025 notes.

Repayments of long-term debt consisted of (i) $145 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, including quarterly principal payments required with respect to certain amortizing notes that were issued under a note purchase agreement, (ii) $110 million principal amount borrowed under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, (iii) $450 million principal amount borrowed under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, and (iv) $460 million principal amount borrowed under a term loan credit agreement entered into in September 2019 (2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement). The $460 million principal amount repaid under the 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement, the $450 million principal amount repaid under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement and the $110 million principal amount repaid under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement constituted all amounts outstanding under those respective agreements, and as a result of those repayments, the 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement, January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement and March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement are no longer in effect. See “– Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Long-Term Debt Activity” below and Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements for further discussion of long-term debt-related activity in the year ended December 31, 2020.

Lubbock Joint Project with LP&L — Oncor is currently involved in an estimated $400 million joint project with LP&L, with costs to ultimately be split by Oncor and LP&L, that involves the build out of transmission lines and associated station work to join the City of Lubbock to the ERCOT market. Oncor is completing the construction, with LP&L reimbursing Oncor for its portion of the construction costs. Once construction is complete, which is expected to be in mid-2021, the resulting transmission assets will be split between LP&L and Oncor. Oncor’s expenditures as of December 31, 2020 with respect to the project (minus amounts subject to reimbursement by LP&L) totaled $137 million. To support its funding of reimbursements to Oncor, LP&L is required to maintain an escrow account with minimum monthly balances. The balance of the escrow account at December 31, 2020 was $30 million. Each of Oncor and LP&L is expected to make total expenditures of approximately $53 million and $76 million, respectively, in 2021, to finish the project. This joint project consists of approximately 175 miles of transmission lines in the Lubbock and surrounding Texas panhandle areas. For more information on the joint project with LP&L, see Note 3 to Annual Financial Statements.

Matters with the PUCT — See discussion below under “Regulation and Rates”.

 

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KEY RISKS AND CHALLENGES RELATING TO FUTURE EARNINGS AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our past earnings and results of operations are not necessarily indicative of our future earnings and results of operations. The magnitude of our future earnings and results of our operations will depend on or be affected by numerous factors including certain key risks and challenges facing management discussed below. For additional information concerning risks related to our business, see “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

Regulation, Rates and Cost Recovery

Our business is subject to complex governmental regulations and legislation, which has materially impacted our business in the past and could materially impact our business in the future. In addition, public perception regarding us, our industry and our business priorities could influence regulations and legislation. Our rates are regulated by the PUCT and certain cities and are subject to regulatory rate-setting processes and annual earnings oversight. This regulatory treatment does not provide any assurance as to achievement of earnings levels. Our rates are regulated based on an analysis of our costs and capital structure, as reviewed and approved in a regulatory proceeding. While rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, there can be no assurance that the PUCT will judge all of our costs to have been prudently incurred, including costs included in a regulatory asset reported on the balance sheet, or that the PUCT will not reduce the amount of invested capital included in the capital structure that our rates are based upon. There is also no assurance that the historical test year regulatory process in which rates are determined will always result in rates that will produce full recovery of our actual costs and the return on invested capital allowed by the PUCT.

In addition, we are subject to mandatory service quality and reliability standards by regulators. Efforts to comply with those standards could subject us to higher operating costs and/or increased capital expenditures, and non-compliance with applicable standards could subject us to penalties that could have a material effect on our business and reputation.

See “Regulation and Rates” below for further information on legislative and regulatory matters.

Capital Availability and Cost

Our access to capital markets and cost of debt could be directly affected by our credit ratings and financial market conditions. Any adverse action with respect to our credit ratings could generally cause borrowing costs to increase and the potential pool of investors and funding sources to decrease. Our credit ratings are currently higher than those of Sempra. If credit rating agencies were to change their views of our independence from Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities), our credit ratings could decline. We believe this risk is substantially mitigated by the ring-fencing measures as described in Note 1 to Annual Financial Statements. See “Risk Factors—Adverse actions with respect to our credit ratings could negatively affect our ability to access capital”, and “In the future, we could have liquidity needs that could be difficult to satisfy under some circumstances, especially in uncertain financial market conditions.”

Technology Risks

Technology risks include the risk of interrupted and/or degraded business operations due to the loss of key technology platforms. Risks to our key technology platforms include nonperformance by equipment and service providers, failure of the technology to meet performance expectations and inadequate cost recovery allowances by regulatory authorities. We continue to implement measures to mitigate these risks, including business continuity and disaster recovery plans, but there can be no assurance that these measures will achieve the operational and financial objectives.

Cyber Security and Infrastructure Protection Risk

A breach of our cyber/data or physical security measures that impairs our information technology infrastructure or transmission and distribution infrastructure could disrupt normal business operations, affect our ability to control our transmission and distribution system, expose us to material regulatory claims and limit communication with third parties. Any loss of confidential or proprietary data through a cyber/data breach, including a breach involving one of our third-party vendors, could also materially affect our reputation, expose the company to legal claims and fines or impair our ability to execute on business strategies. If third parties in our supply chain experience cyber attacks, the services they provide us could be disrupted. This disruption could interfere with our ability to perform our obligations to others, which could negatively affect our financial condition and reputation. In addition, the theft, damage, or improper disclosure of sensitive data held by these third parties may subject us to further harm. We participate in industry groups and with regulators to remain current on emerging threats and mitigating techniques. While we have not experienced any security breach with a significant operational, reputational or financial impact, we recognize the growing threat within our industry and are proactively taking steps to continuously improve our technology, security measures, processes and services to detect, mitigate and protect our assets, both physical and cyber.

 

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Significant Storms and Other Emergency Events

Significant storms and other emergency events that cause extensive damage on our system or affect electric capacity in the ERCOT market could result in unexpected challenges, including negative public perception, disruptions in our ability to provide transmission and distribution services, regulatory and legislative actions, and increased maintenance or capital expenditures. For example, see “– Regulation and Rates – February 2021 Winter Weather Event Legislative, Regulatory and Legal Matters” for a discussion of the February 2021 winter storm. Storm recovery costs are generally recorded as a regulatory asset and our ability to recover those regulatory assets in rates are subject to PUCT review and approval. Similarly, emergency events that broadly effect our service territory also could pose challenges and have an impact on the business. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, has had a significant global impact, and while we have not been materially adversely impacted to date we cannot predict whether, or to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic will affect us in the future, particularly if circumstances related to the pandemic worsen or continue for an extended period of time. See “Risk Factors — “Our business could be adversely affected by health epidemics and pandemics, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to Annual Financial Statements. We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP governing rate-regulated operations. Application of these accounting policies in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reporting of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and revenues and expenses during the periods covered. The following is a summary of certain critical accounting policies that are impacted by judgments and uncertainties and under which different amounts might be reported using different assumptions or estimation methodologies.

Accounting for the Effects of Income Taxes

Our tax sharing agreement with Oncor Holdings, STH (as successor to EFH Corp.) and Texas Transmission provides for the calculation of amounts related to income taxes for each of Oncor Holdings and Oncor substantially as if these entities were taxed as corporations and requires payments to the members determined on that basis (without duplication for any income taxes paid by a subsidiary of Oncor Holdings).

We are a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, while partnerships are not subject to income taxes, in consideration of the presentation of our financial statements as an entity subject to cost-based regulatory rate-setting processes with such costs historically including income taxes and the tax sharing agreement, the financial statements present amounts determined under the tax sharing agreement as “provision in lieu of income taxes” and “liability in lieu of deferred income taxes.” Such amounts are determined in accordance with the provisions of the accounting guidance for income taxes and accounting standards that provide interpretive guidance for accounting for uncertain tax positions and thus differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities are accounted for as if we were a stand-alone corporation. In the event such amounts are not paid under the tax sharing agreement, it is probable that this regulatory liability will continue to be included in Oncor’s rate setting processes.

Our expense amounts related to income taxes and related balance sheet amounts are recorded pursuant to our tax sharing agreement, as discussed above. Recording of such amounts involves significant management estimates and judgments, including judgments and estimates of the timing and probability of recognition of income and deductions by taxing authorities. In assessing the likelihood of realization of assets related to income taxes, management considers estimates of the amount and character of future taxable income. Actual amounts related to income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, our forecasted financial condition and results of operations in future periods, as well as final review of filed tax returns by taxing authorities. Our income tax returns, as well as the STH Texas margin tax returns in which we are consolidated, are regularly subject to examination by applicable tax authorities. In management’s opinion, any liability recorded pursuant to income tax accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions reflects future amounts that may be owed as a result of any examination.

Amounts payable to and receivable from members related to income taxes on our balance sheet reflect our tax provision net of quarterly estimated tax payments required by the tax sharing agreement that are trued up the following year when the annual tax return is filed.

See Notes 1 and 4 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

We are subject to rate regulation and our financial statements reflect regulatory assets and liabilities in accordance with GAAP related to the effect of certain types of regulation. Regulatory assets and liabilities represent probable future revenues that will be recovered from or refunded to customers through the ratemaking process based on PURA and/or the PUCT’s orders, precedents or substantive rules. Rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital subject to PUCT review for reasonableness. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the rate earned on invested capital and the timing and amount of the recovery of assets and other costs through rates. See Note 2 to Annual Financial Statements for more information regarding regulatory assets and liabilities.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite lives) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

We also evaluate goodwill for impairment annually on October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. The determination of the existence of these and other indications of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows.

For our annual goodwill impairment testing, we have the option to first make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that our enterprise fair value is less than our enterprise carrying amount before applying the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we elect to perform the qualitative assessment, we evaluate relevant events and circumstances, including but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and the overall financial performance. If, after assessing these qualitative factors, we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that our enterprise fair value is less than our enterprise carrying amount, then we perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determine that goodwill is impaired, we record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of carrying amount over fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

In each of 2020, 2019 and 2018, we concluded, based on a qualitative assessment, that our estimated enterprise fair value was more likely than not greater than our carrying value. As a result, no additional testing for impairment was required and no impairments were recognized.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and OPEB Plans

We offer certain pension, health care and life insurance benefits to eligible employees (and certain eligible former employees of EFH Corp. and Vistra whose service was partially assigned to Oncor in connection with the deregulation and disaggregation of EFH Corp.’s electric utility business in 2002) and their eligible dependents upon the retirement of such employees as we discuss in Note 9 to Annual Financial Statements. We are authorized to establish a regulatory asset or liability for the difference between the amounts of pension and OPEB costs reflected in our PUCT-approved billing rates and the actual amounts that would otherwise have been recorded as charges or credits to earnings related to recoverable service. Accordingly, we recognize (principally as a regulatory asset or property) additional pension and OPEB costs consistent with PURA. Amounts deferred are ultimately subject to regulatory approval.

Benefit costs are impacted by actual and actuarial estimates of employee demographics (including but not limited to age, compensation levels and years of accredited service), future health care costs, the level of contributions made to retiree plans, expected and actual earnings on plan assets and the discount rates used in determining the projected benefit obligation. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed and updated annually based on current economic conditions and trends. Changes made to the provisions of the plans may also impact current and future benefit costs. Fluctuations in actual equity market returns as well as changes in general interest rates may result in increased or decreased benefit costs in future periods.

In accordance with accounting rules, changes in benefit obligations associated with factors discussed above may be immediately recognized as a regulatory asset if related to recoverable service or in other comprehensive income and reclassified as a current cost in future years. As such, significant portions of benefit costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants.

See Note 9 to Annual Financial Statements regarding other disclosures related to pension and OPEB plans obligations.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Operating Data

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  

Operating statistics:

        

Electric energy volumes (gigawatt-hours):

        

Residential

     44,628        45,340        46,007  

Commercial, industrial, small business and other

     86,529        88,038        84,049  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total electric energy volumes

     131,157        133,378        130,056  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Reliability statistics (a):

        

System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) (nonstorm)

     79.4        84.1        90.2  

System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) (nonstorm)

     1.3        1.3        1.3  

Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI) (nonstorm)

     63.5        67.2        69.2  

Electricity points of delivery (end of period and in thousands):

        

Electricity distribution points of delivery (based on number of active meters)

     3,762        3,685        3,621  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  

Operating revenues:

        

Revenues contributing to earnings:

        

Distribution base revenues

   $ 2,156      $ 2,143      $ 2,139  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Transmission base revenues (TCOS revenues)

        

Billed to third-party wholesale customers

     803        681        548  

Billed to REPs serving Oncor distribution customers, through TCRF

     446        391        310  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total transmission base revenues

     1,249        1,072        858  

Other miscellaneous revenues

     87        77        71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues contributing to earnings

     3,492        3,292        3,068  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues collected for pass-through expenses:

        

TCRF - third-party wholesale transmission service

     975        1,005        962  

EECRF

     44        50        71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues collected for pass-through expenses

     1,019        1,055        1,033  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   $ 4,511      $ 4,347      $ 4,101  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

SAIDI is the average number of minutes electric service is interrupted per consumer in a year. SAIFI is the average number of electric service interruptions per consumer in a year. CAIDI is the average duration in minutes per electric service interruption in a year.

 

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Financial Results — Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019

Total operating revenues increased $164 million, or 4%, to $4,511 million in 2020.

Revenues contributing to earnings increased $200 million during 2020. The change reflected the following components:

 

   

An Increase in Distribution Base Revenues — Distribution base rates are set periodically in a rate review docket initiated by either us or the PUCT. The PUCT allows utilities to file, under certain circumstances, once per year to recover distribution investments and certain other related costs on an interim basis. Distribution base rate revenues increased $13 million during 2020. The increase in distribution base rate revenues primarily reflects:

 

   

$39 million increase due to the effects of the DCRF rate increases,

 

   

$24 million increase due to growth in points of delivery, and

 

   

$9 million increase due to the InfraREIT Acquisition, partially offset by

 

   

$59 million decrease due to lower consumption attributable primarily to weather.

See the DCRF Filings Table below for a listing of annual filings impacting revenues for 2020 and 2019, as well as filings and the anticipated impact to revenues for the year ending December 31, 2021.

DCRF Filings Table

 

Docket No.

   Filed    Effective    Annual Revenue Impact  

51996 (a)

   April 2021    September 2021    $  98  

50734

   April 2020    September 2020    $ 70  

49427

   April 2019    September 2019    $ 25  

48231

   April 2018    September 2018    $ 15  

 

(a)

Pending PUCT approval.

 

   

An Increase in Transmission Base Revenues — TCOS revenues are collected from load serving entities benefitting from our transmission system. REPs serving customers in our service territory are billed through the TCRF mechanism discussed below, while other load serving entities are billed directly. In order to reflect changes in our invested transmission capital, PUCT rules allow us to update our TCOS rates by filing up to two interim TCOS rate adjustments in a calendar year. Transmission base revenues (or TCOS revenues) increased $177 million during 2020. The increase in TCOS revenues for 2020 compared to 2019 primarily reflects a:

 

   

$90 million increase due to effects of TCOS updates, and

 

   

$87 million increase due to the InfraREIT Acquisition.

See the TCOS Filings Table below for a listing of transmission interim rate update applications and anticipated impacts on revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, as well as filings and the anticipated impact to revenues for the year ending December 31, 2021.

TCOS Filings Table

 

Docket No.

   Filed    Effective    Annual
Revenue
Impact
     Third-Party
Wholesale
Transmission
     Included in
TCRF
 

51767 (a)

   January 2021    March 2021    $  83      $  54      $  29  

51115

   July 2020    September 2020    $ 43      $ 28      $ 15  

50490

   January 2020    March 2020    $ 32      $ 21      $ 11  

49793

   July 2019    September 2019    $ 33      $ 21      $ 12  

49160

   January 2019    April 2019    $ 19      $ 12      $ 7  

48559

   July 2018    October 2018    $ 21      $ 13      $ 8  

 

(a)

Pending PUCT approval.

 

   

An Increase in Other Miscellaneous Revenues — Other miscellaneous revenues increased $10 million primarily due to $5 million higher other service revenues and a $5 million higher energy efficiency program bonus.

 

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Revenues collected for pass-through expenses decreased $36 million during 2020. The net change reflected the following components:

 

   

A Decrease in TCRF – third-party wholesale transmission service (TCRF Third-Party) — TCRF revenues decreased $30 million during 2020 due to reductions in third-party wholesale transmission service provider billings. TCRF is a reconcilable distribution rate charged to REPs to recover fees we pay to third-party transmission service providers under their TCOS rates and the retail portion of our own TCOS rate described above. Changes in our TCRF Third-Party revenue are to pass through an increase in third-party wholesale transmission service expense. At December 31, 2020, $52 million was deferred as over-recovered wholesale transmission service expense (see Note 2 to Annual Financial Statements). PUCT rules require us to update the TCRF component of our retail delivery rates on March 1 and September 1 each year.

See the TCRF Filings Table below for a listing of TCRF filings impacting cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, as well as filings and the anticipated impacts to cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021.

TCRF Filings Table

 

Docket No.

   Filed    Effective    Billing Impact for
Period Effective
Increase (Decrease)
 

51560

   November 2020    March 2021 - August 2021    $  (87

50883

   May 2020    September 2020 - February 2021    $ 81  

50300

   December 2019    March 2020 - August 2020    $  (72

49593

   May 2019    September 2019 - February 2020    $  192  

48930

   November 2018    March 2019 - August 2019    $  (121

48408

   May 2018    September 2018 - February 2019    $  110  

 

   

A Decrease in EECRF — EECRF revenues decreased by $6 million during 2020. The $6 million decrease in EECRF revenues is offset in operation and maintenance expense. The EECRF is a reconcilable rate designed to recover current energy efficiency program costs and performance bonuses earned by exceeding PUCT targets in prior years and to refund or recover any over/under recovery of our costs in prior years. We recognize the performance bonuses in other miscellaneous revenues upon approval by the PUCT. PUCT rules require us to file an annual EECRF tariff update by the first business day in June of each year for implementation on March 1 of the next calendar year.

See the EECRF Filings Table below for a listing of EECRF filings impacting revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, as well as filings that will impact revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021.

EECRF Filings Table

 

Docket No.

   Filed      Effective      Monthly Charge
per Residential
Customer (a)
     Program
Costs
     Performance
Bonus
     Under-/
(Over)-
Recovery
 

50886

     May 2020        March 2021      $  1.03      $  53      $  14      $ (2

49594

     May 2019        March 2020      $ 0.89      $ 50      $ 9      $ (3

48421

     June 2018        March 2019      $ 0.91      $ 50      $ 7      $  —    

47235

     June 2017        March 2018      $ 0.92      $ 50      $ 12      $ (6

 

(a)

Monthly charges are for a residential customer using an assumed 1,200 kWh.

Wholesale transmission service expense decreased $30 million to $975 million in 2020 due to lower billings from third-party transmission entities. Wholesale transmission service expense is a reconcilable expense that is offset with TCRF Third-Party revenues as discussed above.

Operation and maintenance expense increased $26 million to $925 million in 2020. The increase includes $39 million in higher labor and contractor related costs, partially offset by $6 million lower energy efficiency program costs and $6 million lower materials and transportation costs.

 

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Depreciation and amortization increased $63 million to $786 million in 2020. The increase is attributable to ongoing investments in property, plant and equipment including the InfraREIT Acquisition.

Provision in lieu of income taxes totaled $136 million (including a $12 million benefit related to nonoperating income) in 2020 compared to $123 million (including a $15 million benefit related to nonoperating income) in 2019.

The effective income tax rate was 16.0% and 15.9% for the 2020 and 2019 periods, respectively. The effective tax rate on pretax income differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the amortization of the regulatory liability for excess deferred taxes as a result of the TCJA, partially offset by the effects of the Texas margin tax.

Taxes other than amounts related to income taxes increased $30 million primarily due to a $32 million increase in property taxes attributable to ongoing investments in property, plant and equipment including the InfraREIT Acquisition.

Other deduction and (income) - net was $30 million favorable in 2020 compared to 2019. The variance is primarily due to $19 million of AFUDC equity income in the current period and $9 million of acquisition costs reflected in the prior period. See Note 12 to Annual Financial Statements for more information.

Interest expense and related charges increased $30 million to $405 million in 2020. The current period includes a $47 million increase due to higher average borrowings, partially offset by a $16 million decrease due to lower average interest rates.

Net income was $62 million higher than the prior period, driven by increases in revenues contributing to earnings (net of unfavorable weather) primarily due to increases in base transmission and distribution rates, customer growth, earnings from NTU operations, which we acquired in the InfraREIT Acquisition, and favorable changes in other income and deductions, partially offset by increases in expense attributable primarily to ongoing investments (depreciation and amortization, property taxes and interest expense) and operation and maintenance expense. NTU’s net earnings increased approximately $50 million primarily due to the timing of the acquisition in May 2019.

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

In February and March 2020, we entered into interest rate hedge transactions hedging the variability of benchmark bond rates used to determine the interest rates on anticipated issuances of ten-year and thirty-year senior secured notes. The hedges were terminated in March 2020 upon the issuance of the 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes, and a $29 million ($23 million after-tax) loss was reported in other comprehensive income. We expect approximately $4 million of the amount reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2020 related to interest rate hedges to be reclassified into net income as an increase to interest expense within the next 12 months, including $2 million from the current year transactions.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows — Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $1.525 billion and $1.275 billion in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $250 million net increase is primarily the result of a $205 million increase in transmission and distribution receipts, a $152 million decrease in network transmission service net payments, a $120 million decrease in storm costs and a $27 million decrease in interest payments related to short-term borrowings, partially offset by a $93 million increase in employee benefit plan funding, a $65 million increase in interest payments related to long-term debt, a $41 million increase in property tax payments, a net $30 million increase in federal income tax payments and $27 million net payments related to our COVID-19 pandemic response plan and the COVID-19 ERP.

Cash provided by financing activities totaled $1.048 billion and $2.104 billion in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $1.056 billion net decrease is primarily due to debt refinancing activity in connection with the InfraREIT Acquisition in May 2019 (see Note 13 to Annual Financial Statements for more information), partially offset by debt management activities to support our capital expenditure program. For more information, see Notes 5 and 6 to the Annual Financial Statements regarding short-term borrowings and long-term debt activity, respectively, and Note 8 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information regarding capital contributions from and cash distributions to our members.

Cash used in investing activities totaled $2.550 billion and $3.378 billion in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $828 million net decrease is primarily due to the InfraREIT Acquisition in May 2019 (see Note 13 to Annual Financial Statements for more information), partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures for transmission and distribution facilities to serve new customers and infrastructure capital maintenance spending in the current period.

Depreciation and amortization expense reported in the statements of consolidated cash flows was $80 million and $83 million more than the amounts reported in the statements of consolidated income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The differences result from certain regulatory asset amortization reported in operation and maintenance expense and taxes other than income taxes.

Long-Term Debt Activity in 2020

Sales of Senior Secured Notes — In March 2020, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2030 Notes and $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2050 Notes. We used the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of short-term and long-term debt. In September 2020, we issued $450 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2025 notes. We intend to use the proceeds (net of the initial purchasers’ discount, fees and expenses) of approximately $443 million from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, eligible projects consisting of investments in or expenditures with minority- and women-owned business suppliers pursuant to our sustainable bond framework. The net proceeds were temporarily applied to repay CP Notes under the CP Program. For more information on these issuances, see Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements.

Senior Secured Notes Exchange — In September 2020, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2052 notes in exchange for a like aggregate principal amount of notes consisting of all of our then outstanding 7.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 30, 2029 (Series B Notes) and 6.47% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 30, 2030 (Series A Notes), and certain of our then outstanding 7.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2032, 7.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2033, and 5.30% Senior Secured Notes due 2042. We received no proceeds from the exchange. For more information on the exchange, see Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements.

Long-Term Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreements — In January 2020, we executed the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, a $450 million term loan credit agreement that had a maturity date of June 1, 2021. We borrowed the full $450 million available under the agreement, through borrowings of $163 million on January 29, 2020, $55 million on February 28, 2020 and $232 million on March 17, 2020. The proceeds from each borrowing were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of notes outstanding under our CP Program. Loans under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 0.50%. On December 23, 2020, we repaid the entire $450 million principal amount borrowed under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, and as a result the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement is no longer in effect.

In March 2020, we executed the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement with a commitment equal to an aggregate principal amount of $350 million. We entered into an amendment to the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement in June

 

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2020. As amended, the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement had a maturity date of June 30, 2021 and bore interest at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 0.95%. We borrowed an aggregate of $110 million through borrowings in June and July. The proceeds from each borrowing were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of notes outstanding under our CP Program. On September 28, 2020, we repaid the entire $110 million principal amount borrowed under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, and as a result the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement is no longer in effect.

Long-Term Debt Repayments — Repayments of long-term debt during 2020 included repayment of $14 million principal amount of our 8.50% Senior Notes, Series C, due December 30, 2020 (Series C Notes), $126 million principal amount of our 5.75% Senior Notes due September 30, 2020, $110 million principal amount borrowed under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, $450 million principal amount borrowed under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, $460 million principal amount borrowed under the 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement and $5 million principal amount of the quarterly amortizing debt for our Series A Notes, Series B Notes, and Series C Notes. The Series A Notes, Series B Notes, and Series C Notes were issued pursuant to a note purchase agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019. As a result of the September 2020 senior secured notes exchange, in which all of the outstanding Series A Notes and Series B Notes were exchanged for a like principal amount of the outstanding 2052 notes, and the December 30, 2020 repayment of the Series C Notes upon maturity, no notes remain outstanding under the May 3, 2019 note purchase agreement.

See Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements for more information regarding the new long-term debt issuances and long-term debt repayments.

Our ability to incur additional long-term debt is limited by our authorized regulatory capital structure of 57.5% debt to 42.5% equity, as we are able to issue future long-term debt only to the extent that such issuance would not cause us to exceed the authorized regulatory debt-to-equity ratio. For more information on our regulatory capital structure, see “Capitalization” below.

Short-Term Debt Activity in 2020

CP Program — As discussed in Note 5 to Annual Financial Statements, we established the CP Program in March 2018, under which we may issue unsecured CP Notes on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $2.0 billion. A national bank acts as the issuing and paying agent under the CP Program pursuant to the terms of an issuing and paying agent agreement. Under the CP Program, we issue CP Notes from time to time, and the proceeds of the CP Notes are used for short-term financing of our business operations. We had $70 million and $46 million of CP Notes outstanding under the CP Program at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The CP Program obtains liquidity support from our Credit Facility discussed below. We may utilize either the CP Program or the Credit Facility at our option for funding. See Note 5 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information regarding the CP Program.

Credit Facility — At December 31, 2020, we had a $2.0 billion unsecured Credit Facility to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, issuance of letters of credit and to support our CP Program. In November 2020, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility that extended its maturity date for one year to November 2023. We also have the option of requesting up to two one-year extensions and an option to request an increase in our borrowing capacity of $400 million, in increments of not less than $100 million, provided certain conditions are met, including lender approvals. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as short-term on our balance sheets. At December 31, 2020, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility.

Because the CP Program is supported by the Credit Facility, CP Notes outstanding reduce the available borrowing capacity. Considering the CP Notes outstanding and the limitations described below, available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility totaled $1.921 billion and $1.944 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Credit Facility contains customary covenants for facilities of this type, restricting, subject to certain exceptions, us and our subsidiaries from, among other things: incurring certain additional liens (not including liens relating to obligations secured pursuant to our Deed of Trust, which are permitted); entering into mergers and consolidations; sales of substantial assets and acquisitions and investments in subsidiaries. The Credit Facility also contains a senior debt-to-capitalization ratio covenant that effectively limits our ability to incur indebtedness in the future. At December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with this covenant and all other covenants in the Credit Facility. See “Credit Rating Provisions and Material Debt Covenants” below for additional information on this covenant and the calculation of this ratio.

 

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Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the commitments of the lenders to make loans to us are several and not joint. Accordingly, if any lender fails to make loans to us, our available liquidity could be reduced by an amount up to the aggregate amount of such lender’s commitments under the facility. See Note 5 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Credit Facility.

Debt Activity in 2021

January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement — On January 29, 2021, we entered into the $300 million January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement that matures on February 28, 2022. The January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement provides that we can borrow the full amount in up to three borrowings by March 15, 2021. On January 29, 2021, we borrowed $160 million under the January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement and on February 26, 2021, we borrowed $140 million. Following the February 26, 2021 borrowing, no additional amounts are available for borrowing under the January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement. The proceeds from the borrowings were used for general corporate purposes. Loans under the January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at our option, (i) LIBOR plus 0.675%, or (ii) an alternate base rate (the highest of (1) the prime rate of U.S. Bank, the lender under the agreement, (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and (3) daily one-month LIBOR plus 1%).

March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement — On March 17, 2021, we entered into the $450 million March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement that matures on May 17, 2022. The March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement provides that we can borrow the full amount in up to three borrowings by June 4, 2021. On March 31, 2021, we made our first borrowing under the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement, in the amount of $170 million, which was used for general corporate purposes. Loans under the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at our option, (i) LIBOR plus 0.65%, or (ii) an alternate base rate (the highest of (1) the prime rate of U.S. Bank, the lender under the agreement, (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%, and (3) daily one-month LIBOR plus 1%).

The January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement and the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement contain customary covenants for facilities of this type, restricting, subject to certain exceptions, us and our subsidiaries from, among other things: incurring certain additional liens (not including liens relating to obligations secured pursuant to our Deed of Trust, which are permitted); entering into mergers and consolidations; sales of substantial assets and acquisitions and investments in subsidiaries. The January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement and the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement also contain a senior debt-to-capitalization ratio covenant that effectively limits our ability to incur indebtedness in the future. See “—Credit Rating Provisions and Material Debt Covenants — Material Debt Credit Rating, Financial, and Cross-Default Covenants” below for additional information on this covenant and the calculation of this ratio.

Available Liquidity and Liquidity Needs, Including Capital Expenditures

Capital Expenditures — Our board of directors, which annually approves capital expenditure estimates for the following year, has approved capital expenditures totaling $2.4 billion for 2021. Management currently expects to recommend to our board of directors capital expenditures of $2.4 billion to $2.5 billion for each of the years 2022 through 2025, for a total of $12.2 billion for the five year period 2021 through 2025, based on the long-term plan presented to our board of directors. These capital expenditures are expected to be used for investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure, including investments to support system expansion, system maintenance, and technology and innovation.

Our 2021 capital expenditures also include our estimated $53 million share of expenditures relating to completion of the joint project with LP&L. For more information on the joint project with LP&L, see Note 3 to Annual Financial Statements.

In connection with the PUCT approval of the Sempra Acquisition, we committed to making a minimum of $7.5 billion in capital expenditures over the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022. We expect to exceed that minimum spend. Our capital expenditures from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 totaled $6.4 billion and we project spending of $2.4 billion for 2021 and at least $2.4 billion for 2022.

Available Liquidity — Our primary source of liquidity, aside from operating cash flows, has been our ability to borrow under our Credit Facility, which also supports our CP Program. Because the CP Program is supported by the Credit Facility, CP Notes outstanding is a reduction to the available borrowing capacity. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $27 million and $4 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Considering CP Notes and letters of credit outstanding, available liquidity (cash and available Credit Facility borrowing capacity) at December 31, 2020 totaled $1.948 billion, no change from December 31, 2019.

 

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We expect cash flows from operations combined with long-term debt issuances and term loan credit agreements as well as availability under the CP Program and Credit Facility to provide sufficient liquidity to fund current obligations, projected working capital requirements, maturities of long-term debt and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. Should additional liquidity or capital requirements arise, we may need to access capital markets, seek member capital contributions or preserve equity through reductions or suspension of distributions to members. In addition, we may also consider additional new debt issuances, repurchases, exchange offers and other transactions in order to refinance or manage our long-term debt. The inability to raise capital on favorable terms or failure of counterparties to perform under credit or other financial agreements, particularly during any uncertainty in the financial markets (including any uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic), could impact our ability to sustain and grow the business and would likely increase capital costs that may not be recoverable through rates.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material adverse impact on our liquidity to date. However, we do face risks and uncertainties related to the pandemic, including the potential impact on capital and credit markets of which we cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the pandemic will have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, ability to access the capital or commercial paper markets, or obtain new credit commitments from commercial banks in the future. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Risk Factors — Our business could be adversely affected by health epidemics and pandemics, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

Various federal and state actions, including those implemented in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, have and could also impact our liquidity. For example, see Note 2 to Annual Financial Statements for information on the COVID-19 ERP and its funding. In addition, we elected to utilize certain provisions under the CARES Act to adjust our pension plan funding contributions, resulting in a net decrease of $26 million to our expected required pension contributions for the five-year period from 2020 to 2024. For more information on pension funding obligations, see Note 9 to Annual Financial Statements. We have also elected to take advantage of payroll tax and income tax deferrals available under the CARES Act.

In addition, we regularly evaluate opportunities to make selective strategic acquisitions involving regulated assets, which could potentially impact our liquidity and capital expenditures. See “Risk Factors – We regularly evaluate opportunities to make selective strategic acquisitions involving regulated assets. Acquisitions involve various risks, and we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of any such acquisitions.”

Member Contributions and Distributions

Cash Contributions — On February 16, 2021, we received cash capital contributions from our members totaling $63 million. During 2020, we received the following capital cash contributions from our members:

 

Received

   Amount  

December 23, 2020

   $ 361  

December 22, 2020

     89  

October 27, 2020

     77  

July 28, 2020

     87  

April 27, 2020

     87  

February 18, 2020

     87  
  

 

 

 
   $ 788  
  

 

 

 

Cash Distributions — The PUCT order issued in the Sempra Acquisition and our Limited Liability Company Agreement set forth various restrictions on distributions to our members. Among those restrictions is the commitment that we will make no distributions that would cause us to exceed the PUCT’s authorized regulatory debt-to-equity ratio. Our current PUCT authorized capital structure is 57.5% debt to 42.5% equity. The distribution restrictions also include the ability of our board, a majority of the Disinterested Directors, or either of the two member directors designated by Texas Transmission to limit distributions to the extent each determines it is necessary to meet expected future requirements of Oncor (including continuing compliance with the PUCT debt-to-equity ratio commitment). At December 31, 2020, our regulatory capitalization was 52.8% debt to 47.2% equity, and as a result we had $1.426 billion available to distribute to our members.

The PUCT has the authority to determine what types of debt and equity are included in a utility’s regulatory debt-to-equity ratio. For purposes of this ratio, debt is calculated as long-term debt including any finance leases plus unamortized gains on reacquired debt less unamortized issuance expenses, premiums and losses on reacquired debt. Equity is calculated as membership interests determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss and the effects of acquisition accounting from a 2007 transaction.

 

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On February 17, 2021, our board of directors declared a cash distribution of $96 million, which was paid to our members on February 18, 2021. During 2020, our board of directors declared, and we paid, the following cash distributions to our members:

 

Declaration Date

  

Payment Date

   Amount  

October 28, 2020

   October 29, 2020    $ 82  

July 29, 2020

   July 30, 2020      92  

April 29, 2020

   April 30, 2020      91  

February 19, 2020

   February 20, 2020      91  
     

 

 

 
      $ 356  
     

 

 

 

Pension and OPEB Plans Funding — Our funding for the pension and Oncor OPEB plans for the calendar year 2021 is expected to total $24 million and $35 million, respectively. Based on the funded status of the pension plans at December 31, 2020, and the latest actuarial projections after taking into account certain pension funding adjustments we made as permitted by the CARES Act, our aggregate pension and Oncor OPEB plans funding is expected to total approximately $736 million in the five-year period 2021 to 2025. In 2020, we made cash contributions to the pension and OPEB plans of $134 million and $35 million, respectively. See Note 9 to Annual Financial Statements for additional information regarding pension and OPEB plans.

Capitalization and Return on Equity — We have committed to the PUCT to maintain a regulatory capital structure at or below the debt-to-equity ratio established periodically by the PUCT for ratemaking purposes. Our current authorized regulatory capital structure of 57.5% debt to 42.5% equity went into effect in November 2017 as part of the PUCT order issued in the rate review we filed in PUCT Docket No. 46957. In PUCT Docket No. 46957 the PUCT also set our authorized return on equity at 9.8%. Our debt for purposes of the regulatory capital structure was 52.8% and 54.8% at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Our ability to incur additional long-term debt is limited by our authorized regulatory capital structure, as we are able to issue future long-term debt only to the extent that the issuance of such debt would not cause us to exceed the authorized regulatory debt-to-equity ratio. See Note 8 to Annual Financial Statements for further discussion of our regulatory capitalization.

Our GAAP capitalization ratios were 43.6% and 42.6% long-term debt, less amounts due currently, to 56.4% and 57.4% membership interests at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Credit Rating Provisions and Material Debt Covenants

Impact on Liquidity of Credit Ratings The rating agencies assign credit ratings to certain of our debt securities. Our access to capital markets and cost of debt could be directly affected by our credit ratings. Any adverse action with respect to our credit ratings could generally cause borrowing costs to increase and the potential pool of investors and funding sources to decrease. In particular, a decline in credit ratings would increase the cost of our Credit Facility (as discussed below). In the event any adverse action with respect to our credit ratings takes place and causes borrowing costs to increase, we may not be able to recover such increased costs if they exceed our PUCT-approved cost of debt determined in our most recent rate review or subsequent rate reviews.

Most of our large suppliers and counterparties require an expected level of creditworthiness in order for them to enter into transactions with us. If our credit ratings decline, the costs to operate our business could increase because counterparties could require the posting of collateral in the form of cash-related instruments, or counterparties could decline to do business with us.

As described in Note 5 to Annual Financial Statements, we established the CP Program in March 2018. The CP Program obtains liquidity support from our Credit Facility. As described in Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements, our senior secured debt is secured pursuant to the Deed of Trust by a first priority lien on certain of our transmission and distribution assets.

A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency, and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Ratings can be revised upward or downward at any time by a rating agency if such rating agency decides that circumstances warrant such a change.

Material Debt Credit Rating, Financial, and Cross-Default Covenants — The Credit Facility contains terms pursuant to which the interest rates charged under the agreement may be adjusted depending on credit ratings. In November 2020, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility. As amended, borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at per

 

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annum rates equal to, at our option, (i) adjusted LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.125% to 1.750% depending on certain credit ratings assigned to our debt or (ii) an alternate base rate (the highest of (1) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (2) the greater of the federal funds effective rate or the overnight banking rate, plus 0.50%, and (3) adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus a spread ranging from 0.125% to 0.750% depending on certain credit ratings assigned to our debt. Our borrowings are generally LIBOR-based, and based on our current long-term debt ratings as of February 25, 2021, our borrowings would bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.250%. A decline in credit ratings would increase the cost of borrowings under the Credit Facility and likely increase the cost of our CP Program and any other debt issuances and additional credit facilities. The CP Program requires prompt notice to the dealers of any notice of intended or potential downgrade of our credit ratings.

Our Credit Facility, Note Purchase Agreement, and term loan credit agreements each contain a financial covenant that requires maintenance of a consolidated debt-to-capitalization ratio of no greater than 0.65 to 1.00. For purposes of this ratio, debt is calculated as indebtedness defined in the applicable agreement (principally, the sum of long-term debt, any capital leases (referred to as finance leases under current accounting literature), short-term debt and debt due currently in accordance with GAAP). Capitalization for our Credit Facility and term loan credit agreements is calculated as membership interests determined in accordance with GAAP plus debt described above. The ratio under our Note Purchase Agreement is calculated as total debt (all debt of Oncor and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) divided by the sum of total debt plus capitalization. Capitalization under the Note Purchase Agreement is calculated as membership interests plus liabilities for indebtedness maturing more than 12 months from the date of determination, with capitalization determined in accordance with GAAP and practices applicable to our type of business. At December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with this covenant and all other covenants under the Credit Facility and Note Purchase Agreement.

Certain financing arrangements contain provisions that may result in an event of default if there was a failure under other financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe other covenants that could result in an acceleration of payments due. Such provisions are referred to as “cross default” provisions.

Under the Credit Facility and Note Purchase Agreement, a default by us or any subsidiary in respect of indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of $100 million or any judgments for the payment of money in excess of $100 million that are not discharged within 60 days may cause the maturity of outstanding balances under those facilities to be accelerated.

Under the Deed of Trust, an event of default under our indentures or, after all applicable notices have been given and all applicable grace periods have expired, under the Note Purchase Agreement, would permit the holders of our senior secured notes to exercise their remedies under the Deed of Trust.

Long-Term Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2020. See Notes 6 and 7 to Annual Financial Statements for additional disclosures regarding long-term debt and operating lease obligations, respectively.

 

Contractual Cash Obligations

   Less Than
One Year
     One to
Three
Years
     Three to
Five Years
     More than
Five Years
     Total  

Long-term debt (a) – principal

   $ —        $ 882      $ 1,474      $ 6,971      $ 9,327  

Long-term debt (a) – interest

     403        736        676        4,797        6,612  

Operating leases

     33        53        26        58        170  

Obligations under outsourcing agreements

     52        55        4        —          111  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 488      $ 1,726      $ 2,180      $ 11,826      $ 16,220  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

See Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements for more information regarding our long-term debt.

The following are not included in the table above:

 

   

individual contracts that have an annual cash requirement of less than $1 million (however, multiple contracts with one counterparty that are more than $1 million on an aggregated basis have been included);

 

   

employment contracts with management;

 

   

estimated funding of the pension and OPEB plans totaling $59 million in 2021 and $736 million in the five year period 2021 to 2025 as discussed above under “Pension and OPEB Plans Funding”; and

 

   

capital expenditure commitments made as part of the Sempra Acquisition (see Note 7 to Annual Financial Statements).

 

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Guarantees

At December 31, 2020, we did not have any material guarantees.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At December 31, 2020, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements with special purpose entities or variable interest entities.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

See Note 7 to Annual Financial Statements for details of commitments and contingencies.

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 1 to Annual Financial Statements for discussion of changes in accounting standards.

REGULATION AND RATES

State Legislation

The Texas Legislature meets every two years. The current Legislature is in regular session from January 12, 2021 to May 31, 2021. However, at any time the Governor of Texas may convene a special session of the Legislature. During any regular or special session bills may be introduced that, if adopted, could materially and adversely affect our business and our business prospects. Various bills related to our business have been proposed in the current legislative session, however, we cannot predict whether any introduced to date are likely to have a substantial impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See also “February 2021 Winter Weather Event Legislative, Regulatory and Legal Matters” below for legislative matters relating to the February 2021 winter storm.

February 2021 Winter Weather Event Legislative, Regulatory and Legal Matters

On February 12, 2021, the Governor of Texas declared a state of disaster for all counties in the state in response to extreme winter weather. From February 15 through February 17, 2021, ERCOT required transmission companies, including us, to significantly reduce demand on the grid as electricity generation was insufficient to meet demand caused by the extreme winter weather. A significant number of homes and businesses in our service territory and throughout ERCOT experienced power outages over that period, including over one million homes and businesses in our service territory, some for extended periods of time. On February 16, 2021, the Governor of Texas declared reform of ERCOT as an emergency item for the Texas legislative session, meaning that a bill may be passed within the first 60 days of the current session. Both chambers of the Texas Legislature have held, and may continue to hold, hearings relating to the February 2021 winter storm and related power outages, and various bills impacting the ERCOT market have been filed. Various other governmental and regulatory entities have begun investigations or indicated an intent to investigate matters related to the operations of the ERCOT grid during the February 2021 extreme winter weather event as well, including the PUCT, FERC, NERC, the United States Congress, the Attorney General of Texas, and the Texas RE. Lawsuits have been filed against various market participants relating to the power outages resulting from the February 2021 winter weather events, including us, and as a transmission and distribution utility operating during the winter weather event there is a risk we could be named in future lawsuits. We cannot predict whether, or to what extent, any legislation, regulation, or legal action resulting from these proceedings, or any other legislative, regulatory, or legal proceedings that may arise in the future related to the winter weather events, will impact our business.

The PUCT has also opened several projects to address various matters relating to the winter weather event, including Project No. 51812 Issues Related to the State of Disaster for the February 2021 Winter Weather Event and Project No. 51825 Investigation Regarding the February 2021 Winter Weather Event. On February 17, 2021 the PUCT issued an order that required transmission and distribution utilities to ensure that any outages instituted in response to ERCOT’s requirement to shed load were rotated so that no customer experienced an outage of longer than 12 hours. The electricity generation shortage during the extreme winter weather also resulted in wholesale electricity prices increasing to their maximum allowed limit, and this has created various financial challenges among ERCOT market participants. ERCOT has issued market notices indicating that certain amounts due in the market have not been fully paid, and certain ERCOT market participants, including customers of ours, have filed for bankruptcy protection. The PUCT has also taken, and could take additional, measures to address financial challenges experienced by ERCOT market participants resulting from the winter weather event. On

 

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February 21, 2021, the PUCT issued an order in Project No. 51812 prohibiting customer disconnections due to nonpayment. In addition, on March 3, 2021, the PUCT issued an order in Project No. 51812 waiving certain late fees for invoices due between February 22, 2021 and March 3, 2021 to transmission and distribution utilities from REPs. PUCT rules allow for the recovery of uncollectible amounts due from REPs (but not network transmission customers) through rates. Currently, the majority of our network transmission customer revenue comes from customers who are investment grade and, as a result, generally considered low credit risk. However, the February 2021 winter storm events could pose financial challenges to both REPs and network transmission customers. To the extent we fail to receive a significant amount of electricity delivery charges owed to us, it could have a material and adverse effect on our cash flows, liquidity, results of operations, and financial condition. While the PUCT has indicated that it expects the moratorium on disconnections to be temporary, the extent to which the moratorium and other regulatory or legal actions related to the February 2021 winter weather event will impact our results will ultimately depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including the duration of the moratorium and any other regulatory, legislative, legal or customer actions related to impacts of the winter weather event.

Matters with the PUCT

DCRF — PUCT rules provide that DCRF applications may only be filed from April 1 to April 8 of each year. Accordingly, on April 3, 2020, we filed with the PUCT in Docket No. 50734, as well as with cities with original jurisdiction over our rates, an application for approval of an updated DCRF. The DCRF allows us to recover, primarily through our tariff for retail delivery service, certain costs related to our distribution investments. In our DCRF application, we requested a $76 million increase in annual distribution revenues primarily related to 2019 distribution investments. On June 24, 2020, we filed an unopposed stipulation and settlement agreement that included a $70 million increase in annual distribution revenues and on July 31, 2020, the PUCT issued a final order implementing the settlement agreement. The approved rates began on September 1, 2020. On April 8, 2021, we filed with the PUCT, as well as with cities with original jurisdiction over our rates, an application for approval of an updated DCRF. In our DCRF application, PUCT Docket. No. 51996, we requested a $98 million increase in annual distribution revenues primarily related to 2020 distribution investments. Our application requests a rate effective date of September 1, 2021. The application is subject to PUCT approval.

For information on other regulatory proceedings, including regulatory matters with respect to COVID-19 and PUCT Project No. 50664, Issues Related to the State of Disaster for the Coronavirus Disease 2019, see Note 2 to Annual Financial Statements. See also “February 2021 Winter Weather Event Legislative, Regulatory and Legal Matters” above for information regarding PUCT Project No. 51812 and related matters.

Summary

We cannot predict future regulatory or legislative actions or any changes in economic and securities market conditions. Such actions or changes could significantly alter our basic financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

Market risk is the risk that we may experience a loss in value as a result of changes in market conditions such as interest rates that may be experienced in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, we transact in financial instruments to hedge interest rate risk related to our forecasted issuances of debt. There were no such hedges in place at December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. For information on the interest rate hedges we entered into in 2020, see Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, all of our long-term debt, except for the 2019 Term Loan Agreement balance at December 31, 2019, carried fixed interest rates. The following table summarizes our long-term debt maturities at December 31, 2020.

 

     Expected Maturity Date                           
     2021      2022     2023      2024     2025     There-
after
    2020
Total
Carrying
Amount
    2020
Total Fair
Value
     2019
Total
Carrying
Amount
    2019
Total Fair
Value
 
     (millions of dollars and percent)  

Long-term debt (including current maturities):

                       

Fixed rate debt amount (a)

   $  —        $ 882     $  —        $ 500     $ 974     $ 6,971     $ 9,327     $ 11,638      $ 8,221     $ 9,543  

Weighted average interest rate

     —          5.68     —          2.75     2.00     4.59     4.32     —          4.39     —    

Variable rate debt amount (a)

   $ —        $ —       $ —        $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —        $ 460     $ 460  

Average interest rate

     —          —         —          —         —         —         —         —          2.28     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Debt

   $ —        $ 882     $ —        $ 500     $ 974     $  6,971     $  9,327     $  11,638      $  8,681     $  10,003  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Excludes unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs. See Note 6 to Annual Financial Statements for a discussion of changes in long-term debt obligations.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the potential reduction of annual pretax earnings over the next twelve months due to a one percentage-point (100 basis points) increase in floating interest rates on debt (including short-term borrowings) totaled $1 million and $5 million, respectively.

The January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement and the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement, and while they were in effect, the 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement (which was repaid in March 2020), the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement (which was repaid in December 2020), and the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement (which was repaid in September 2020), each contain terms pursuant to which the interest rate charged could vary, at our option, depending on the selected interest period. Our Credit Facility contains terms pursuant to which the interest rates charged under the agreement may be adjusted depending on credit ratings. Borrowings under the CP Program may bear interest on a fixed rate or floating rate basis and will vary based on market conditions at the time of borrowings. For information on our borrowings and interest rates charged under: (i) the Credit Facility, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Credit Rating Provisions and Material Debt Covenants– Material Debt Credit Rating, Financial and Cross-Default Covenants,” and Note 5 to Annual Financial Statements, (ii) the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement and March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Long-Term Unsecured Term Loan Credit Agreements,” (iii) the January 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement and the March 2021 Term Loan Credit Agreement, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Available Liquidity/CP Program/Credit Facility/Short-Term Borrowings – Debt Activity in 2021,” and (iv) the CP Program, See Note 5 to Annual Financial Statements.

 

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Credit Risk

Credit risk relates to the risk of loss associated with nonperformance by counterparties. Our customers consist primarily of REPs. As a prerequisite for obtaining and maintaining certification, a REP must meet the financial resource standards established by the PUCT. Meeting these standards does not guarantee that a REP will be able to perform its obligations. REP certificates granted by the PUCT are subject to suspension and revocation for significant violation of PURA and PUCT rules. Significant violations include failure to timely remit payments for invoiced charges to a transmission and distribution utility pursuant to the terms of tariffs approved by the PUCT. We believe PUCT rules that allow for the recovery of uncollectible amounts due from REPs through rates significantly reduce our credit risk.

Our exposure to credit risk associated with trade accounts receivable totaled $767 million at December 31, 2020. The receivable amount is before the allowance for uncollectible accounts, which totaled $7 million at December 31, 2020. The exposure includes trade accounts receivable from REPs totaling $484 million, which are generally noninvestment grade and from transmission customers totaling $62 million, which include investment grade distribution companies and cooperatives and municipalities, which are generally considered low credit risk. At December 31, 2020, REP subsidiaries of two entities represented 21% and 15% of the trade receivable balance. No other customers represented 10% or more of the trade accounts receivable balance. We view our exposure to these customers to be within an acceptable level of risk tolerance considering PUCT rules and regulations; however, this concentration increases the risk that a default could have a material effect on cash flows, liquidity, financial position and/or results of operation. See “Risk Factors - Our revenues are concentrated in a small number of customers and a significant delay or default in payment could adversely affect our cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and/or results of operations.” for a discussion of the February 2021 winter weather events and potential credit risk related to that event.

Our net exposure to credit risk associated with trade accounts and other receivables from affiliates was zero at both December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

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DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors

The names of our directors and information about them, as furnished by the directors themselves, are set forth below:

 

Name

  

Age

  

Business Experience and Qualifications

Thomas M. Dunning

(3)

   78   

Thomas M. Dunning has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2007 and in July 2010 was elected Lead Independent Director by our board of directors. Since his retirement in 2008 as Chairman of Lockton Dunning Benefits, a company specializing in the design and servicing of employee benefits, he has served as Chairman Emeritus. Mr. Dunning also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lockton Dunning Benefit Company, its predecessor company, from 1998 to 2007 following the 1998 acquisition of Dunning Benefits Corporation by the Lockton Group of Companies. Mr. Dunning currently serves on the boards of directors of Oncor Holdings, and a number of non-profit organizations. He is also a former Chairman of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport board and a former director of the Southwestern Medical Foundation, as well as a former director of American Beacon Funds.

 

We believe Mr. Dunning’s experience with employee benefit programs and his understanding of employee benefits as part of an overall employee compensation program is important to Oncor in his roles as a director and member of the Organization and Compensation Committee (O&C Committee). As member and former chair of the O&C Committee, overseeing the design and effectiveness of Oncor’s executive compensation programs, Mr. Dunning offers broad experience in understanding and addressing compensation-related issues and challenges. His past appointments by Texas Governors as Chairman of the Texas Water Development Board and a director on the boards of the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Department of Human Services and Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as well as his past service as Chairman of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport board, add to the extensive experience and leadership skills Mr. Dunning provides to our board. His experience and familiarity with Texas government, combined with over 50 years of experience in business and strong record of civic involvement in Texas, are valuable to our Texas-based business.

Robert A. Estrada

(1)

   74   

Robert A. Estrada has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2007. Mr. Estrada is Chief Compliance Officer, Senior Managing Director and Chairman Emeritus of Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc., an investment banking firm specializing in public finance that he co-founded in 1992. In addition to these positions, he also previously served as Chairman of the Board and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the firm. Since its inception, Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc. has been involved in municipal bond underwritings totaling over $80 billion and has provided financial advisory services on financings totaling more than $50 billion. Mr. Estrada is a member of the boards of directors of Oncor Holdings and several civic and arts organizations. From 2001 until 2008, Mr. Estrada served on the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, a system with over 60,000 employees and a budget of approximately $14 billion, pursuant to an appointment by the Governor of Texas. While serving on the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Mr. Estrada chaired its audit, compliance and management review committee. From 2004 until 2010, he served two consecutive terms on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Estrada also served on the board of directors of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae), a $45 billion entity and was a member of the board’s executive committee.

 

We believe Mr. Estrada’s skills and experience in the financial and legal sectors qualify him to serve as a director of Oncor and chair of the Audit Committee. We also believe his comprehensive understanding of financial, compliance and business matters pertinent to us and his experience in serving large clients and boards regarding these matters are significant assets to our board. Mr. Estrada also has over 30 years of legal experience as a securities attorney, giving him a familiarity with securities law issues and investor disclosure requirements relevant to our company.

 

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Name

  

Age

  

Business Experience and Qualifications

Printice L. Gary

(1)(2)

   74   

Printice L. Gary has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2014. Mr. Gary is the founding partner of, and since its founding in 1991 has served as the chief executive officer of, Carleton Residential Properties, a real estate firm engaged in investing, developing, general contracting and asset management of properties throughout Texas and the Southwest. His prior business experience includes serving as a Texas division partner for multi-family development with Trammel Crow Residential from 1985 to 1991 and serving as the president of Centex Corporation’s homebuilding and mortgage banking subsidiary, Fox & Jacobs Homes, from 1978 to 1985. Mr. Gary also served on the board of directors of the National Equity Fund, Inc., a Chicago-based nonprofit tax credit syndicator and asset manager from 2012 to 2016. Mr. Gary currently serves on the board of directors of Preservation of Affordable Housing Inc. (Boston, Massachusetts) and the board of directors of Oncor Holdings. Mr. Gary has served on the governing bodies of various state entities pursuant to appointments by the Governor(s) of Texas, including the board of directors of the University of Texas Investment Management Company, a $27 billion endowment fund, from 2009 until 2013, the University of Texas System Board of Regents from 2007 until 2013, where he was chairman of the facilities planning and construction committee, the University of Texas System Board for Lease of University Lands from 2008 to 2013, the Texas State Tax Reform Commission in 2003, and the North Texas Tollway Authority board of directors from 1996 to 2000.

 

We believe Mr. Gary’s extensive skills and experience in the business and financial sectors are a significant asset to us in his role both as a director of Oncor and as a member of the Audit Committee. In addition, Mr. Gary’s entrepreneurial background, founding Carleton Residential Properties, a residential real estate company active for more than 25 years across Oncor’s prime North Texas service territory brings valuable development and construction experiences to our board of directors. His experience with Texas government through his service on various state entities also brings great value to our Texas-based business.

William T. Hill, Jr.

(2)

   78   

William T. Hill, Jr. has served as a member of our board of directors since October 2007. Mr. Hill currently practices law with the law firm of William T. Hill, Jr., Attorney at Law, a firm he established in 2007. Until 2012, he was also of counsel to the Dallas criminal defense law firm of Fitzpatrick Hagood Smith & Uhl LLP. In 2007, he served as Director of Strategic Initiatives of Mercy Street Ministries. From 1999 to 2007, Mr. Hill was Criminal District Attorney of the Dallas County District Attorney’s office. Mr. Hill serves on the boards of directors of Hilltop Holdings, Incorporated, a New York Stock Exchange listed company in the insurance industry, Oncor Holdings and a number of charitable organizations and previously served on the board of directors of the Baylor Hospital Foundation.

 

We believe Mr. Hill’s experience of over 50 years with legal and compliance matters, along with his management of a large group of highly skilled professionals, have given him considerable knowledge concerning many matters that come before our board of directors. In addition, as District Attorney he developed judgment and decision-making abilities that assist him today in evaluating and making decisions on issues that face our board of directors. Mr. Hill has also served on several civic and charitable boards, which has given him invaluable experience in corporate governance matters.

Timothy A. Mack

(2)(3)

   68   

Timothy A. Mack has served as a member of our board of directors since February 2014. Mr. Mack currently is of counsel to the Dallas, Texas law firm, Matheson & Marchesoni PLLC. Mr. Mack was a member of the Dallas, Texas law firm, Mack Matheson & Marchesoni PLLC, from March 2009 until his retirement in August 2017. Prior thereto, Mr. Mack was a partner at an international law firm, Hunton & Williams LLP (now known as Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP), and its predecessor firm in Dallas, Texas, where he had practiced law since 1980. Mr. Mack’s law practice focuses on energy-related matters, particularly finance, securities, corporate and partnership law, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Mack is a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and various local non-profit organizations.

 

We believe Mr. Mack’s experience of over 40 years in advising energy companies in finance, securities, corporate governance and merger and acquisition matters, as well as his prior experience in participating in the management of a large international law firm, brings to our board of directors additional knowledge and valuable first-hand experience with the duties of directors.

 

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Name

  

Age

  

Business Experience and Qualifications

Jeffrey W. Martin

(3)

   59   

Jeffrey W. Martin has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2018. Mr. Martin has served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Sempra since May 1, 2018, and has served as Chairman of Sempra since December 1, 2018. Mr. Martin served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sempra from January 2017 to April 30, 2018. Mr. Martin served at San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), an indirect subsidiary of Sempra, as the Chief Executive Officer and a director beginning in January 2014. Continuing in those roles, Mr. Martin was also appointed as the President in October 2015 and as the Chairman in November 2015, serving in each of these roles through December 2016. From 2010 to 2013, Mr. Martin served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power (USGP), a previous business unit of Sempra, and USGP’s predecessor organization, Sempra Generation, and before that, served as the Vice President of Investor Relations for Sempra. Prior to joining Sempra in December 2004, Mr. Martin was chief financial officer of NewEnergy, Inc. He also formerly served as corporate counsel at UniSource Energy Corporation and was an attorney at the law firm of Snell & Wilmer, LLP. Mr. Martin is also a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and serves on the board of directors of the American Petroleum Institute and on the board of trustees of the University of San Diego. He also is a governor of the Oil and Gas and Electricity communities for the World Economic Forum and is a member of the Business Roundtable. He previously served on the boards of directors of the Edison Electric Institute, California Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers.

 

Mr. Martin was appointed by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) as a member of our board of directors pursuant to Sempra’s indirect right under the Limited Liability Company Agreement to designate two directors. We believe Mr. Martin’s extensive financial, management and operations experience qualifies him to serve on our board of directors. In addition, his extensive knowledge and experience in utility and energy infrastructure matters brings great value to our board of directors and our company.

Trevor I. Mihalik

(1) (2)

   54   

Mr. Mihalik has served as a member of our board of directors since March 2020. Mr. Mihalik has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sempra since May 2018. Prior to that role, he served as Sempra’s Senior Vice President from December 2013 until April 2018 and as its Controller and Chief Accounting Officer from July 2012 until April 2018. Prior to joining Sempra, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Iberdrola Renewables, the U.S. subsidiary of Iberdrola S.A., a multinational utility and energy company headquartered in Bilbao, Spain. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Finance for Chevron Natural Gas and also served as its Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for its natural gas marketing, trading and storage joint venture, Bridgeline Holdings. Mr. Mihalik spent the first nine years of his career working in Houston and London in the energy practice of Price Waterhouse. Since December 2019, he has served on the board of directors of WD-40 Company, a Nasdaq listed global marketing organization that develops and sells maintenance, homecare and cleaning products, and currently serves as chair of the finance committee and as a member of the audit and governance committees. Mr. Mihalik has served on the board of directors of SDG&E since 2017 and served on the board of directors of Southern California Gas Company from 2017 until March 2021, both of which are indirect subsidiaries of Sempra. Since July 2020, Mr. Mihalik has served as a member of the board of directors of Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.B. de C.V., an entity indirectly majority-owned by Sempra that develops, builds and operates energy infrastructure in Mexico, and is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Mr. Mihalik is also a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings.

 

Mr. Mihalik was appointed by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) as a member of our board of directors pursuant to Sempra’s indirect right under the Limited Liability Company Agreement to designate two directors. We believe Mr. Mihalik’s significant financial, business, and management experience qualifies him to serve on our board of directors. His extensive experience in the utility and energy industries in particular brings substantial benefits to our board of directors.

 

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Name

  

Age

  

Business Experience and Qualifications

Helen M. Newell

(1)

   52   

Ms. Newell has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2019. Ms. Newell has served as a Senior Vice President - Infrastructure for GIC Special Investments Pte Ltd (GIC) focused on asset management in the Americas since October 2018. Ms. Newell has over 20 years of experience in operations and corporate roles in the infrastructure, transportation and mining sectors. Before joining GIC, Ms. Newell held various roles at Rio Tinto PLC and Rio Tinto Limited, a global diversified mining company listed on the London Stock Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange, serving as Global Head of Risk from 2014 until 2018 and Vice President - Infrastructure from 2011 until 2014. Prior to joining Rio Tinto, Ms. Newell worked for several Australian listed transportation and infrastructure companies. Ms. Newell began her career in management consulting, working on various transportation and telecommunications projects in Australia, Asia and North America. In her role as Senior Vice President – Infrastructure for GIC, Ms. Newell has also been appointed to the boards of directors of various companies in which GIC invests, including Duquesne Light Company, Associated British Ports Holdings Limited, WaterBridge Resources LLC, and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and related holdings companies.

 

Ms. Newell was appointed as a member of our board of directors by Texas Transmission pursuant to Texas Transmission’s right under our Limited Liability Company Agreement to designate two directors. We believe Ms. Newell’s extensive business, operations and management experience qualifies her to serve on our board of directors. In addition, her extensive knowledge and experience in infrastructure matters brings great value to our board of directors and our company.

E. Allen Nye, Jr.    53   

E. Allen Nye, Jr. has served as a member of our board of directors and our Chief Executive since March 2018. From January 2011 until March 2018, Mr. Nye served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and in such role was responsible for overseeing all of Oncor’s legal and compliance matters. In January 2013, his responsibilities were expanded to include oversight of all regulatory and governmental affairs activity of Oncor. From June 2008 until joining Oncor, Mr. Nye practiced law as a partner in the Dallas office of Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he focused on representation of regulated energy companies before state and federal government agencies, including the PUCT, the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the FERC. Prior to Vinson & Elkins, Mr. Nye was a partner in the law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP (now known as Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) from January 2002 until May 2008. Mr. Nye is a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and since January 2019, also serves as a member of the board of directors of Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.B. de C.V., an entity indirectly majority-owned by Sempra that develops, builds and operates energy infrastructure in Mexico and is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange.

 

As our Chief Executive, Mr. Nye brings his unique knowledge of our company and our industry to the board of directors. His prior experience as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Oncor and vast experience in the energy industry and first-hand knowledge of and experience with state and federal government and regulatory agencies brings great value and benefit to our board of directors and company. Mr. Nye’s previous experience as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Oncor also brings to the board additional knowledge and valuable first-hand experience with the duties of directors and governance matters.

 

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Name

  

Age

  

Business Experience and Qualifications

Alice L. Rodriguez    56   

Ms. Rodriguez has served as a member of our board of directors since March 9, 2021. Ms. Rodriguez serves as head of the community impact organization and managing director of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMorgan), a role she has held since August 2020. Ms. Rodriguez has been with JPMorgan and its predecessors for 34 years. In her current position, she focuses on JPMorgan’s community engagement initiatives and localization strategy and leads JPMorgan’s $30 billion initiative committed to advancing racial equity. From July 2017 to August 2020, she served as managing director and head of JPMorgan’s community and business development organization and was responsible for developing a strategy to drive the growth and profitability of a portfolio of approximately $6 billion and a national customer base of 8 million households. From 2015 to July 2017, she served as managing director and consumer & Chase wealth management executive, responsible for consumer and wealth business in the greater Texas metro markets. From 2012 to 2015, she served as executive vice president and business banking executive for the California region, responsible for business banking clients with annual sales of up to $20 million. Ms. Rodriguez is currently the chair of the board of directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and also serves on the boards of various non-profit organizations. Additionally, Ms. Rodriguez is a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings.

 

We believe Ms. Rodriguez’s extensive leadership, financial, and business experience bring great value to our company and our board of directors. Her significant management expertise, long tenure, and variety of roles serving at JPMorgan, a major international bank, brings a unique perspective to our board of directors. In addition, her professional experiences in Texas as well as her community involvement at both the state and national level bring a great understanding of the communities we serve to our board of directors.

Robert S. Shapard    65   

Robert S. Shapard has served as a member of our board of directors since April 2007. He has served as Chairman of our board of directors since March 2018 and before that, served as Chairman from April 2007 until July 2015. From April 2007 until March 2018, he also served as Chief Executive of Oncor. Mr. Shapard joined EFH Corp.’s predecessor in October 2005 as a strategic advisor, helping implement and execute growth and development strategies for Oncor. Between March and October 2005, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, one of the largest for-profit hospital groups in the United States, and was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Exelon Corporation, a large electricity generator and utility operator, from 2002 to February 2005. Before joining Exelon, he was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, a North American refining and marketing company, since 2000. Previously, from 1998 to 2000, Mr. Shapard was CEO and managing director of TXU Australia Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary of the former TXU Corp., which owned and operated electric generation, wholesale trading, retail, and electric and gas regulated utility businesses. Mr. Shapard has served since September 2013 as a member of the board of directors of Leidos Holdings, Inc. (formerly SAIC, Inc.), a New York Stock Exchange-listed provider of scientific, engineering and systems integration service, and currently serves as lead director as well as chair of the governance and ethics committee and as a member of the audit and finance committee. Since September 2020, Mr. Shapard has served as a member of the board of directors of NACCO Industries, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange-listed holding company for The North American Coal Corporation, which, with its affiliates, operates in the mining and natural resources industries. Mr. Shapard is also a director of Oncor Holdings.

 

As our former Chief Executive, Mr. Shapard brings his unique knowledge of our company and our industry to the board of directors. His prior experience with EFH Corp., Exelon and as CEO of TXU Australia gives him extensive leadership experience in the electric industry in both regulated and unregulated markets. Mr. Shapard’s previous experience as chief financial officer of Tenet Healthcare Corporation and Ultramar Diamond Shamrock provided him with substantial experience in other complex financial and business environments.

 

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Name

  

Age

  

Business Experience and Qualifications

W. Kelvin Walker    58   

Mr. Walker has served as a member of our board of directors since March 9, 2021. Mr. Walker has served since March 2019 as Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Citizens Council, a non-profit organization made up of over 150 chief executive officers and other top business leaders in North Texas that focuses on advancing public policy issues impacting the Dallas area. Prior to joining the Dallas Citizens Council, Mr. Walker served as a Managing Director of RLJ Equity Partners LLC, a private equity fund, from July 2015 to March 2019. Prior to that, he was a Managing Partner of 21st Century Group, LLC, a private equity firm, from January 1999 to June 2015. Mr. Walker is currently a member of the board of directors of Reflekt Me, an online retail personalization and engagement technology company, as well as various non-profit organizations. Mr. Walker is also a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings.

 

We believe Mr. Walker’s extensive business, civic, and management experience qualify him to serve on our board of directors. His service at the Dallas Citizens Council and his past leadership experience in private equity bring a significant and valuable understanding of business, financial, and public policy matters to our company and board of directors.

Steven J. Zucchet

(2) (3)

   55   

Steven J. Zucchet has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2008. Mr. Zucchet is a Managing Director of OMERS Infrastructure Management Inc. (OMERS Infrastructure) (formerly Borealis Infrastructure Management, Inc.), an investment arm of Canada’s OMERS pension plan, a position he has held since September 2014, having previously served as a Senior Vice President of OMERS Infrastructure from November 2003 until September 2014. From 1996 until joining OMERS Infrastructure, Mr. Zucchet served as Chief Operating Officer of Enwave Energy Ltd., where he was responsible for operations and major infrastructure projects. In his role as an officer of OMERS Infrastructure, Mr. Zucchet has also been appointed as an officer and director of several OMERS Infrastructure affiliates and companies in which OMERS Infrastructure invests. Through OMERS Infrastructure, Mr. Zucchet has served since April 2019 on the boards of directors of Puget Energy, Inc. and Puget Sound Energy, Inc., a regulated gas and electric utility in the State of Washington, and also currently serves on the board of directors of Bruce Power, an eight reactor nuclear site located in Ontario, Canada. His focus at OMERS Infrastructure is in the energy sector, where he has led the pursuit of investment opportunities in the energy sector and is currently responsible for leading the asset management of several of its portfolio investments.

 

Mr. Zucchet was appointed as a member of our board of directors by Texas Transmission pursuant to Texas Transmission’s right under the Limited Liability Company Agreement to designate two directors. We believe Mr. Zucchet’s extensive experience in the energy industry gives him an important and valuable understanding of our business, and that experience, along with his business, management and operations experience, qualifies him to serve on our board of directors.

 

(1)

Member of Audit Committee.

(2)

Member of Nominating and Governance Committee.

(3)

Member of O&C Committee.

Director Appointments

As of March 9, 2018, pursuant to our Limited Liability Company Agreement (which was amended and restated in connection with the Sempra Acquisition) and the Sempra Order, the board of directors of Oncor is required to consist of thirteen members, constituted as follows:

 

   

seven Disinterested Directors, who (i) shall be independent directors in all material respects under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange in relation to Sempra or its subsidiaries and affiliated entities and any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and (ii) shall have no material relationship with Sempra or its subsidiaries or affiliated entities or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, currently or within the previous ten years;

 

   

two members designated by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings);

 

   

two members designated by Texas Transmission; and

 

   

two current and/or former officers of Oncor (each, an Oncor Officer Director).

Mr. Martin and Mr. Mihalik were each designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) and Ms. Newell and Mr. Zucchet were each designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission. Directors designated by Sempra and Texas Transmission are referred to as member directors.

 

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Our Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that seven of our directors will be Disinterested Directors under the standards set forth in our Limited Liability Company Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence — Director Independence” for a discussion of the director qualifications. We have determined that Messrs. Dunning, Estrada, Gary, Hill, Mack and Walker and Ms. Rodriguez are Disinterested Directors. Disinterested Directors are appointed by the nominating committee of Oncor Holdings’ board of directors subject to the approval by a majority of the Disinterested Directors of Oncor Holdings’ board of directors. The nominating committee of Oncor Holdings is required to consist solely of Disinterested Directors. The Sempra Order and our Limited Liability Company Agreement provide that the Disinterested Directors of Oncor at the time of the Sempra Acquisition, who are referred to as initial Disinterested Directors, would serve, if willing and able, for a term of three years from the closing of the Sempra Acquisition (subject to continuing to meet the Disinterested Director requirements). Thereafter, the Sempra Order and our Limited Liability Company Agreement require that two of these directors roll off of the board every two years, with the nominating committee of Oncor Holdings (subject to approval by a majority of the Disinterested Directors of the Oncor Holdings board of directors) determining the order of departure of these directors. As a result, two of our initial Disinterested Directors were required to roll off the board before March 9, 2021 and two new Disinterested Directors were required to be appointed as their successors. On March 4, 2021, James R. Adams and Richard W. Wortham III, who had served as initial Disinterested Directors since the Sempra Acquisition, each submitted their letters of resignation effective March 8, 2021. On March 5, 2021, Oncor Holdings designated each of Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Walker to serve on our board of directors, effective March 9, 2021, to fill the vacancies created by the resignation of Mr. Adams and Mr. Wortham. The Oncor Holdings designations were made pursuant to the direction of the Oncor Holdings nominating committee with the approval of the Disinterested Directors of Oncor Holdings. Our Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that each Disinterested Director, other than the initial Disinterested Directors, will be appointed for a four year term, which is able to be renewed for only one additional term of four years, and will be appointed consistent with a mandatory retirement age of 75. To the extent any Disinterested Director is removed, retires or is otherwise unable to or unwilling to serve, a replacement new Disinterested Director will be chosen by the nominating committee of Oncor Holdings subject to approval by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors of Oncor Holdings’ board of directors. Any change to the size, composition, structure or rights of the boards must first be approved by the PUCT.

Oncor Holdings, at the direction of STIH (a subsidiary of STH, which is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of, and controlled by, Sempra following the Sempra Acquisition), has the right, pursuant to the terms of our Limited Liability Company Agreement, to nominate two directors that are current or former officers of Oncor, subject to approval of any such nomination by a majority of the Oncor board of directors. Mr. Shapard and Mr. Nye serve as these directors. Our Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that until March 9, 2028, to be eligible to serve as an Oncor Officer Director, a current and/or former Oncor officer cannot have worked for Sempra or any of its affiliates (other than Oncor or Oncor Holdings) or any such entity’s affiliates, or any other direct or indirect beneficial owner of Oncor in the ten years prior to commencement of such officer’s employment with Oncor.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is a separately-designated standing audit committee, established in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Estrada, Gary and Mihalik and Ms. Newell. Our board of directors of Oncor has determined that each of Messrs. Estrada and Gary is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. Messrs. Estrada and Gary are Disinterested Directors under the standards set forth in our Limited Liability Company Agreement and independent directors for purposes of New York Stock Exchange independence standards. Mr. Mihalik is a member director designated by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) and Ms. Newell is a member director designated by Texas Transmission.

 

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Executive Officers

The names of our executive officers and information about them, as furnished by the executive officers themselves, are set forth below:

 

Name

  

Age

  

Positions and Offices
Presently Held

  

Business Experience

(Preceding Five Years)

E. Allen Nye, Jr.    53    Chief Executive and Director    E. Allen Nye, Jr. has served as a member of our board of directors and our Chief Executive since March 2018. From January 2011 until March 2018, Mr. Nye served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and in such role was responsible for overseeing all of Oncor’s legal and compliance matters. In January 2013, his responsibilities were expanded to include oversight of all regulatory and governmental affairs activity of Oncor. From June 2008 until joining Oncor, Mr. Nye practiced law as a partner in the Dallas office of Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he focused on representation of regulated energy companies before state and federal government agencies, including the PUCT, the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the FERC. Prior to Vinson & Elkins, Mr. Nye was a partner in the law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP (now known as Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) from January 2002 until May 2008. Mr. Nye is a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and since January 2019, also serves as a member of the board of directors of Infraestructura Energética Nova, S.A.B. de C.V., an entity indirectly majority-owned by Sempra that develops, builds and operates energy infrastructure in Mexico and is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange.
Joel S. Austin    57    Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer    Joel S. Austin has served as our Senior Vice President since March 2018 and as our Chief Digital Officer since February 2019. From May 2010 until March 2018, he served as our Vice President and Chief Information Officer. In his role as Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Mr. Austin oversees activities including market relations, customer engagement, measurement and billing, as well as the technology function. He joined Oncor in 2008 and has held a leadership position in the information technology function since that time. Prior to joining Oncor in 2008, Mr. Austin served in a number of positions within EFH Corp. and EFH Corp.’s predecessor, including roles in information technology, operations, sourcing management and business development since 1990. Mr. Austin has extensive experience in technology, management consulting, operations, cybersecurity, and global delivery management.
Walter Mark Carpenter    68    Senior Vice President, T&D Operations    Walter Mark Carpenter has served as our Senior Vice President, T&D Operations since October 2011, and in such role is responsible for overseeing transmission grid management operations and Oncor’s interface with ERCOT. Mr. Carpenter also oversees Oncor’s distribution operation centers, as well as Oncor’s distribution management and transmission management systems supporting such operations, and, since March 2018, he has been responsible for Oncor’s environmental and NERC compliance activities. From February 2010 until October 2011 he served as our Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, and from 2008 until February 2010 he served as our Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Mr. Carpenter has served EFH Corp’s predecessor and Oncor for over 40 years and has held various field management and engineering management positions in transmission and distribution. Mr. Carpenter is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Power System Relaying Committee and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.

 

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Name

  

Age

  

Positions and Offices
Presently Held

  

Business Experience

(Preceding Five Years)

Don J. Clevenger    50    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    Don J. Clevenger has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since March 2018. From January 2013 until March 2018, he served as our Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning. From February 2010 through December 2012, he served as our Senior Vice President, External Affairs and before that, served as our Vice President, External Affairs from June 2008 until February 2010. Mr. Clevenger also served as our Vice President, Legal and Corporate Secretary from December 2007 to June 2008. Between November 2005 and December 2007, Mr. Clevenger held a leadership position in our company with various legal and regulatory responsibilities. Prior to his transfer to Oncor in November 2005, he was Senior Counsel of the Business Services unit of EFH Corp. since April 2004. Mr. Clevenger was a partner in the law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP (now known as Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) before he joined EFH Corp.’s predecessor.
Deborah L. Dennis    66    Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and Chief HR Officer    Deborah L. Dennis has served as our Senior Vice President since January 2013, as our Chief Customer Officer since March 2018, and as our Chief HR Officer since February 2020. From January 2013 until February 2020, she also held the title of Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs. In her role, Ms. Dennis oversees activities including customer service, community relations, economic development initiatives, human resources and corporate affairs. Ms. Dennis has been employed with Oncor and its predecessors and affiliates for over 40 years in a number of corporate and customer service functions, including 13 years as a Vice President, most recently serving as Vice President of Corporate Affairs from 2011 to December 2012, and Vice President—Dallas Customer Operations from 2007 to 2011. Ms. Dennis has extensive experience in customer services, human resources, supply chain, outsourcing management and corporate philanthropy.
James A. Greer    60    Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer    James A. Greer has served as our Executive Vice President since March 2018 and as Chief Operating Officer since October 2011. Mr. Greer previously served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2011 until March 2018. From October 2007 until October 2011, he served as our Senior Vice President, Asset Management and Engineering and in such role was responsible for the development of strategies, policies and plans for optimizing the value and performance of electric delivery systems and related assets. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Greer served a similar role as our Vice President. Since joining EFH Corp.’s predecessor in 1984, Mr. Greer has held a number of leadership positions within Oncor and EFH Corp. in such areas as engineering, operations and governmental relations. Mr. Greer is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
Angela Y. Guillory    49    Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs    Angela Y. Guillory has served as our Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs since February 2020. In her role as Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, Ms. Guillory is responsible for Oncor’s human resource and corporate affairs functions, a role she performed as Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, from March 2018 until February 2020. From November 2013 to March 2018, Ms. Guillory was Vice President, Customer and Market Operations where she led Oncor’s customer and market relations functions. Ms. Guillory has been employed with Oncor and its predecessor and affiliates for 27 years with experience in engineering, distribution operations, rates and regulatory, customer experience, and customer and market operations.

 

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Name

  

Age

  

Positions and Offices
Presently Held

  

Business Experience

(Preceding Five Years)

Matthew C. Henry    51   

Senior Vice President,

General Counsel &

Secretary

   Matthew C. Henry has served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since March 2018, and in such role is responsible for overseeing all of Oncor’s legal and compliance matters as well as its regulatory and governmental affairs activity. From June 2008 until joining Oncor in March 2018, Mr. Henry practiced law as a partner in the Dallas office of Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he led the firm’s energy regulatory practice and focused on representation of regulated energy companies before state and federal government agencies, including the PUCT, the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the FERC. Prior to joining Vinson & Elkins, Mr. Henry was a partner in the law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP (now known as Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP) from January 2002 until May 2008.
Malia Hodges    43    Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer    Malia Hodges has served as our Senior Vice President since February 2020 and as our Chief Information Officer since March 2018, and in such role is responsible for Oncor’s information technology function. Ms. Hodges previously served a similar role as our Vice President and Chief Information Officer from March 2018 until February 2020. From January 2014 to March 2018, Ms. Hodges served as Director, Technology Program Management Office and in such role was responsible for the strategic execution of Oncor’s information technology investment portfolio and organizational change management activities. Prior to joining Oncor in 2014, Ms. Hodges was a management consultant at Sendero Business Services, L.P., where she advised clients, including Oncor, on the implementation of various strategic technology and customer engagement initiatives. Ms. Hodges has experience in technology, management consulting, organizational design and change management, global delivery management, business process design and operations.

There is no family relationship between any of our executive officers, between any of our directors, or between any executive officer and any director.

Code of Conduct

We maintain certain corporate governance documents on our website at www.oncor.com. Our Code of Conduct can be accessed by selecting “Corporate Governance” in the “Investor Relations” section of the website. Our Code of Conduct applies to all of our employees and officers, including our Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, and it also applies to our directors, except for provisions pertinent only to employees. Any amendments to our Code of Conduct will be posted on our website promptly. Printed copies of the corporate governance documents that are posted on our website are available to any person without charge upon written request to the Corporate Secretary of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC at 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 7E-002, Dallas, Texas 75202-1234.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Overview

In this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we describe our executive compensation philosophy and the elements of our executive compensation program. We also discuss how the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation table (our Named Executive Officers) were compensated in 2020. In 2020, our Named Executive Officers, as well as their current titles, were:

 

Name

  

Title

E. Allen Nye, Jr.    Chief Executive (CEO)
Don J. Clevenger    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Deborah L. Dennis    Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and Chief HR Officer(1)
James A. Greer    Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Matthew C. Henry    Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

(1)

Ms. Dennis became Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and Chief HR Officer in February 2020. Until then, she served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, and Chief Customer Officer.

Role of the Organization and Compensation Committee

Our board of directors has designated an Organization and Compensation Committee of the board of directors (O&C Committee) to establish, administer, and assess our executive compensation policies, which include participation in various employee benefit programs. The O&C Committee met five times in 2020.

The responsibilities of the O&C Committee include:

 

   

Determining and overseeing executive compensation programs, including making recommendations to our board of directors, when and if its approval is required, with respect to the adoption, amendment or termination of incentive compensation, equity-based and other executive compensation and benefit plans, policies and practices;

 

   

Establishing, reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to executive compensation, evaluating the performance of our Chief Executive (CEO) and other executive officers in light of those goals and objectives and ultimately approving executive compensation based on those evaluations; and

 

   

Advising our board of directors with respect to compensation of its Disinterested Directors and non-executive chairman of the board of directors.

The O&C Committee conducts reviews of the level of individual compensation elements as well as total direct compensation for our executive officers, from time to time as it deems appropriate. The O&C Committee conducted such compensation reviews in the fourth quarter of 2020. In determining the total direct compensation of our executive officers, the O&C Committee considers the performance and responsibilities of the executives and a competitive market and peer group analysis of executive compensation provided by compensation consultants engaged by the O&C Committee. The O&C Committee obtains the input of the CEO on the performance of executive officers other than the CEO. The CEO assesses the performance of each executive in light of the executive’s business unit and function and presents a performance evaluation and compensation recommendation for each of these individuals to the O&C Committee. The CEO also reviews and considers the competitive market analysis in making his recommendation. The O&C Committee also evaluates the CEO’s performance. The O&C Committee determines total compensation, including base salary, annual incentive awards and long-term incentive awards, for each of our executive officers as it deems appropriate.

In the first quarter of each fiscal year, the O&C Committee (1) approves corporate goals and objectives under our annual and long-term incentive programs for our executive officers for awards for the current fiscal year, and (2) certifies the performance results for incentive payments for performance periods that ended on December 31 of the previous fiscal year. Following the completion of each fiscal year, in connection with the annual determination of the incentive awards to be paid to our executive officers other than the CEO, the CEO conducts an annual performance review of each executive officer and evaluates each executive’s performance relative to the corporate goals and objectives for the completed fiscal year set by the O&C Committee. The CEO then makes recommendations to the O&C Committee with respect to other executive officers’ annual incentive compensation. The O&C Committee also annually evaluates the CEO’s performance in light of the goals and objectives for the previous fiscal year. After considering this evaluation, as well as the CEO’s recommendations, the

 

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O&C Committee determines the annual incentive award payouts for all of our executive officers, as well as goals and objectives under the annual and long-term incentive programs for the current fiscal year. In the first quarter of 2020, the O&C Committee also revised the payout methodologies under the executive annual and long-term incentive programs following a review of those programs that included a peer group analysis.

Compensation Philosophy

Our compensation philosophy, principles and practices are intended to compensate executives appropriately for their contribution to the attainment of key strategic objectives, and to strongly align the interests of executives, owners, and customers through both short and long-term performance goals. We believe that:

 

   

Levels of executive compensation should be based upon an evaluation of the performance of our business (through operational metrics including safety, reliability, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness) and individual executives, as well as a comparison to compensation levels of persons with comparable responsibilities in business enterprises of similar size, scale, complexity, risk and performance;

 

   

Compensation plans should balance both short-term and long-term objectives; and

 

   

The overall compensation program should emphasize variable compensation elements that have a direct link to company and individual performance.

Objectives of Compensation Philosophy

Our compensation philosophy is designed to meet the following objectives:

 

   

Attracting and retaining high performers;

 

   

Rewarding company and individual performance by providing compensation levels consistent with the level of contribution and degree of accountability;

 

   

Aligning performance measures with our goals and allocating a significant portion of the compensation to incentive compensation in order to drive the performance of our business;

 

   

Basing incentive compensation largely on the satisfaction of company operational metrics (including safety, reliability, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness) with the goal of motivating performance towards improving the services we provide our customers; and

 

   

Creating value for our equity holders and promoting the long-term performance of the company by strengthening the correlation between the long-term interests of our executives and the interests of our owners.

Elements of Compensation

In an effort to achieve our compensation objectives, we have established a compensation program for our executives that principally consists of:

 

   

Base salary;

 

   

Short-term incentives through the opportunity to earn an annual performance bonus pursuant to the Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Seventh Amended and Restated Executive Annual Incentive Plan (Executive Annual Incentive Plan);

 

   

Long-term incentives through awards under Oncor’s Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (Long-Term Incentive Plan);

 

   

Deferred compensation and retirement plans through (1) the opportunity to participate in a participant-directed defined contribution qualified savings plan (thrift plan) and a salary deferral program (Salary Deferral Program) and receive certain company matching contributions, (2) a defined benefit retirement plan and a supplemental retirement plan, and (3) an employer-paid subsidy for health coverage upon the executive’s retirement from Oncor for executives hired prior to January 1, 2002;

 

   

Perquisites and other benefits;

 

   

Contingent payments through an executive change of control policy and an executive severance plan; and

 

   

In certain instances, discretionary bonuses and retention agreements.

For more information about the incentive and other benefit plans available to our executives see “— Compensation Elements” below and the compensation tables and the accompanying narratives immediately following this “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”

 

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Compensation Consultant

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a compensation consultant, has been engaged by the O&C Committee since 2014 to advise and report to the O&C Committee on executive compensation issues. In January 2020, management engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to perform a peer group analysis of annual and long-term incentive compensation, which was reviewed by the O&C Committee in February 2020. PricewaterhouseCoopers and its affiliates also provide consulting and related services to Oncor with respect to human resources, tax, internal audit, compliance and other matters. In October 2020, the O&C Committee engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to advise and report on executive and independent director compensation, including executive change in control benefit practices for peer companies, a competitive market analysis and a peer group study, as discussed in more detail under “-Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data” below.

Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data

While we try to ensure that the greater part of an executive officer’s compensation is directly linked to the executive’s individual performance and Oncor’s performance, we also seek to set our executive compensation program in a manner that is competitive with that of our peer group and industry compensation survey data in order to promote retention of key personnel and to attract high-performing executives from outside our company. As a result, the O&C Committee annually conducts a compensation benchmarking review of our executive officers.

October 2019 Annual Survey and Peer Group Analysis

In the fourth quarter of 2019, the O&C Committee assessed total compensation of our executives against a number of companies in the utility industry, including transmission/distribution utilities and fully integrated utilities, using both survey data and peer group comparisons. For purposes of the 2019 assessment, PricewaterhouseCoopers completed a competitive market analysis of executive compensation for the O&C Committee in October 2019. This analysis involved a review of U.S. energy utility industry compensation survey data using our 2018 annual revenues. The survey data was compared to our executive compensation elements targeted at both the 50th and 75th percentiles with respect to base salary, target cash annual incentives, and long-term incentives, and the resulting target total cash compensation (base salary and target cash annual incentives) and total direct compensation (base salary, target cash annual incentives and long-term incentives), including any adjustments that PricewaterhouseCoopers deemed appropriate for certain of our executives to reflect their increased or decreased scope of duties as compared to the comparable survey data. The survey data was aged from the reporting date to January 1, 2020, using an annual rate of 3.0%, which is the projected increase factor for 2019 for officers and executives based on the World at Work 2019 Salary Budget Survey.

In addition to the market data for utilities in the national marketplace, PricewaterhouseCoopers also provided publicly available data for a subset of these utilities, a peer group of transmission/distribution utility companies as well as fully integrated utility companies. Oncor’s size, based on 2018 revenues, was in the 51st percentile of this peer group. PricewaterhouseCoopers provided information on total target direct compensation, base salary, annual incentive targets and long-term incentives with respect to the five highest paid executives at each of those companies, along with comparisons of each such executive to the comparable Oncor executive using regression analysis based on Oncor’s revenue size. The primary peer group consisted of 16 companies, 15 of which were used in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2018 study:

 

Ameren Corp.    CMS Energy Corp.    ITC Holdings Corp.
American Electric Power Co., Inc.    Consolidated Edison, Inc.    OGE Energy Corp.
Alliant Energy    El Paso Electric Co.    Pinnacle West Capital
Avangrid Inc.    Eversource Energy    Portland General Electric Co.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.    Evergy Inc.   
Cleco Power LLC    IdaCorp Inc.   

PricewaterhouseCoopers recommended using the same peer companies as in 2018 with the exception of substituting Evergy Inc. for SCANA Corp., which discontinued filing executive compensation information with the SEC. Based on PricewaterhouseCoopers’ analysis and recommendation, the O&C Committee approved this peer group revision in the 2019 compensation analysis.

The O&C Committee considered both peer group data and the 2019 competitive market survey data, along with individual performance and responsibilities, when determining total direct executive compensation, as well as each element of total direct compensation (base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives). The O&C Committee targeted total direct compensation, including target payouts under annual and long-term incentive awards, at approximately the 50th percentile of the 2019 competitive market survey group. With respect to long-term incentives, the O&C Committee also

 

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considered the cost of equity differential between Oncor’s long-term incentive program, which offers cash awards, versus equity-based long-term incentive awards, which are more common among the peer group. PricewaterhouseCoopers provided adjusted market data for long-term incentives to address this issue and better reflect Oncor’s competitive position versus the market. The 2019 competitive market analysis indicated that the aggregate target total direct compensation of certain of our executives was generally below the 50th percentile of the competitive market survey group, and that base salary was below the 50th percentile of the competitive market survey group for most of our executives. As a result of its review of the PricewaterhouseCoopers studies and each executive’s individual performance and responsibilities, the O&C Committee increased the base salaries of all Named Executive Officers, effective November 26, 2019 and increased the long-term incentive target percentages for our CEO, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective January 1, 2020, as detailed below under “— Compensation Elements.”

February 2020 Incentive Compensation Peer Group Analysis

In February 2020, the O&C Committee assessed the payout methodologies under our annual and long-term incentive plans. In the course of that review, they considered data provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers to management regarding annual and long-term incentive programs of companies in the 2019 peer group. As a result of this review, the O&C Committee elected to revise the calculation methodology for awards under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan for 2020 (payable in 2021) and grants made for performance periods beginning in 2020 under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. For a discussion of the revised calculation methodologies for these plans, see “— Compensation Elements” below.

October 2020 Annual Survey and Peer Group Analysis

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the O&C Committee assessed total compensation of our executives against a number of companies in the utility industry, including transmission/distribution utilities and fully integrated utilities, using both survey data and peer group comparisons. For purposes of the 2020 assessment, PricewaterhouseCoopers completed a competitive market analysis of executive compensation for the O&C Committee in October 2020. This analysis involved a review of U.S. energy utility industry compensation survey data using our 2019 annual revenues. The survey data was compared to our executive compensation elements targeted at both the 50th and 75th percentiles with respect to base salary, target cash annual incentives, and long-term incentives, and the resulting target total cash compensation (base salary and target cash annual incentives) and total direct compensation (base salary, target cash annual incentives and long-term incentives), including any adjustments that PricewaterhouseCoopers deemed appropriate for certain of our executives to reflect their increased or decreased scope of duties as compared to the comparable survey data. The survey data was aged from the reporting date to January 1, 2021, using an annual rate of 3.0%, which is the projected increase factor for 2020 for officers and executives based on the World at Work 2020 Salary Budget Survey.

In addition to the market data for utilities in the national marketplace, PricewaterhouseCoopers also provided publicly available data for a subset of these utilities, a peer group of transmission/distribution utility companies as well as fully integrated utility companies. Oncor’s size, based on 2019 revenues, is in the 50th percentile of this peer group. PricewaterhouseCoopers provided information on total target direct compensation, base salary, annual incentive targets and long-term incentives with respect to the five highest paid executives at each of those companies, along with comparisons of each such executive to the comparable Oncor executive using regression analysis based on Oncor’s revenue size. The primary peer group consisted of 16 companies, all of which were used in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2019 study:

 

Ameren Corp.    CMS Energy Corp.    ITC Holdings Corp.
American Electric Power Co., Inc.    Consolidated Edison, Inc.    OGE Energy Corp.
Alliant Energy    El Paso Electric Co.    Pinnacle West Capital
Avangrid Inc.    Eversource Energy    Portland General Electric Co.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.    Evergy Inc.   
Cleco Power LLC    IdaCorp Inc.   

The O&C Committee considered both peer group data and the 2020 competitive market survey data, along with individual performance and responsibilities, when determining total direct executive compensation, as well as each element of total direct compensation (base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives). The O&C Committee targeted total direct compensation, including target payouts under annual and long-term incentive awards, at approximately the 50th percentile of the 2020 competitive market survey group. The O&C Committee also reviewed and considered peer group data. With respect to long-term incentives, the O&C Committee also considered the cost of equity differential between Oncor’s long-term incentive program, which offers cash awards, versus equity-based long-term incentive awards, which are more common among the peer group. PricewaterhouseCoopers provided adjusted market data for long-term incentives to address this issue and better reflect Oncor’s competitive position versus the market. The 2020 competitive market analysis indicated

 

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that the aggregate target total direct compensation of certain of our executives (including Messrs. Nye and Clevenger and Ms. Dennis) was generally below the 50th percentile of the competitive market survey group, with all individual Named Executive Officers within 8% above or below the 50th percentile. For purposes of the peer group review, peer group statistics were regressed to Oncor’s size and executives with less than a full year of compensation in their respective role were excluded from the applicable comparison, and peer group retention bonuses and sign-on bonuses were disregarded. As described further below, after consideration of the PricewaterhouseCoopers studies and each executive’s individual performance and responsibilities, the O&C Committee increased the base salaries of all Named Executive Officers effective November 26, 2020, increased the annual incentive target percentage for our CEO effective November 26, 2020, and increased the long-term incentive target percentages for our CEO and Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and Chief HR Officer effective January 1, 2021, as detailed below under “— Compensation Elements.”

Compensation Elements

A significant portion of each executive officer’s compensation is variable, at-risk and directly linked to achieving company performance objectives set by the O&C Committee and the alignment with equity owner interests in order to achieve the long-term success of our company. Other factors impacting compensation include individual performance, scope of responsibilities, retention risk, and market compensation data. None of these other factors are assigned individual weights, but are considered together. The company has no policies or formula for allocating compensation among the various elements. The following is a description of the principal compensation components provided to our executives.

Base Salary

We believe that base salary should be commensurate with the scope and complexity of each executive’s position, the level of responsibility required, and demonstrated performance. We also believe that a competitive level of base salary is required to attract and retain qualified talent.

As part of its review of total direct compensation for our executive officers, the O&C Committee reviews and determines executive officers’ base salaries periodically as it deems appropriate. The periodic review includes the O&C Committee’s review of the most recent analysis of our executive compensation against competitive market data and comparison to our peer group. Our CEO also reviews this analysis, along with the performance and level of responsibility of each executive officer, and makes recommendations to the O&C Committee regarding any salary changes for those executive officers, other than himself. The O&C Committee may also approve salary increases as a result of an executive’s performance, promotion or a significant change in an executive’s responsibilities.

The 2020 competitive market analysis prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers indicated that the base salary of certain of our executives, including Messrs. Nye and Clevenger and Ms. Dennis, was generally below the 50th percentile of the competitive market survey group. The base salaries of Messrs. Greer and Henry were slightly above the 50th percentile of the competitive market survey group (2% and 1% above the 50th percentile, respectively). After considering the results of this market analysis and individual performance and responsibilities, the O&C Committee increased the base salary of each of our Named Executive Officers, including the CEO, effective November 26, 2020, as described below.

Annual Base Salary for Named Executive Officers

The annual base salaries of Named Executive Officers at December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Name

  

Current Title

  

At December 31,  2020 (1)

 

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

   Chief Executive    $ 1,030,000  

Don J. Clevenger

   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    $ 575,000  

Deborah L. Dennis

   Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and Chief HR Officer    $ 424,000  

James A. Greer

   Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer    $ 591,000  

Matthew C. Henry

   Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary    $ 579,000  

 

(1)

Annual base salaries were increased effective November 26, 2020 as follows: Mr. Nye increased from $973,000 to $1,030,000; Mr. Clevenger increased from $542,000 to $575,000; Ms. Dennis increased from $404,000 to $424,000; Mr. Greer increased from $568,000 to $591,000; and Mr. Henry increased from $557,000 to $579,000.

 

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Executive Annual Incentive Plan

The O&C Committee and our CEO are responsible for administering the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The award targets under the plan are established on a company-wide basis and the O&C Committee seeks to set these targets at performance challenging levels. The O&C Committee determines annual target award percentages for executives based on executive responsibilities and performance goals, an evaluation of the most recent competitive market analysis conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and, with respect to executives other than our CEO, recommendations from our CEO. In making his recommendations to the O&C Committee regarding target award percentages, our CEO assesses the performance goals of each executive against the goals of the executive’s business unit and function and reviews the competitive market analysis. Executive Annual Incentive Plan awards are based on a target payout, which is set as a percentage of a participant’s base salary and is based on the performance of Oncor and individual participant performance. The annual incentive target payout for each executive is based on a review of the executive’s responsibilities and consideration of the 50th percentile of target direct compensation of executives with similar responsibilities among our competitive market survey group and peer group. The O&C Committee reviewed target payout opportunities in its October 2020 review of the 2020 competitive market survey information described above and each executive’s performance and responsibilities. After considering the results of this review, which noted that Mr. Nye’s target annual incentive was below the 50th percentile of the competitive market survey group, the O&C Committee increased the target payout opportunity (as a percentage of base salary) of our CEO from 95% to 100%, effective November 26, 2020.

In February 2020, the Executive Annual Incentive Plan was amended and restated to revise the calculation for awards beginning with the 2020 plan year. Previously, the Executive Annual Incentive Plan contained a funding trigger tied to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), and funding of awards was based first on achieving an EBITDA threshold. Assuming the EBITDA threshold was met, awards were then calculated based on whether or not an EBITDA target was met and operational metrics. The revised Executive Annual Incentive Plan removes the funding trigger. As revised, executive officer awards under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan are determined based on (1) achievement of threshold, target, superior, aspirational or other performance levels of any operational or other metrics that the O&C Committee elects to apply, which we sometimes refer to as the final funding percentage, (2) the target award levels of participants in the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, and (3) any individual performance modifiers the O&C Committee elects to apply to an executive.

For 2020, the final funding percentage metrics that the O&C Committee established are based solely on operational targets. The O&C Committee decided that removing the EBITDA metric from the Executive Annual Incentive Plan calculations better aligned with the company’s strategic objectives, which include meeting operational targets and long-term financial growth. The O&C Committee considered revisions to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Plan award agreements together, and the revisions made reflect its belief that long-term, weather-normalized adjusted net income growth is a better financial measure for incentive awards than annual EBITDA. As a result, the Committee removed EBITDA from the Executive Annual Incentive Plan calculations and included the concept of a net income growth adder to 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan award grants. For more information on the Long-Term Incentive Plan award revisions, see “— Long-Term Incentive Plan” below.

The metrics the O&C Committee established for 2020 reflect its belief that annual incentives should be based on achievement of operational goals that are strategic to the company and also benefit customers. The purpose of these operational targets, which are based on safety, reliability, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness metrics, is to promote enhancement of our services to customers. The table below sets forth these operational metrics in further detail.

 

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Operational Metric

  

Description

  

Purpose

Safety    Number of employee injuries using a Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate with a modifier for fatalities resulting from a safety violation    Promotes the health and welfare of our employees. Lowering the number of accidents also reduces our operating costs, which in turn contributes to lower rates for our customers.
Reliability    Non-storm System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), which measures the average number of minutes electric service is interrupted per customer in a year. Since weather can greatly impact reliability and is outside of our control, the reliability metric measures SAIDI on a non-storm, weather-normalized basis    Promotes our commitment to minimizing service interruptions to our customers, as the lower the SAIDI level for the year, the greater our customers’ service level and satisfaction.

Operational

Efficiency

   Based on the achievement of targeted operation and maintenance expense (O&M) and sales, general and administrative expense (SG&A) levels determined on a per customer cost basis    Promotes lower rates for our customers by keeping expenditures low. For executives, this metric also promotes operating at or below annual O&M and SG&A budgets.
Infrastructure Readiness    Measured by a metric based on capital expenditure per three year average kW peak; expressed as a cumulative percentage    Promotes enhanced service to our customers by focusing on the improvement of our facilities through achievement of the capital plan. For executives, this metric also promotes achieving the capital expenditure budget.

Achievement of the safety and reliability metrics is measured based on company performance as compared to utility industry peers, operational efficiency is measured based on maintaining expenditures below the annual budget and infrastructure readiness is measured based on achieving the capital expenditure budget. In previous years, safety and reliability goals were not directly tied to actual industry achievement for the year in which the performance was measured. In 2020, the O&C Committee set the performance threshold, superior and aspirational levels as amounts to be calculated based on industry performance in order to better accomplish Oncor’s goals of being an industry leader in these areas, with aspirational goals set to reflect goals management would like the company to strive to achieve. The O&C Committee also increased the weighting of each of the safety, reliability, and infrastructure readiness metrics for 2020 Executive Annual Incentive awards to 35%, 35% and 20%, respectively, as compared to percentages of 30%, 30% and 10%, respectively, for 2019 awards, reflecting the importance of those items to Oncor’s goals. For additional information regarding the weighting of these metrics, see the narrative immediately following the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table below.

For 2020, the final funding percentage was 149.7%, based on achievement of these metrics. For more information on this calculation and the performance under each metric, see the narrative immediately following the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table.

To calculate an executive officer’s actual award amount, the executive officer’s target award, which is computed as a percentage of actual base salary, is multiplied by the final funding percentage and any individual performance modifier. The individual performance modifier is based on reviews and evaluations of the executive officer’s performance by the CEO and the O&C Committee (or solely the O&C Committee in the case of our CEO) and may adjust an award upward or downward. Factors used in determining individual performance modifiers may include operational measures (including the safety, reliability, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness metrics discussed above), company objectives, individual management and other goals, specific job objectives and competencies, the demonstration of team building and support attributes and general demeanor and behavior. The CEO and the O&C Committee (or solely the O&C Committee in the case of our CEO) do not assign these factors individual weights, but consider them together. Each executive officer’s individual performance modifier is set by the O&C Committee within a range determined in its discretion. No individual performance modifiers were applied to Named Executive Officer awards for the 2020 plan year.

The following table provides a summary of the 2020 targets and actual awards for each Named Executive Officer. All awards under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan are made in the form of lump sum cash payments to participants by March 15 of the year following the plan year to which the award relates.

 

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2020 Annual Incentives (Payable in 2021) for Named Executive Officers

 

Name

  

Target Payout Opportunity

(% of Salary) (1)

   

Target Award

($ Value)

    

Actual Award

($)

    

Actual Award

(% of Target)

 

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

     100     933,151        1,396,927        149.7  

Don J. Clevenger

     65     354,087        530,068        149.7  

Deborah L. Dennis

     65     263,683        394,733        149.7  

James A. Greer

     65     370,445        554,556        149.7  

Matthew C. Henry

     65     363,241        543,772        149.7  

 

  (1)

Mr. Nye’s target payout opportunity increased from 95% to 100% effective November 26, 2020.

Long-Term Incentives

Our long-term incentive program currently consists of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was adopted in 2013 and amended and restated in 2020. The purpose of our long-term incentive program is to promote the long-term interests and growth of Oncor by attracting and retaining management and other personnel and key service providers. Our long-term incentive program was developed to enable us to be competitive in our compensation practices. It was also developed to reflect our belief that the opportunity to benefit from positive long-term performance of the company motivates our management to work towards the long-term success of our business and align management’s interests with those of our customers and equity holders.

The Long-Term Incentive Plan encourages retention of executive officers and key employees by stipulating performance periods of generally 36 months. We also believe that these multi-year performance periods encourage participants to strive for the long-term, sustained success of the company. The nature of the performance targets also ensures that participants strive towards both financial and operational goals.

Our board of directors delegated administration of the Long-Term Incentive Plan to the O&C Committee. Our executive officers and any other key employees of the company or its subsidiaries designated by the O&C Committee are eligible to participate. The plan provides for cash awards to be paid after completion of a performance period based on achievement of certain stated performance goals. A performance period under the Long-Term Incentive Plan is the 36 month period beginning each January 1, unless otherwise determined by the O&C Committee in its sole discretion. The participants for each performance period shall be determined by the O&C Committee not later than the 90th day after commencement of the performance period. Performance goals consist of one or more specific performance objectives established by the O&C Committee in its discretion within the first 90 days of the commencement of the applicable performance period. Performance goals may be designated with respect to the company as a whole or one or more operating units, and may also be determined on an absolute basis or relative to internal goals, or relative to levels attained in prior years, or relative to other companies or indices, or as ratios expressing relationships between two or more performance goals. For 2020 grants, the O&C Committee set the performance targets on a company-wide basis and at levels it believes are performance challenging.

The long-term incentive target payout for each executive is set so that the target total direct compensation is near the 50th percentile of executives with similar responsibilities among our 2020 competitive market survey group (with a 25% premium added to the market data to reflect the approximate value difference between our cash grants and the long-term equity grants issued by most of our peer group). As a result of this study, which indicated that Mr. Nye and Ms. Dennis were both below the 50th percentile, and after considering individual performance and responsibilities, the O&C Committee increased the long-term incentive target percentages for Mr. Nye and Ms. Dennis effective January 1, 2021.

The O&C Committee determined that the performance goals used for the Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2018 and 2019 would consist of a financial funding trigger and operational metrics. The funding of these Long-Term Incentive Plan awards is contingent first upon Oncor achieving a cumulative threshold net income level for the three-year performance period, with the amount of achievement determining a funding trigger percentage. For awards granted in 2018 and 2019, if Oncor fails to achieve the stated net income level for the performance period, no award is payable. The operational goals used for the Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2018 and 2019 relate to (1) a safety metric based on the number of employee injuries using a DART rate with a modifier for fatalities as a result of a safety violation, (2) a reliability metric as measured by non-storm SAIDI, (3) an operational efficiency metric based on the achievement of targeted O&M and SG&A levels determined on a per customer cost basis (excluding the impacts from the InfraREIT Acquisition, regulatory mandated cost of service expenses, energy efficiency expenses, certain third-party network transmission fees that are recovered through tariff adjustments, and long-term incentive compensation) and (4) an infrastructure readiness metric based on the capital expenditure per three year average kW peak, expressed as a cumulative percentage. The purpose of these

 

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operational targets, which are based on safety, reliability, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness metrics, is to promote enhancement of our services to customers. For additional discussion on the purposes of these operational metrics, see the table and discussion of the Operational Metrics in “Compensation Elements—Executive Annual Incentive Plan.”

In February 2020, the O&C Committee revised its approach to awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan for performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. Under the revised approach, awards do not have a financial funding trigger and will instead be calculated based on achievement of performance metrics set by the O&C Committee. The O&C Committee determined that the performance goals used for the Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2020 for the 2020-2022 performance period consist of: (1) the weighted achievement of operational performance goals consisting of (a) a safety metric based on the number of employee injuries using a DART rate with a modifier for fatalities as a result of a safety violation, and (b) a reliability metric as measured by non-storm SAIDI, added to (2) a net income growth metric measuring the actual percentage of net income growth (weather normalized and excluding certain items outside of the ordinary course of business as approved by the O&C Committee) during the performance period, using the adjusted net income for the year before the performance period as the baseline value and the adjusted net income of the final year of the three year performance period as the ending value. For additional information regarding the weighting of these metrics, see the narrative immediately following the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table below. The safety and reliability metrics are sometimes referred to as the operational metrics, and the net income growth metric is sometimes referred to as the net income growth adder.

The O&C Committee decided to remove the funding trigger and replace it with the net income growth adder to reflect its belief that longer-term net income growth (weather normalized and excluding certain items outside of the ordinary course of business) for the measurement period is a better measure of Oncor’s financial performance than meeting annual net income targets set based on annual financial plans, particularly since weather is out of management’s control could greatly impact year over year performance and certain extraordinary items in a single year are not reflective of management’s performance. The O&C Committee elected not to use the operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness performance metrics that were included in pre-2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan awards as it determined those goals were sufficiently addressed in the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The O&C Committee elected to include safety and reliability performance metrics and set threshold, superior and aspirational performance targets for those metrics based on industry performance as it believed performance over the measurement period for those metrics is consistent with the company’s strategic objectives. The achievement of threshold, superior and aspirational levels results in funding for a specific metric of 50%, 150% and 200%, respectively. Once the threshold has been achieved, actual results in between each level result in a funding percentage based on the percentage of the target achieved, determined on a straight line interpolation basis. Based on the weighting for each of the safety and reliability metric, an aggregate weighted average of operational goal percentage is determined.

The final funding percentage for long-term incentive awards granted in 2020 is the sum of the weighted operational goal percentage and the net income growth adder. The amount of each Long-Term Incentive Plan award granted is then determined based on the product of the final funding percentage, multiplied by the target opportunity dollar amount stated in each individual award letter.

The plan also gives the O&C Committee the discretion to adjust long-term awards to prevent unintended dilution or enlargement as a result of certain extraordinary events. For each operational goal, the O&C Committee may set threshold, superior and aspirational levels of attainment and the manner of calculating the award amounts at each level (such as a specified dollar amount or a percentage or multiple of base salary). However, the Long-Term Incentive Plan provides that the maximum award payable for a performance period shall not exceed 150% of the target award.

Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2020 (Payable in 2023)

The following table provides a summary of the target awards granted to each Named Executive Officer in February 2020. All awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan are to be made in the form of lump sum cash payments to participants on or before April of the year following the last year of the performance period. For target awards granted in 2020, awards are generally payable on or before April 1, 2023.

 

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2020 Target Long-Term Incentive Award Grants (Payable in 2023) for Named Executive Officers

 

Name

   Target Award ($ Value)  

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

     3,162,250  

Don J. Clevenger

     948,500  

Deborah L. Dennis

     361,984  

James A. Greer

     1,050,800  

Matthew C. Henry

     818,790  

Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2018 (Payable in 2021)

In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the level of attainment of performance goals established for long-term incentive awards granted in 2018 with a performance period that ended on December 31, 2020. The performance goals achieved for the 2018-2020 performance goal period were certified by the O&C Committee as follows:

 

2018 -2020 Performance Period Results (awards granted in 2018, payable in 2021)

 

Funding Trigger

   Threshold      Target      Superior      Actual      Achievement  

Net Income ($ millions; 2018-2020 cumulative) (1)

     1,568.9        1,845.7        2,122.6        1,909.7        111.5  

2018-2020 Performance Goals

 

Weighting

  

Performance Metric

   Performance Level      Actual      Achievement(2)  
30%    Safety - measured by Days Away, Restricted
or Transferred (DART); cumulative
     Threshold        0.66        
     Target        0.55        0.25        40.0  
     Superior        0.39        
30%    Reliability - measured by non-storm System
Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI)
in minutes; cumulative
     Threshold        282.0        
     Target        264.0        253.7        34.8  
     Superior        232.0        
30%    Operational efficiency – measured by
operation and maintenance expense (O&M)
and sales, general and administrative expense
(SG&A) on a cost per customer basis, $;
average(3)
     Threshold        200.67        
     Target        187.55        187.26        30.3  
     Superior        174.42        
10%    Operational efficiency – measured by an
infrastructure readiness metric based on the
capital expenditure per three year average kW
peak; %; cumulative
     Threshold        97.00, 105.00        
     Target        98.00, 103.00        102.7        11.1  
     Superior        99.00, 101.49        

Operational Goal Percentage:

       116.2  

 

(1)

For purposes of the year 2020 in the performance period, the O&C Committee excluded from net income the impact of long-term incentive compensation and non-cash actuarial adjustments. For purposes of the years 2018 and 2019 in the performance period, the O&C Committee excluded from net income all earnings, expenses and transition costs related to the 2019 InfraREIT Acquisition, the impact of long-term incentive compensation, performance bonus compensation, certain special project professional fees, expenses related to the EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings and the 2018 Sempra Acquisition, executive change of control policy expenses, non-cash actuarial adjustments and the effects of writing off a non-regulated deferred tax asset (resulting from the TCJA).

(2)

Achievement reflects actual performance after taking into account applicable modifiers.

(3)

The O&C Committee excluded from operational efficiency for each year in the performance period the regulatory mandated cost of service expenses, energy efficiency expenses, certain third party network transmission fees that are recovered through tariff adjustments, and long-term incentive compensation, and, for the year 2019 in the performance period, the impacts from the InfraREIT Acquisition.

For awards granted in 2018, the final funding percentage is calculated using the funding trigger percentage and weighted operational goal percentage, as set forth in the table below.

 

Long-Term Incentive Plan Final Funding Percentage Calculation – Grants made in 2018
Achieved Funding Trigger Performance    Final Funding Percentage
Actual funding trigger is less than threshold    0%
Actual funding trigger is greater than or equal to threshold but
less than or equal to target
   Lesser of the funding trigger percentage or the weighted
operational goal percentage
Actual funding trigger is greater than target    Funding trigger percentage multiplied by the weighted
operational goal percentage, up to a payout percentage not
exceeding the funding trigger percentage

 

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Pursuant to the terms of the 2018 long-term incentive awards, the amount of each award was determined based on the product of the final funding percentage certified by the O&C Committee in February 2021 and the target opportunity dollar amount stated in each individual award. The O&C Committee certified a funding trigger percentage of 111.5%, an operational goal percentage of 116.2%, and a final funding percentage of 111.5%, resulting in long-term incentive awards as set forth below for the Named Executive Officers.

2018 - 2020 Performance Period Long-Term Incentive Awards (Payable in 2021) for Named Executive Officers in Office at December 31, 2020

 

Name

   Actual Award ($ Value)  

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

     2,608,208  

Don J. Clevenger

     805,868  

Deborah L. Dennis

     365,649  

James A. Greer

     936,600  

Matthew C. Henry

     845,259  

In accordance with the terms of the plan, these amounts will be paid to the officers prior to April 1, 2021.

For a more detailed description of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the net income funding trigger, the performance metrics and the actual performance levels achieved for the 2018-2020 performance period, refer to the narrative that follows the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table.

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans

Our executive compensation package includes the ability to participate in the Salary Deferral Program, Oncor’s thrift plan, the Oncor Retirement Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan and for executives hired before January 1, 2002, subsidized retiree health care coverage. We believe that these programs, which are common among companies in the utility industry, are important to attract and retain qualified executives.

Salary Deferral Program

Oncor executive officers are eligible to participate in a Salary Deferral Program that allows employees to defer a portion of their salary and annual incentive award and to receive a matching award based on their salary deferrals. Executives can currently defer up to 50% of their base salary and up to 85% of any annual incentive award. At the executive officer’s option the deferral period can be set for seven years, until retirement or a combination of both. Oncor generally matches 100% of deferrals up to 8% of base salary deferred under the program. Oncor does not match deferred annual incentive awards. Matching contributions vest at the earliest of seven years after the deferral date, retirement, death, disability or termination without cause following a change in control of Oncor (as defined in the Salary Deferral Program). The program encourages employee retention as, generally, participants who terminate their employment with us prior to the seven year vesting period forfeit our matching contribution to the program.

Additionally, Oncor, at the direction of the O&C Committee, can make additional discretionary contributions into a Salary Deferral Program participant’s account. Discretionary contributions made into a Salary Deferral Program participant’s account by Oncor vest as determined by the O&C Committee.

Refer to the narrative that follows the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table below for a more detailed description of the Salary Deferral Program.

Thrift Plan

All eligible employees of Oncor may contribute a portion of their regular salary or wages to the thrift plan and Oncor matches a portion of an employee’s contributions. This matching contribution is 75% of the employee’s contribution up to the first 6% of the employee’s salary for employees covered under the traditional defined benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan, and 100% of the employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s salary for employees covered under the cash balance component of the Oncor Retirement Plan. All matching contributions are invested in thrift plan investments as directed by the participant and are immediately vested. For a more detailed description of the thrift plan, see Note 9 to Annual Financial Statements.

 

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Retirement Plan

All Oncor employees are eligible to participate in the Oncor Retirement Plan, which is qualified under applicable provisions of the Code. The Oncor Retirement Plan contains both a traditional defined benefit component and a cash balance component. Effective January 1, 2002, the defined benefit plan changed from a traditional final average pay design to a cash balance design. This change was made to better align the retirement program with competitive practices. All participants were extended an opportunity to remain in the traditional program component or transition to the cash balance component. Ms. Dennis and Mr. Greer elected to remain in the traditional program. All employees employed after January 1, 2002 who have completed one year of service with the company are eligible to participate only in the cash balance component. As a result, Messrs. Nye, Clevenger, and Henry are covered only under the cash balance component. For a more detailed description of the Oncor Retirement Plan, refer to the narrative that follows the Pension Benefits table and Note 9 to Annual Financial Statements.

Supplemental Retirement Plan

Oncor executives participate in the Supplemental Retirement Plan. The Supplemental Retirement Plan provides for the payment of retirement benefits that:

 

   

Would otherwise be capped by the Code’s statutory limits for qualified retirement plans;

 

   

Include Executive Annual Incentive Plan awards in the definition of earnings (for participants in the traditional program component only); and/or

 

   

Oncor is obligated to pay under contractual arrangements.

For a more detailed description of the Supplemental Retirement Plan, please refer to the narrative that follows the Pension Benefits table below.

Retiree Health Care

Employees hired by Oncor (or a predecessor) prior to January 1, 2002 are generally entitled to receive an employer-paid subsidy for retiree health care coverage upon their retirement from Oncor. As such, Ms. Dennis and Mr. Greer will be entitled to receive a subsidy from Oncor for retiree health care coverage upon their retirement from Oncor. Messrs. Nye, Clevenger, and Henry were hired after January 1, 2002 and are not eligible for the employer subsidy.

Perquisites and Other Benefits

Perquisites provided to our executive officers are intended to serve as part of a competitive total compensation program and to enhance our executives’ ability to conduct company business. These benefits include financial planning, a preventive physical health exam, and reimbursements for certain business-related country club and/or luncheon club membership costs. Perquisites do not include personal use of company property or services for which we are reimbursed for the incremental cost to the company of personal use. For a description of the total amount of perquisites for each of our Named Executive Officers, refer to Footnote 5 in the Summary Compensation Table below.

The following is a summary of benefits offered to our executive officers that are not available to all employees:

Executive Financial Planning: All executive officers are eligible to receive executive financial planning services. These services are intended to support them in managing their financial affairs, which we consider especially important given the high level of time commitment and performance expectation required of our executives. Furthermore, these services help ensure greater accuracy and compliance with individual tax regulations.

Executive Physical Health Exam: All executive officers are also eligible to receive an annual physical examination. We recognize the importance of the health of our senior management team and the vital leadership role they play in directing and operating the company. The executive officers are important assets of the company and this benefit is designed to help ensure their health and long-term ability to serve our equity holders.

Country Club/Luncheon Club Membership: Certain executive officers are entitled to reimbursement of country club or luncheon club memberships if the company determines that a business need exists for the executive’s memberships, as such clubs provide those officers with a setting for cultivating business relationships and interaction with key community leaders and officials.

 

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Travel & Security: We may pay travel and security expenses for executives related to service on certain third party boards of directors or, in rare instances of personal travel or security, when we believe necessary for the health and welfare of the executive. These expenses could include personal security and non-commercial aircraft flights when we deem there to be a heightened safety or security risk and/or to enhance an executive’s ability to conduct Oncor business. The incremental cost to Oncor of non-commercial flights consists of actual invoiced incremental costs for each flight pursuant to Oncor’s contracts with non-commercial aircraft providers minus any amounts reimbursed or reimbursable by the executive or a third party. From time to time an executive’s spouse and/or children may accompany the executive on a business trip. We may pay the incremental costs for the executive’s spouse to travel with the executive, if their presence contributes to the business purpose. However, any incremental costs incurred by Oncor with respect to expenses for an executive’s children to accompany the executive must be fully reimbursed by the executive.

Event Tickets: We may from time to time provide executives with sporting or other event tickets for personal use.

Additional Benefits: In addition to the benefits described above, Oncor offers its executive officers the ability to participate in benefit plans for medical, dental and vision insurance, group term life insurance and accidental death and disability, as well as certain other health and welfare benefits, which are generally made available to all employees at the company.

Compensatory Agreements and Discretionary Bonuses

Retention Agreement

In January 2018, we entered into a retention agreement with Mr. Henry in connection with our offer of employment to him to serve as Oncor’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary upon closing of the Sempra Acquisition. We believe the retention agreement, which was approved by the O&C Committee, was necessary to induce him to join the company and offer him a market competitive compensation package (targeting around the 50th percentile of the 2017 competitive market study) that addresses the fact that as a new hire he would not receive long-term incentive award payments under the Long-Term Incentive Plan until 2021 (for the 2018-2020 performance period) and would not be eligible for an Executive Annual Incentive Plan annual incentive until 2019 (for the 2018 plan year). The retention agreement serves to reinforce and encourage Mr. Henry’s dedication to us as a member of the executive management team and to assure that we will retain his services in the key role of overseeing all of Oncor’s legal, regulatory and legislative efforts. The agreement provides for an initial retention bonus in March 2018 and payments in each of March 2019 and 2020 of retention bonuses equal to $758,080 multiplied by the approved Long-Term Incentive Plan scorecard results for each of the 2016-2018 and 2017-2019 performance periods, respectively, contingent upon Mr. Henry’s continued employment and satisfactory performance of his job duties as directed by Oncor. As a result, Mr. Henry received $888,470 in March 2020 as the third retention bonus (reflecting $758,080 multiplied by 117.2%, the approved Long-Term Incentive Plan funding percentage for the 2017-2019 performance period).

Discretionary Bonuses

In addition to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the O&C Committee also has the ability to award discretionary bonuses to executives in its discretion to recognize individual achievements. No such discretionary bonuses were awarded to Named Executive Officers with respect to performance for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

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Individual Named Executive Officer Compensation

CEO Compensation

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

The following is a summary of Mr. Nye’s individual compensation for 2020. Mr. Nye is our CEO.

Base Salary: Mr. Nye’s base salary was increased effective November 26, 2020 from $973,000 to $1,030,000 as a result of the O&C Committee’s annual review of executive compensation discussed above under “- Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data – October 2020 Annual Survey and Peer Group.”

Annual Incentives: In 2021, the O&C Committee awarded Mr. Nye $1,396,927 pursuant to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, reflecting the result of Oncor’s 2020 performance, as well as the O&C Committee’s review of Mr. Nye’s overall leadership of the company in 2020, particularly his overall management of the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, execution of the company’s large 2020 capital expenditure budget, and commitment of the company to diversity and inclusion efforts. For more detailed information on the calculation of Executive Annual Incentive Awards, see “—Compensation Elements – Executive Annual Incentive Plan” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative.

Long-Term Incentives: In 2020, Mr. Nye was granted a Long-Term Incentive Plan target award of $3,162,250 for the performance period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Actual awards will be based on the Company’s achievement of approved performance goals and are payable on or before April 1, 2023. In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the results of performance goals for Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2018 for the January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020 performance period. Mr. Nye’s Long-Term Incentive Plan award for the 2018-2020 performance period is $2,608,208 and will be paid on or before April 1, 2021. See “—Long-Term Incentives” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards-2020 table and related narrative for additional information on the Long-Term Incentive Plan and target awards.

Compensation of Other Named Executive Officers

Don J. Clevenger

The following is a summary of Mr. Clevenger’s individual compensation for 2020. Mr. Clevenger is our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Base Salary: Mr. Clevenger’s base salary was increased effective November 26, 2020 from $542,000 to $575,000 as a result of the O&C Committee’s annual review of executive compensation discussed above under “- Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data – October 2020 Annual Survey and Peer Group.”

Annual Incentive: In 2021, the O&C Committee awarded Mr. Clevenger $530,068 pursuant to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, reflecting the result of Oncor’s 2020 performance, as well as Mr. Clevenger’s individual performance in 2020 as evaluated by the O&C Committee and our CEO, particularly his management of the company’s liquidity and finances during periods of market volatility related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the successful completion of the company’s large capital expenditure budget. For more detailed information on the calculation of Executive Annual Incentive Awards, see “—Compensation Elements — Executive Annual Incentive Plan” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative.

Long-Term Incentives: In 2020, Mr. Clevenger was granted a Long-Term Incentive Plan target award of $948,500 for the performance period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Actual awards will be based on the Company’s achievement of approved performance goals and are payable on or before April 1, 2023. In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the results of performance goals for Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2018 for the January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020 performance period. Mr. Clevenger’s Long-Term Incentive Plan award for the 2018-2020 performance period is $805,868 and will be paid on or before April 1, 2021. See “— Long-Term Incentives” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative for additional information on the Long-Term Incentive Plan and target awards.

 

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Deborah L. Dennis

The following is a summary of Ms. Dennis’ individual compensation for 2020. Ms. Dennis is our Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and Chief HR Officer. She assumed the Chief HR Officer title in February 2020. Prior to then she served as our Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs, and Chief Customer Officer.

Base Salary: Ms. Dennis’ base salary was increased from $404,000 to $424,000 effective November 26, 2020 as a result of the O&C Committee’s annual review of executive compensation discussed above under “- Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data – October 2020 Annual Survey and Peer Group.”

Annual Incentive: In 2021, the O&C Committee awarded Ms. Dennis $394,733 pursuant to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, reflecting the result of Oncor’s 2020 performance, as well as Ms. Dennis’ individual performance in 2020. The O&C Committee and our CEO evaluated her performance in overseeing employee relations, employee benefit matters, labor matters, corporate and community involvement, and customer related matters, including increased responsibilities and challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of the company’s pandemic response plan. For more detailed information on the calculation of Executive Annual Incentive Awards, see “— Compensation Elements — Executive Annual Incentive Plan” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative.

Long-Term Incentives: In 2020, Ms. Dennis was granted a Long-Term Incentive Plan target award of $361,984 for the performance period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Actual awards will be based on the Company’s achievement of approved performance goals and are payable on or before April 1, 2023. In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the results of performance goals for Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2018 for the January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020 performance period. Ms. Dennis’ Long-Term Incentive Plan award for the 2018-2020 performance period is $365,649 and will be paid on or before April 1, 2021. See “— Long-Term Incentives” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative for additional information on the Long-Term Incentive Plan and target awards.

James A. Greer

The following is a summary of Mr. Greer’s individual compensation for 2020. Mr. Greer is our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Base Salary: Mr. Greer’s base salary was increased from $568,000 to $591,000 effective November 26, 2020 as a result of the O&C Committee’s annual review of executive compensation discussed above under “- Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data – October 2020 Annual Survey and Peer Group.”

Annual Incentive: In 2021, the O&C Committee awarded Mr. Greer $554,556 pursuant to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, reflecting the result of Oncor’s 2020 performance, as well as Mr. Greer’s individual performance in 2020 overseeing the complex operations of Oncor’s entire transmission and distribution system, successful execution of the company’s large capital expenditure budget, as well as increased responsibilities and challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of the company’s pandemic response plan. For more detailed information on the calculation of Executive Annual Incentive Awards, see “—Compensation Elements — Executive Annual Incentive Plan” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative.

Long-Term Incentives: In 2020, Mr. Greer was granted a Long-Term Incentive Plan target award of $1,050,800 for the performance period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Actual awards will be based on the Company’s achievement of approved performance goals and are payable on or before April 1, 2023. In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the results of performance goals for Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2018 for the January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020 performance period. Mr. Greer’s Long-Term Incentive Plan award for the 2018-2020 performance period is $936,600 and will be paid on or before April 1, 2021. See “—Long-Term Incentives” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative for additional information on the Long-Term Incentive Plan and target awards.

Matthew C. Henry

The following is a summary of Mr. Henry’s individual compensation for 2020. Mr. Henry is our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

 

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Base Salary: Mr. Henry’s base salary was increased from $557,000 to $579,000 effective November 26, 2020 as a result of the O&C Committee’s annual review of executive compensation discussed above under “- Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data – October 2020 Annual Survey and Peer Group.”

Annual Incentive: In 2021, the O&C Committee awarded Mr. Henry $543,772 pursuant to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, reflecting the result of Oncor’s 2020 performance, as well as the O&C Committee and our CEO’s evaluation of Mr. Henry’s individual performance in 2020 overseeing all legal, regulatory and governmental affairs matters affecting Oncor, which included additional responsibilities and challenges this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more detailed information on the calculation of Executive Annual Incentive Awards, see “—Compensation Elements — Executive Annual Incentive Plan” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards –2020 table and related narrative.

Long-Term Incentives: In 2020, Mr. Henry was granted a Long-Term Incentive Plan target award of $818,790 for the performance period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Actual awards will be based on Oncor’s achievement of approved performance goals and are payable on or before April 1, 2023. In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the results of performance goals for Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2018 for the January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020 performance period. Mr. Henry’s Long-Term Incentive Plan award for the 2018-2020 performance period is $845,259 and will be paid on or before April 1, 2021. See “—Long-Term Incentives” above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table and related narrative for additional information on the Long-Term Incentive Plan and target awards.

Retention Agreement: In March 2020, Mr. Henry was paid a retention bonus of $888,470 pursuant to his retention agreement. See “—Compensation Elements — Compensatory Agreements and Discretionary Bonuses — Retention Agreement” above for more information regarding Mr. Henry’s retention agreement.

Contingent Payments

Change in Control Policy

Oncor also maintains an Executive Change in Control Policy (Change in Control Policy). The purpose of the Change in Control Policy is to provide the payment of transition benefits to eligible executives if:

 

   

Their employment with the company or a successor is terminated within twenty-four months following a change in control of the company; and

 

   

They:

 

   

are terminated without cause, or

 

   

resign for good reason.

The terms “change in control,” “without cause” and “good reason” are defined in the Change in Control Policy.

We believe these payments, to be triggered upon meeting the criteria above, provide incentive for executives to fully consider potential changes that are in the best interest of Oncor and our equity holders, even if those changes would result in the executives’ termination. We also believe it is important to have a competitive change in control program to attract and retain the caliber of executives that our business requires and to foster an environment of relative security within which we believe our executives will be able to focus on achieving company goals.

Refer to “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control—Change in Control Policy” for detailed information about payments and benefits that our executive officers are eligible to receive under the Change in Control Policy.

Severance Plan

Oncor also makes available a Severance Plan (Severance Plan) to provide certain benefits to eligible executives. The purpose of the Severance Plan is to provide benefits to eligible executives who are not eligible for severance pursuant to another plan or agreement (including an employment agreement) and whose employment is involuntarily terminated for reasons other than:

 

   

Cause (as defined in the Severance Plan);

 

   

Disability of the employee, if the employee is a participant in our long-term disability plan; or

 

   

A transaction involving the company or any of its affiliates in which the employee is offered employment with a company involved in, or related to, the transaction.

 

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We believe it is important to have a severance plan in place to attract and retain the caliber of executives that our business requires and to foster an environment of relative security within which we believe our executives will be able to focus on achieving company goals. Refer to “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for detailed information about payments and benefits that our executive officers are eligible to receive under the Severance Plan.

Tax/Accounting Considerations

The O&C Committee administers our executive compensation programs with the good faith intention of complying with the Code, including Section 409A, as well as other applicable regulations and accounting rules.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Two of our O&C Committee members, Mr. Martin and Mr. Zucchet, are not classified as Disinterested Directors under the standards set forth in the Limited Liability Company Agreement. Mr. Martin is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sempra, and was designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings). Mr. Zucchet is employed by OMERS Infrastructure Management Inc., an affiliate of Texas Transmission, and serves as an officer and director of Texas Transmission’s parent company. Mr. Zucchet was designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission.

Mr. Martin was appointed to the O&C Committee in April 2020, replacing George W. Bilicic, who resigned from our board of directors effective March 2020 and served on the O&C Committee from August 2019 until his resignation. Mr. Bilicic had been designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings).

No member of the O&C Committee is or has ever been one of our officers or employees.

 

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COMPENSATION TABLES

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides information regarding the aggregate compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 in which they served as a Named Executive Officer.

 

Name and Principal Position(1)

   Year      Salary ($)      Bonus ($)(2)      Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)
     Change in Pension
Value and Non-
Qualified  Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)(4)
     All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
     Total
($)
 

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

                    

Chief Executive

     2020        977,750        —          4,005,135        161,162        115,228        5,259,275  
     2019        930,833        1,864,800        2,252,172        149,256        166,688        5,363,749  
     2018        791,000        1,880,480        1,588,310        10,062        104,677        4,374,529  

Don J. Clevenger

                    

Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer

     2020        544,750        —          1,335,936        94,669        87,053        2,062,408  
     2019        513,583        —          1,304,323        127,471        77,522        2,022,899  
     2018        489,750        —          1,039,929        13,044        76,745        1,619,468  

Deborah L. Dennis

                    

Senior Vice President,
Chief Customer Officer
& Chief HR Officer

     2020        405,667        —          760,382        844,090        69,250        2,079,389  
     2019        382,917        —          596,785        849,733        71,122        1,900,557  
     2018        362,250        —          561,359        1,574        80,814        1,005,997  

James A. Greer

                    

Executive Vice
President & Chief
Operating Officer

     2020        569,917        —          1,491,156        1,811,239        73,945        3,946,257  
     2019        547,833        159,840        1,256,196        1,741,181        70,902        3,775,952  
     2018        520,500        192,720        1,089,045        27,320        78,611        1,908,196  

Matthew C. Henry

                    

Senior Vice President,
General Counsel &
Secretary

     2020        558,833        888,470        1,389,031        60,235        63,223        2,959,792  
     2019        537,750        801,291        418,186        21,840        71,738        1,850,805  
     2018        400,875        1,051,843        279,942        —          49,817        1,782,477  

 

(1)

Reflects titles as of December 31, 2020. Mr. Nye became Chief Executive on March 9, 2018, upon the closing of the Sempra Acquisition. Until that date he served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Clevenger became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on March 9, 2018, upon the closing of the Sempra Acquisition. Until that date he served as our Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning. Ms. Dennis became Chief Customer Officer on March 9, 2018, upon the closing of the Sempra Acquisition, a role she assumed in addition to her then role as Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Affairs. In February 2020, Ms. Dennis became Senior Vice President, Chief Customer Officer and Chief HR Officer. Mr. Greer was promoted from Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective March 9, 2018, upon the closing of the Sempra Acquisition.

(2)

Amounts reported as “Bonus” for Mr. Henry for each year represent the amounts paid pursuant to his retention agreement. For more information on his retention agreement, see “– Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Elements – Compensatory Agreements and Discretionary Bonuses – Retention Agreement.”

(3)

Amounts reported as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” were earned by the executive in the respective year and represent amounts related to awards for such years pursuant to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan and the Long-Term Incentive Plan, as described as the table below. Awards under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan for any given year are paid in March of the following year. Awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan are paid on or before April 1 following a 36-month performance period. Long-Term Incentive Plan amount in this column for 2020 represents awards to be paid in 2021 that were earned by the executive for the 2018-2020 performance period. The below table reflects the amounts paid with respect to each plan’s performance period ending on December 31, 2020.

 

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Name

   Executive Annual Incentive Plan
($)
     Long-Term Incentive Plan
($)
 

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

     1,396,927        2,608,208  

Don J. Clevenger

     530,068        805,868  

Deborah L. Dennis

     394,733        365,649  

James A. Greer

     554,556        936,600  

Matthew C. Henry

     543,772        845,259  

 

(4)

Amounts reported under this column reflect the aggregate change in actuarial value at December 31 of the specified year as compared to December 31 of the previous year of each executive’s accumulated benefits under the Oncor Retirement Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan. With respect to the Oncor Retirement Plan, Ms. Dennis and Mr. Greer are covered under the traditional defined benefit component and Messrs. Nye, Clevenger, and Henry are covered under the cash balance component. There are no above-market or preferential earnings for nonqualified deferred compensation. For a more detailed description of these plans and the calculation of actuarial value, see “– Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Elements – Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans” and the narrative that follows the Pension Benefits table below.

(5)

Amounts reported as “All Other Compensation” for 2020 are attributable to the executive’s receipt of certain compensation as described in the following table:

2020 All Other Compensation Components for Named Executive Officers

 

Name

   Thrift Plan Company
Match ($)(a)
     Salary Deferral Program
Company Match ($)(b)
     Perquisites ($)(c)      Total ($)  

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

     22,007        78,220        15,001        115,228  

Don J. Clevenger

     16,206        43,580        27,267        87,053  

Deborah L. Dennis

     11,847        32,453        24,950        69,250  

James A. Greer

     12,825        45,593        15,527        73,945  

Matthew C. Henry

     16,654        44,707        1,862        63,223  

 

  (a)

Amounts represent company matching amounts under the thrift plan. For a more detailed description of the thrift plan, see “– Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Elements – Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans – Thrift Plan.”

  (b)

Amounts represent company matching amounts under the Salary Deferral Program. Refer to the narrative that follows the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table below for a more detailed description of the Salary Deferral Program.

  (c)

Amounts reported under this column represent the aggregate amount of perquisites received by each Named Executive Officer. Those perquisites consist of (i) executive physicals and related health tests for each of Messrs. Nye, Clevenger, and Greer and Ms. Dennis, (ii) financial planning services for each of Messrs. Nye and Greer and Ms. Dennis, (ii) country club/luncheon club dues for Messrs. Clevenger and Henry and Ms. Dennis, and (iii) travel expenses for Mr. Clevenger representing the invoiced incremental costs to Oncor for a non-commercial flight in March 2020 that we offered to him and his family to return them home from a personal trip due to significant safety and mobility concerns at the time arising from the developing COVID-19 pandemic, and (iv) sporting event tickets provided to Mr. Clevenger for personal use. Amounts reported represent the incremental cost to Oncor for the perquisites provided. For a discussion of the perquisites received by our executive officers, see “– Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Elements – Perquisites and Other Benefits.”

 

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020

The following table sets forth information regarding grants of plan-based awards to Named Executive Officers under our Executive Annual Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

 

     Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards  

Name

   Threshold
($)
     Target
($)
     Maximum
($)
 

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

        

Executive Annual Incentive Plan (1)

     466,575        933,151        1,399,726  

Long-Term Incentive Plan (2)

     1,581,125        3,162,250        4,743,375  

Don J. Clevenger

        

Executive Annual Incentive Plan (1)

     177,043        354,087        531,130  

Long-Term Incentive Plan (2)

     474,250        948,500        1,422,750  

Deborah L. Dennis

        

Executive Annual Incentive Plan (1)

     131,841        263,683        395,524  

Long-Term Incentive Plan (2)

     180,992        361,984        542,976  

James A. Greer

        

Executive Annual Incentive Plan (1)

     185,223        370,445        555,668  

Long-Term Incentive Plan (2)

     525,400        1,050,800        1,576,200  

Matthew C. Henry

        

Executive Annual Incentive Plan (1)

     181,621        363,241        544,862  

Long-Term Incentive Plan (2)

     409,395        818,790        1,228,185  

 

(1)

The amounts reported reflect the threshold, target, and maximum amounts available under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The O&C Committee set performance level metrics for the plan and individual target amounts in February 2020 and final award payout amounts were determined by the O&C Committee in February 2021. The actual awards for the 2020 plan year will be paid in March 2021 and are reported in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” Threshold payout amounts reflect the minimum final funding percentage of 50% multiplied by target awards. Maximum payout amounts for the Executive Annual Incentive Plan reflect a payout of 150% multiplied by the target award. The Executive Annual Incentive Plan provides that the final funding percentage for awards under the plan cannot exceed 150%. It is the intent of the O&C Committee to administer the plan so that application of any individual performance modifiers (which under the plan may be plus or minus 50%) would not result in payouts of more than 150% of target award. However, the O&C Committee has discretion in how it administers the plan and could adjust payout maximums in the future as it deems necessary.

(2)

The amounts reported reflect the threshold, target and maximum amounts available for award grants made in 2020 under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. Target amounts for each Named Executive Officer were determined by the O&C Committee in February 2020 and any final awards will be payable on or before April 1, 2023 based on achievement of performance goals for the 2020-2022 performance period, as discussed in more detail below under “— Long-Term Incentive Plan.” Threshold payout amounts reflect the minimum final funding percentage of 50% multiplied by the target award. Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, maximum payout amounts are limited to 150% of the target award. Actual awards for the performance period ending on December 31, 2020 will be paid on or before April 1, 2021 and are reported in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”

Executive Annual Incentive Plan 2020 Awards

The Executive Annual Incentive Plan is a cash bonus plan intended to provide a performance-based annual reward for the successful attainment of certain annual performance goals and business objectives that are established by the O&C Committee. Elected officers of the company having a title of vice president or above and other specified key employees are eligible to participate in the Executive Annual Incentive Plan provided they are employed by us for a period of at least three full months during a January 1 to December 31 plan year. The O&C Committee and our CEO are responsible for administering the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. Participants who die, become disabled or retire during a plan year are eligible to receive prorated awards under the plan for that plan year provided they completed at least three full months of employment in such plan year. Any awards to executive officers are in the sole discretion of the O&C Committee, and those awards are prorated for the number of months in which the individual was employed by the company.

To calculate awards, a final funding percentage is determined by the O&C Committee based on achievement of operational targets set by the O&C Committee. The target award for each participant in the Executive Annual Incentive Plan is then multiplied by the final funding percentage and any individual performance modifier to determine the final Executive Annual Incentive Plan award for each such participant.

 

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For 2020, the O&C Committee used four operational metrics, which are set forth in the table below, to determine a final funding percentage.

 

Operational Metrics

  

Description

Safety    Number of employee injuries using a DART rate with a modifier for fatalities resulting from a safety violation
Reliability    Non-storm SAIDI, which measures the average number of minutes electric service is interrupted per customer in a year on a weather normalized basis
Operational Efficiency    Based on the achievement of targeted O&M and SG&A levels determined on a per customer cost basis
Infrastructure Readiness    Measured by a metric based on capital expenditure per three year average kW peak; expressed as a cumulative percentage

For further information on the operational metrics, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation Elements—Executive Annual Incentive Plan.”

The O&C Committee determined the weighting of each of those metrics within the total weighted operational metric funding percentage and threshold, target, superior, and aspirational performance goals. Achievement of threshold, target, superior and aspirational levels results in funding for a specific metric of 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200% respectively. Once threshold has been achieved, actual results in between each level result in a funding percentage based on the percentage of the target achieved, determined on a straight line interpolation basis (up to 150%, for achievement of the superior performance level and 200% for achievement of the aspirational performance level). The Executive Annual Incentive Plan provides that if the weighted operational metric funding percentage is less than 50% or more than 150%, the final funding percentage is 50% or 150%, respectively. For 2020, the weighting, actual results and funding percentages for the operational metrics under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan were as follows:

 

Goal

  

Weighting

   

Threshold(1)

   

Target(2)

   

Superior(3)

   

Aspirational(4)

    

Actual
Results

    

Funding
Percentage(5)

 

Safety (measured in number of injuries per 200,000 hours)

 

DART(6)

     35     0.74       N/A       0.32       0.00        0.20        59.1

Reliability (measured in minutes)

 

Non-storm SAIDI(7)

     35     110.5       N/A       80       58.6        79.4        53.0

Operational Efficiency - O&M Cost Per Customer (measured in $ per customer)

 

O&M

     10     206.71       202.73       <=198.76       N/A        196.74        15.0

Infrastructure Readiness

 

Capital expenditures per three year average kW peak

     20    

95.00

105.00

%, 

   

97.00

103.00

%, 

   

98.00

102.00

%, 

    N/A        102.74        22.6

Total Final Funding Percentage

 

     149.7

 

(1)

Achievement up to the threshold operational metric level results in funding of 50% of the available funding percentage for that specific operational metric.

(2)

Achievement of the target operational metric level results in funding of 100% of the available funding percentage for that specific operational metric.

(3)

Achievement of the superior operational metric level results in funding of 150% of the available funding percentage for that specific operational metric.

(4)

Achievement of the aspirational operational metric level results in funding of 200% of the available funding percentage for that specific operational metric.

(5)

Operational Funding Percentage is calculated using actual results and taking into account any applicable modifiers.

(6)

DART threshold and superior performance goals were set by the O&C Committee in February 2020 as industry average and industry top quartile, respectively. In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the specific performance goal amounts, with the amounts being calculated based on a projected linear trend utilizing certain industry DART rates for 2015-2019.

(7)

Non-storm SAIDI threshold, superior, and aspirational goals were set by the O&C Committee in February 2020 as industry 2nd quartile, industry top quartile, and industry top decile, respectively. In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the specific performance goal amounts, with the amounts being calculated based on a projected linear trend utilizing certain industry non-storm SAIDI performance for 2015-2019.

 

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For 2020, achievement of operational metrics resulted in a final funding percentage of 149.7%. To calculate an executive officer’s actual award amount, the executive officer’s target award, which is computed as a percentage of actual base salary, is multiplied by the final funding percentage and any individual performance modifier. An individual performance modifier is based on reviews and evaluations of the executive officer’s performance by the CEO and the O&C Committee (or solely the O&C Committee in the case of our CEO) and may adjust an award upward or downward. The individual performance modifier is determined on a subjective basis. Factors used in determining individual performance modifiers may include operational measures (including the safety, reliability, operational efficiency metrics and infrastructure readiness discussed above), company objectives, individual management and other goals, specific job objectives and competencies, the demonstration of team building and support attributes and general demeanor and behavior. The CEO and the O&C Committee (or solely the O&C Committee in the case of our CEO) do not assign these factors individual weights, but consider them together. Each executive officer’s individual performance modifier is set by the O&C Committee within a range determined in its discretion. No individual performance modifiers were granted to executive officers for the 2020 plan year.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Our board of directors adopted the Long-Term Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2013 and delegated administration of the Long-Term Incentive Plan to the O&C Committee. Our executive officers and any other key employees of the company or its subsidiaries designated by the O&C Committee are eligible to participate. The plan provides for cash awards to be paid after completion of a performance period based on achievement of certain stated performance goals. A performance period under the Long-Term Incentive Plan is the 36-month period beginning each January 1, unless otherwise determined by the O&C Committee in its sole discretion. The participants for each performance period shall be determined by the O&C Committee not later than the 90th day after commencement of the performance period. Performance goals consist of one or more specific performance objectives established by the O&C Committee in its discretion within the first 90 days of the commencement of the applicable performance period. Performance goals may be designated with respect to the company as a whole or one or more operating units, and may also be determined on an absolute basis or relative to internal goals, or relative to levels attained in prior years, or relative to other companies or indices, or as ratios expressing relationships between two or more performance goals.

The funding of each Long-Term Incentive Plan award granted prior to 2020 was contingent first upon Oncor achieving a cumulative threshold net income level for the three-year period. If Oncor fails to achieve the stated net income level for the performance period, no award is payable. If a threshold net income level is achieved, a final funding percentage is then calculated based on achievement of certain operational metrics, as discussed below.

2020 Grants of Long-Term Incentive Awards

In February 2020, the O&C Committee revised its approach to awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan for performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020. Under the revised approach, awards do not have a financial funding trigger and will instead be calculated based on achievement of performance metrics set by the O&C Committee. The O&C Committee determined that the performance goals used for the Long-Term Incentive Plan awards granted in 2020 for the 2020-2022 performance period consist of: (1) the weighted achievement of operational performance goals consisting of (a) a safety metric based on the number of employee injuries using a DART rate with a modifier for fatalities as a result of a safety violation, and (b) a reliability metric as measured by non-storm SAIDI, added to (2) a net income growth metric measuring the actual percentage of net income growth (weather normalized and excluding extraordinary items) during the performance period, using the adjusted net income for the year before the performance period as the baseline value and the adjusted net income of the final year of the three year performance period as the ending value. For purposes of setting the 2019 net income baseline, the O&C Committee adjusted 2019 actual net income for weather and the annualized impacts of the InfraREIT Acquisition and excluded certain non-cash actuarial adjustments and special project costs.

The safety metric promotes the health and welfare of our employees, and lowering the number of accidents also reduces our operating costs, which in turn contributes to lower rates for our customers. The reliability metric promotes our commitment to minimizing service interruptions to our customers, as the lower the SAIDI level for the year, the greater our customers’ service level and satisfaction. The net income growth adder serves to measure our financial growth over the performance period. The safety and reliability metric performance achievement are each subject to a 45% weighting, and then added to the actual net income growth adder percentage, as set forth below.

 

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2020 - 2022 Performance Period (awards granted in 2020, payable in 2023)

Weighting

  

Performance Metric

  

Performance Goal(1)(2)

45%    Safety – measured by DART; cumulative    Threshold:    Industry Average
   Superior:    Industry Top Quartile
   Aspirational:    0.00
45%    Reliability - measured by non-storm SAIDI in minutes; cumulative    Threshold:    Industry 2nd Quartile
   Superior:    Industry Top Quartile
   Aspirational:    Industry Top Decile
Plus:   
Actual%    Net Income Growth Adder – measured by calculating total % growth in annual Adjusted Net Income comparing 2022 to 2019 baseline(3)    2019 Baseline:    $686.5 million

 

(1)

For the years 2020 and 2021 in the performance period, industry performance will be determined by the O&C Committee for each respective year using industry performance data for such year. For 2022, industry performance will be calculated based on a projected linear trend utilizing industry rates for 2017-2021.

(2)

The achievement of threshold, superior and aspirational levels results in funding for a specific metric of 50%, 150% and 200%, respectively.

(3)

The net income growth adder is calculated as the actual percentage in net income growth from the 2019 baseline through 2022, weather-normalized and excluding extraordinary items.

The final funding percentage for long-term incentive awards granted in 2020 is the sum of the weighted operational goal percentage and the net income growth adder percentage. The amount of each Long-Term Incentive Plan award is then determined based on the product of the target opportunity dollar amount stated in each individual award letter multiplied by the final funding percentage.

Certification of performance goal amounts and performance goal achievement will be determined by the O&C Committee in the first quarter of 2023.

Pre-2020 Grants of Long-Term Incentive Awards

Prior to 2020, the funding of each Long-Term Incentive Plan award was contingent first upon Oncor achieving a cumulative threshold net income level for the three-year period. If Oncor fails to achieve the stated threshold net income level for the three-year period, no award is payable.

Once a funding trigger percentage is determined, an operational goal percentage is determined based on Oncor’s satisfaction of four operational metrics. Prior to 2020, the operational goals used for Long-Term Incentive Plan awards were safety, reliability, operational efficiency, and infrastructure readiness, which mirrored the operational metrics used for awards under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The purpose of these operational targets is to promote enhancement of our services to customers. For further information on these operational metrics, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation Elements—Executive Annual Incentive Plan.”

The O&C Committee sets the threshold, target and superior levels for each operational metric. The achievement of those levels results in funding for a specific metric of 50%, 100% and 150%, respectively. Once the threshold has been achieved, actual results in between each level result in a funding percentage equal to the percentage of the target achieved. Based on the weighting for each operational metric, an aggregate weighted average of operational goal percentage is determined.

Under the terms of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the O&C Committee must measure and certify the levels of attainment of performance goals within 90 days following the completion of the performance period. Any awards for such period shall be paid on or about April 1 following the performance period, but in no event later than the end of the calendar year following the end of the applicable performance period.

 

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In February 2021, the O&C Committee certified the level of attainment of performance goals established for long-term incentive awards granted in 2018 with a performance period that ended on December 31, 2020. The performance goals achieved for the 2018-2020 performance goal period were certified by the O&C Committee as follows:

 

2018 -2020 Performance Period Results (awards granted in 2018, payable in 2021)

 

Funding Trigger

  

Threshold

    

Target

    

Superior

    

Actual

    

Achievement

 

Net Income ($ millions; 2018-2020 cumulative) (1)

     1,568.9        1,845.7        2,122.6        1,909.7        111.5

2018-2020 Performance Goals

Weighting

  

Performance Metric

  

Performance Level

    

Actual

  

Achievement(2)

30%    Safety - measured by DART; cumulative    Threshold      0.66        
   Target      0.55      0.25    40.0%
   Superior      0.39        
30%    Reliability - measured by non-storm SAIDI in minutes; cumulative    Threshold      282.0        
   Target      264.0      253.7    34.8%
   Superior      232.0        
30%    Operational efficiency – measured by O&M and SG&A on a cost per customer basis, $; average (3)    Threshold      200.67        
   Target      187.55      187.26    30.3%
   Superior      174.42        
10%    Operational efficiency – measured by an infrastructure readiness metric based on the capital expenditure per three year average kW peak; %; cumulative    Threshold      97.00, 105.00        
   Target      98.00, 103.00      102.7    11.1%
   Superior      99.00 –101.49        
          
Operational Goal
Percentage:
 
 
      116.2%

 

(1)

For purposes of the year 2020 in the performance period, the O&C Committee excluded from net income long-term incentive compensation, performance bonus compensation, and non-cash actuarial adjustments. For purposes of the years 2018 and 2019 in the performance period, the O&C Committee excluded from net income all earnings, expenses and transition costs related to the 2019 InfraREIT Acquisition, the impact of long-term incentive compensation, performance bonus compensation, certain special project professional fees, expenses related to the EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings and the 2018 Sempra Acquisition, executive change of control policy expenses, non-cash actuarial adjustments and the effects of writing off a non-regulated deferred tax asset (resulting from the TCJA).

(2)

Achievement reflects actual performance after taking into account applicable modifiers.

(3)

The O&C Committee excluded from operational efficiency for each year in the performance period the regulatory mandated cost of service expenses, energy efficiency expenses, certain third party network transmission fees that are recovered through tariff adjustments, and long-term incentive compensation, and, for the year 2019 in the performance period, the impacts from the InfraREIT Acquisition.

For awards granted in 2018, the final funding percentage is calculated using the funding trigger percentage and the weighted operational goal percentage, as set forth in the table below.

 

Long-Term Incentive Plan Final Funding Percentage Calculation – Grants made in 2018

Achieved Funding Trigger Performance

  

Final Funding Percentage

Actual funding trigger is less than threshold    0%
Actual funding trigger is greater than or equal to threshold but less than or equal to target    Lesser of the funding trigger percentage or the weighted operational goal percentage
Actual funding trigger is greater than target    Funding trigger percentage multiplied by the weighted operational goal percentage, up to a payout percentage not exceeding the funding trigger percentage

Pursuant to the terms of the 2018 long-term incentive awards, the amount of each award was then determined based on the product of the final funding percentage certified by the O&C Committee in February 2021 and the target opportunity dollar amount stated in each individual award agreement. The O&C Committee certified a funding trigger percentage of 111.5%, an operational goal percentage of 116.2%, and a final funding percentage of 111.5%. For a description of how the final funding percentage for awards granted in 2018 and payable in 2021 was calculated and the awards payable to each Named Executive Officer, see “Compensation Discussion & Analysis – Compensation Elements – Long-Term Incentives.”

 

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Other Terms of the Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Long-Term Incentive Plan encourages retention of executive officers and key employees by stipulating performance periods of generally 36 months. Participants must be continuously employed by us through the last day of the performance period in order to receive a long-term incentive award for that performance period. If a participant is employed by us on the last day of the performance period but his/her employment terminates for any reason other than by us for cause prior to the payment of the award for that performance period, the participant will be entitled to receive payment of the award. In the event a participant is terminated by us for cause, the participant will forfeit any unpaid Long-Term Incentive Plan award.

In December 2020, our board of directors amended and restated the Long-Term Incentive Plan. As a result of that amendment and restatement, certain definitions in the Long-Term Incentive Plan were amended, including the definitions of cause, change in control, and good reason. Cause is defined as however such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change- in- control agreement in effect between the participant and us or any other surviving entity in any change in control transaction or any affiliate thereof which employs the participant at the time of and/or following a change in control (Surviving Entity). If no such agreement exists, cause is defined as (i) the participant engaging in conduct in carrying out his or her employment duties to the Surviving Entity that constitutes (a) a breach of fiduciary duty to the Surviving Entity or its equity holders, (b) gross neglect, or (c) gross misconduct resulting in material and objectively determinable damage to the business of the Surviving Entity, or (ii) the indictment of the participant for, or the participant’s plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. In addition, the Long-Term Incentive Plan provides that a termination shall not constitute a termination for cause for an executive unless the executive has received written notice specifying the alleged misconduct constituting cause, the executive has been given an opportunity to be heard by the board of directors and following such hearing, the board of directors determines in good faith and by at least a two-thirds vote that the termination for cause is appropriate under the circumstances.

The Long-Term Incentive Plan defines a change in control as any one or more of the following events: (i) the acquisition, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of direct or indirect ownership of the equity of Oncor or Sempra that, together with the equity held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value, total direct or indirect voting power, or the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of Oncor or Sempra, other than any acquisition of Oncor equity by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sempra, (ii) the acquisition, during any 12-month period, by any person or group, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of direct or indirect equity of Oncor or Sempra that constitutes 30% or more of the total fair market value, the total direct or indirect voting power, or the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of Oncor or Sempra, other than any acquisition of Oncor equity by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sempra; (iii) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) of all, or substantially all, of Oncor’s assets, other than to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sempra; (iv) the consummation of a transaction for which the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved a transfer or change of control (operational or otherwise) of Oncor; or (v) a material change to the terms of the Approved Ring Fence (as defined in the Limited Liability Agreement).

The Long-Term Incentive Plan defines good reason to mean any of the following events or actions taken without the express, voluntary consent of the participant: (i) a material reduction in the participant’s base salary or incentive compensation opportunity, other than a broad-based reduction of base salaries or incentive compensation of all similarly situated employees of the Surviving Entity, unless such broad-based reduction only applies to former employees of Oncor; (ii) a material reduction in the aggregate type, level or value of benefits for which the participant is eligible, immediately prior to the change in control, other than a broad-based reduction applicable to all similarly situated employees of the Surviving Entity, unless such reduction only applies to former employees of Oncor; (iii) a material reduction in the participant’s authority, duties or responsibilities, including an adverse change in (a) the participant’s title, reporting level, reporting line or structure, scope of responsibilities, or management authority, or (b) the scope or size of the business, entity, or budget for which the participant had responsibility, in each case as in effect immediately prior to the effective time of the change in control; (iv) the participant’s primary work location is relocated, resulting in an increase in the participant’s work commute in excess of thirty-five miles more than the participant’s work commute immediately prior to the change in control; (v) a material breach by the Surviving Entity of the terms of any employment agreement with the participant; (vi) the failure of Oncor to obtain an agreement by the Surviving Entity, if such entity is not Oncor, to fully assume and perform the provisions of the plan; or (vii) the participant is asked or required to resign in connection with a change in control and does so resign. In order to constitute a resignation with good reason, however, the participant must provide written notice to the Surviving Entity describing the event or condition constituting good reason within a period of not more than 90 days from the initial occurrence of such event or circumstance, and if the applicable event or circumstance is capable of being cured, the Surviving Entity fails or refuses to fully remedy such event or circumstance within a 30-day cure period following the receipt of such notice.

If a participant’s employment is terminated for reasons other than death, disability, retirement or following a change in control prior to the last day of the performance period, all of such participant’s outstanding and unpaid Long-Term Incentive Plan awards will be cancelled. Upon a termination due to death, disability or retirement, for each outstanding Long-Term

 

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Incentive Plan unpaid award, the participant (or his/her beneficiary in the case of death) will be entitled to receive, on the same date as awards are paid for that period to other participants, an award equal to the product of (i) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the performance period up to and including the date of the separation of service and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire performance period, and (ii) the Long-Term Incentive Plan award for such performance period based on actual performance of Oncor during the performance period. In the event of a termination within two years following a change in control, a participant shall be entitled to receive, within 60 days following the separation from service, an award equal to the product of (i) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the performance period up to and including the date of the separation of service and the denominator of which is the number of days in the entire performance period, and (ii) the Long-Term Incentive Plan award for such performance period based on target performance.

As the administrator of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the O&C Committee has the authority to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the plan, determine the terms and conditions of any awards and make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the plan. The O&C Committee has broad discretion under the plan and may delegate to one or more officers of the company the authority to grant Long-Term Incentive Plan awards to employees who are not executive officers. Our board of directors may at any time terminate, alter, amend or suspend the Long-Term Incentive Plan and any awards granted pursuant to it, subject to certain limitations. In the event of a change in control, our board of directors may, in its discretion, terminate the plan and cancel all outstanding and unpaid awards, except that in the event of a termination of the plan in connection with a change in control, participants will be entitled to receive the payout as described above. Payments under the Long-Term Incentive Plan are separate from, and would be in addition to, any payments available under the Change in Control Policy or Severance Plan.

Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth information regarding Oncor’s participation in the retirement plans that provide for benefits, in connection with, or following, the retirement of Named Executive Officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020:

 

Name

   Plan Name    Number of Years
Accredited Service
(#)(1)
     Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit
($)
     Payments During
Last Fiscal Year ($)
 

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

   Oncor Retirement Plan      9.00        152,245        —    
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      9.00        444,348        —    

Don J. Clevenger

   Oncor Retirement Plan      15.67        279,530        —    
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      15.67        304,171        —    

Deborah L. Dennis

   Oncor Retirement Plan      41.08        3,874,874        —    
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      41.08        1,824,839        —    

James A. Greer

   Oncor Retirement Plan      35.50        3,189,021        —    
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      35.50        5,134,835        —    

Matthew C. Henry

   Oncor Retirement Plan      1.75        34,151        —    
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      1.75        47,924        —    

 

(1)

Accredited service for each of the plans is determined based on an employee’s age and hire date. Employees hired by Oncor or certain affiliates prior to January 1, 1985 became eligible to participate in the plan the month after their completion of one year of service and attainment of age 25. Employees hired after January 1, 1985 became eligible to participate in the plan the month after their completion of one year of service and attainment of age 21.

The Oncor Retirement Plan contains both a traditional defined benefit component and a cash balance component. Only employees hired before January 1, 2002 may participate in the traditional defined benefit component. All new employees hired after January 1, 2002 participate in the cash balance component. In addition, the cash balance component covers employees previously covered under the traditional defined benefit component who elected to convert the actuarial equivalent of their accrued traditional defined benefit to the cash balance component during a special one-time election opportunity effective in 2002. The employees that participate in the traditional defined benefit component do not participate in the cash balance component.

Annual retirement benefits under the traditional defined benefit component, which applied during 2020 to Ms. Dennis and Mr. Greer, are computed as follows: for each year of accredited service up to a total of 40 years, 1.3% of the first $7,800, plus 1.5% of the excess over $7,800, of the participant’s average annual earnings (base salary) during his/her three years of

 

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highest earnings. Under the cash balance component, which covers Messrs. Nye, Clevenger, and Henry, a hypothetical account is established for participants and credited with monthly contribution credits equal to a percentage of the participant’s compensation (3.5%, 4.5%, 5.5% or 6.5% depending on the participant’s combined age and years of accredited service), plus interest credits based on the average yield of the 30-year Treasury bond for the 12 months ending November 30 of the prior year. Benefits paid under the traditional defined benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan are not subject to any reduction for Social Security payments but are limited by provisions of the Code.

The Supplemental Retirement Plan provides for the payment of retirement benefits, which would otherwise be limited by the Code or the definition of earnings under the Oncor Retirement Plan, including any retirement compensation required to be paid pursuant to contractual arrangements. Under the Supplemental Retirement Plan, retirement benefits are calculated in accordance with the same formula used under the Oncor Retirement Plan, except that, with respect to calculating the portion of the Supplemental Retirement Plan benefit attributable to service under the traditional defined benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan, earnings also include Executive Annual Incentive Plan awards. The amount of earnings attributable to the Executive Annual Incentive Plan awards is reported under the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.

The table set forth above illustrates the present value on December 31, 2020 of each Named Executive Officer’s Retirement Plan benefit and benefits payable under the Supplemental Retirement Plan, based on his or her years of service and remuneration through December 31, 2020. Benefits accrued under the Supplemental Retirement Plan after December 31, 2004 are subject to Section 409A of the Code. Accordingly, certain provisions of the Supplemental Retirement Plan have been modified in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A and related guidance.

The present value of accumulated benefits for the traditional benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan and the Oncor Supplemental Retirement Plan was calculated based on the executive’s annuity payable at the earliest age that unreduced benefits are available under the either the Oncor Retirement Plan or Oncor Supplemental Retirement Plan (generally age 62). Unmarried executives are assumed to elect a single life annuity. For married executives, it is assumed that 50% will elect a 100% joint and survivor annuity and 50% will elect a single life annuity. Post-retirement mortality was based on the Pri-2012 amounts weighted mortality table projected generationally from 2012 with scale MP-2020. A discount rate of 2.39% was applied and no pre-retirement mortality or turnover was reflected.

The present value of accumulated benefits for the cash balance component of the Oncor Retirement Plan and the Oncor Supplemental Retirement Plan was calculated as the value of the executive’s cash balance account projected to age 65 at an assumed growth rate of 3.00% and then discounted back to December 31, 2020, at 2.39%. For married executives, it is assumed that 85% will elect a lump sum, 5% will elect a joint and survivor annuity and 10% will elect a single life annuity. Post- retirement mortality was based on the Pri-2012 amounts weighted mortality table projected generationally from 2012 with scale MP-2020. No turnover assumptions were applied.

Early retirement benefits under the Oncor Retirement Plan are available to our employees covered in the traditional defined benefit component upon their attainment of age 55 and achievement of 15 years of accredited service. Early retirement results in a retirement benefit payment reduction of 4% for each full year (and 0.333% for each additional full calendar month) between the date the participant retires and the date the participant would reach age 62. Participants in the cash balance component of the Oncor Retirement Plan can receive their benefit upon retirement or upon severance of service with the Company. Benefits under the Supplemental Retirement Plan are tied to a participant’s coverage under the Oncor Retirement Plan. For participants in the cash balance program of the Oncor Retirement Plan, Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits are payable upon the later of achievement of 10 years of accredited service or upon a fully vested participant’s separation from service. For participants in the traditional defined benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan, Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits are payable in an annuity on the later of (i) the first day of the second month after a participant’s separation from service or (ii) the earliest date the participant would be eligible to commence benefits under the Oncor Retirement Plan. For either traditional defined benefit component or cash balance component participants, Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits are payable as soon as reasonably practical and within 90 days following a separation of service if the lump sum present value of the participant’s total vested benefit amount is less than the dollar amount under the applicable provision of the Code ($19,500 in 2020). Benefits under the Supplemental Retirement Plan are only available to our executive officers and certain other key employees.

 

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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation – 2020

The following table sets forth information regarding the deferral of components of our Named Executive Officers’ compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020:

 

Name

   Executive
Contributions in
Last Fiscal Year
($)(1)
     Registrant
Contributions
in Last Fiscal
Year ($)(2)
     Aggregate
Earnings (Loss) in
Last Fiscal Year
($)
     Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions ($)
     Aggregate
Balance at Last
Fiscal Year End
($)(3)
 

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

              

Salary Deferral Program

     78,220        78,220        155,559        120,279        1,055,515  

Don J. Clevenger

              

Salary Deferral Program

     43,580        43,580        127,248        105,752        825,662  

Deborah L. Dennis

              

Salary Deferral Program

     32,453        32,453        170,709        —          1,282,123  

James A. Greer

              

Salary Deferral Program

     45,593        45,593        149,622        139,229        917,271  

Matthew C. Henry

              

Salary Deferral Program

     44,707        44,707        24,218        —          266,208  

 

(1)

Amounts in this column for the Salary Deferral Program represent salary deferrals pursuant to the Salary Deferral Program and are included in the “Salary” amounts in the Summary Compensation Table above.

(2)

Amounts in this column for the Salary Deferral Program represent company-matching awards pursuant to the Salary Deferral Program and are included in the “All Other Compensation” amounts in the Summary Compensation Table above.

(3)

$371,758, $301,671, $462,360, $336,685, and $76,288 represent company match accounts prior to 2020 for Mr. Nye, Mr. Clevenger, Ms. Dennis, Mr. Greer, and Mr. Henry, respectively, and as a result to the extent any were Named Executive Officers in previous years were included as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table in previous years for the year earned, as applicable.

Salary Deferral Program

Under the Salary Deferral Program, each employee of Oncor, who is in a designated job level and whose annual salary is equal to or greater than an amount established under the Salary Deferral Program ($131,900 for the program year beginning January 1, 2020) may elect to defer up to 50% of annual base salary, and/or up to 85% of any bonus or incentive award. This deferral (including any vested matching contributions, as described below) may be made for a period of seven years, for a period ending with the retirement of such employee, or for a combination thereof, at the election of the employee. Oncor makes a matching award, subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances, equal to 100% of up to the first 8% of base salary deferred under the Salary Deferral Program. Oncor does not match deferred annual incentive awards. Matching contributions vest at the earliest of seven years after the deferral date, retirement, death, disability or termination without cause following a change in control of Oncor (as defined in the Salary Deferral Program). Deferrals are credited with earnings or losses based on the performance of investment alternatives under the Salary Deferral Program selected by each participant.

Additionally, Oncor, at the direction of the O&C Committee, can make additional discretionary contributions into a Salary Deferral Program participant’s account. Discretionary contributions made into a Salary Deferral Program participant’s account by Oncor vest as determined by the O&C Committee.

At the end of the applicable account maturity period (seven years or retirement, as elected by the participant or, in the case of company discretionary contributions, as determined by the O&C Committee) the trustee for the Salary Deferral Program distributes the deferrals and the applicable earnings in cash as a lump sum or in annual installments at the participant’s election made at the time of deferral. Oncor is financing the retirement option of the Salary Deferral Program through the purchase of corporate-owned life insurance on lives of some participants. The proceeds from such insurance are expected to allow us to fully recover the cost of the retirement option.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

The tables and narrative below provide information for payments to Oncor’s Named Executive Officers (or, as applicable, enhancements to payments or benefits) in the event of termination including retirement, voluntary, for cause, death, disability, without cause, for good reason or in connection with a change in control of Oncor. The amounts shown below for current executive officers assume that such a termination of employment and/or change in control occurred on December 31, 2020.

 

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In 2020, all of our executive officers were eligible to receive benefits under the terms of the Change in Control Policy and the Severance Plan, as more fully described following the tables below. In addition to the provisions of those plans, the Salary Deferral Program provides that all company-matching awards will become automatically vested in the event of a termination without cause following a change in control, death, disability or retirement. The amounts listed in the tables below regarding the Salary Deferral Program only represent the immediate vesting of company matching contributions resulting from death, disability, retirement or a termination without cause following the occurrence of a change in control. Contributions made to such plan by each Named Executive Officer are disclosed in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table above. For a more detailed discussion of the Salary Deferral Program, see the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table above and the narrative following the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table.

Retirement benefits under the Oncor Retirement Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan are available to participants upon their attainment of age 65. Messrs. Nye, Clevenger and Henry participate in the cash balance component of the Oncor Retirement Plan and as a result can elect to receive their Oncor Retirement Plan benefits as a lump sum upon separation of service. In addition, since Messrs. Nye and Clevenger are fully vested, each would receive their Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits as a lump sum upon separation of service. As of December 31, 2020, Mr. Henry would have received his Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits as a lump sum if he had experienced a separation of service since he had less than $19,500 in aggregate benefits. Ms. Dennis and Mr. Greer participate in the traditional defined benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan. Since both Ms. Dennis and Mr. Greer have satisfied the age requirement and 15 years of accredited service, they are eligible to retire early upon termination of employment. No additional potential payments will be triggered by any termination of employment or change in control, and as a result no amounts are reported in the tables below for such retirement plans. For a more detailed discussion of the terms of the Oncor Retirement Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan, see the Pension Benefits table above and the narrative following the Pension Benefits table.

All our Named Executive Officers participate in benefit plans for group term life insurance and accidental death and disability. Any benefits received under these policies are paid to the beneficiary by a third-party provider.

 

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1.

Mr. Nye

Potential Payments to Mr. Nye Upon Termination ($)

 

Benefit

   Voluntary      For Cause      Death      Disability      Without Cause or
For

Good Reason(1)
     Without Cause
or For Good
Reason in
Connection with
Change

in Control(2)
 

Cash Severance

     —          —          —          —          4,859,453        6,822,604  

Executive Annual Incentive Plan

     —          —          933,151        933,151        —          —    

Salary Deferral Program(3)

     —          —          461,246        461,246        461,246        461,246  

Long-Term Incentive Plan(4)

     2,339,200        —          5,096,719        5,096,719        5,096,719        5,096,719  

Health & Welfare

                 

– Medical/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          61,056        61,056  

– Dental/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          4,137        4,137  

Outplacement Assistance

     —          —          —          —          40,000        40,000  

Tax Gross-Up(5)

     —          —          —          —          —          3,612,376  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     2,339,200        —          6,491,116        6,491,116        10,522,611        16,098,138  

 

(1)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Severance Plan.

(2)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Change in Control Policy. Cash severance amount reflects both the cash severance payment and pro rata target bonus amount payable pursuant to that policy.

(3)

Amounts reported reflect the immediate vesting of unvested company matching contributions resulting from death, disability or the occurrence of termination without cause. The Salary Deferral Program does not contain provisions relating to a termination for good reason and does not have additional provisions for a termination without cause following a change in control.

(4)

Amounts reported reflect the combined amount of outstanding grants to the executive under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and assumes that target performance for each performance period was met.

(5)

Reflects estimated tax gross-up amounts that could be payable pursuant to the Change in Control Policy based on actual compensation and existing compensation plans at December 31, 2020, assuming applicability of certain excess parachute payment provisions in the Code to a change in control event under the Change in Control Policy.

 

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2.

Mr. Clevenger

Potential Payments to Mr. Clevenger Upon Termination ($)

 

Benefit

   Voluntary      For Cause      Death      Disability      Without Cause
or For

Good Reason(1)
     Without Cause
or For Good
Reason in
Connection with
Change

in Control(2)
 

Cash Severance

     —          —          —          —          929,087        3,141,348  

Executive Annual Incentive Plan

     —          —          354,087        354,087        —          —    

Salary Deferral Program(3)

     —          —          344,475        344,475        344,475        344,475  

Long-Term Incentive Plan(4)

     722,752        —          1,541,186        1,541,186        1,541,186        1,541,186  

Health & Welfare

                 

– Medical/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          40,704        40,704  

– Dental/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          2,758        2,758  

Outplacement Assistance

     —          —          —          —          25,000        25,000  

Tax Gross-Up

     —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     722,752        —          2,239,748        2,239,748        2,883,210        5,095,471  

 

(1)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Severance Plan.

(2)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Change in Control Policy. Cash severance amount reflects both the cash severance payment and pro rata target bonus amount payable pursuant to that policy.

(3)

Amounts reported reflect the immediate vesting of unvested company matching contributions resulting from death, disability or the occurrence of a termination without cause. The Salary Deferral Program does not contain provisions relating to termination for good reason and does not have additional provisions for a termination without cause following a change in control.

(4)

Amounts reported reflect the combined amount of outstanding grants to the executive under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and assumes that target performance for each performance period was met.

 

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3.

Ms. Dennis

Potential Payments to Ms. Dennis Upon Termination ($)

 

Benefit

   Retirement(1)      Voluntary      For Cause      Death      Disability      Without Cause
or For

Good Reason(2)
     Without Cause
or For Good
Reason in
Connection
with Change

in Control(3)
 

Cash Severance

     —          —          —          —          —          864,308        1,639,049  

Executive Annual Incentive Plan

     263,683        —          —          263,683        263,683        —          —    

Salary Deferral Program(4)

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Long-Term Incentive Plan(5)

     676,506        327,936        —          676,506        676,506        676,506        676,506  

Health & Welfare

                    

– Medical/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          —          27,936        27,936  

– Dental/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          —          1,822        1,822  

Outplacement Assistance

     —          —          —          —          —          25,000        25,000  

Tax Gross-Up

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     940,189        327,936        —          940,189        940,189        1,595,572        2,370,313  

 

  (1)

Ms. Dennis participates in the traditional defined benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan, and because she has reached age 55 and achieved 15 years of accredited service, under the terms of the plans she is eligible to retire early upon termination of employment.

  (2)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Severance Plan.

  (3)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Change in Control Policy. Cash severance amount reflects both the cash severance payment and pro rata target bonus amount payable pursuant to that policy.

  (4)

Ms. Dennis is fully vested in the Salary Deferral Program as a result of reaching the age of 65, and therefore no additional vesting would occur as a result of any termination of her employment.

  (5)

Amounts reported reflect the combined amount of outstanding grants to the executive under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and assumes that target performance for each performance period was met.

 

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4.

Mr. Greer

Potential Payments to Mr. Greer Upon Termination ($)

 

Benefit

   Retirement(1)      Voluntary      For Cause      Death      Disability      Without Cause or
For

Good Reason(2)
     Without Cause or For
Good Reason in
Connection with
Change

in Control(3)
 

Cash Severance

     —          —          —          —          —          1,000,154        3,254,780  

Executive Annual Incentive Plan

     370,445        —          —          370,445        370,445        —          —    

Salary Deferral Program(4)

     316,500        —          —          362,404        362,404        362,404        362,404  

Long-Term Incentive Plan(5)

     1,773,572        840,000        —          1,773,572        1,773,572        1,773,572        1,773,572  

Health & Welfare

     —          —          —          —          —          

– Medical/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          —          40,704        40,704  

– Dental/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          —          2,742        2,742  

Outplacement Assistance

     —          —          —          —          —          25,000        25,000  

Tax Gross-Up

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     2,460,517        840,000        —          2,506,421        2,506,421        3,204,576        5,459,202  

 

(1)

Mr. Greer participates in the traditional defined benefit component of the Oncor Retirement Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan, and because he has reached age 55 and achieved 15 years of accredited service, under the terms of the plans he is eligible to retire early upon termination of employment.

(2)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Severance Plan.

(3)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Change in Control Policy. Cash severance amount reflects both the cash severance payment and pro rata target bonus amount payable pursuant to that policy.

(4)

Amounts reported reflect the immediate vesting of unvested company matching contributions resulting from death, disability or the occurrence of a termination without cause. The Salary Deferral Program does not contain provisions relating to termination for good reason and does not have additional provisions for a termination without cause following a change in control.

(5)

Amounts reported reflect the combined amount of outstanding grants to the executive under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and assumes that target performance for each performance period was met.

 

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5.

Mr. Henry

Potential Payments to Mr. Henry Upon Termination ($)

 

Benefit

   Voluntary      For Cause      Death      Disability      Without Cause
or For

Good Reason(1)
     Without Cause
or For Good
Reason in
Connection with
Change

in Control(2)
 

Cash Severance

     —          —          —          —          942,241        3,189,964  

Executive Annual Incentive Plan

     —          —          363,241        363,241        —          —    

Salary Deferral Program(3)

     —          —          133,104        133,104        133,104        133,104  

Long-Term Incentive Plan(4)

     758,080        —          1,557,743        1,557,743        1,557,743        1,557,743  

Health & Welfare

     —          —          —          —          

– Medical/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          40,704        40,704  

– Dental/COBRA

     —          —          —          —          2,758        2,758  

Outplacement Assistance

     —          —          —          —          25,000        25,000  

Tax Gross-Up

     —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Totals

     758,080        —          2,054,088        2,054,088        2,701,550        4,949,273  

 

(1)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Severance Plan.

(2)

Reflects amounts payable pursuant to the Change in Control Policy. Cash severance amount reflects both the cash severance payment and pro rata target bonus amount payable pursuant to that policy.

(3)

Amounts reported reflect the immediate vesting of unvested company matching contributions resulting from death, disability or the occurrence of termination without cause following a change in control. The Salary Deferral Program does not contain provisions relating to a termination for good reason.

(4)

Amounts reported reflect the combined amount of outstanding grants to the executive under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and assumes that target performance for each performance period was met.

 

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Change in Control Policy

On December 9, 2020, our board of directors approved the Change in Control Policy effective as of December 1, 2020, for our senior leadership team, which consists of our executive officers.

The purpose of this Change in Control Policy is to provide the payment of transition benefits to eligible executives if:

 

   

Their employment with the company or a successor is terminated within twenty-four months following a change in control of the company; and

 

   

They:

 

   

are terminated without cause, or

 

   

resign for good reason.

The Change in Control Policy provides for the payment of transition benefits to eligible executives if the executive is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason within 24 months following a change in control.

Until March 8, 2020, the 24-month anniversary of the Sempra Acquisition, executives were eligible to receive benefits in the event of a termination without cause or resignation for good reason under our previous executive change in control policy. Under that policy, the Sempra Acquisition constituted a change in control, and it ceased to be in effect following the 24 month anniversary of the Sempra Acquisition.

Cause is defined in the Change in Control Policy as however such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change- in- control agreement in effect between the executive and Oncor or any other surviving entity in any change in control transaction or any affiliate thereof which employs the executive at the time of and/or following the change in control (Surviving Company) at the time of termination of employment. If no such agreement exists, cause is defined as (i) the executive engaging in conduct in carrying out his or her employment duties to the Surviving Company that constitutes (a) a breach of fiduciary duty to the Surviving Company or its equity holders, (b) gross neglect, or (c) gross misconduct resulting in material and objectively determinable damage to the business of the Surviving Company, or (ii) the indictment of the executive for, or the executive’s plea of nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. In addition, the Change in Control Policy provides that a termination shall not constitute a termination for cause unless the executive has received written notice specifying the alleged misconduct constituting cause, the executive has been given an opportunity to be heard by the board of directors of the Surviving Company, as applicable, and following such hearing, the applicable board of directors determines in good faith and by at least a two-thirds vote that the termination for cause is appropriate under the circumstances.

The Change in Control Policy defines good reason to mean any of the following events or actions taken without the express, voluntary consent of the executive: (i) a material reduction in the executive’s base salary or incentive compensation opportunity, other than a broad-based reduction of base salaries or incentive compensation of all similarly situated executives of the Surviving Company, unless such broad-based reduction only applies to former executives of Oncor; (ii) a material reduction in the aggregate type, level or value of benefits for which the executive is eligible, immediately prior to the change in control, other than a broad-based reduction applicable to all similarly situated executives of the Surviving Company, unless such reduction only applies to former executives of Oncor; (iii) a material reduction in the executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities, including an adverse change in (a) the executive’s title, reporting level, reporting line or structure, scope of responsibilities, or management authority, or (b) the scope or size of the business, entity, or budget for which the executive had responsibility, in each case as in effect immediately prior to the effective time of the change in control; (iv) the executive’s primary work location is relocated, resulting in an increase in the executive’s work commute in excess of thirty-five miles more than the executive’s work commute immediately prior to the change in control; (v) a material breach by the Surviving Company of the terms of any employment agreement with the executive; (vi) the failure of Oncor to obtain an agreement by the Surviving Company, if such entity is not Oncor, to fully assume and perform the provisions of the Change in Control Policy; or (vii) the executive is asked or required to resign in connection with a change in control and does so resign. In order to constitute a resignation with good reason, however, the executive must provide written notice to the Surviving Company describing the event or condition constituting good reason within a period of not more than 90 days from the initial occurrence of such event or circumstance, and if the applicable event or circumstance is capable of being cured, the Surviving Company fails or refuses to fully remedy such event or circumstance within a 30-day cure period following the receipt of such notice.

The Change in Control Policy defines a change in control as any one or more of the following events: (i) the acquisition, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of direct or indirect ownership of the equity of Oncor or Sempra that, together with the equity held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value, total

 

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direct or indirect voting power, or the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of Oncor or Sempra, other than any acquisition of Oncor’s equity by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sempra, (ii) the acquisition, during any 12-month period, by any person or group, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of direct or indirect equity of Oncor or Sempra that constitutes 30% or more of the total fair market value, the total direct or indirect voting power, or the direct or indirect beneficial ownership of Oncor or Sempra, other than any acquisition of Oncor equity by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sempra; (iii) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) of all, or substantially all, of Oncor’s assets, other than to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sempra; (iv) the consummation of a transaction for which the Public Utility Commission of Texas approved a transfer or change of control (operational or otherwise) of Oncor; or (v) a material change to the terms of the Approved Ring Fence (as defined in the Limited Liability Agreement).

Our executive officers are eligible to receive the following under the Change in Control Policy:

 

   

A one-time lump sum cash severance payment in an amount equal to the greater of (i) a multiple (3 times for our chief executive, executive vice presidents, chief financial officer and general counsel (Messrs. Nye, Clevenger, Greer, and Henry), and 2 times for each other executive officer) of the sum of the executive’s (a) annualized base salary and (b) target annual incentive award for the year of termination or resignation, or (ii) the amount determined under Oncor’s severance plan for non-executive employees (which pays two weeks of an employee’s pay for every year of service up to the 20th year of service, and three-weeks’ pay for every year of service above 20 years of service);

 

   

A cash bonus in an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the executive’s target annual incentive award for the year of termination;

 

   

Continued coverage at our expense under our health care benefit plans for the applicable COBRA period with the executive’s contribution for such plans being at the applicable employee rate for 18 months (unless and until the executive becomes eligible for benefits with another employer) and, if the executive is covered under our healthcare plans through the end of such period, at the end of such continued coverage the executive may continue participation in our health care plans at the applicable COBRA rate for 18 months, in the case of the chief executive officer or six months, in the case of each other executive, and Oncor will reimburse the executive the monthly difference between the applicable employee rate for such coverage and the COBRA rate paid by the executive for such period;

 

   

Outplacement assistance at our expense for 18 months, in the case of the CEO, and one year, in the case of the other executive officers, up to a maximum of $40,000 for the CEO, and $25,000 for other executives;

 

   

Reimbursement of reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by an executive in disputing in good faith the benefits under the Change in Control Policy, up to a maximum of $250,000;

 

   

Any vested, accrued benefits to which the executive is entitled under any of our employee benefits plans; and

 

   

If any of the severance benefits described in the Change in Control Policy shall result in an excise tax pursuant to Code Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code (excess parachute payments), payable by the executive, a tax gross-up payment to cover such additional taxes, subject to reduction for certain Section 280G purposes.

The Change in Control Policy attaches a form of an agreement and release that each executive is required to sign prior to receipt of benefits under the Change in Control Policy, and such form of agreement and release contains a one year non-solicitation period and provisions regarding confidentiality and non-disparagement. For a period of one year after a termination contemplated by the plan, a participant may not recruit, solicit, induce, encourage or in any way cause any employee, consultant or contractor engaged by Oncor or any affiliate to terminate his/her relationship with Oncor. The Change in Control Policy may be amended by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of our board of directors at any time, except that any amendments that adversely affects the benefits available to eligible participants cannot be made within 24 months of a change in control or while the company is in the process of negotiating a potential transaction or event which, if consummated, would constitute a change in control.

Severance Plan

We maintain the Severance Plan for our executive team, which consists of our executive officers and certain non-executive vice presidents. The purpose of the Severance Plan is to provide benefits to eligible executives who are not eligible for severance pursuant to another plan or agreement (including an employment agreement) and whose employment is involuntarily terminated for reasons other than:

 

   

Cause;

 

   

Disability of the employee, if the employee is a participant in our long-term disability plan; or

 

   

A transaction involving the company or any of its affiliates in which the employee is offered employment with a company involved in, or related to, the transaction.

 

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The Severance Plan provides for severance payments to executives whose employment is involuntarily terminated for reasons other than:

 

   

Cause, which is defined as either (a) the definition in any executive’s applicable employment agreement or change in control agreement or, (b) if there is no such employment or change in control agreement, cause exists: (i) if, in carrying out his or her duties to the Company, an executive engages in conduct that constitutes (A) a breach of his or her fiduciary duty to Oncor, its subsidiaries or shareholders (including a breach or attempted breach of the restrictive covenants under the Severance Plan), (B) gross neglect or (C) gross misconduct resulting in material economic harm to Oncor or its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) upon the indictment of the executive, or the plea of guilty or nolo contendere by the executive to a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;

 

   

Participation in our employee long-term disability plan or any successor plan; or

 

   

A transaction involving the Company or any of its affiliates in which the executive is offered employment with a company involved in, or related to, the transaction.

Our executive officers are eligible to receive the following under the Severance Plan:

 

   

For covered executives other than our CEO, a one-time lump sum cash severance payment in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the covered executive’s annualized base salary in effect immediately before the termination, plus the covered executive’s target annual incentive award for the year of the termination, or (ii) the amount determined under Oncor’s severance plan for non-executive employees;

 

   

For our CEO, a one-time lump sum cash severance payment in an amount equal to the greater of: (i) (a) a multiple of two times base salary in effect immediately before the termination plus a multiple of two times the target annual incentive award for the year of termination, plus (b) the target annual incentive award for the year of the termination, or (ii) the amount determined under the Oncor Severance Plan for non-executive employees;

 

   

Continued coverage at our expense under the Company’s health care benefit plans for 18 months, with the executive’s contribution for such plans being at the applicable employee rate (unless and until the executive becomes eligible for coverage for benefits through employment with another employer, at which time the executive’s required contribution shall be the applicable COBRA rate) and, if the executive is covered under our healthcare plans through the end of such period, at the end of such continued coverage the executive may continue participation in our health care plans at the applicable COBRA rate for 18 months, in the case of the CEO, or six months, in the case of each other executive, and Oncor will reimburse the executive the monthly difference between the applicable employee rate for such coverage and the COBRA rate paid by the executive for such period;

 

   

Outplacement assistance at the company’s expense for 18 months, in the case of the CEO, and one year, in the case of other executive officers, up to a maximum of $40,000 for the CEO, and $25,000 for other executives; and

 

   

Any vested accrued benefits to which the executive is entitled under Oncor’s employee benefits plans.

In order to receive benefits under the plan, a participant must enter into an agreement and release within 45 days of being notified by us of such participant’s eligibility to receive benefits under the plan. The Severance Plan also provides that for a period of one year after a termination contemplated by the plan, a participant may not recruit, solicit, induce or in any way cause any employee, consultant or contractor engaged by Oncor to terminate his/her relationship with Oncor. The Severance Plan also contains provisions relating to confidentiality and non-disparagement.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

For information concerning change of control and termination payouts for awards granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, see the narrative that follows the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – 2020 table.

 

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CEO Pay Ratio for Fiscal Year 2020

Pay Ratio

Our CEO to median employee pay ratio has been calculated in accordance with the rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and is calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K. Mr. Nye’s annual total compensation for 2020, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table above, was $5,259,275.

The median Oncor employee’s annual total compensation in 2020 (other than Mr. Nye) was $259,934, calculated using the same methodology as used in the calculation of the Summary Compensation Table, consisting of base salary, bonus, non-equity incentive plan compensation, change in pension value and non-qualified deferred compensation earnings, and all other compensation (for the median employee, all other compensation consisted of the Oncor thrift plan company match). As a result, the ratio of Mr. Nye’s annual total compensation in 2020 to the median annual total compensation of all Oncor employees (other than Mr. Nye) in 2020 was 20:1, when calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.

Identification of Median Employee

For purposes of determining the median Oncor employee, we evaluated all employees, other than Mr. Nye, employed by Oncor as of October 31, 2020 and calculated each such employee’s total cash compensation received through October 31, 2020. Total cash compensation consists of base pay, any incentive compensation, bonuses, and any other cash payments, including, without limitation, any overtime adjustments, overtime meals, taxable reimbursable expenses, holiday pay, and salary deferral program payouts. We did not make any material assumptions, adjustments, or estimates with respect to total cash compensation and we did not annualize the compensation for any full-time employees that were not employed by us for all of 2020. The total compensation of each employee other than Mr. Nye was then ranked lowest to highest to determine the median employee.

Annual Total Compensation

After identifying the median employee based on total cash compensation, as described above, we calculated annual total compensation for such employee using the same methodology we use for our Named Executive Officers as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above.

Risk Assessment of Compensation Policies and Practices

The O&C Committee reviews the compensation policies and practices applicable to Oncor’s employees (both executive and non-executive) annually during the first quarter of the year in order to determine whether such compensation policies and practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Oncor. In February 2021 the O&C Committee concluded that current compensatory policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Oncor. In arriving at this conclusion, the O&C Committee discussed with management the various compensation policies and practices of the company and the compensation payable pursuant to each, and evaluated whether the compensation payable under each plan or policy could result in (i) incenting employees to take risks that could result in a material adverse effect to Oncor, or (ii) payments by the company significant enough to cause a material adverse effect to Oncor.

We believe that the following factors in our employee compensation program limit risks that could be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the company:

 

   

Our compensation program is designed to provide a mix of base salary, annual cash incentives and (for eligible employees) long-term cash incentives, which we believe motivates employees to perform at high levels while mitigating any incentive for short-term risk-taking that could be detrimental to our company’s long-term best interests.

 

   

Our annual cash incentive programs for both executives and non-executives and long-term incentives for eligible employees under our Long-Term Incentive Plan are subject to maximum payout levels, which help avoid excessive total compensation and reduce the incentive to engage in unnecessarily risky behavior.

 

   

We place an emphasis on individual, non-financial performance metrics in determining individual compensation amounts through annual incentive performance modifiers that can adjust awards upward or downward, which serves to restrain the influence of objective factors on incentive pay and provides management (in the case of non-executive employees) and the O&C Committee (in the case of executive employees) the discretion to adjust compensation downward if behaviors are not consistent with Oncor’s business values and objectives.

 

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Long-term incentives for eligible employees under the Long-Term Incentive Plan are measured over three years to ensure employees have significant value tied to the long-term performance of the company.

 

   

We have internal controls over financial reporting and other financial, operational and compliance policies and practices designed to keep our compensation programs from being susceptible to manipulation by any employee, including our executive officers.

 

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The O&C Committee determines compensation for members of our board of directors. Directors who are current officers of Oncor and the member directors designated by each of Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) and Texas Transmission to serve on our board of directors do not receive any fees for service as a director. See “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Director Appointments” for information regarding the designation of member directors. Oncor reimburses all directors for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their services as directors.

The table below sets forth information regarding the aggregate compensation paid to the members of our board of directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, other than E. Allen Nye, Jr., whose compensation from Oncor is discussed in “Executive Compensation – Summary Compensation Table.” Mr. Nye did not receive any compensation for service on our board of directors.

 

Name

   Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)  

James R. Adams (1)

     232,500  

George W. Bilicic(2)

     —    

Thomas M. Dunning (3)

     277,500  

Robert A. Estrada (4)

     252,500  

Printice L. Gary (5)

     232,500  

William T. Hill, Jr. (6)

     247,500  

Timothy A. Mack (7)

     232,500  

Jeffrey W. Martin (8)

     —    

Trevor I. Mihalik (9)

     —    

Helen M. Newell (10)

     —    

Robert S. Shapard (11)

     388,750  

Richard W. Wortham III (12)

     247,813  

Steven J. Zucchet (13)

     —    

 

(1)

Mr. Adams’ “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 for serving as a member of our board of directors, and (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020. Mr. Adams resigned from our board effective March 2021, in connection with our Limited Liability Company Agreement requirement that two Disinterested Directors roll off the board before March 9, 2021. See “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Director Appointments” for more information.

(2)

Mr. Bilicic resigned from our board effective March 2020. Mr. Bilicic did not receive any compensation for serving as a member of our board of directors.

(3)

Mr. Dunning’s “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 (of which $3,450 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings) for serving as a member of our board of directors, (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020 (of which $3,600 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings), (iii) $12,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 for serving as our lead Disinterested Director, and (iv) $7,500 for serving as our lead Disinterested Director in the fourth quarter of 2020.

(4)

Mr. Estrada’s “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 (of which $3,450 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings) for serving as a member of our board of directors, (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020 (of which $3,600 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings), and (iii) $5,000 for each quarter of 2020 for serving as chair of the Audit Committee of our board of directors.

(5)

Mr. Gary’s “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 (of which $3,450 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings) for serving as a member of our board of directors, and (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020 (of which $3,600 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings).

(6)

Mr. Hill’s “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 (of which $3,450 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings) for serving as a member of our board of directors, (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020 (of which $3,600 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings), and (iii) $3,750 for each quarter of 2020 for serving as chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee of our board of directors.

 

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(7)

Mr. Mack’s “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 (of which $3,450 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings) for serving as a member of our board of directors, and (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020 (of which $3,600 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings).

(8)

Mr. Martin was designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) in March 2018. Mr. Martin does not receive any compensation for serving as a member of our board of directors.

(9)

Mr. Mihalik was designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) effective March 2020. Mr. Mihalik does not receive any compensation for serving as a member of our board of directors.

(10)

Ms. Newell was designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission in July 2019. Ms. Newell does not receive any compensation from Oncor for serving on our board of directors.

(11)

Mr. Shapard’s “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 (of which $3,450 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings) for serving as a member of our board of directors, (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020 (of which $3,600 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings), (iii) $43,750 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 for serving as the non-executive chairman of our board of directors (of which $2,625 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings), and (iv) $25,000 for the fourth quarter of 2020 for serving as the non-executive chairman of our board of directors (of which $1,500 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings). Mr. Shapard, who retired as Oncor’s CEO in 2018, receives certain payments from Oncor attributable to his prior service as an employee under the Salary Deferral Program as well as certain healthcare premium reimbursements pursuant to our previous executive change in control policy. As these payments are attributable solely to his previous employment as an officer and are not related to his service as a director, these amounts are not included in this table as director compensation.

(12)

Mr. Wortham’s “Total Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column reflects the following fees, paid quarterly in arrears: (i) $57,500 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 (of which $3,450 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings) for serving as a member of our board of directors, (ii) $60,000 for serving as a member of the board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020 (of which $3,600 was attributable to his service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings), (iii) $3,750 for each of the first three quarters of 2020 for serving as chair of the O&C Committee of our board of directors, and (iv) $4,063 for serving as chair of the O&C Committee of our board of directors in the fourth quarter of 2020. Mr. Wortham resigned from our board effective March 2021, in connection with our Limited Liability Company Agreement requirement that two Disinterested Directors roll off the board before March 9, 2021. See “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Director Appointments” for more information.

(13)

Mr. Zucchet was designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission in November 2008. Mr. Zucchet does not receive any compensation for service as a member of our board of directors.

The O&C Committee determines director compensation for the Disinterested Directors on our board of directors and our non-executive chairman of the board. All director fees are paid quarterly, in arrears. Each Disinterested Director and our non-executive chairman receives a fee for serving on the board of directors. In addition, the chair of each committee, our lead Disinterested Director, and our non-executive chairman each receive additional fees for serving in such roles. For each of the first three quarters of 2020, each Disinterested Director and our non-executive chairman (Mr. Shapard) received a fee of $57,500 for service on our board of directors (of which amount $3,450 for Messrs. Dunning, Estrada, Gary, Hill, Mack, Shapard and Wortham was attributable to such director’s service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and was paid by Oncor but reimbursed to Oncor by Oncor Holdings). In addition, for each quarter of 2020, the chair of the Audit Committee (Mr. Estrada) received an additional $5,000 quarterly fee and the chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee (Mr. Hill) received an additional $3,750 quarterly fee for the extra responsibilities associated with each such position. For the first three quarters of 2020, the chair of the O&C Committee (Mr. Wortham) received an additional $3,750 quarterly fee for the extra responsibilities associated with such position, our lead Disinterested Director (Mr. Dunning) received an additional $12,500 quarterly fee for the additional duties associated with that position, and our chairman (Mr. Shapard) received an additional $43,750 quarterly fee for the additional duties associated with that position (of which amount $2,625 was attributable to his service as chairman of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and was paid by Oncor but reimbursed to Oncor by Oncor Holdings). With respect to such positions’ compensation paid in the fourth quarter of 2020, the O&C Committee approved certain changes to the quarterly compensation related to the O&C chair, the lead Disinterested Director and the non-executive chairman positions as further described below.

In October 2020, the O&C Committee engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct competitive market analyses of Disinterested Directors compensation and compensation of our non-executive chairman, using the same peer group and methodology used in the October 2020 analysis of executive compensation. See “Executive Compensation - Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Overview – Compensation Benchmarking and Market Data” for a description of this peer group

 

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and methodology. As a result of this review, the O&C Committee made the following changes, effective as of the quarter beginning October 1, 2020:

 

   

Increased the base fee paid to Disinterested Directors and our non-executive chairman for serving on the board of directors to $60,000 per quarter (of which amount $3,600 for Messrs. Dunning, Estrada, Gary, Hill, Mack, Shapard and Wortham, is attributable to such director’s service as a member of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and is paid by Oncor but reimbursed to Oncor by Oncor Holdings) to bring total direct compensation for these directors closer to the 50th percentile of Oncor’s peer group;

 

   

Decreased the non-executive chairman retainer fee from $43,750 to $25,000 per quarter (of which amount $1,500 is attributable to his service as chairman of the board of directors of Oncor Holdings and is paid by Oncor but reimbursed to Oncor by Oncor Holdings) as the increased responsibilities required of him as a result of the Sempra Acquisition and CEO transition were expected to continue to lessen, with the fee (excluding the amounts attributable to Oncor Holdings) being targeted closer to the 50th percentile of non-executive chairman fees paid by members of the peer group with non-executive chairmen;

 

   

Decreased the lead Disinterested Director retainer fee from $12,500 to $7,500 per quarter as the increased responsibilities required of him as a result of the Sempra Acquisition were expected to continue to lessen and to reflect the 50th percentile of fees paid by companies with lead independent directors in the peer group; and

 

   

Increased the O&C Committee chair fee to $4,063 per quarter to bring this fee closer to the 50th percentile of fees paid by companies in the peer group.

Our Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that each of Sempra and Texas Transmission has the right to designate two member directors to serve on our board of directors. None of those four director positions (currently held by Messrs. Martin, Mihalik, and Zucchet and Ms. Newell) receives compensation from us for his or her service as a director. Mr. Nye, our CEO, does not receive compensation for his service as a director. For a description of the independence standards applicable to our Disinterested Directors, see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.”

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED EQUITY HOLDER MATTERS

Equity Compensation Plan Information

As of December 31, 2020, Oncor had no compensation plans in place that authorized the issuance of equity securities of Oncor.

Security Ownership of Equity Interests of Oncor by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table lists the number of limited liability company membership interests (LLC Units) of Oncor beneficially owned at April 1, 2021 by the holders of more than 5% of our LLC Units (based on information made available to Oncor), our current directors and the Named Executive Officers listed in “Executive Compensation – Summary Compensation Table”.

The amounts and percentages of LLC Units beneficially owned are reported on the basis of SEC regulations governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares voting power or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Securities that can be so acquired are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing such person’s ownership percentage, but not for purposes of computing any other person’s percentage. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which such person has no economic interest.

 

Name

   Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
     Percent of
Class
 

Sempra Energy (a)

     509,587,500        80.25

Texas Transmission Investment LLC (b)

     125,412,500        19.75

Name of Director or Named Executive Officer

             

Don J. Clevenger

     —          —    

Deborah L. Dennis

     —          —    

Thomas M. Dunning

     —          —    

Robert A. Estrada

     —          —    

Printice L. Gary

     —          —    

James A. Greer

     —          —    

Matthew C. Henry

     —          —    

William T. Hill, Jr.

     —          —    

Timothy A. Mack

     —          —    

Jeffrey W. Martin (c)

     —          —    

Trevor I. Mihalik (d)

     —          —    

Helen M. Newell (e)

     —          —    

E. Allen Nye, Jr.

     —          —    

Alice L. Rodriguez

     —          —    

Robert S. Shapard

     —          —    

W. Kelvin Walker

     —          —    

Steven J. Zucchet (f)

     —          —    

All current directors and executive officers as a group (21 persons)

     —          —    

 

(a)

Reflects 509,587,500 LLC Units of Oncor owned by Oncor Holdings. The sole member of Oncor Holdings is STIH. The sole member of STIH is STH. STH is wholly owned by Sempra. The address of Oncor Holdings is 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX 75202 and the address of each of Sempra, STIH and STH is 488 8th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101.

 

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(b)

Texas Transmission beneficially owns 125,412,500 LLC Units of Oncor. The sole member of Texas Transmission is Texas Transmission Finco LLC (TTHC Finco), whose sole member is Texas Transmission Holdings Corporation (TTHC). The address of each of Texas Transmission, TTHC Finco, and TTHC is 1105 North Market Street, Suite 1300, Wilmington, DE 19801. BPC Health Corporation (BPC Health) and Borealis Power Holdings Inc. (Borealis Power) may be deemed, as a result of their ownership of 50.5% of the shares of Class A Common Stock of TTHC (Class A Shares) and 50.5% of the shares of Class B Common Stock of TTHC (Class B Shares), respectively, and certain provisions of TTHC’s Second Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement (which provide that BPC Health and Borealis Power, when acting together with Cheyne Walk Investment Pte Ltd (Cheyne Walk), may direct TTHC in certain matters), to have beneficial ownership of the 125,412,500 LLC Units owned by Texas Transmission. OMERS Administration Corporation (OAC), acting through its infrastructure entity, BPC Penco Corporation, beneficially owns BPC Health and, therefore, OAC may also be deemed to have beneficial ownership of such LLC Units. Borealis Power is wholly owned by Borealis Infrastructure Corporation and Borealis Management Trust owns 70% of the voting shares of Borealis Infrastructure Corporation. The trustee of Borealis Management Trust is Borealis Infrastructure Holdings Corporation and, therefore, Borealis Infrastructure Holdings Corporation may also be deemed to have beneficial ownership of such LLC Units. The address of OAC is 900-100 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H OE2. The address of Borealis Infrastructure Holdings Corporation is 333 Bay Street, Suite 2400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 2T6. Cheyne Walk may be deemed, as a result of its ownership of 49.5% of each of the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares of TTHC, and certain provisions of TTHC’s Second Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement (which provide that Cheyne Walk, when acting together with BPC Health and Borealis Power, may direct TTHC in certain matters), to have beneficial ownership of the 125,412,500 LLC Units owned by Texas Transmission. Cheyne Walk shares the power to vote and the power to dispose of 49.5% of each of the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares of TTHC with GIC Special Investments Pte Ltd (GICSI) and GIC Private Limited (GIC), both of which are private limited companies incorporated in Singapore. GICSI is wholly owned by GIC, and is the private equity and infrastructure investment arm of GIC. GIC is wholly owned by the Government of Singapore and was set up with the sole purpose of managing Singapore’s foreign reserves. The Government of Singapore disclaims beneficial ownership of the LLC Units held by Texas Transmission. The address of each of Cheyne Walk, GICSI and GIC is 168 Robinson Road, #37-01, Capital Tower, Singapore 068912.

(c)

Mr. Martin is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sempra. Mr. Martin does not have voting or investment power over, and disclaims beneficial ownership of, the LLC Units beneficially owned by Sempra.

(d)

Mr. Mihalik is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sempra. Mr. Mihalik does not have voting or investment power over, and disclaims beneficial ownership of, the LLC Units beneficially owned by Sempra.

(e)

Ms. Newell is a Senior Vice President – Infrastructure for GICSI and a member of the board of directors, Treasurer, and Senior Vice President of TTHC. Ms. Newell does not have voting or investment power over, and disclaims beneficial ownership of, the LLC Units held by Texas Transmission.

(f)

Mr. Zucchet is a member of the board of directors and holds the office of Managing Director of OMERS Infrastructure Management Inc. and is a member of the board of directors and Senior Vice President of TTHC. Mr. Zucchet does not have voting or investment power over, and disclaims beneficial ownership of, the LLC Units held by Texas Transmission.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Our board of directors has adopted a written policy regarding related person transactions as part of our corporate governance guidelines. Under this policy, a related person transaction shall be consummated or shall continue only if:

 

  1.

the Audit Committee of our board of directors approves or ratifies such transaction in accordance with the policy and if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party;

 

  2.

the transaction is approved by the disinterested members of the board of directors; or

 

  3.

the transaction involves compensation approved by the O&C Committee of the board of directors.

For purposes of this policy, the term “related person” means any related person pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, except for transactions with Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities), which transactions are subject to restrictions set forth in our Limited Liability Company Agreement.

A “related person transaction” is a transaction between us and a related person (including any transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, if applicable), other than the types of transactions described below, which are deemed to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee:

 

  1.

any compensation paid to an executive officer or director if the compensation is reported (or would have been reported, in the case of executive officers that are not named executive officers) under Item 402 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, provided that such executive officer or director is not an immediate family member of an executive officer or director and provided that the board of directors or the O&C Committee has approved such compensation;

 

  2.

any transaction with another company at which a related person’s only relationship is as a director or beneficial owner of less than 10% of that company’s (other than a partnership) ownership interests;

 

  3.

any charitable contribution, grant or endowment by us to a charitable organization, foundation or university at which a related person’s only relationship is as an employee (other than an executive officer) or director;

 

  4.

any transaction with a partnership in which a related person’s only relationship is as a limited partner, and the related person is not a general partner and does not hold another position in the partnership, and all related persons have an interest of less than 10% in the partnership;

 

  5.

transactions where the related person’s interest arises solely from the ownership of Oncor’s equity securities and all holders of that class of equity securities received the same benefit on a pro rata basis;

 

  6.

transactions involving a related party where the rates or charges involved are determined by competitive bids;

 

  7.

any transaction with a related party involving the rendering of services as a common or contract carrier, or public utility, as rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority;

 

  8.

any transaction with a related party involving services as a bank depositary of funds, transfer agent, registrar, trustee under a trust indenture, or similar service;

 

  9.

transactions available to all employees or customers generally (unless required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, if applicable);

 

  10.

transactions involving less than $100,000 when aggregated with all similar transactions;

 

  11.

transactions between Oncor and its subsidiaries or between subsidiaries of Oncor;

 

  12.

transactions not required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act; and

 

  13.

open market purchases of Oncor or its subsidiaries’ debt or equity securities and interest payments on such debt securities.

Our board of directors has determined that it is appropriate for its Audit Committee to review and approve or ratify related person transactions. In unusual circumstances, we may enter into related person transactions in advance of receiving approval, provided that such related person transactions are reviewed and ratified as soon as reasonably practicable by the Audit Committee of the board of directors. If the Audit Committee determines not to ratify such transactions, we shall make all reasonable efforts to cancel or otherwise terminate such transactions.

 

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The related person transactions policy described above also does not apply to Sempra and its subsidiaries and affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities), which are subject to restrictions set forth in our Limited Liability Company Agreement. Our Limited Liability Company Agreement requires that we maintain an arm’s-length relationship with the Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities) or any other direct or indirect equity holders of Oncor or Oncor Holdings, consistent with the PUCT’s rules applicable to Oncor, and only enter into transactions with Sempra and its affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities) that are both (i) on a commercially reasonable basis, and (ii) if such transaction is material, approved by (a) a majority of the members of our board of directors, and (b) prior to a Trigger Event (as defined in our Limited Liability Company Agreement), the directors appointed by Texas Transmission, at least one of whom must be present and voting in order to approve the transaction.

Related Party Transactions

The Sponsor Group and the Texas Holdings Group were previously related parties. As a result of the Sempra Acquisition, Sempra became a related party and the Sponsor Group and the Texas Holdings Group ceased to be related parties as of March 9, 2018.

InfraREIT Acquisition and Operation Agreement With Sharyland

In May 2019, we completed the InfraREIT Acquisition. To fund the cash consideration and certain related fees and expenses, we received capital contributions of $1,330 million from Sempra and certain indirect equity holders of Texas Transmission. As a condition to the InfraREIT Acquisition, InfraREIT’s subsidiary, SDTS, and SDTS’s tenant, SU, completed the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange immediately prior to the closing of the InfraREIT Acquisition, pursuant to which SDTS exchanged certain of its south Texas assets for certain assets owned by SU. In connection with the InfraREIT Acquisition, and as a condition to the closing of the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange, Sempra acquired an indirect 50 percent interest in Sharyland Holdings, L.P., the parent of Sharyland. As a result, Sharyland became our affiliate for purposes of PUCT rules. Pursuant to the agreement governing the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange and the PUCT order in Docket No. 48929 approving the InfraREIT Acquisition, upon closing of the InfraREIT Acquisition we entered into an operation agreement pursuant to which we provide certain operations services to Sharyland at cost with no markup or profit. We provided Sharyland with approximately $630,000 and $300,000 worth of services pursuant to this agreement in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Our Limited Liability Company Agreement requires that any material transactions with Sempra and its subsidiaries and affiliates (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities) be approved by a majority of our board of directors and the directors appointed by Texas Transmission present and voting, provided that at least one director appointed by Texas Transmission must be present and voting. The InfraREIT Acquisition and the related operation agreement were approved by our board of directors, including the directors appointed by Texas Transmission, who were both present and voting.

For more information on the InfraREIT Acquisition, see “Our Business and Properties – 2019 InfraREIT Acquisition; Lubbock Joint Project with LP&L” and Note 13 to Annual Financial Statements.

Tax-Sharing Arrangements

We are not a member of another entity’s consolidated tax group, but our owners’ federal income tax returns include their portion of our results. Under the terms of a tax sharing agreement among us, Oncor Holdings, Texas Transmission, STH (as successor to EFH Corp.), and Investment LLC, we are generally obligated to make payments to our owners, pro rata in accordance with their respective membership interests, in an aggregate amount that is substantially equal to the amount of federal income taxes that we would have been required to pay if we were filing our own corporate income tax return. STH will file a combined Texas margin tax return which includes our results and our share of Texas margin tax payments, which are accounted for as income taxes and calculated as if we were filing our own return. See discussion in Note 1 to Annual Financial Statements under “Provision in Lieu of Income Taxes.” Under the “in lieu of” tax concept, all in lieu of tax assets and tax liabilities represent amounts that will eventually be settled with our members. In the unlikely event such amounts are not paid under the tax sharing agreement, it is probable that they would be reimbursed to rate payers.

At December 31, 2020, we had total $16 million net payables to members under the agreement. It consisted of a current Texas margin tax payable to Sempra totaling $23 million, partially offset by federal income tax receivables totaling $7 million ($6 million due from Sempra and $1 million due from Texas Transmission). At December 31, 2019, we had a total of $19 million in net payables to members under the agreement. It consisted of a current Texas margin tax payable to Sempra totaling $22 million, partially offset by federal income tax receivables totaling $3 million ($2 million due from Sempra and $1 million due from Texas Transmission). At December 31, 2018, we had payables to members under the agreement related to federal income taxes totaling $5 million ($4 million due to Sempra and $1 million due to Texas Transmission) and a current Texas margin tax payable to Sempra totaling $21 million.

We made a net in lieu of income tax payment of $109 million (including $70 million and $17 million in federal income tax-related payments to Sempra and Texas Transmission, respectively and $22 million in Texas margin tax-related payment to Sempra) in the year ended December 31, 2020.

We made a net in lieu of income tax payment of $78 million (including $45 million and $11 million in federal income tax-related payments to Sempra and Texas Transmission, respectively and $22 million in Texas margin tax-related payment to Sempra) in the year ended December 31, 2019.

We made a net in lieu of income tax payment of $71 million (including $80 million and $10 million in federal income tax-related payments to Sempra and Texas Transmission, respectively, partially offset by a $19 million receipt from EFH Corp.) in the year ended December 31, 2018.

Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Oncor

On March 9, 2018, in connection with the closing of the Sempra Acquisition, Oncor’s Limited Liability Company Agreement was amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in the Limited Liability Company Agreement. The Limited Liability Company Agreement of Oncor among other things, sets out the members’ respective governance rights in respect of

 

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their ownership interests in Oncor. Among other things, the Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for the management of Oncor by a board of directors consisting of 13 members, including seven Disinterested Directors, two directors designated by Texas Transmission (subject to certain conditions), two directors designated indirectly by Sempra and two directors that are current or former officers of Oncor. Texas Transmission also has the right to designate one non-voting observer to the board of directors, who is entitled to attend all meetings of the board of directors (subject to certain exceptions) and receive copies of all notices and materials provided to the board of directors.

The Limited Liability Company Agreement prohibits Oncor and its subsidiaries from taking certain material actions outside the ordinary course of business without prior approvals by the members, some or all of the Disinterested Directors and/or the directors designated by one or more of the members. The Limited Liability Company Agreement also sets forth certain separateness undertakings to ensure Oncor’s legal and financial separateness from Sempra and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities). Additionally, the Limited Liability Company Agreement contains provisions regulating capital accounts of members, allocations of profits and losses and tax allocation and withholding.

The Limited Liability Company Agreement describes Oncor’s procedures and limitations on declaring and paying distributions to members. Pursuant to the Limited Liability Company Agreement, we cannot make any distributions to members (other than contractual tax payments) that would cause us to exceed the PUCT’s authorized debt-to-equity ratio. The distribution restrictions also include the ability of our board, a majority of the Disinterested Directors, or any director designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission, to limit distributions (other than contractual tax payments) to the extent each determines it is necessary to meet expected future requirements of Oncor (including continuing compliance with the PUCT debt-to-equity ratio commitment). In addition, the Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that if Oncor’s senior secured debt credit rating by any one of S&P, Moody’s or Fitch falls below BBB (Baa2) we must suspend distributions (other than contractual tax payments) until otherwise permitted to do so by the PUCT, and requires that Oncor notify the PUCT if either the credit rating of either Sempra or Oncor falls below its then current level. Distributions also cannot be made to the extent they would violate any applicable laws or regulations. Our Limited Liability Company Agreement requires that any changes to such procedures and limitations be approved by Oncor Holdings and Texas Transmission and a majority of our board of directors present and voting, which must include (i) a majority of the Disinterested Directors, (ii) both directors appointed to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings), (iii) both directors that are current or former officers of Oncor, and (iv) the directors designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission who are present and voting, provided that at least one such director must be present and voting in order to approve such matter.

In addition, any annual or multi-year budget with an aggregate amount of capital or operating and maintenance expenditures that are greater than or less than 10% of the capital or operating and maintenance expenditures in the annual budget for the immediately prior fiscal year or multi-year period, as applicable, must be approved by (i) a majority of the Disinterested Directors and (ii) the Texas Transmission director(s) present and voting, provided that at least one Texas Transmission director must be present and voting in order to approve such action. Also, any acquisition of or investment in any third party which involves the purchase of or investment in assets located outside the State of Texas for consideration in an amount greater than $1.5 billion must be approved by (a) a majority of the Disinterested Directors and (b) the Texas Transmission director(s) present and voting, provided that at least one Texas Transmission director must be present and voting in order to approve such action.

Registration Rights Agreement

In November 2008, we entered into a registration rights agreement (Registration Rights Agreement) by and among us, Oncor Holdings, Texas Transmission and STH (formerly EFH Corp.). The Registration Rights Agreement grants customary registration rights to certain of our members. Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, these rights include, without limitation, the following: (i) the right of Oncor Holdings at any time, and after ten years from the date of the Registration Rights Agreement, the right of Texas Transmission, to demand that we register a specified amount of membership interests in accordance with the Securities Act; (ii) the right of both Oncor Holdings and Texas Transmission to demand registration of a specified amount of membership interests following an initial public offering; and (iii) the right of all members that are parties to the Registration Rights Agreement to have their membership interests registered if we propose to file a registration statement relating to an offering of membership interests (with certain exceptions).

Subject to certain exceptions, whenever we are required to effect the registration of any membership interests pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we have agreed to use our best efforts to cause the applicable registration statement to become effective, and to keep each such registration statement effective until the earlier of (a) at least 180 days (or two years for a shelf registration statement) or (b) the time at which all securities registered under such registration statement have been sold.

 

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Investor Rights Agreement

The investor rights agreement dated as of November 5, 2008, by and among Oncor, Oncor Holdings, Texas Transmission, STH (formerly EFH Corp.) and any other persons that subsequently become a party thereto (Investor Rights Agreement) governs certain rights of certain members of Oncor and STH arising out of their direct or indirect ownership of Oncor membership interests, including, without limitation, transfers of Oncor membership interests and restrictions thereon. Texas Transmission may transfer its Oncor membership interests under a registration statement or pursuant to applicable securities laws. The Investor Rights Agreement also grants Texas Transmission certain “tag-along” rights in relation to certain sales of Oncor membership interests by Oncor Holdings. Subject to certain conditions, these “tag-along” rights allow Texas Transmission to sell a pro-rata portion of its Oncor membership interests in the event of a sale of Oncor membership interests by Oncor Holdings on the same terms as Oncor Holdings would receive for its Oncor membership interests. The agreement further provides that under certain offerings of equity securities occurring before an initial public offering of Oncor, Texas Transmission and Oncor Holdings will receive preemptive rights to purchase their pro-rata share of the equity securities to be sold pursuant to such offerings. The Investor Rights Agreement also provides STH and Sempra with a right of first refusal to purchase any Oncor membership interests to be sold in a permitted sale by Texas Transmission or its permitted transferees.

Additionally, STH, Sempra, certain of Sempra’s subsidiaries and Oncor Holdings have certain “drag-along” rights in relation to offers from third-parties to purchase their directly or indirectly owned membership interests in Oncor, where the resulting sale would constitute a change of control of Oncor. These “drag-along” rights compel Texas Transmission and all other members of Oncor to sell or otherwise transfer their membership interests in Oncor on substantially the same terms as STH, Sempra or Oncor Holdings (as applicable). Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, all members of Oncor that have entered into such agreement must cooperate with Oncor in connection with an initial public offering of Oncor.

Transactions with Affiliates and Portfolio Companies of Certain of our Beneficial Owners

The beneficial owners of Texas Transmission include various entities and funds who make equity investments in various companies (Portfolio Companies) in the ordinary course of their business. We have in the past entered into, and may continue to enter into, transactions with Portfolio Companies or their affiliates in the ordinary course of business on an arm’s-length basis, which may indirectly result in revenues to beneficial owners of Texas Transmission.

2018 Transactions with Officers and Directors

In 2008 and 2009, we established stock appreciation rights (SARs) plans under which certain of our executive officers, key employees and non-employee members of our board of directors were granted SARs payable in cash, or in some circumstances, Oncor membership interests. In November 2012, we accepted the early exercise for cash payments of all outstanding SARs (both vested and unvested) issued pursuant to both SARs plans. As part of the 2012 early exercise of SARs, we began accruing interest on dividends declared with respect to the SARs. Under both SARs plans, dividends that were paid in respect of Oncor membership interests while the SARs were outstanding were credited to the SARs holder’s account as if the SARs were units and were payable upon the earliest to occur of death, disability, separation from service, unforeseeable emergency, a change in control, or the occurrence of an event triggering SAR exercisability. The SARs plans dividends and interest became payable as a result of the Sempra Acquisition, and we distributed the amounts on April 30, 2018, of which an aggregate of $11,731,862 was distributed to individuals who participated in the applicable SARs plan and served as executive officers in 2018, and $53,370 was distributed to the then current disinterested directors who participated in the applicable SARs plan.

On March 9, 2018, Oncor entered into an Interest Transfer Agreement (OMI Agreement) with Investment LLC, Oncor Holdings and Sempra. Pursuant to the 2008 Equity Interests Plan for Key Employees of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and its affiliates, certain members of Oncor’s management, including Oncor’s executive officers and independent directors on Oncor’s board of directors, were granted the opportunity to purchase Class B equity interests (Class B Interests) in Investment LLC, an entity whose only assets consist of equity interests in Oncor. Investment LLC held 1,396,008 of the outstanding limited liability company interests in Oncor (the OMI Interests), which represented 0.22% of the then outstanding membership interests in Oncor.

Pursuant to the OMI Agreement, concurrent with the closing of the Sempra Acquisition, Investment LLC transferred to Oncor Holdings (which became a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Sempra upon closing of the Sempra Acquisition) all of the OMI Interests in exchange for $26 million in cash, which represents approximately $18.60 for each OMI Interest. Oncor Holdings paid the purchase price with funds received from Sempra via a capital contribution. Investment LLC retained approximately $34,000 of the purchase price for future expected tax liabilities and distributed the remainder of the proceeds, representing $18.57 per Class B equity interest held, to holders of Class B equity interests in proportion to the amount of Class B equity interests they held. Executives and members of our board of directors beneficially owned the following amounts of Class B Interests as of March 9, 2018: Robert S. Shapard: 300,000; E. Allen Nye Jr.:18,368; Mark Carpenter: 25,000; Don J. Clevenger: 50,000; Deborah L. Dennis: 50,000; James Greer: 75,000; Thomas M. Dunning: 20,000; Robert A. Estrada: 5,000; and Richard W. Wortham: 10,000.

Each participating executive officer entered into a management stockholder’s agreement and sale participation agreement with us. Each director that purchased Class B equity interests of Investment LLC in 2009 entered into a director stockholder’s agreement and a sale participation agreement with us. These agreements contained, among other things, restrictions on transferring Class B equity interests and certain drag-along and piggyback sale rights.

The certain letter agreements entered into with each of Sempra and certain of our executive officers in connection with the Sempra Acquisition provided for the payment of certain benefits, including change in control benefits, in the event of the executive’s retirement or termination from service within a specified time period following the Sempra Acquisition. These agreements provided that Sempra would bear responsibility for these payments. In 2018, Sempra reimbursed Oncor approximately $9.9 million (net of a tax deduction) for certain executive change in control expenses accrued by Oncor in connection with the Sempra Acquisition pursuant to such letter agreements.

2018 Transactions with the Sponsor Group

The Sponsor Group was an affiliate of ours until closing of the Sempra Acquisition on March 9, 2018. Affiliates of the Sponsor Group have (1) sold, acquired or participated in the offerings of our debt or debt securities in open market transactions or through loan syndications, and (2) performed various financial advisory, dealer, commercial banking and investment banking services for us and certain of our affiliates for which they have received customary fees and expenses.

The beneficial owners of the Sponsor Group included various entities and funds who make equity investments in various companies in the ordinary course of their business. Prior to March 9, 2018, we entered into transactions with certain of these companies or their affiliates in the ordinary course of business on an arm’s-length basis, which may have resulted in revenues to the beneficial owners of the Sponsor Group.

Director Independence

Our Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that seven members of our board of directors must be Disinterested Directors. For a director to be deemed a Disinterested Director, our board of directors must affirmatively determine that (i) such director has not had within the previous ten years, or currently does not have, a material relationship with Sempra or its subsidiaries or affiliated entities or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings and (ii) that such director meets the independence standards in Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual in all material respects in relation to Sempra or its subsidiaries and affiliated entities or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings.

Our board of directors considers which of its members qualify as Disinterested Directors annually, in part by reviewing relevant relationships with organizations with which our directors are affiliated. Our board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Dunning, Estrada, Gary, Hill, Mack and Walker and Ms. Rodriguez qualify as both independent directors under the New York Stock Exchange independence standards and as Disinterested Directors under the standards in our Limited Liability Company Agreement.

In connection with its review and determination of independence under the New York Stock Exchange independence standards, our board of directors considered what it viewed as certain non-material relationships and transactions involving our directors, including:

 

   

JPMorgan, where Ms. Rodriguez serves as head of the community impact organization and as a managing director, and its affiliates provide various commercial and investment banking services to Oncor in the ordinary course of business, including serving as administrative agent, joint lead arranger, joint bookrunner, and a lender under Oncor’s revolving credit facility, as a dealer manager under Oncor’s CP program, and as an initial purchaser/dealer manager in certain Oncor secured note offerings/exchange offers; and

 

   

Oncor is a dues paying member of the Dallas Citizens Council, where Mr. Walker serves as the chief executive officer and Oncor’s chief executive serves on its board of directors.

 

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In each case, the transactions occurred in the ordinary course of business, none of the directors had any direct or indirect material interest in the transactions or relationships, and the amounts paid in the transactions were below thresholds prescribed under the New York Stock Exchange independence standards.

Mr. Shapard is our Chairman of the Board and presides at all meetings of our board of directors. Mr. Shapard was appointed Chairman of the Board effective upon the closing of the Sempra Acquisition in March 2018. Mr. Shapard served as our Chief Executive until the closing of the Sempra Acquisition and retired from Oncor effective April 1, 2018. Mr. Dunning is the Lead Disinterested Director of our board of directors and has served in such role since July 2010. The Lead Disinterested Director performs such duties and responsibilities as may be specified by the board.

Our board of directors has designated an Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and O&C Committee to exercise certain powers and authorities of the board of the directors. Members of these committees are not required by our Limited Liability Company Agreement or board of directors to meet any independence standards. Mr. Zucchet, who was designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission in November 2008, has served on the O&C Committee since May 2010 and was also appointed to the Nominating and Governance Committee effective February 2011. Ms. Newell, who was designated to serve on our board of directors by Texas Transmission on July 30, 2019, was appointed to the Audit Committee effective on such date. Mr. Martin, who was designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) on March 9, 2018 upon closing of the Sempra Acquisition, was appointed to the Audit Committee effective April 2018 and served on the committee until April 2020. In April 2020, he was appointed to the O&C Committee. Mr. Bilicic, who was designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) on August 26, 2019, was appointed to the O&C Committee effective September 4, 2019. Mr. Bilicic served on our board of directors until March 2020. Mr. Mihalik, who was designated to serve on our board of directors by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings) in March 2020, was appointed to the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee effective April 2020. None of Messrs. Bilicic, Martin, Mihalik or Zucchet or Ms. Newell qualifies as independent under the New York Stock Exchange independence standards or as a Disinterested Director for purposes of our Limited Liability Company Agreement.

For information on the structure of our board of directors, see “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance – Director Appointments.”

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFERS

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offers

Pursuant to an exchange offer, the outstanding 2052 notes were issued on September 23, 2020 in exchange for a like principal amount of all of Oncor’s then outstanding 7.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 30, 2029 and 6.47% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 30, 2030 and certain of Oncor’s then outstanding 7.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2032, 7.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2033 and 5.30% Senior Secured Notes due 2042. The exchange offer was made only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A and to persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The outstanding 2025 notes were sold to the initial purchasers on September 28, 2020 pursuant to a purchase agreement. The initial purchasers subsequently sold the outstanding notes to qualified institutional buyers (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in reliance on Rule 144A and to persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

In connection with the issuances of the outstanding notes, we entered into registration rights agreements with the initial purchasers of the private offering and the dealer-managers of the exchange offer, respectively, in which we agreed, under certain circumstances, to file a registration statement relating to offers to exchange the outstanding notes for exchange notes and to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act no later than 270 days after the issue dates of the applicable outstanding notes and to consummate the exchange offers no later than 315 days after the issue dates of the applicable outstanding notes. The exchange notes will have terms identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to observe certain obligations in the applicable registration rights agreement.

Under the circumstances set forth below, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the SEC to declare effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the resale of the outstanding notes within the time periods specified in the applicable registration rights agreement and keep the statement effective for two years after the effective date of the shelf registration statement, subject to extension under the terms of the applicable registration rights agreement, or such shorter period terminating when all of the notes cease to be Registrable Securities (as defined in the applicable registration rights agreement). These circumstances include:

 

   

if because of any changes in law, SEC rules or regulations or applicable interpretations thereof by the SEC, the exchange notes received by holders, other than certain specified holders, are not or would not be transferable by such holders without restriction under the Securities Act;

 

   

if the exchange offers are not consummated within 315 days after the dates of issuance of the applicable outstanding notes;

 

   

if any holder of notes notifies us prior to the 20th business day following the completion of the exchange offers that (a) it is prohibited by law or SEC policy from participating in the exchange offers, (b) it may not resell the exchange notes to the public without delivering a prospectus (other than the prospectus in the registration statement relating to the exchange offers), or (c) it is a broker-dealer and owns notes acquired directly from us or an affiliate; or

 

   

if we elect to file a shelf registration statement covering resales of the notes in lieu of (or in case of the immediately preceding circumstance, in addition to) conducting the exchange offers.

Except for certain circumstances specified in the registration rights agreements, if (1) a registration statement relating to the exchange offers or a shelf registration statement has not become or been declared effective by the deadlines discussed above, (2) the exchange offers have not been consummated by the deadlines discussed above, or (3) a registration statement relating to the notes has been declared effective and such registration statement ceases to be effective at any time during the applicable registration period (subject to certain exceptions) (each of (1), (2) and (3) above, a Registration Default; each period during which a Registration Default has occurred and is continuing, a Registration Default Period), then, as liquidated damages for the Registration Default, additional interest shall accrue on the principal amount of the affected notes at a rate of 0.50% per annum with respect to the outstanding notes over the interest rate otherwise provided for under the outstanding notes for the remaining period during which a Registration Default continues, but not later than the second anniversary of the issue date of the outstanding notes. If we cure all Registration Defaults, the interest rate on the notes will revert to the original level.

 

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If you wish to exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in either of the exchange offers, you will be required to make the following written representations:

 

   

you are not our affiliate within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act;

 

   

you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the exchange notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act;

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business.

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the broker-dealer acquired the outstanding notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes and that it did not purchase its outstanding notes from us or any of our affiliates. See “Plan of Distribution.”

Resale of Exchange Notes

Based on interpretations by the SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that you may resell or otherwise transfer exchange notes issued in the exchange offers without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act if:

 

   

you are not our affiliate within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

you do not have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes;

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business.

If you are our affiliate, or are engaging in, or intend to engage in, or have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, or are not acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business:

 

   

you cannot rely on the position of the SEC set forth in Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC’s letter to Shearman & Sterling, dated July 2, 1993, or similar no-action letters; and

 

   

in the absence of an exception from the position stated immediately above, you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, resale or other transfer of exchange notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the outstanding notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offers. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. Read “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding the transfer of exchange notes.

Our belief that the exchange notes may be offered for resale without compliance with the registration or prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act is based on interpretations of the SEC for other exchange offers that the SEC expressed in some of its no-action letters to other issuers in exchange offers like ours. We cannot guarantee that the SEC would make a similar decision about our exchange offers. If our belief is wrong, or if you cannot truthfully make the representations mentioned above, and you transfer any exchange note issued to you in the exchange offers without meeting the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, or without an exemption from such requirements, you could incur liability under the Securities Act. We are not indemnifying you for any such liability.

Terms of the Exchange Offers

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange in the exchange offers any outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration date. Outstanding notes may only be tendered in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. We will issue exchange notes in principal amount identical to outstanding notes surrendered in the exchange offers.

 

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The form and terms of the exchange notes will be identical in all material respects to the form and terms of the outstanding notes except the exchange notes will be registered under the Securities Act, will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not provide for any additional interest upon our failure to fulfill our obligations under the registration rights agreements to complete the exchange offers, or file, and cause to be effective, a shelf registration statement, if required thereby, within the specified time period. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the outstanding notes. The exchange notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture. For a description of the Indenture, see “Description of the Notes.”

The exchange offers are not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange.

This prospectus and the letter of transmittal are being sent to all registered holders of outstanding notes. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of outstanding notes entitled to participate in the exchange offers. We intend to conduct the exchange offers in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreements, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Outstanding notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offers will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits such holders have under the Indenture relating to such holders’ series of outstanding notes, except we will not have any further obligation to you to provide for the registration of the outstanding notes under the registration rights agreements.

We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered outstanding notes when we have given written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering exchange notes to holders. Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreements, we expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offers and to refuse to accept the occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offers.”

If you tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offers, you will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of outstanding notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes described below in connection with the exchange offers. It is important that you read “—Fees and Expenses” below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offers.

If you are a broker-dealer and receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you must acknowledge that you will deliver this prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes and that you did not purchase your outstanding notes from us or any of our affiliates. Read “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding the transfer of exchange notes.

We make no recommendation to you as to whether you should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of your outstanding notes into the exchange offers. In addition, no one has been authorized to make this recommendation. You must make your own decision whether to tender into the exchange offers and, if so, the aggregate amount of outstanding notes to tender after reading this prospectus and the letter of transmittal and consulting with your advisors, if any, based on your financial position and requirements.

Expiration Date, Extensions and Amendments

The exchange offers expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                , 2021, which we refer to as the “expiration date”. However, if we, in our sole discretion, extend the period of time for which the exchange offers are open, the term “expiration date” will mean the latest date to which we shall have extended the expiration of the exchange offers.

To extend the period of time during which the exchange offers are open, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension by written notice, followed by notification by press release or other public announcement to the registered holders of the outstanding notes no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

 

   

to delay accepting for exchange any outstanding notes (only in the case that we amend or extend the exchange offers);

 

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to extend the expiration date and retain all outstanding notes tendered in the exchange offers, subject to your right to withdraw your tendered outstanding notes as described under “—Withdrawal Rights”;

 

   

to terminate the exchange offers if we determine that any of the conditions set forth below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offers” have not been satisfied; and

 

   

subject to the terms of the registration rights agreements, to amend the terms of the exchange offers in any manner or waive any condition to the exchange offers. In the event of a material change in the exchange offers, including the waiver of a material condition, we will extend the offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in such offer period following notice of the material change.

Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by written notice (which may take the form of a press release or other public announcement) to the registered holders of the outstanding notes. If we amend either of the exchange offers in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, or if we waive a material condition to the exchange offers, we will promptly disclose the amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of applicable outstanding notes of that amendment.

In the event we terminate the exchange offers, all outstanding notes previously tendered and not accepted for payment will be returned promptly to the tendering holders.

Conditions to the Exchange Offers

Despite any other term of the exchange offers, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange notes in exchange for, any outstanding notes, and we may terminate or amend either of the exchange offers as provided in this prospectus prior to the expiration date if in our reasonable judgment:

 

   

the exchange offers or the making of any exchange by a holder violates any applicable law or interpretation of the SEC; or

 

   

any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in writing in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offers that, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offers.

In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the outstanding notes of any holder that has not made to us:

 

   

the representations described under “—Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offers;” or

 

   

any other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for registration of the exchange notes under the Securities Act.

We expressly reserve the right at any time or at various times to extend the period of time during which the exchange offers are open. Consequently, we may delay acceptance of any outstanding notes by giving written notice of such extension to the holders. We will return any outstanding notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offers. We also expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate either of the exchange offers and to reject for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange if we determine that any of the conditions of the exchange offers specified above have not been satisfied. We will give written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the outstanding notes as promptly as practicable. In the case of any extension, such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. Written notice to the holders may take the form of a press release or other public announcement.

We reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions to the exchange as to particular outstanding notes. These conditions are for our sole benefit, and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any time or at various times prior to the expiration of the exchange offers in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times prior to the expiration of the exchange offers.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any outstanding notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in exchange for any such outstanding notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (TIA).

 

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Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

To tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offers, you must comply with either of the following:

 

   

complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, have the signature(s) on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by the letter of transmittal and mail or deliver such letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof to the exchange agent at the address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent” prior to the expiration date; or

 

   

comply with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures described below.

In addition:

 

   

the exchange agent must receive certificates for outstanding notes along with the letter of transmittal prior to the expiration of the exchange offers;

 

   

the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedures for book-entry transfer described below or a properly transmitted agent’s message prior to the expiration of the exchange offers; or

 

   

you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, which states that:

 

   

DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its Automated Tender Offer Program that is tendering outstanding notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation;

 

   

the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal or, in the case of an agent’s message relating to guaranteed delivery, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the notice of guaranteed delivery; and

 

   

we may enforce that agreement against such participant.

DTC is referred to herein as a “book-entry transfer facility.”

Your tender, if not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offers, constitutes an agreement between us and you upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

The method of delivery of outstanding notes, letters of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at your election and risk. Delivery of such documents will be deemed made only when actually received by the exchange agent. We recommend that instead of delivery by mail, you use an overnight or hand delivery service, properly insured. If you determine to make delivery by mail, we suggest that you use properly insured, registered mail with return receipt requested. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration of the exchange offers. Letters of transmittal and certificates representing outstanding notes should be sent only to the exchange agent, and not to us or to any book-entry transfer facility. No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders of outstanding notes will be accepted. You may request that your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or nominee effect the above transactions for you.

If you are a beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your outstanding notes, you should promptly contact the registered holder and instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender the outstanding notes yourself, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either:

 

   

make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in your name; or

 

   

obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of outstanding notes.

The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration of the exchange offers. Signatures on the letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal (as described below in “–Withdrawal Rights”), as the case may be, must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the U.S. or another “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17A(d)-15 under the Exchange Act unless the outstanding notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

 

   

by a registered holder of the outstanding notes who has not completed the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal; or

 

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for the account of an eligible guarantor institution.

If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any outstanding notes listed on the outstanding notes, such outstanding notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder’s name appears on the outstanding notes, and an eligible guarantor institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.

If the letter of transmittal, any certificates representing outstanding notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, those persons should also indicate when signing and, unless waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act.

The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s system may use DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program to tender outstanding notes. Participants in the program may, instead of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, electronically transmit their acceptance of outstanding notes for exchange by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes to the exchange agent in accordance with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent.

Book-Entry Delivery Procedures

Promptly after the date of this prospectus, the exchange agent will establish an account with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC, as the book-entry transfer facility, for purposes of the exchange offers. Any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility’s system may make book-entry delivery of the outstanding notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer those outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the facility in accordance with the facility’s procedures for such transfer. To be timely, book-entry delivery of outstanding notes requires receipt of a confirmation of a book-entry transfer, or a “book-entry confirmation,” prior to the expiration date.

In addition, in order to receive exchange notes for tendered outstanding notes, an agent’s message in connection with a book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at the book-entry transfer facility or the letter of transmittal or a manually signed facsimile thereof, together with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents must be delivered or transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at its address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal prior to the expiration of the exchange offers. Holders of outstanding notes who are unable to deliver confirmation of the book-entry tender of their outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the book-entry transfer facility or all other documents required by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent prior to the expiration of the exchange offers must tender their outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described below. Tender will not be deemed made until such documents are received by the exchange agent. Delivery of documents to the book-entry transfer facility does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you wish to tender your outstanding notes, but your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the procedures under DTC’s Automatic Tender Offer Program in the case of outstanding notes, prior to the expiration date, you may still tender if:

 

   

the tender is made through an eligible guarantor institution;

 

   

prior to the expiration date of the exchange offers, the exchange agent receives from such eligible guarantor institution either a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by facsimile transmission, mail, or hand delivery or a properly transmitted agent’s message and notice of guaranteed delivery, that (1) sets forth your name and address, the certificate number(s) of such outstanding notes and the principal amount of outstanding notes tendered; (2) states that the tender is being made thereby; and (3) guarantees that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date, the letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof, together with the outstanding notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, will be deposited by the eligible guarantor institution with the exchange agent; and

 

   

the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof, with any required signature guarantees or a properly transmitted agent’s message, as well as certificate(s) representing all

 

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tendered outstanding notes in proper form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation of transfer of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

Upon request, the exchange agent will send to you a notice of guaranteed delivery if you wish to tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures.

Acceptance of Outstanding Notes for Exchange

In all cases, we will promptly issue exchange notes for outstanding notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offers only after the exchange agent timely receives:

 

   

outstanding notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the book-entry transfer facility; and

 

   

a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents or a properly transmitted agent’s message.

In addition, each broker-dealer that is to receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes must represent that such outstanding notes were acquired by that broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. See “Plan of Distribution.”

We will interpret the terms and conditions of the exchange offers, including the letter of transmittal and the instructions to the letter of transmittal, and will resolve all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance of outstanding notes tendered for exchange. Our determinations in this regard will be final and binding on all parties. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any particular outstanding notes not properly tendered or to not accept any particular outstanding notes if the acceptance might, in our or our counsel’s judgment, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities as to any particular outstanding notes prior to the expiration of the exchange offers.

Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of outstanding notes for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as we determine. None of Oncor, the exchange agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of outstanding notes for exchange, nor will any of them incur any liability for any failure to give notification. Any certificates representing outstanding notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the exchange agent to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly after the expiration of the exchange offers or termination of the exchange offers.

Withdrawal Rights

Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender of outstanding notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

For a withdrawal to be effective:

 

   

the exchange agent must receive a written notice, which may be by facsimile or letter, of withdrawal at its address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent”; or

 

   

you must comply with the appropriate procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system.

Any notice of withdrawal must:

 

   

specify the name of the person who tendered the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;

 

   

identify the outstanding notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate numbers and principal amount of the outstanding notes; and

 

   

where certificates for outstanding notes have been transmitted, specify the name in which such outstanding notes were registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

 

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If certificates for outstanding notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, you must also submit:

 

   

the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn; and

 

   

a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution unless you are an eligible guarantor institution.

If outstanding notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn outstanding notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of the facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt of notices of withdrawal, and our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any outstanding notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offers. Any outstanding notes that have been tendered for exchange but that are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to their holder, without cost to the holder, or, in the case of book-entry transfer, the outstanding notes will be credited to an account at the book-entry transfer facility, promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offers. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may be retendered by following the procedures described under “—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” above at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offers.

Exchange Agent

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offers. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A also acts as trustee under the Indenture. You should direct all executed letters of transmittal and all questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

 

By Mail, Overnight Courier or Hand Delivery    By Facsimile Transmission
     (eligible institutions only):

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

111 Sanders Creek

East Syracuse, New York 13057

Attn: Corporate Trust Reorg Operations – Becca Rahauiser

  

(732) 667-9408

 

To Confirm by Telephone:

315-414-3158

If you deliver the letter of transmittal to an address other than the one set forth above or transmit instructions via facsimile to a number other than the one set forth above, that delivery or those instructions will not be effective.

Fees and Expenses

The registration rights agreements provide that we will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of our obligations relating to the registration of the exchange notes and the conduct of the exchange offers. These expenses include registration and filing fees, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others. We will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We will also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for customary mailing and handling expenses incurred by them in forwarding this prospectus and related documents to their clients that are holders of outstanding notes and for handling or tendering for such clients.

We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offers and will not pay any fee or commission to any broker, dealer, nominee or other person, other than the exchange agent, for soliciting tenders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offers.

Accounting Treatment

We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, which is the aggregate principal amount as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchanges. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offers. We will record the expenses of the exchange offers as incurred.

 

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Transfer Taxes

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchanges of outstanding notes under the exchange offers. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:

 

   

certificates representing outstanding notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of outstanding notes tendered;

 

   

tendered outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offers.

If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.

Holders who tender their outstanding notes for exchange will not be required to pay any transfer taxes. However, holders who instruct us to register exchange notes in the name of, or request that outstanding notes not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offers be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder will be required to pay any applicable transfer tax.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes under the exchange offers, your outstanding notes will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of such outstanding notes:

 

   

as set forth in the legend printed on the outstanding notes as a consequence of the issuance of the outstanding notes pursuant to the exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws;

 

   

as otherwise set forth in the offering memorandum dated on or around September 8, 2020 distributed in connection with the exchange offer with respect to the outstanding 2052 notes; and

 

   

as otherwise set forth in the offering memorandum dated on or around September 23, 2020 distributed in connection with the private offering of the outstanding 2025 notes.

In general, you may not offer or sell your outstanding notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act or if the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreements, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

Other

Participating in the exchange offers is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered outstanding notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any outstanding notes that are not tendered in the exchange offers or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered outstanding notes.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

General

On September 23, 2020, we issued $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2052 notes pursuant to an exchange offer, and on September 28, 2020, we issued $450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2025 notes in a private offering.

The Indenture and an officer’s certificate relating to the notes (the Officer’s Certificate) establish the terms of the notes. The notes are a series of debt securities that we may issue under the Indenture. The notes and all other debt securities issued under the Indenture are collectively referred to herein as Debt Securities. The Indenture permits us to issue an unlimited amount of Debt Securities from time to time, subject to certain limitations under the Indenture and the Deed of Trust. See “— Securing Additional Obligations” and “— Limitation on Secured Debt” below. All Debt Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time, and a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Debt Securities of such series. This means that we may from time to time, without the consent of the existing holders of the notes of any series, create and issue further Debt Securities having the same terms and conditions as the notes in all respects, except for issue date, issue price and, if applicable, the initial interest payment on such Debt Securities. Additional Debt Securities issued in this manner will be consolidated with, and will form a single series with, the applicable series of notes.

The Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate and the Deed of Trust contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section. Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the notes, the Indenture or the Deed of Trust. This summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of the Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate and the Deed of Trust, including definitions of certain terms used therein. We also include references in parentheses to certain sections of the Indenture and Deed of Trust. Whenever we refer to particular sections or defined terms of the Indenture or the Deed of Trust in this prospectus, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference herein.

The notes and other Debt Securities issued under the Indenture will rank equally with all of our other senior indebtedness that is secured by the Collateral. The exchange notes will be senior in right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness. At December 31, 2020, we had $9.327 billion principal amount of senior secured debt outstanding, which is secured by the Collateral.

The exchange notes will be issuable in the form of fully registered notes in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Exchange notes will be represented by one or more global certificates, will be issued only in fully registered form and, when issued, will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as registered owner and as nominee for DTC. Exchange notes sold pursuant to Regulation S will be evidenced by one or more separate global certificates and will be registered in the name of Cede & Co., as registered owner and as nominee for DTC for the accounts of Euroclear and Clearstream Banking. DTC will act as securities depository for the exchange notes, with certain exceptions. Purchases of beneficial interests in these global certificates will be made in book-entry form. See “—Book-Entry” below.

The notes may be transferred without charge, other than for applicable taxes or other governmental charges, at The Bank of New York Mellon, New York, New York.

Maturity and Interest

The 2025 exchange notes will mature on October 1, 2025 and the 2052 exchange notes will mature on October 1, 2052. Interest on the exchange notes will:

 

   

be payable in U.S. dollars on the 2025 exchange notes and the 2052 exchange notes at the rate of 0.55% and 5.35%, respectively;

 

   

be computed for each interest period on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and, with respect to any period less than a full month, on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed during the period;

 

   

be payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, and at maturity, beginning on April 1. 2021;

 

   

accrue from, and including, the date of original issuance (September 28, 2020 for the 2025 exchange notes and September 23, 2020 for the 2052 exchange notes); and

 

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be paid to the persons in whose names the exchange notes are registered at the close of business on the 15th calendar day before each interest payment date for the exchange notes. We will not be required to make transfers or exchanges of the exchange notes for a period of 15 calendar days before an interest payment date.

If any interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date falls on a day that is not a business day, such interest payment date will be postponed to the next succeeding business day, and no interest on such payment will accrue for the period from and after the interest payment date, maturity date or redemption date to such next succeeding business day. The term “business day” means, with respect to any note, any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, which is not a day on which banking institutions or trust companies in The City of New York are generally authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

Optional Redemption

We may redeem the 2025 exchange notes, at our option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time. If we redeem all or any part of the 2025 exchange notes prior to September 1, 2025, we will pay a “make whole” redemption price equal to the greater of:

 

   

100% of the principal amount of the 2025 exchange notes being redeemed, or

 

   

(i) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (including the portion of any such interest accrued to the redemption date) on the 2025 exchange notes being redeemed that would be due if the 2025 exchange notes matured on September 1, 2025, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 0.10% less (ii) the interest accrued to the redemption date on the 2025 exchange notes being redeemed,

plus, in each case, accrued interest to, but not including, the redemption date of the 2025 exchange notes being redeemed.

On or after September 1, 2025, in the case of the 2025 exchange notes, we may redeem the 2025 exchange notes, at our option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2025 exchange notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date of the 2025 exchange notes.

We may redeem the 2052 exchange notes, at our option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time. If we redeem all or any part of the 2052 exchange notes prior to April 1, 2052, we will pay a “make whole” redemption price equal to the greater of:

 

   

100% of the principal amount of the 2052 exchange notes being redeemed, or

 

   

(i) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (including the portion of any such interest accrued to the redemption date) on the 2052 exchange notes being redeemed that would be due if the 2052 exchange notes matured on April 1, 2052, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 0.50% less (ii) the interest accrued to the redemption date on the 2052 exchange notes being redeemed,

plus, in each case, accrued interest to, but not including, the redemption date of the 2052 exchange notes being redeemed.

On or after April 1, 2052, in the case of the 2052 exchange notes, we may redeem the 2052 exchange notes, at our option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2052 exchange notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date of the 2052 exchange notes.

We will give notice of our intent to redeem the exchange notes at least 15 days prior to the redemption date.

For purposes of the foregoing, the following terms shall have the definitions as set forth below:

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to: (1) the weekly average yield to maturity representing the average of the daily yields appearing at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the relevant calculation date in the most recently published Data Download Program designated “H.15” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” for the maturity corresponding to the period from the redemption date of the exchange notes to be redeemed to September 1, 2025 (rounded to the nearest month), in the case of the

 

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2025 exchange notes, or April 1, 2052 (rounded to the nearest month), in the case of the 2052 exchange notes (in each case, the “Remaining Term”); provided that, if no maturity is within three months before or after the Remaining Term of the exchange notes to be redeemed or more than one maturity is within three months before or after the Remaining Term of the exchange notes to be redeemed and no maturity exactly corresponds to the Remaining Term, the weekly average yield for (A) the published maturity closest to but shorter than the Remaining Term and (B) the published maturity closest to but longer than the Remaining Term, both to be determined as described above, and the Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from those yields on a straight line basis; or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the applicable Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the applicable Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the related Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date. The Treasury Rate will be calculated by Oncor on the third business day preceding the redemption date.

“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Reference Treasury Dealer selected by Oncor as having a maturity comparable to the Remaining Term of the exchange notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the Remaining Term.

“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date, the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means any primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City appointed by Oncor.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation” means, with respect to any redemption date, the average, as calculated by the Reference Treasury Dealer, of the bid and asked prices for the applicable Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to Oncor by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

If, at the time notice of optional redemption is given, the redemption moneys are not held by the Trustee, the redemption may be made subject to their receipt on or before the date fixed for redemption and such notice will be of no effect unless such moneys are so received.

Upon payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the applicable exchange notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

Payment and Paying Agents

Interest on each note payable on any interest payment date will be paid to the person in whose name that note is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that interest. However, interest payable at maturity will be paid to the person to whom the principal is paid. If there has been a default in the payment of interest on any note, the defaulted interest may be paid to the holder of that note as of the close of business on a date between 10 and 15 days before the date proposed by us for payment of such defaulted interest or in any other lawful manner permitted by any securities exchange on which that note may be listed, if the Trustee finds it workable. (Indenture, Section 307.)

Principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes at maturity will be payable upon presentation of the notes at the corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon in the City of New York, as agent of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, as paying agent for Oncor. However, we may choose to make payment of interest by check mailed to the address of the persons entitled to such payment. We may change the place of payment on the notes, appoint one or more additional paying agents (including Oncor) and remove any paying agent, all at our discretion. (Indenture, Section 702.)

Registration and Transfer

The transfer of notes may be registered, and notes may be exchanged for other notes of the same series or tranche of authorized denominations and with the same terms and principal amount, at the offices or agency of the Trustee in New York, New York. (Indenture, Section 305.) We may designate one or more additional places, or change the place or places previously designated, for the registration of the transfer and the exchange of the notes. (Indenture, Section 702.) No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the notes. However, we may require payment to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with such registration of transfer or exchange. We will not be required to execute or to provide for the registration of transfer or the exchange of:

 

   

any note during the 15 days before an interest payment date,

 

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any note during the 15 days before giving any notice of redemption, or

 

   

any note selected for redemption in whole or in part except the unredeemed portion of any note being redeemed in part.

(Indenture, Section 305.)

Security

Except as described below under this heading and under “— Securing Additional Obligations,” and subject to the exceptions discussed under “— Release of Collateral,” all Debt Securities and other secured indebtedness of Oncor issued under the Indenture while the lien under the Deed of Trust is in effect will be secured equally and ratably, by a lien on all of the Collateral, which consists of our right, title and interest in and to all property, real, personal and mixed, wherever located, including the following property (other than Excepted Property, as defined below):

 

   

all real property owned in fee, easements and other interests in real property that are specifically described in the Deed of Trust;

 

   

all facilities, machinery, equipment and fixtures for the transmission and distribution of electric energy, including, but not limited to, all switchyards, towers, substations, transformers, poles, lines, cables, conduits, ducts, conductors, meters, regulators and all other property used or to be used for any or all of those purposes;

 

   

all buildings, offices, warehouses, structures or improvements in addition to those referred to or otherwise included in the previous two bullets;

 

   

all computers, data processing, data storage, data transmission and/or telecommunications facilities, equipment and apparatus necessary for the operation or maintenance of any facilities, machinery, equipment or fixtures described or referred to in the second bullet point above; and

 

   

all of the property listed above in the process of construction.

“Excepted Property” means among other things, the following types of property: (1) cash and securities; (2) contracts, leases and other agreements of all kinds, contract rights, bills, notes and other instruments and chattel paper; (3) all revenues, income and earnings, all accounts, accounts receivable, rights to payment, payment intangibles and unbilled revenues, transition property, and all rents, tolls, issues, product and profits, claims, credits, demands and judgments; (4) governmental and other licenses, permits, franchises, consents and allowances; (5) intellectual property rights and other general intangibles; (6) vehicles, movable equipment, aircraft and vessels; (7) all goods, stock in trade, wares, merchandise and inventory held for sale or lease in the ordinary course of business; (8) materials, supplies, inventory and other personal property consumable in the operation of the Collateral; (9) fuel; (10) tools and equipment; (11) furniture and furnishings; (12) computers and data processing, data storage, data transmission, telecommunications and other facilities, equipment and apparatus, which, in any case, are used primarily for administrative or clerical purposes or are otherwise not necessary for the operation or maintenance of the facilities, machinery, equipment or fixtures that are part of the Collateral; (13) coal, lignite, ore, gas, oil and other minerals and timber rights; (14) electric energy, gas, steam, water and other products generated, produced, manufactured, purchased or otherwise acquired; (15) real property and facilities used primarily for the production or gathering of natural gas; (16) leasehold interests; (17) all property which is or has been released from the Deed of Trust; (18) all property located outside of the State of Texas; (19) all property and plants used by us in the generation of electricity; and (20) all property not acquired or constructed by us for use in our electric transmission and distribution business. (Deed of Trust, Section 1.)

The Deed of Trust provides that, in general, after-acquired property, other than Excepted Property, will constitute Collateral. (Deed of Trust, Section 1.)

As described above, the notes are secured by liens on the Collateral. At December 31, 2020, the net book value of the Collateral was $18.6 billion. The exchange notes will be secured obligations of Oncor that will rank equally with all Debt Securities and Oncor’s other outstanding secured indebtedness. At December 31, 2020, we had $9.327 billion aggregate principal amount of secured debt outstanding, which includes the aggregate principal amount of our senior secured notes and debentures, all of which are secured by the Collateral.

Permitted Liens

The lien granted pursuant to the Deed of Trust is subject to permitted liens described in the Indenture and the Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of May 1, 2002 between Oncor and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as

 

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successor to The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly the Bank of New York) (May 2002 Indenture). These permitted liens include (1) liens existing at the date of the May 2002 Indenture; (2) liens on property at the time we acquire the property; (3) tax liens and other governmental charges which are not delinquent or which are being contested in good faith; (4) liens incurred or created in connection with or to secure the performance of bids, tenders, contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety bonds or appeal bonds; (5) liens securing indebtedness, neither assumed nor guaranteed by us nor on which we customarily pay interest, existing upon real estate or rights in or relating to real estate acquired by us for any substation, transmission line, transportation line, distribution line, right of way or similar purpose; (6) mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens; (7) certain leases and leasehold interests; (8) rights reserved to or vested in government authorities; (9) rights of others to take minerals, timber, electric energy or capacity, gas, water, steam or other products produced by us or by others on our property, rights and interests of persons other than us arising out of agreements relating to the common ownership or joint use of the property; (10) liens on the interests of persons other than us in our property; (11) liens which have been bonded or for which other security arrangements have been made; (12) purchase money liens and liens related to the acquisition of property; (13) liens which secure obligations under the Indenture and the May 2002 Indenture equally and ratably with other secured obligations of ours; (14) liens on our property to secure debt for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the greater of 10% of our net tangible assets or 10% of our capitalization; (15) rights reserved to or vested in any municipality or public authority by the terms of any right, power, franchise, grant, license or permit, or by any provision of law, to terminate such right, power, franchise, grant, license or permit or to purchase or recapture or to designate a purchaser of any of our property; (16) rights reserved to or vested in any municipality or public authority to use, control or regulate any of our property; (17) any obligations or duties to any municipality or public authority with respect to any franchise, grant, license or permit; (18) any controls, liens, restrictions, regulations, easements, exceptions or reservations of any municipality or public authority applying particularly to space satellites or nuclear fuel; (19) certain judgment liens; (20) any lien arising by reason of deposits with or giving of any form of security to any governmental entity as a condition to the transaction of any business or the exercise of any privilege or license; (21) and any landlords’ lien on fixtures or movable property so long as the rent secured thereby is not in default and (22) certain easements, licenses, restrictions, defects, irregularities and certain deficiencies in titles.

Excepted Property

The Collateral does not include Excepted Property. The Deed of Trust provides that, in general, after-acquired property, other than Excepted Property, will constitute Collateral. (Deed of Trust, Section 1.) However, property that is released from the Deed of Trust will not become subject to the lien of the Deed of Trust unless and until we execute an amendment to the Deed of Trust subjecting that property to such lien.

Release of Collateral

Unless an event of default under the Indenture, the May 2002 Indenture or any other indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust, has occurred and is continuing, we may obtain the release from the lien of the Deed of Trust of any part of the Collateral, or any interest in the Collateral, other than cash held by the Collateral Agent under the Deed of Trust (Collateral Agent), upon delivery to the Collateral Agent of an amount in cash equal to the amount, if any, by which the fair value (as determined under the Deed of Trust) of the Collateral exceeds the aggregate of:

 

   

an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of any obligations secured by a purchase money lien delivered to the Collateral Agent, to be held as part of the Collateral, subject to the limitations in the Deed of Trust;

 

   

an amount equal to the cost (as determined under the Deed of Trust) or fair value (whichever is less), after making any deductions and any Property Additions (as defined in the Deed of Trust) not constituting Funded Property (as defined in the Deed of Trust), except that such deductions and additions need not be made if the Property Additions were acquired or made within the 90-day period preceding the release;

 

   

an amount equal to 23/20 of an aggregate principal amount of additional obligations that we elect to secure under the Deed of Trust; provided that we waive the right to secure the additional obligations and any Available Bond Credits (as defined below) which were the basis of the right to secure such amount of those additional obligations will be deemed to have been made the basis of such release of property;

 

   

an amount in cash and/or an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of any obligations secured by purchase money lien that, in either case, is evidenced to the Collateral Agent by a certificate of the trustee or other holder of a lien prior to the lien of the Deed of Trust to have been received by such trustee or other holder in accordance with the provisions of the lien in consideration for the release of such property or any part thereof from such lien, all subject to the limitations set forth in the Deed of Trust; and

 

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any taxes and expenses incidental to any sale, exchange, dedication or other disposition of the property to be released. (Deed of Trust, Section 20.2.)

Unless an event of default under the Indenture, the May 2002 Indenture or any other indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust, has occurred and is continuing, Collateral which is not Funded Property may generally be released from the lien of the Deed of Trust without depositing any cash or property with the Collateral Agent as long as (1) the aggregate amount of cost or fair value to Oncor (whichever is less) of all property which does not constitute Funded Property (excluding the property to be released) after certain deductions and additions, including adjustments to offset property retirements, is not less than zero or (2) the cost or fair value (whichever is less) of property to be released does not exceed the aggregate amount of the cost or fair value to Oncor (whichever is less) of property additions acquired or made within the 90-day period preceding the release. (Deed of Trust, Section 20.3.)

The Deed of Trust provides simplified procedures for the release of minor properties and property taken by eminent domain, and provides for dispositions of certain obsolete property without any release or consent by the Collateral Agent. Under the Deed of Trust, a property is considered minor if the aggregate fair value of such property on any date in a given calendar year, together with all other minor properties released in the calendar year, does not exceed the greater of (1) $10 million, or (2) 3% of the then outstanding aggregate principal amount of the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. (Deed of Trust, Sections 20.1, 20.4 and 20.5.)

If we retain an interest in any property released from the lien granted under the Deed of Trust, the Deed of Trust will not become a lien on the property or an interest in the property or any improvements, extensions or additions to the property or renewals, replacements or substitutions of or for the property or any part or parts thereof unless we execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent an amendment of the Deed of Trust containing a grant, conveyance, transfer and mortgage thereof. (Deed of Trust, Section 20.9.)

Withdrawal or Other Application of Funded Cash; Purchase Money Obligations

Except as otherwise provided in the Deed of Trust, unless an event of default under the Indenture, the May 2002 Indenture or any other indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust, has occurred and is continuing, any Funded Cash (as defined in the Deed of Trust) held by the Collateral Agent, and any other cash which is required to be withdrawn, used or applied as provided below, may (1) be withdrawn by us (i) to the extent of the cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of Property Additions not constituting Funded Property, after certain deductions and additions, including adjustments to offset retirements (except that such adjustments need not be made if such property additions were acquired or made within the 90-day period preceding the withdrawal); (ii) in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of additional obligations we would be entitled to secure; and (iii) in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of outstanding obligations delivered to the Collateral Agent; (2) upon our request, be used by the Collateral Agent for the purchase or payment of obligations as directed or approved by us; and (3) be applied by the Collateral Agent to the payment at maturity or redemption of obligations. (Deed of Trust, Section 21.)

Securing Additional Obligations

The Collateral Agent will permit securing with Collateral additional obligations that we elect to secure under the Deed of Trust, at one time or from time to time in accordance with the following:

 

   

Additional obligations may be secured on the basis of Property Additions (which do not constitute Funded Property) in a principal amount not exceeding 85% of the cost or the fair value of the Property Additions (whichever is less) after making certain deductions and additions described in the Deed of Trust;

 

   

Additional obligations may be secured on the basis of, and in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the aggregate principal amount of, Available Bond Credits; and

 

   

Additional obligations may be secured on the basis of, and in an aggregate principal not exceeding the amount of, any cash deposited with the Collateral Agent for such purpose.

Any withdrawal of cash under the last bullet above will operate as a waiver by us of our right to secure the obligations on which it is based, and those obligations may not be secured by the Deed of Trust. Any Property Additions which have been made the basis of any such right to secure additional obligations that we elect to secure under the Deed of Trust will be deemed to have been made the basis of the withdrawal of such cash. Any Available Bond Credits which have been made the basis of any such right to secure additional obligations that we elect to secure under the Deed of Trust will be deemed to have been made the basis of the withdrawal of such cash. (Deed of Trust, Section 22.)

 

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“Available Bond Credits” equaled $2.115 billion as of December 31, 2020. Available Bond Credits will be (1) increased by the principal amount of obligations (other than certain fees, expenses and other obligations payable under the Deed of Trust) paid, retired or cancelled or for the payment of which money has been deposited with the applicable secured party representative, and (2) decreased by the principal amount of additional obligations that Oncor elects to secure under the Deed of Trust pursuant to provisions described under this heading for Available Bond Credits.

The amount of future indebtedness that could be secured by Property Additions, subject to appraisal and a certification process of such Property Additions, was approximately $3.328 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Defeasance

Our indebtedness in respect of the notes will be satisfied and discharged if we irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or any paying agent, other than Oncor, sufficient cash or U.S. government securities to pay the principal, interest and any premium when due on the stated maturity date or a redemption date of that series of notes, subject to the other conditions of the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 801.)

Limitation on Secured Debt

So long as any of the Debt Securities remain outstanding, subject to the limitations described under “— Securing Additional Obligations,” we will not issue any Secured Debt other than Permitted Secured Debt without the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series with respect to which this covenant is made, considered as one class; provided, however, that this covenant will not prohibit the creation or existence of any Secured Debt if either:

 

   

we make effective provision whereby all notes and other affected Debt Securities then outstanding will be secured at least equally and ratably with such Secured Debt; or

 

   

we deliver to the Trustee bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness secured by the lien which secures such Secured Debt in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the notes and other affected Debt Securities then outstanding and meeting certain other requirements set forth in the Indenture.

The covenants contained in the Indenture will not afford the holders of the notes protection in the event we incur significant additional debt.

Definitions

For purposes of this subsection — “Limitation on Secured Debt,” the following terms have the meanings given below:

“Capitalization” means the total of all the following items appearing on, or included in, our unconsolidated balance sheet: (1) liabilities for indebtedness maturing more than 12 months from the date of determination and (2) common stock, common stock expense, accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, preferred stock, preference stock, premium on common stock and retained earnings (however the foregoing may be designated), less, to the extent not otherwise deducted, the cost of shares of our capital stock held in our treasury, if any. Capitalization will be determined in accordance with GAAP and practices applicable to the type of business in which we are engaged, and may be determined as of the date not more than 60 days prior to the happening of the event for which the determination is being made.

“Capitalized Lease Liabilities” means the amount, if any, shown as liabilities on our unconsolidated balance sheet for capitalized leases of electric transmission and distribution property not owned by us, which amount will be determined in accordance with GAAP and practices applicable to the type of business in which we are engaged.

“Debt” means:

 

   

our indebtedness for borrowed money evidenced by a bond, debenture, note or other written instrument or agreement by which we are obligated to repay such borrowed money;

 

   

any guaranty by us of any such indebtedness of another person; and

 

   

any Capitalized Lease Liabilities of Oncor.

 

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“Debt” does not include, among other things:

 

   

indebtedness under any installment sale or conditional sale agreement or any other agreement relating to indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of property or services;

 

   

any trade obligations (including any obligations under power or other commodity purchase agreements and any associated hedges or derivatives) or other obligations in the ordinary course of business;

 

   

obligations under any lease agreement that are not Capitalized Lease Liabilities; or

 

   

any liens securing indebtedness, neither assumed nor guaranteed by us nor on which we customarily pay interest, existing upon real estate or rights in or relating to real estate acquired by us for substation, transmission line, transportation line, distribution line or right of way purposes.

“Net Tangible Assets” means the amount shown as total assets on our unconsolidated balance sheet, less (1) intangible assets including, but without limitation, such items as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other regulatory assets carried as assets on our unconsolidated balance sheet and (2) appropriate adjustments, if any, on account of minority interests. Net Tangible Assets will be determined in accordance with GAAP and practices applicable to the type of business in which we are engaged.

“Permitted Secured Debt” means, as of any particular time:

 

   

Secured Debt which matures less than one year from the date of the issuance or incurrence and is not extendible at the option of the issuer; and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any such Secured Debt by or with similar Secured Debt that matures less than one year from the date of such refunding, refinancing and/or replacement and is not extendible at the option of the issuer;

 

   

Secured Debt secured by Purchase Money Liens (as defined in the Indenture) or any other liens existing or placed upon property at the time of, or within 180 days after, the acquisition thereof by us, and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any such Secured Debt; provided, however, that no such Purchase Money Lien or other lien will extend to or cover any of our property other than (1) the property so acquired and improvements, extensions and additions to such property and renewals, replacements and substitutions of or for the property or any part or parts of the property and (2) with respect to Purchase Money Liens, other property subsequently acquired by us;

 

   

Secured Debt relating to governmental obligations the interest on which is not included in gross income for purposes of federal income taxation pursuant to Section 103 of the Code (or any successor provision of law), for the purpose of financing or refinancing, in whole or in part, costs of acquisition or construction of property to be used by us, to the extent that the lien which secures the Secured Debt is required either by applicable law or by the issuer of such governmental obligations or is otherwise necessary in order to establish or maintain the exclusion from gross income; and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any Secured Debt by or with similar Secured Debt;

 

   

Secured Debt (1) which is related to the construction or acquisition of property not previously owned by us or (2) which is related to the financing of a project involving the development or expansion of our property and (3) in either case, the obligee in respect of which has no recourse to us or any of our property other than the property constructed or acquired with the proceeds of such transaction or the project financed with the proceeds of such transaction (or the proceeds of such property or such project); and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any such Secured Debt by or with Secured Debt described in (3) above; and

 

   

in addition to the Permitted Secured Debt described above, Secured Debt not otherwise so permitted in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the greater of 10% of Oncor’s Net Tangible Assets or 10% of Oncor’s Capitalization.

“Secured Debt” means Debt created, issued, incurred or assumed by us which is secured by a lien upon any of our property (other than Excepted Property). For purposes of this covenant, any Capitalized Lease Liabilities of ours will be deemed to be Debt secured by a lien on our property.

(Indenture, Section 707.)

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

Under the terms of the Indenture, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease our Electric Utility Property (as defined below) as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any entity, unless:

 

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the surviving or successor entity, or an entity which acquires by conveyance or transfer or which leases our Electric Utility Property as an entirety or substantially as an entirety is organized and existing under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction and it expressly assumes our obligations on all Debt Securities then outstanding under the Indenture;

 

   

in the case of a lease, such lease is made expressly subject to termination by us or by the Trustee and by the purchaser of the property so leased at any sale thereof at any time during the continuance of an event of default under the Indenture;

 

   

we will have delivered to the Trustee an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel as provided in the Indenture; and

 

   

immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default under the Indenture, or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default under the Indenture, has occurred and is continuing.

(Indenture, Section 1201.) In the case of the conveyance or other transfer of the Electric Utility Property as or substantially as an entirety to any other entity, upon the satisfaction of all the conditions described above, Oncor would be released and discharged from all obligations and covenants under the Indenture and on the Debt Securities then outstanding unless we elect to waive such release and discharge. (Indenture, Section 1203.)

The Indenture does not prevent or restrict:

 

   

any conveyance or other transfer, or lease, of any part of our Electric Utility Property which does not constitute the entirety, or substantially the entirety, thereof; or

 

   

any conveyance, transfer or lease of any of our properties where we retain Electric Utility Property with a fair value in excess of 143% of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Debt Securities, and any other outstanding debt securities that rank equally with, or senior to, the Debt Securities with respect to such Electric Utility Property. This fair value will be determined within 90 days of the conveyance, transfer or lease by an independent expert that is approved by the Trustee.

(Indenture, Section 1205.)

“Electric Utility Property” means property of Oncor which is comprised of substantially all of our tangible properties in Texas used or useful or to be used in connection with the transmission and distribution of electric energy, exclusive of certain excepted property. (Indenture, Section 101.)

The terms of the Indenture do not restrict Oncor in a merger in which Oncor is the surviving entity. (Indenture, Section 1204.)

Events of Default

“Event of default,” when used in the Indenture with respect to Debt Securities, means any of the following:

 

   

failure to pay interest on any Debt Security for 30 days after it is due and payable;

 

   

failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any Debt Security when due and payable;

 

   

failure to perform or breach of any other covenant or warranty in the Indenture that continues for 90 days after we receive written notice from the Trustee, or we and the Trustee receive a written notice from the holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities;

 

   

events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Oncor specified in the Indenture;

 

   

sale or transfer of all or any part of the Collateral in a foreclosure of the lien on the Collateral which secures the Debt Securities and other Secured Debt (other than Permitted Secured Debt); or

 

   

any other event of default included in any supplemental indenture for a particular series of Debt Securities.

(Indenture, Sections 901, 1301 and 1307.)

Remedies

If an event of default under the Indenture occurs and is continuing, then the Trustee or the holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities may declare the principal amount of all of the Debt Securities to be due and payable immediately.

 

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At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the event or events of default under the Indenture giving rise to the declaration of acceleration will be considered cured, and the declaration and its consequences will be considered rescinded and annulled, if:

 

   

we have paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:

 

   

all overdue interest on all outstanding Debt Securities;

 

   

the principal of and premium, if any, on the outstanding Debt Securities that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and overdue interest thereon;

 

   

interest on overdue interest to the extent lawful; and

 

   

all amounts due to the Trustee under the Indenture; and

 

   

any other event of default under the Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of a particular series has been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.

(Indenture, Section 902.)

There is no automatic acceleration, even in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Oncor.

If an event of default under the Deed of Trust occurs and is continuing, the Collateral Agent will, at the direction of the applicable secured party, proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the secured parties by such judicial proceedings as the applicable secured party designates to protect and enforce any such rights. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any event of default under the Deed of Trust and subject to any applicable grace, notice and cure provision of the Indenture or the May 2002 Indenture, on the direction of the applicable secured party, the Collateral Agent will, at the direction of the applicable secured party, sell all, but not less than all of the Collateral in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Deed of Trust. In the event of any breach of the covenants, agreements, terms or conditions of the Deed of Trust, the Collateral Agent, to the extent permitted by applicable law and principles of equity, will be entitled to enjoin such breach and obtain specific performance of any such covenant, agreement, term or condition and the Collateral Agent will have the right to invoke any equitable right or remedy as though other remedies were not provided for in the Deed of Trust. (Deed of Trust, Section 23.)

If an event of default under the Deed of Trust has occurred and, during the continuance of such event of default, the Collateral Agent has commenced judicial proceedings to enforce any right under the Deed of Trust, then the Collateral Agent will, to the extent permitted by law, be entitled, as against Oncor, to the appointment of a receiver of the Collateral and subject to the rights, if any, of others to receive collections from former, present or future customers of the rents, issues, profits, revenues and other income thereof, and whether or not any receiver is appointed, the Collateral Agent will be entitled to possession and control of, and to collect and receive the income from cash, securities and other personal property held by the Collateral Agent under the Deed of Trust and to all other remedies available to mortgagees and secured parties under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law. (Deed of Trust, Section 24.)

Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the Indenture after the termination of the lien granted by the Deed of Trust, the remedies of the Trustee and holders of notes under the Indenture would be limited to the rights of unsecured creditors.

Except as otherwise required by the TIA, the Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer the Trustee a reasonable indemnity. (Indenture, Section 1003.) If they provide this reasonable indemnity, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any power conferred upon the Trustee with respect to such Debt Securities. The Trustee is not obligated to comply with directions that conflict with law or other provisions of the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 912.)

No holder of Debt Securities will have any right to institute any proceeding under the Indenture, for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy under the Indenture, unless:

 

   

the holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing event of default under the Indenture;

 

   

the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities have made a written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of the event of default under the Indenture in its own name as Trustee under the Indenture;

 

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such holder or holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the Trustee to institute proceedings;

 

   

the Trustee has failed to institute any proceeding for 60 days after notice, request and offer of indemnity; and

 

   

the Trustee has not received during such period any direction from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities inconsistent with the written request of the holders referred to above.

(Indenture, Section 907.) However, these limitations do not apply to a suit by a holder of a Debt Security for payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Debt Security on or after the applicable due date. (Indenture, Section 908.)

We will provide to the Trustee an annual statement by an appropriate officer as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 705.)

Trustee Lien

The Indenture provides that the Trustee will have a lien, prior to the lien on behalf of the holders of the Debt Securities, upon certain of our property and funds held or collected by the Trustee for the payment of Trustee’s reasonable compensation and expenses and for indemnity against certain liabilities. (Indenture, Section 1007.)

Modification and Waiver

Without the consent of any holder of Debt Securities, we and the Trustee may enter into one or more supplemental indentures for any of the following purposes:

 

   

to evidence the assumption by any permitted successor of the covenants of Oncor in the Indenture and in the Debt Securities;

 

   

to add one or more covenants of Oncor or other provisions for the benefit of the holders of all or any series or tranche of Debt Securities, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon Oncor;

 

   

to add additional events of default under the Indenture for all or any series of outstanding Debt Securities;

 

   

to change or eliminate or add any provision to the Indenture; provided, however, that if the change, elimination or addition will adversely affect the interests of the holders of outstanding Debt Securities of any series or tranche in any material respect, it will become effective only:

 

   

when the consent of the holders of Debt Securities of such series has been obtained in accordance with the Indenture; or

 

   

when no Debt Securities of the affected series remain outstanding under the Indenture;

 

   

to provide additional security for any Debt Securities;

 

   

to establish the form or terms of Debt Securities of any other series or tranche as permitted by the Indenture;

 

   

to provide for the authentication and delivery of bearer securities with or without coupons;

 

   

to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a separate or successor Trustee;

 

   

to provide for the procedures required for use of a non-certificated system of registration for the Debt Securities of all or any series or tranche;

 

   

to change any place where principal, premium, if any, and interest will be payable, Debt Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and notices to us may be served;

 

   

to amend and restate the Indenture, as originally executed and as amended from time to time, with such additions, deletions and other changes that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Debt Securities in any material respect; or

 

   

to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency.

(Indenture, Section 1301.)

The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of all series and tranches then outstanding may waive compliance by us with some restrictive provisions of the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 706.) The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities may waive any past default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, and certain covenants and provisions of the Indenture that cannot be modified or be amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security of any series or tranche affected. (Indenture, Section 913.)

 

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If the Trust Indenture Act is amended after the date of the Indenture or the Deed of Trust, as applicable, in such a way as to require changes to the Indenture or the Deed of Trust, the Indenture or the Deed of Trust, as applicable, will be deemed to be amended so as to conform to that amendment to the Trust Indenture Act. Oncor and the Trustee may, without the consent of any holders, enter into one or more supplemental indentures to evidence the amendment. (Indenture, Section 1301; Deed of Trust, Section 7.1(f).)

The consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of all series then outstanding, considered as one class, is required for all other modifications to the Indenture. However, if less than all of the series of Debt Securities outstanding are directly affected by a proposed supplemental indenture, then the consent only of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series that are directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. If less than all of the tranches of Debt Securities outstanding are directly affected by a proposed supplemental indenture, then the consent only of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all tranches that are directly affected, considered as one class, will be required. No such amendment or modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security of each series or tranche so directly affected:

 

   

change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Debt Security, or reduce the principal amount of any Debt Security or its rate of interest or change the method of calculating that interest rate or reduce any premium payable upon redemption, or change the currency in which payments are made, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the stated maturity of any Debt Security;

 

   

reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series or tranche the consent of the holders of which is required for any supplemental indenture or any waiver of compliance with a provision of the Indenture or any default thereunder and its consequences, or reduce the requirements for quorum or voting; or

 

   

modify some of the provisions of the Indenture relating to supplemental indentures, waivers of some covenants and waivers of past defaults with respect to the Debt Securities of any series or tranche.

(Indenture, Section 1302.)

A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of the Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of the holders of, or which is to remain in effect only so long as there will be outstanding, Debt Securities of one or more particular series, or one or more tranches thereof, or modifies the rights of the holders of Debt Securities of such series or tranches with respect to such covenant or other provision, will be deemed not to affect the rights under the Indenture of the holders of Securities of any other series or tranche. (Indenture, Section 1302.)

The Indenture provides that Debt Securities owned by us or anyone else required to make payment on the Debt Securities or their respective affiliates will be disregarded and considered not to be outstanding in determining whether the required holders have given a request or consent. (Indenture, Section 101.)

We may fix in advance a record date to determine the holders entitled to give any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other such act of the holders, but we will have no obligation to do so. If we fix a record date, that request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other such act of the holders may be given before or after that record date, but only the holders of record at the close of business on that record date will be considered holders for the purposes of determining whether holders of the required percentage of the outstanding notes have authorized or agreed or consented to the request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other such act of the holders. For that purpose, the outstanding notes will be computed as of the record date. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other such act of a holder of any Debt Security will bind every future holder of that Debt Security and the holder of every Debt Security issued upon the registration of transfer of or in exchange for that Debt Security. A transferee will also be bound by acts of the Trustee or us in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of that action is made upon the Debt Security. (Indenture, Section 104.)

Resignation of a Trustee

The Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice to us or may be removed at any time by act of the holders of a majority in principal amount of all series of Debt Securities then outstanding delivered to the Trustee and us. No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the acceptance of appointment by a

 

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successor trustee. So long as no event which is, or after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become, an event of default has occurred and is continuing and except with respect to a trustee appointed by act of the holders, if we have delivered to the Trustee a resolution of our board of directors appointing a successor trustee and such successor has accepted the appointment in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Trustee will be deemed to have resigned and the successor will be deemed to have been appointed as trustee in accordance with the Indenture. (Indenture, Section 1010.)

Notices

Notices to holders of the notes will be given by mail to the addresses of such holders as they may appear in the security register for the notes of that series, subject to the applicable procedures of DTC. (Indenture, Section 106.)

Title

Prior to due presentment of a note for registration of transfer, Oncor, the Trustee, and any agent of Oncor or the Trustee, may treat the person in whose name any note is registered as the absolute owner of that note, whether or not such note may be overdue, for the purpose of making payments and for all other purposes irrespective of notice to the contrary. (Indenture, Section 308.)

Governing Law

The Indenture and the notes provide that they will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable and except to the extent that the law of the State of Texas mandatorily governs. (Indenture, Section 112.)

Information About the Trustee

The Trustee under the Indenture is The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A acts, and may act, as trustee under various other indentures, trusts and guarantees of us and our affiliates. We and our affiliates maintain deposit accounts and credit and liquidity facilities and conduct other commercial and investment banking transactions with the Trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of their businesses.

Book-Entry

The certificates representing the exchange notes will be issued in fully registered form, without coupons. The exchange notes will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as DTC’s nominee in the form of one or more global certificates or will remain in the custody of the Trustee pursuant to a FAST Balance Certificate Agreement between DTC and the Trustee. Upon the issuance of the global certificates, DTC or its nominee will credit, on its internal system, the respective principal amount of the individual beneficial interests represented by such global certificates to the accounts of persons who have accounts with such depository. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global certificate will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC (participants) or persons who hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global certificate will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to interests of participants) and the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants).

Investors that exchange outstanding notes for exchange notes may also hold their interests directly through Clearstream Banking or Euroclear, if they are participants in such systems, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in such systems. Investors may also hold such interests through organizations other than Clearstream Banking or Euroclear that are participants in the DTC system. Clearstream Banking and Euroclear will hold interests in the global certificate representing exchange notes on behalf of their participants through DTC.

So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of a global certificate, DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the exchange notes represented by such global certificate for all purposes under the Indenture and the exchange notes. No beneficial owner of an interest in a global certificate will be able to transfer the interest except in accordance with DTC’s applicable procedures, in addition to those provided for under the Indenture and, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream Banking.

Payments of the principal of and interest on a global certificate will be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner thereof. Neither Oncor, the Trustee nor any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global certificate or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest in respect of a global certificate, will credit participants’ accounts with

 

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payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global certificate as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Oncor also expects that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global certificate held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC rules. If a holder requires physical delivery of a certificated exchange note for any reason, including to sell exchange notes to persons in jurisdictions which require such delivery of such exchange notes or to pledge such exchange notes, such holder must transfer its interest in a global certificate in accordance with DTC’s applicable procedures and the procedures set forth in the Indenture and, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream Banking. Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants in DTC, which in turn act on behalf of indirect participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a global certificate to pledge such interests to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of exchange notes (including the presentation of exchange notes for exchange as described below) only at the direction of one or more participants to whose account the DTC interests in a global certificate is credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an event of default under the exchange notes, DTC will exchange a global certificate for certificated exchange notes, which it will distribute to its participants.

DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code and a “Clearing Agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other organizations. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly (indirect participants). The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream Banking are expected to follow the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the exchange notes represented by global certificates among their respective participants, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither Oncor nor the Trustee will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream Banking or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as a depository for a global certificate and a successor depository is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue certificated exchange notes in exchange for a global certificate.

We will make all payments of principal and interest in immediately available funds.

Secondary trading in long-term bonds and notes of corporate issuers is generally settled in clearing-house or next-day funds. In contrast, beneficial interests in the exchange notes that are not certificated exchange notes will trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System until maturity. Therefore, the secondary market trading activity in such interests will settle in immediately available funds. No assurance can be given as to the effect, if any, of settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in the exchange notes.

The information in this subsection, “—Book-Entry,” concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that Oncor believes to be reliable, but Oncor does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

Outstanding 2025 Notes and Sustainable Bond Framework

The outstanding 2025 notes were issued pursuant to our sustainable bond framework. We received approximately $443 million in proceeds (net of the initial purchasers’ discount, fees and expenses) from the sale of the outstanding 2025 notes. We intend to use those proceeds to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, eligible projects consisting of investments in or expenditures with minority- and women-owned business suppliers beginning with September 28, 2020 (the issuance date of the outstanding 2025 notes) or in the 24 months prior to September 28, 2020, pursuant to our sustainable bond framework. We also intend to report on such allocation/disbursement of proceeds in accordance with the sustainable bond framework.

 

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SUMMARY OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following discussion summarizes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers. This summary addresses only the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of outstanding notes acquired at their original issuance and held as “capital assets” within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code. This discussion does not address the issuance of any additional securities by us because no additional securities are contemplated by this prospectus. This discussion is based upon the Code and the U.S. Treasury regulations, rulings, administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions thereunder, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. We cannot assure you that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein. We have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, a ruling from the IRS with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers.

This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular holder in light of the holder’s circumstances or to certain categories of investors that may be subject to special treatment, such as, for example, banks and other financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities, brokers, traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market their securities, persons who hold the notes through partnerships or other pass-through entities, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, persons subject to special tax accounting rules under section 451(b) of the Code, persons that acquired the notes in connection with employment or other performance of services, persons who have ceased to be U.S. citizens or to be taxed as resident aliens, U.S. holders whose “functional currency” for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar or persons who hold the notes as part of a hedge, conversion, constructive sale, straddle or other integrated transaction. In addition, this discussion does not address any U.S. federal gift tax, estate tax or alternative minimum tax consequences or any state, local, foreign or other tax consequences or any applicable tax treaties.

If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement taxable as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds the outstanding notes or the exchange notes, as the case may be, the tax treatment of the partnership and a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership holding outstanding notes or exchange notes, as the case may be, or a partner in such a partnership, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences associated with an investment in the outstanding notes or the exchange notes.

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offers will not constitute a taxable exchange or other taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, you will not recognize gain or loss upon receipt of an exchange note, your holding period for the exchange note should include your holding period for the outstanding note exchanged therefor and your adjusted tax basis in the exchange note should be the same as your adjusted tax basis in the outstanding note immediately before the exchange.

This discussion is for general purposes only. Each holder of outstanding notes is urged to consult such holder’s own tax advisor regarding the potential U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of the outstanding notes for the exchange notes in the exchange offers including the extent to which such holder’s particular circumstances may affect the general results outlined herein, as well as the consequences of the tax laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction or under any applicable tax treaties.

SUMMARY OF MATERIAL ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of material considerations associated with the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes by employee benefit plans that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to Section 4975 of the Code; or plans that are subject to provisions under any other federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws, rules or regulations that are similar to such provisions of ERISA or the Code (collectively, Similar Laws); and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include “plan assets” of such employee benefit plans, plans, accounts or arrangements (each, a Plan).

General Fiduciary Matters

ERISA and the Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (an ERISA Plan) and its fiduciaries or other interested parties.

In considering an exchange of outstanding notes that are assets of any Plan for exchange notes, a fiduciary or trustee should determine whether the exchange and the investment in exchange notes is in accordance with the documents and

 

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instruments governing the Plan and the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code or any Similar Laws relating to a person’s duties to the Plan including, without limitation, the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Code and any other applicable Similar Laws.

Prohibited Transaction Issues

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit ERISA Plans from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with persons or entities who are “parties in interest,” within the meaning of ERISA, or “disqualified persons,” within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code, unless an exemption is available. A party in interest or disqualified person who engages in a nonexempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes under the Code and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA. In addition, the fiduciary of the ERISA Plan that engages in such a nonexempt prohibited transaction may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and/or the Code. The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes and the acquisition and/or holding of exchange notes by an ERISA Plan with respect to which we are considered a party in interest or disqualified person may constitute or result in a direct or indirect prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, unless the exchange is made and the investment is acquired and is held in accordance with an applicable statutory, class or individual prohibited transaction exemption. Included among the exemptions that may apply to the exchange and to the acquisition and holding of the exchange notes are the U.S. Department of Labor prohibited transaction class exemption (PTCE) 84-14, respecting transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers, PTCE 90-1, respecting transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts, PTCE 91-38, respecting transactions involving bank collective investment funds, PTCE 95-60, respecting transactions involving life insurance company general accounts and PTCE 96-23, respecting transactions determined by in-house asset managers. In addition, Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code provide limited relief from the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code for certain transactions between an ERISA Plan and a person that is a party in interest or disqualified person solely by reason of providing services to the ERISA Plan, or a relationship to such a service provider, provided that neither the party in interest/disqualified person nor any of its affiliates (directly or indirectly) have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of the ERISA Plan involved in the transaction and provided further that the ERISA Plan pays no more than (or, if applicable, receives no less than) adequate consideration in connection with the transaction. There can be no assurance that all of the conditions of any such exemption will be satisfied.

Because of the foregoing, the exchange notes should not be acquired or held by any person investing “plan assets” of any Plan, unless such acquisition and holding (and the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes) will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code or a violation of any applicable Similar Laws.

Representation

By acceptance of an exchange note, each acquirer and subsequent transferee will be deemed to have represented and warranted that either (i) no portion of the assets used by such acquirer or transferee to acquire and hold the exchange notes or any interest therein constitutes assets of any Plan or (ii) the acquisition and holding of the exchange notes or any interest therein (and the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes) by such acquirer or transferee will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a violation of any applicable Similar Laws.

The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries or other persons considering exchanging outstanding notes for exchange notes (and holding the exchange notes) on behalf of, or with the assets of, any Plan, consult with their counsel regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any Similar Laws to such transactions and whether an exemption from any restrictions thereunder would be applicable to the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes and the acquisition and holding of the exchange notes.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offers must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed to keep effective the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part until the earlier of 90 days after the completion of the exchange offers or such time as broker-dealers no longer own any notes. In addition, all dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be required to deliver a prospectus.

 

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We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offers may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offers and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit of any such resale of exchange notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

Subject to certain limitations set forth in the registration rights agreements, we have agreed to pay all expenses incident to our performance of or compliance with our obligations under the registration rights agreements with respect to the exchange offers (including the reasonable expenses of one counsel for the holders of the outstanding notes) other than commissions or concessions of any broker-dealers and will indemnify you (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity and enforceability of the exchange notes will be passed upon for us by Baker & McKenzie LLP.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, included in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, appearing herein. Such consolidated financial statements have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act with respect to the exchange notes. This prospectus, which forms a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the exchange notes, reference is made to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete.

We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we have or will file with the SEC at the SEC’s public website (www.sec.gov). This information is also available free of charge on our website (http://www.oncor.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Information on our website or available by hyperlink from our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.

You should rely only upon the information provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus.

SEC POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

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GLOSSARY

 

When the following terms and abbreviations appear in the text of this prospectus, they have the meanings indicated below.

acquisition accounting

   The acquisition method of accounting for a business combination as prescribed by GAAP, whereby the cost or “acquisition price” of a business combination, including the amount paid for the equity and direct transaction costs, are allocated to identifiable assets and liabilities (including intangible assets) based upon their fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill

Annual Financial Statements

   Refers to our audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes to those statements, included in this prospectus beginning on page F-4

ASU

   Accounting Standards Update

CARES Act

   Federal “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, as amended

Code

   The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended

COVID-19

   Coronavirus Disease 2019, the disease caused by the novel strain of coronavirus reported to have surfaced in late 2019

CP Notes

   Unsecured commercial paper notes issued under our CP Program

CP Program

   Commercial paper program

Credit Facility

   Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2017, among Oncor, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and swingline lender, and the fronting banks from time to time party thereto, as amended

DCRF

   Distribution cost recovery factor

Deed of Trust

   Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of May 15, 2008, made by Oncor to and for the benefit of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly The Bank of New York), as collateral agent, as amended

Disinterested Director

   Refers to a member of our board of directors who is a “disinterested director” pursuant to our Limited Liability Company Agreement. Our Limited Liability Company Agreement requires that seven of the thirteen members of our board of directors be “disinterested directors” who (i) shall be independent directors in all material respects under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange in relation to Sempra or its subsidiaries and affiliated entities and any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and (ii) shall have no material relationship with Sempra or its subsidiaries or affiliated entities or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, currently or within the previous ten years

EECRF

   Energy efficiency cost recovery factor

EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings

   Refers to voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on April 29, 2014 by EFH Corp. and the substantial majority of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities were not parties to the EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings

EFH Corp.

   Refers to Energy Future Holdings Corp., a holding company, and/or its subsidiaries, depending on context. Renamed Sempra Texas Holdings Corp. upon closing of the Sempra Acquisition

EFIH

   Refers to Energy Future Intermediate Holding Company LLC, a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of EFH Corp. and the direct parent of Oncor Holdings. Renamed Sempra Texas Intermediate Holding Company LLC upon closing of the Sempra Acquisition

EPA

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

ERCOT

   Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., the independent system operator and the regional coordinator of various electricity systems within Texas

ERISA

   Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended

FASB

   Financial Accounting Standards Board

FERC

   U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Fitch

   Fitch Ratings, Ltd. (a credit rating agency)

GAAP

   Generally accepted accounting principles of the U.S.

 

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InfraREIT

   InfraREIT, Inc., which was merged with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Oncor on May 16, 2019 in the InfraREIT Acquisition, with the surviving entity being a wholly owned subsidiary of Oncor renamed Oncor NTU Holdings Company LLC

InfraREIT Acquisition

   Refers to Oncor’s acquisition of all of the equity interests of InfraREIT and InfraREIT Partners on May 16, 2019 pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the InfraREIT Merger Agreement and the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange

InfraREIT Merger Agreement

   Refers to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 18, 2018, among Oncor, 1912 Merger Sub LLC (a wholly owned, subsidiary of Oncor), Oncor T&D Partners, LP (a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Oncor), InfraREIT and InfraREIT Partners, which was completed on May 16, 2019

InfraREIT Partners

   InfraREIT Partners, LP, a subsidiary of InfraREIT, which, as a result of the InfraREIT Acquisition, became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Oncor and was renamed Oncor NTU Partnership LP

Investment LLC

   Refers to Oncor Management Investment LLC, a limited liability company and former minority membership interest owner (approximately 0.22%) of Oncor until March 9, 2018, whose managing member was Oncor and whose Class B equity interests were owned by certain current or former members of the management team and independent directors of Oncor

IRS

   U.S. Internal Revenue Service

kV

   Kilovolts

kWh

   Kilowatt-hours

LIBOR

   London Interbank Offered Rate, an interest rate at which banks can borrow funds, in marketable size, from other banks in the London interbank market
Limited Liability Company Agreement    The Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Oncor, dated as of March 9, 2018, by and between Oncor Holdings and Texas Transmission, as amended

LP&L

   Lubbock Power & Light

Moody’s

   Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (a credit rating agency)

MW

   Megawatts

MWh

   Megawatt-hours

NERC

   North American Electric Reliability Corporation

Note Purchase Agreement

   Refers to the Note Purchase Agreement, dated May 6, 2019, pursuant to which Oncor issued its 3.86% Senior Notes, Series A, due December 3, 2025 and 3.86% Senior Notes, Series B, due January 14, 2026

NTU

   Oncor Electric Delivery Company NTU LLC (formerly SDTS until the closing of the InfraREIT Acquisition), a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Oncor acquired as part of the InfraREIT Acquisition

Oncor

   Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, a direct, majority-owned subsidiary of Oncor Holdings
Oncor Holdings    Oncor Electric Delivery Holdings Company LLC, the direct majority owner (80.25% equity interest) of Oncor. Oncor Holdings is wholly owned by STIH

Oncor OPEB Plans

   Refers to plans sponsored by Oncor that offer certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible current and former Oncor employees, certain eligible current and former EFH Corp. and Vistra employees, and their eligible dependents

Oncor Retirement Plan

   Refers to a defined benefit pension plan sponsored by Oncor

Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities

   Refers to Oncor Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Oncor and Oncor’s direct and indirect subsidiaries

OPEB

   Other postretirement employee benefits

PUCT

   Public Utility Commission of Texas

PURA

   Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act

REP

   Retail electric provider

ROU

   Right-of-use

S&P

   S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc. (a credit rating agency)

SDTS

   Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C., an indirect subsidiary of InfraREIT, which was renamed Oncor Electric Delivery Company NTU LLC in connection with the InfraREIT Acquisition

 

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SDTS-SU Asset Exchange

   Refers to the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 18, 2018, by and among SU, SDTS and Oncor pursuant to which SU and SDTS exchanged certain assets as a condition to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the InfraREIT Merger Agreement

SEC

   U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Securities Act

   The Securities Act of 1933, as amended

Sempra

   Sempra Energy

Sempra Acquisition

   Refers to the transactions contemplated by the plan of reorganization confirmed in the EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings and that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 21, 2017, by and among EFH Corp., EFIH, Sempra and one of Sempra’s wholly owned subsidiaries, pursuant to which Sempra indirectly acquired the 80.03% of Oncor’s membership interests owned indirectly by EFH Corp. and EFIH. The transactions closed March 9, 2018

Sempra Order

   Refers to the final order issued by the PUCT in PUCT Docket No. 47675 approving the Sempra Acquisition

Sempra-Sharyland Transaction

   Refers to Sempra’s May 16, 2019 acquisition of an indirect 50% ownership interest in Sharyland Holdings, L.P.

Sharyland

   Refers to Sharyland Utilities, L.L.C. (formerly SU), a subsidiary of Sharyland Holdings, L.P.

Sponsor Group

   Refers collectively to certain investment funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., TPG Global, LLC and GS Capital Partners, an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co., that controlled Texas Holdings

STH

   Refers to Sempra Texas Holdings Corp., a Texas corporation (formerly EFH Corp. prior to the closing of the Sempra Acquisition), which is wholly owned by Sempra and the direct parent of STIH

STIH

   Refers to Sempra Texas Intermediate Holding Company LLC., a Delaware limited liability company (formerly EFIH prior to the closing of the Sempra Acquisition), and the sole member of Oncor Holdings following the Sempra Acquisition

SU

   Refers to Sharyland Utilities, L.P., which was converted into Sharyland on May 16, 2019

Supplemental Retirement Plan

   Refers to the Oncor Supplemental Retirement Plan

TCEQ

   Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

TCJA

   “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” enacted on December 22, 2017

TCOS

   Transmission cost of service

TCRF

   Transmission cost recovery factor

Texas Holdings

   Refers to Texas Energy Future Holdings Limited Partnership, a limited partnership controlled by the Sponsor Group that owned substantially all of the common stock of EFH Corp. prior to the closing of the Sempra Acquisition

Texas Holdings Group

   Refers to Texas Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries other than the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities

Texas margin tax

   A privilege tax imposed on taxable entities chartered/organized or doing business in the State of Texas that, for accounting purposes, is reported as an income tax

Texas RE

   Refers to Texas Reliability Entity, Inc., an independent organization that develops reliability standards for the ERCOT region and monitors and enforces compliance with NERC standards and ERCOT protocols

Texas Transmission

   Refers to Texas Transmission Investment LLC, a limited liability company that owns a 19.75% equity interest in Oncor. Texas Transmission is an entity indirectly owned by OMERS Administration Corporation (acting through its infrastructure investment entity, OMERS Infrastructure Management Inc.) and GIC Private Limited

U.S.

   United States of America

Vistra

   Refers to Vistra Energy Corp., and/or its subsidiaries, depending on context, formerly a subsidiary of EFH Corp. until October 2016

Vistra Retirement Plan

   Refers to a defined benefit pension plan sponsored by an affiliate of Vistra

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Audited Financial Statements for the Three Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2020

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Statements of Consolidated Income for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2020

     F-4  

Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2020

     F-4  

Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2020

     F-5  

Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019

     F-6  

Statements of Consolidated Membership Interests for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2020

     F-7  

Notes to Audited Financial Statements

     F-8  

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Members of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and membership interests, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2021 (not presented herein), expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Regulatory Matters –Refer to Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company is subject to rate regulation by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (the “PUCT”), which has jurisdiction with respect to the rates of electric transmission and distribution companies in Texas. Management

 

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has determined it meets the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to prepare its financial statements applying the specialized rules to account for effects of cost-based rate regulation. Accounting for the economics of rate regulation impacts multiple financial statement line items and disclosures, such as property, plant and equipment; regulatory assets and liabilities; operating revenues; operation and maintenance expense, depreciation expense; and provision in lieu of income taxes.

The economic effects of regulation can result in regulated companies recording costs that have been, or are deemed probable to be, allowed in the ratemaking process in a period different from the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by an unregulated enterprise. When this occurs, costs are deferred as regulatory assets and recorded as expenses in the periods when those same amounts are reflected in rates. Additionally, regulators can impose liabilities upon a regulated company for amounts previously collected from customers and for amounts that are expected to be refunded to customers (regulatory liabilities). The PUCT’s regulation of rates is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. While the Company has indicated it expects to recover costs from customers through regulated rates, there is a risk that the PUCT will not approve: (1) full recovery of the costs of providing utility service or (2) full recovery of all amounts invested in the utility business and a reasonable return on that investment.

We identified the impact of rate regulation as a critical audit matter due to the significant judgments made by management in assessing the likelihood of recovery or refund in future rates of deferred costs and utility investments. Auditing management’s assertions requires specialized knowledge of accounting for rate regulation and subjective auditor judgment.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to regulatory matters and accounting for the impacts of rate regulation included the following, among others:

 

   

We tested the effectiveness of management’s controls over the evaluation of the likelihood of (1) the recovery in future rates of costs deferred as regulatory assets, and (2) a refund or a future reduction in rates reported as regulatory liabilities, including management’s controls over the initial recognition of amounts deferred as regulatory assets or liabilities and the monitoring and evaluation of regulatory developments that may affect reported balances.

 

   

We read relevant regulatory orders issued by the PUCT for the Company and other publicly available information to assess management’s judgments regarding the likelihood of recovery or refunds in future rates, including consideration of precedent of the PUCT’s treatment of similar costs under similar circumstances.

 

   

We evaluated the Company’s disclosures related to the impacts of rate regulation, including the balances recorded and regulatory developments.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Dallas, Texas

February 25, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

 

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ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2018          
     (millions of dollars)  

Operating revenues (Note 3)

   $          4,511     $          4,347     $          4,101  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

      

Wholesale transmission service

     975       1,005       962  

Operation and maintenance (Note 11)

     925       899       875  

Depreciation and amortization

     786       723       671  

Provision in lieu of income taxes (Notes 1, 4 and 11)

     148       138       152  

Taxes other than amounts related to income taxes

     538       508       496  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     3,372       3,273       3,156  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     1,139       1,074       945  

Other deductions and (income)—net (Note 12)

     33       63       84  

Nonoperating benefit in lieu of income taxes (Note 4)

     (12     (15     (35

Interest expense and related charges (Note 12)

     405       375       351  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 713     $ 651     $ 545  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                      2018          
     (millions of dollars)  

Net income

   $          713     $          651      $          545  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

       

Cash flow hedges – derivative value net gain (loss) recognized in net income (net of tax expense (benefit) of ($5), $- and $1) (Notes 1 and 8)

     (21     2        2  

Defined benefit pension plans (net of tax expense of $-, $- and $45) (Notes 8 and 9)

     9       27        (65
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     (12     29        (63
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 701     $ 680      $ 482  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2018          
     (millions of dollars)  

Cash flows — operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 713     $ 651     $ 545  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization, including regulatory amortization

     866       806       777  

Provision in lieu of deferred income taxes – net

     32       55       18  

Other – net

     (1     (3     (3

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable — trade

     (78     (53     68  

Inventories

     4       (30     (25

Accounts payable — trade

     (29     21       30  

Regulatory accounts related to reconcilable tariffs (Note 2)

     33       (44     66  

Other — assets

     (71     (204     33  

Other — liabilities

     56       76       (27
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

             1,525               1,275               1,482  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows — financing activities:

      

Issuances of long-term debt (Note 6)

     1,810       2,460       1,150  

Repayments of long-term debt (Note 6)

     (1,164     (1,094     (825

Proceeds of business acquisition bridge loan

     —         600       —    

Repayment of business acquisition bridge loan

     —         (600     —    

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings (Note 5)

     24       (882     (137

Capital contributions from members (Note 8)

     788       1,978       284  

Distributions to members (Note 8)

     (356     (319     (209

Debt discount, premium, financing and reacquisition costs – net

     (54     (39     (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by financing activities

     1,048       2,104       249  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows — investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures (Note 11)

     (2,540     (2,097     (1,767

Business acquisition (Note 13)

     —         (1,324     —    

Expenditures for third party in joint project

     (96     —         —    

Reimbursement from third party in joint project

     66       —         —    

Other – net

     20       43       18  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

     (2,550     (3,378     (1,749
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     23       1       (18

Cash and cash equivalents — beginning balance

     4       3       21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents — ending balance

   $ 27     $ 4     $ 3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     At December 31,  
             2020                     2019          
     (millions of dollars)  
ASSETS  

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 27     $ 4  

Trade accounts receivable – net (Note 12)

     760       661  

Amounts receivable from members related to income taxes (Note 11)

     7       3  

Materials and supplies inventories — at average cost

     144       148  

Prepayments and other current assets

     100       96  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,038       912  

Investments and other property (Note 12)

     142       133  

Property, plant and equipment – net (Note 12)

     21,225       19,370  

Goodwill (Notes 1 and 12)

     4,740       4,740  

Regulatory assets (Note 2)

     1,779       1,775  

Operating lease ROU, third-party joint project and other assets (Notes 1 and 7)

     248       106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $          29,172     $          27,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS  

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term borrowings (Note 5)

   $ 70     $ 46  

Long-term debt due currently (Note 6)

     —         608  

Trade accounts payable (Note 11)

     392       394  

Amounts payable to members related to income taxes (Note 11)

     23       22  

Accrued taxes other than amounts related to income

     269       236  

Accrued interest

     87       83  

Operating lease and other current liabilities (Note 7)

     279       237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,120       1,626  

Long-term debt, less amounts due currently (Note 6)

     9,229       8,017  

Liability in lieu of deferred income taxes (Notes 1, 4 and 11)

     1,923       1,821  

Regulatory liabilities (Note 2)

     2,855       2,793  

Employee benefit obligations (Note 9)

     1,808       1,834  

Operating lease, third-party joint project and other obligations (Note 12)

     305       146  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     17,240       16,237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

    

Membership interests (Note 8):

    

Capital account—number of units outstanding 2020 and 2019 – 635,000,000

     12,083       10,938  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (151     (139
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total membership interests

     11,932       10,799  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and membership interests

   $ 29,172     $ 27,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2018          
     (millions of dollars)  

Capital account:

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $          10,938     $ 8,624     $  8,004  

Net income

     713       651       545  

Capital contributions from members (Note 8)

     788       1,978       284  

Distributions to members (Note 8)

     (356     (319     (209

ASU 2018-02 stranded tax effects

     —         4       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period (number of units outstanding: 2020, 2019 and 2018 – 635,000,000)

   $ 12,083     $          10,938     $          8,624  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax effects (Note 8):       

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (139   $ (164   $ (101

Net effects of cash flow hedges (net of tax expense (benefit) of ($5), $- and $1)

     (21     2       2  

Defined benefit pension plans (net of tax expense of $-, $- and $45) (Note 9)

     9       27       (65

ASU 2018-02 stranded tax effects

     —         (4     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ (151   $ (139   $ (164
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total membership interests at end of period

   $ 11,932     $  10,799     $ 8,460  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

References in this report to “we,” “our,” “us” and “the company” are to Oncor and/or its subsidiaries as apparent in the context. See “Glossary” for definition of terms and abbreviations.

We are a regulated electricity transmission and distribution company principally engaged in providing delivery services to REPs that sell power in the north-central, eastern, western and panhandle regions of Texas. We are a direct, majority-owned subsidiary of Oncor Holdings, which is indirectly and wholly owned by Sempra. Oncor Holdings owns 80.25% of our membership interests and Texas Transmission owns 19.75% of our membership interests. We are managed as an integrated business; consequently, there are no separate reportable business segments.

Our consolidated financial statements includes the results of our wholly owned indirect subsidiary, NTU, which we acquired as part of the InfraREIT Acquisition that closed on May 16, 2019. NTU is a regulated utility that primarily provides electricity transmission delivery service in the north-central, western and panhandle regions of Texas.

Ring-Fencing Measures

Since 2007, various ring-fencing measures have been taken to enhance our credit quality and the separateness between the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities and entities with ownership interests in Oncor or Oncor Holdings. These ring-fencing measures serve to mitigate the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities’ credit exposure to owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings, and to reduce the risk that the assets and liabilities of Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities would be substantively consolidated with the assets and liabilities of any direct or indirect owners of Oncor and Oncor Holdings in connection with a bankruptcy of any such entities. These measures include the November 2008 sale of 19.75% of Oncor’s equity interests to Texas Transmission.

In March 2018, Sempra indirectly acquired Oncor Holdings through the Sempra Acquisition. The Sempra Acquisition was consummated after obtaining the approval of the bankruptcy court in the EFH Bankruptcy Proceedings and the PUCT. The PUCT approval was obtained in Docket No. 47675, and the final order issued in that docket (Sempra Order) outlines certain ring-fencing measures, governance mechanisms and restrictions that apply after the Sempra Acquisition. As a result of these ring-fencing measures, Sempra does not control Oncor, and the ring-fencing measures limit Sempra’s ability to direct the management, policies and operations of Oncor, including the deployment or disposition of Oncor’s assets, declarations of dividends, strategic planning and other important corporate issues and actions.

None of the assets of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are available to satisfy the debt or obligations of any Sempra entity or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. The assets and liabilities of the Oncor Ring-Fenced Entities are separate and distinct from those of any Sempra entities and any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings. We do not bear any liability for debt or contractual obligations of Sempra and its affiliates or any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and vice versa. Accordingly, our operations are conducted, and our cash flows are managed, independently from Sempra and its affiliates and any other direct or indirect owner of Oncor or Oncor Holdings.

Oncor is a limited liability company governed by a board of directors, not its members. The Sempra Order and our Limited Liability Company Agreement require that the board of directors of Oncor consist of thirteen members, constituted as follows:

 

   

seven Disinterested Directors, who (i) shall be independent directors in all material respects under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange in relation to Sempra or its subsidiaries and affiliated entities

 

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and any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and (ii) shall have no material relationship with Sempra or its subsidiaries or affiliated entities or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, currently or within the previous ten years;

 

   

two members designated by Sempra (through Oncor Holdings);

 

   

two members designated by Texas Transmission; and

 

   

two current or former officers of Oncor (the Oncor Officer Directors), currently Robert S. Shapard and E. Allen Nye, Jr., who are our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive, respectively.

Until March 9, 2028, in order for a current or former officer of Oncor to be eligible to serve as an Oncor Officer Director, the officer cannot have worked for Sempra or any of its affiliates (excluding Oncor Holdings and Oncor) or any other entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings in the ten-year period prior to serving as an Oncor Officer Director. Oncor Holdings, at the direction of STIH, has the right to nominate and/or seek the removal of the Oncor Officer Directors, subject to approval by a majority of the Oncor board of directors. STIH is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of, and controlled by, Sempra following the Sempra Acquisition.

In addition, the Sempra Order provides that Oncor’s board of directors cannot be overruled by the board of Sempra or any of its subsidiaries on dividend policy, the issuance of dividends or other distributions (except for contractual tax payments), debt issuance, capital expenditures, operation and maintenance expenditures, management and service fees, and appointment or removal of board members, provided that certain actions may also require the additional approval of the Oncor Holdings board of directors. The Sempra Order also provides that any changes to the size, composition, structure or rights of the board must first be approved by the PUCT. In addition, if Sempra acquires Texas Transmission’s interest in Oncor, the two board positions on Oncor’s board of directors that Texas Transmission is entitled to appoint will be eliminated and the size of Oncor’s board of directors will be reduced by two.

Additional regulatory commitments, governance mechanisms and restrictions provided in the Sempra Order and our Limited Liability Company Agreement to ring-fence Oncor from its owners include, among others:

 

   

A majority of the Disinterested Directors of Oncor and the directors designated by Texas Transmission that are present and voting (of which at least one must be present and voting) must approve any annual or multi-year budget if the aggregate amount of capital expenditures or operating and maintenance expenditures in such budget is more than a 10% increase or decrease from the corresponding amounts of such expenditures in the budget for the preceding fiscal year or multi-year period, as applicable;

 

   

Oncor may not pay any dividends or make any other distributions (except for contractual tax payments) if a majority of its Disinterested Directors or either of the two directors appointed by Texas Transmission determines that it is in the best interests of Oncor to retain such amounts to meet expected future requirements;

 

   

At all times, Oncor will remain in compliance with the debt-to-equity ratio established by the PUCT from time to time for ratemaking purposes, and Oncor will not pay dividends or other distributions (except for contractual tax payments), if that payment would cause its debt-to-equity ratio to exceed the debt-to-equity ratio approved by the PUCT;

 

   

If the credit rating on Oncor’s senior secured debt by any of the three major rating agencies falls below BBB (or the equivalent), Oncor will suspend dividends and other distributions (except for contractual tax payments), unless otherwise allowed by the PUCT;

 

   

Without the prior approval of the PUCT, neither Sempra nor any of its affiliates (excluding Oncor) will incur, guaranty or pledge assets in respect of any indebtedness that is dependent on the revenues of Oncor in more than a proportionate degree than the other revenues of Sempra or on the membership interests of Oncor, and there will be no debt at STH or STIH at any time following the closing of the Sempra Acquisition;

 

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Neither Oncor nor Oncor Holdings will lend money to or borrow money from Sempra or any of its affiliates (other than Oncor subsidiaries), or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, and neither Oncor nor Oncor Holdings will share credit facilities with Sempra or any of its affiliates (other than Oncor subsidiaries), or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings;

 

   

There must be maintained certain “separateness measures” that reinforce the legal and financial separation of Oncor from its owners, including a requirement that dealings between Oncor, Oncor Holdings and their subsidiaries with Sempra, any of Sempra’s other affiliates or any entity with a direct or indirect ownership interest in Oncor or Oncor Holdings, must be on an arm’s-length basis, limitations on affiliate transactions, separate recordkeeping requirements and a prohibition on Sempra or its affiliates pledging Oncor assets or membership interests for any entity other than Oncor; and

 

   

Sempra will continue to hold indirectly at least 51% of the ownership interests in Oncor and Oncor Holdings for at least five years following the closing of the Sempra Acquisition, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the PUCT.

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP governing rate-regulated operations. All dollar amounts in the financial statements and tables in the notes are stated in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Use of Estimates

Preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reporting of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenue and expense, including fair value measurements. In the event estimates and/or assumptions prove to be different from actual amounts, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. No material adjustments were made to previous estimates or assumptions during the current year.

Revenue Recognition

Oncor’s revenue is billed under tariffs approved by the PUCT and the majority of revenues are related to providing electric delivery service to consumers. Tariff rates are designed to recover the cost of providing electric delivery service including a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. Revenues are generally recognized when the underlying service has been provided in an amount prescribed by the related tariff. See Note 3 for additional information regarding revenues.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite lives) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We also evaluate goodwill for impairment annually on October 1 and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. The determination of the existence of these and other indications of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows.

For our annual goodwill impairment testing, we have the option to first make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that our enterprise fair value is less than our enterprise carrying amount before

 

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applying the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If we elect to perform the qualitative assessment, we evaluate relevant events and circumstances, including but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and the overall financial performance. If, after assessing these qualitative factors, we determine that it is more-likely-than-not that our enterprise fair value is less than our enterprise carrying amount, then we perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If, after performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determine that goodwill is impaired, we record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of carrying amount over fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

In each of 2020, 2019 and 2018, we concluded, based on a qualitative assessment, that our estimated enterprise fair value was more likely than not greater than our carrying value. As a result, no quantitative goodwill impairment tests were required and no impairments were recognized.

Provision in Lieu of Income Taxes

Our tax sharing agreement with Oncor Holdings, Texas Transmission and STH provides for the calculation of amounts related to income taxes for each of Oncor Holdings and Oncor substantially as if these entities were taxed as corporations and requires payments to the members determined on that basis (without duplication for any income taxes paid by a subsidiary of Oncor Holdings).

We are a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, while partnerships are not subject to income taxes, in consideration of the presentation of our financial statements as an entity subject to cost-based regulatory rate-setting processes, with such costs historically including income taxes, the financial statements present amounts determined under the tax sharing agreement as “provision in lieu of income taxes” and “liability in lieu of deferred income taxes”. Such amounts are determined in accordance with the provisions of the accounting guidance for income taxes and accounting standards that provide interpretive guidance for accounting for uncertain tax positions and thus differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities are accounted for as if we were a stand-alone corporation. In the event such amounts are not paid under the tax sharing agreement, it is probable that this regulatory liability will continue to be included in Oncor’s rate setting processes.

We classify any interest and penalties expense related to uncertain tax positions as current provision in lieu of income taxes as discussed in Note 4.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Oncor OPEB Plans

We have liabilities under pension plans that offer benefits based on either a traditional defined benefit formula or a cash balance formula and Oncor OPEB plans that offer certain health care and life insurance benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents upon the retirement of such employees. Costs of pension and Oncor OPEB plans are dependent upon numerous factors, assumptions and estimates. See Note 9 for additional information regarding pension and OPEB plans.

System of Accounts

Our accounting records have been maintained in accordance with the FERC Uniform System of Accounts as adopted by the PUCT.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Properties are stated at original cost. The cost of self-constructed property additions includes materials and both direct and indirect labor and applicable overhead and an allowance for funds used during construction.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives of the properties based on depreciation rates approved by the PUCT. As is common in the industry,

 

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depreciation expense is recorded using composite depreciation rates that reflect blended estimates of the lives of major asset groups as compared to depreciation expense calculated on a component asset-by-asset basis. Depreciation rates include plant removal costs as a component of depreciation expense, consistent with regulatory treatment. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to accumulated depreciation. Accrued removal costs in excess of incurred removal costs are reclassified as a regulatory liability to retire assets in the future.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

We are subject to rate regulation and our financial statements reflect regulatory assets and liabilities in accordance with accounting standards related to the effect of certain types of regulation. Regulatory assets and liabilities represent probable future revenues that will be recovered from or refunded to customers through the ratemaking process based on PURA and/or the PUCT’s orders, precedents or substantive rules. Rate regulation is premised on the full recovery of prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return on invested capital subject to PUCT review for reasonableness. Regulatory decisions can have an impact on the recovery of costs, the rate earned on invested capital and the timing and amount of assets to be recovered by rates. See Note 2 for more information regarding regulatory assets and liabilities.

Franchise Taxes

Franchise taxes are assessed to us by local governmental bodies, based on kWh delivered and are a principal component of taxes other than amounts related to income taxes as reported in the income statement. Franchise taxes are not a “pass through” item. The rates we charge customers are intended to recover the franchise taxes, but we are not acting as an agent to collect the taxes from customers.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC)

AFUDC is a regulatory cost accounting procedure whereby both interest charges on borrowed funds and a return on equity capital used to finance construction are included in the recorded cost of utility plant and equipment being constructed. AFUDC is capitalized on all projects involving construction periods lasting greater than thirty days. The interest portion of capitalized AFUDC is accounted for as a reduction to interest expense and the equity portion of capitalized AFUDC is accounted for as other income. See Note 12 for detail of amounts reducing interest expense and increasing other income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash and cash equivalents, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.

Fair Value of Nonderivative Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts for financial assets classified as current assets and the carrying amounts for financial liabilities classified as current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of such instruments. The fair values of other financial instruments, for which carrying amounts and fair values have not been presented, are not materially different than their related carrying amounts. The following discussion of fair value accounting standards applies primarily to our determination of the fair value of assets in the pension and Oncor OPEB plans’ trusts (see Note 9) and long-term debt (see Note 6).

Accounting standards related to the determination of fair value define fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use a “mid-market” valuation convention (the mid-point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient to measure fair value for the majority of our assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement on a recurring basis. We primarily use the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and use valuation techniques to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

 

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We categorize our assets and liabilities recorded at fair value based upon the following fair value hierarchy:

 

   

Level 1 valuations use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date. An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

   

Level 2 valuations use inputs that, in the absence of actively quoted market prices, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include: (a) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (b) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, (c) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals and (d) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Our Level 2 valuations utilize over-the-counter broker quotes, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities that are corroborated by correlations or other mathematical means and other valuation inputs.

 

   

Level 3 valuations use unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to the extent observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use the most meaningful information available from the market combined with internally developed valuation methodologies to develop our best estimate of fair value.

We utilize several different valuation techniques to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities, relying primarily on the market approach of using prices and other market information for identical and/or comparable assets and liabilities for those items that are measured on a recurring basis.

The fair value of certain investments is measured using the net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient. Such investments measured at NAV are not required to be categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative Instruments and Mark-to-Market Accounting

From time-to-time we enter into derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risk. If the instrument meets the definition of a derivative under accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities, the fair value of each derivative is recognized on the balance sheet as a derivative asset or liability and changes in the fair value are recognized in net income, unless criteria for cash flow hedge accounting are met. This recognition is referred to as “mark-to-market” accounting.

Changes in Accounting Standards

Topic 326, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses” – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, which changes how entities account for credit losses on receivables and certain other financial assets. The guidance requires use of a current expected credit loss model, which may result in earlier recognition of credit losses than under previous accounting standards. We adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Topic 848, “Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting” – In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU No. 2020-04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The standard allows entities to account for contract modifications as an event that does not require reassessment or remeasurement (i.e., as a continuation of the existing contract). Our Credit Facility uses LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing interest rates. Implementation has not had an impact on our consolidated financial statements. In the event we modify our Credit Facility related to the phase-out of LIBOR, we will evaluate the optional expedients and exceptions under the standard.

 

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2. REGULATORY MATTERS

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities and the periods over which they are to be recovered or refunded through rate regulation reflect the decisions of the PUCT. Components of our regulatory assets and liabilities and their remaining recovery periods as of December 31, 2020 are provided in the table below. Amounts not earning a return through rate regulation are noted.

 

     Remaining Rate
Recovery/Amortization
Period at

December 31, 2020
     At December 31,  
             2020                     2019          

Regulatory assets:

       

Employee retirement liability (a)(b)(c)

     To be determined      $ 672     $ 623  

Employee retirement costs being amortized

     7 years        227       262  

Employee retirement costs incurred since the last rate review period (b)

     To be determined        67       79  

Self-insurance reserve (primarily storm recovery costs) being amortized

     7 years        266       309  

Self-insurance reserve incurred since the last rate review period (primarily storm related) (b)

     To be determined        256       238  

Debt reacquisition costs

     Lives of related debt        25       29  

Under-recovered AMS costs

     7 years        149       170  

Energy efficiency performance bonus (a)

     1 year or less        14       9  

Wholesale distribution substation service

     To be determined        55       34  

Unrecovered expenses related to COVID-19 (d)

     To be determined        27       —    

Other regulatory assets

     Various        21       22  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total regulatory assets

                1,779               1,775  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Regulatory liabilities:

       

Estimated net removal costs

     Lives of related assets        1,262       1,178  

Excess deferred taxes

    
Primarily over lives of
related assets
 
 
     1,508       1,574  

Over-recovered wholesale transmission service expense (a)

     1 year or less        52       30  

Unamortized gain on reacquisition of debt

     Lives of related debt        27       —    

Other regulatory liabilities

     Various        6       11  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total regulatory liabilities

        2,855       2,793  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net regulatory assets (liabilities)

      $ (1,076   $ (1,018
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Not earning a return in the regulatory rate-setting process.

(b)

Recovery is specifically authorized by statute or by the PUCT, subject to reasonableness review.

(c)

Represents unfunded liabilities recorded in accordance with pension and OPEB accounting standards.

(d)

Includes $21 million incremental costs incurred resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs related to our pandemic response plan and $6 million related to the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program.

PUCT Project No. 50664 Issues Related to the State of Disaster for the Coronavirus Disease 2019

In March 2020, the PUCT issued an order in PUCT Project No. 50664, Issues Related to the State of Disaster for the Coronavirus Disease 2019, creating the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program (COVID-19 ERP) to aid certain eligible residential customers unable to pay their electricity bills as a result of the COVID-19

 

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pandemic impacts. Customer enrollment in the COVID-19 ERP closed on August 31, 2020, and financial assistance under the program was available to enrolled residential customers for electricity bills issued on or after March 26, 2020 through September 30, 2020. In connection with the COVID-19 ERP, the PUCT suspended service disconnections due to nonpayment for customers enrolled in the program through September 30, 2020.

To fund the COVID-19 ERP, the PUCT authorized a $0.33 per MWh surcharge to be collected by transmission and distribution utilities through rates and directed ERCOT to provide loans to those transmission and distribution utilities for the initial funding of the COVID-19 ERP. As a result, in April 2020 we filed a tariff rider implementing the surcharge and received an unsecured loan from ERCOT in the principal amount of $7 million, which was repaid in December 2020. Surcharge collections were recorded as a regulatory liability until the funds were used. Surcharge collections could only be used to reimburse transmission and distribution utilities and REPs for eligible unpaid bills from residential customers enrolled in the COVID-19 ERP and to cover costs of a third-party administrator to administer the eligibility process. At December 31, 2020, we had billed $32 million under the rider surcharge. Reimbursements paid by us pursuant to the COVID-19 ERP totaled $38 million through December 31, 2020 (including $18 million of reimbursements to Oncor for electricity delivery charges). As of February 9, 2021, we had billed amounts under the tariff surcharge approximately equal to the reimbursements paid by us pursuant to the COVID-19 ERP and ceased billing the tariff rider surcharge.

The PUCT also authorized the transmission and distribution utilities to use a regulatory asset accounting mechanism and a subsequent process to seek future recovery of expenses resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we are recording incremental costs incurred by Oncor resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including costs relating to the implementation of our pandemic response plan, as a regulatory asset. At December 31, 2020, we recorded $21 million with respect to this regulatory asset. For more information on regulatory assets and liabilities, see Note 1.

InfraREIT Acquisition Approval (PUCT Docket No. 48929)

On May 9, 2019, the PUCT issued a final order in Docket No. 48929 approving the transactions contemplated by the InfraREIT Acquisition, including the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange, and Sempra’s acquisition of an indirect 50% ownership interest in Sharyland Holdings, L.P., the parent of Sharyland. For more information on these transactions, see Note 13.

Regulatory Status of the TCJA

The excess deferred tax related balances above are primarily the result of the TCJA corporate federal income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21%. These regulatory liabilities reflect our obligation, as required by PUCT order in Docket No. 46957, to refund to utility customers any excess deferred tax related balances created by the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate through reductions in our tariffs.

In 2018, we made filings to incorporate the impacts of the TCJA into our tariffs, including the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and amortization of excess deferred federal income taxes. In September 2018, we reached an unopposed stipulation regarding an overall settlement of the TCJA impacts. The settlement included, on an annual basis, a $144 million decrease in our revenue requirement related to the reduction of income tax expense currently in rates and a $75 million decrease related to amortization of excess deferred federal income taxes. Excess deferred federal income taxes are being refunded as required by the PUCT generally over the lives of the related assets.

The settlement rates were implemented on an interim basis during 2018 and were approved by the PUCT on April 4, 2019. During 2018, interim TCOS rates included refunds of excess deferred federal income taxes that were lower than the amount ultimately approved by the PUCT. Therefore, the PUCT approved in Docket 49160 an additional one-time refund of $9 million, which was made in April and May of 2019.

 

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AMS Final Reconciliation (PUCT Docket No. 49721)

On July 9, 2019, we filed a request with the PUCT for a final reconciliation of our AMS costs. Effective with the implementation of rates pursuant to the Docket No. 46957 rate review, we ceased recovering AMS charges through a surcharge on November 26, 2017, and AMS costs are now being recovered through base rates. We made the following requests in our AMS reconciliation filing:

 

   

a reconciliation of all costs incurred with the $87 million of revenues collected during the final period of the AMS surcharge from January 1, 2017 to November 26, 2017,

 

   

a final PUCT determination of the net operating cost savings of $16 million from the final period of our AMS deployment that were used to reduce the amount of costs that were ultimately recovered through our AMS surcharge,

 

   

authorization to add the under-recovery of the 2017 AMS costs from this reconciliation proceeding of $6 million to the existing AMS regulatory asset currently being recovered through base rates, and

 

   

authorization to establish a regulatory asset to capture the costs associated with this reconciliation proceeding (if approved, Oncor would seek recovery of that regulatory asset in a future Oncor rate case).

On October 8, 2019, Oncor filed a joint motion to admit evidence and for approval of a joint proposed order that implements the requests detailed above, as agreed to by the PUCT staff and the Steering Committee of Cities. On December 16, 2019, the PUCT signed a Final Order approving Oncor’s requests as listed above.

We are involved in various other regulatory proceedings in the normal course of business, the ultimate resolution of which, in the opinion of management, should not have a material effect upon our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

3. REVENUES

General

Our revenue is billed monthly under tariffs approved by the PUCT and the majority of revenues are related to providing electric delivery service to consumers. Tariff rates are designed to recover the cost of providing electric delivery service to customers including a reasonable rate of return on invested capital. As the volumes delivered can be directly measured, our revenues are recognized when the underlying service has been provided in an amount prescribed by the related tariff. We recognize revenue in the amount that we have the right to invoice. Substantially all of our revenues are from contracts with customers except for alternative revenue program revenues discussed below.

Reconcilable Tariffs

The PUCT has designated certain tariffs (primarily TCRF and EECRF) as reconcilable, which means the differences between amounts billed under these tariffs and the related incurred costs are deferred as either regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities. Accordingly, at prescribed intervals, future tariffs are adjusted to either repay regulatory liabilities or collect regulatory assets.

Alternative Revenue Program

The PUCT has implemented an incentive program allowing us to earn performance bonuses by exceeding PURA-mandated energy efficiency program targets. This incentive program and the related performance bonus revenues are considered an “alternative revenue program” under GAAP. Annual performance bonuses are recognized as revenue when approved by the PUCT, typically in the third or fourth quarter each year. In 2020 and 2019, the PUCT approved a $14 million and $9 million bonus that we recognized in revenues in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

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Disaggregation of Revenues

The following table reflects electric delivery revenues disaggregated by tariff:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                      2019          

Operating revenues

     

Revenues contributing to earnings:

     

Distribution base revenues

   $  2,156      $  2,143  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Transmission base revenues (TCOS revenues)

     

Billed to third-party wholesale customers

     803        681  

Billed to REPs serving Oncor distribution customers, through TCRF

     446        391  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total transmission base revenues

     1,249        1,072  

Other miscellaneous revenues

     87        77  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues contributing to earnings

             3,492                3,292  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues collected for pass-through expenses:

     

TCRF – third-party wholesale transmission service

     975        1,005  

EECRF

     44        50  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues collected for pass-through expenses

     1,019        1,055  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   $ 4,511      $ 4,347  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Customers

Our distribution customers consist of approximately 95 REPs and certain electric cooperatives in our certificated service area. The consumers of the electricity we deliver are free to choose their electricity supplier from REPs who compete for their business. Our transmission base revenues are collected from load serving entities benefitting from our transmission system. Our transmission customers consist of municipalities, electric cooperatives and other distribution companies. REP subsidiaries of our two largest customers collectively represented 25% and 18% of our total operating revenues for the year ended 2020, 23% and 18% for the year ended 2019 and 23% and 19% for the year ended 2018. No other customer represented more than 10% of our total operating revenues.

Variability

Our revenues and cash flows are subject to seasonality, timing of customer billings, weather conditions and other electricity usage drivers, with revenues being highest in the summer. Payment is due 35 days after invoicing. Under a PUCT rule relating to the Certification of Retail Electric Providers, write-offs of uncollectible amounts owed by REPs are recoverable as a regulatory asset.

Pass-through Expenses

Revenue equal to expenses that are allowed to be passed-through to customers (primarily third-party wholesale transmission service and energy efficiency program costs) are recognized at the time the expense is recognized. Franchise taxes are assessed by local governmental bodies, based on kWh delivered and are not a “pass-through” item. The rates we charge customers are intended to recover the franchise taxes, but we are not acting as an agent to collect the taxes from customers; therefore, franchise taxes are reported as a principal component of “taxes other than amounts related to income taxes” instead of a reduction to “revenues” in the income statement.

 

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Lubbock Joint Project with LP&L

Oncor is currently involved in an estimated $400 million joint project with LP&L, with costs and resulting assets to ultimately be split by Oncor and LP&L, that involves the build out of transmission lines to join the City of Lubbock to the ERCOT market. Oncor is completing the construction, with LP&L reimbursing Oncor during the project for its portion of the construction costs. The LP&L related assets and a corresponding liability will remain on Oncor’s balance sheet until the end of the project when title to the LP&L portion of the assets transfers to LP&L. As a unique and nonrecurring construction project, the transfer of title will be accounted for as a sale of nonfinancial assets once construction is complete.

4. PROVISION IN LIEU OF INCOME TAXES

Components of Liability in Lieu of Deferred Income Taxes

The components of our liability in lieu of deferred income taxes are provided in the table below.

 

     At December 31,  
             2020                      2019          

Deferred Tax Related Assets:

     

Employee benefit liabilities

   $ 233      $ 224  

Regulatory liabilities

     48        51  

Other

     47        28  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     328        303  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Tax Related Liabilities:

     

Property, plant and equipment

     1,994        1,851  

Regulatory assets

     255        272  

Other

     2        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

             2,251                2,124  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liability in lieu of deferred income taxes – net

   $  1,923      $  1,821  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Provision (Benefit) in Lieu of Income Taxes

The components of our reported provision (benefit) in lieu of income taxes are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2018          

Reported in operating expenses:

      

Current:

      

U.S. federal

   $  100     $ 69     $  112  

State

     22       22       21  

Deferred:

      

U.S. federal

     27       49       21  

State

     —         —         —    

Amortization of investment tax credits

     (1     (2     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total reported in operating expenses

             148               138               152  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reported in other income and deductions:

      

Current:

      

U.S. federal

     (17     (21     (32

State

     —         —         —    

Deferred federal

     5       6       (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total reported in other income and deductions

     (12     (15     (35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total provision in lieu of income taxes

   $ 136     $  123     $ 117  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Reconciliation of provision in lieu of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate to provision in lieu of income taxes:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2018          

Income before provision in lieu of income taxes

   $      849     $      774     $      662  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision in lieu of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%

   $ 178     $ 163     $ 139  

Amortization of investment tax credits – net of deferred tax effect

     (1     (2     (2

Amortization of excess deferred taxes

     (52     (52     (18

Texas margin tax, net of federal tax benefit

     18       17       17  

Nontaxable gains on benefit plan investments

     (2     (2     (1

Other

     (5     (1     (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reported provision in lieu of income taxes

   $ 136     $ 123     $ 117  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective rate

     16.0     15.9     17.7

The net amounts of $1.923 billion and $1.821 billion reported in the balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as liability in lieu of deferred income taxes include amounts previously recorded as net deferred tax liabilities. Upon the sale of equity interests to Texas Transmission and Investment LLC in 2008, we became a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred taxes will, over time, become taxable to the equity holders. Under a tax sharing agreement among us and our equity holders (see Note 1), we make payments to the equity holders related to income taxes when amounts would have become due to the IRS if Oncor was taxed as a corporation. Accordingly, as the temporary differences become taxable, we will pay the equity holders. In the event such amounts are not paid under the tax sharing agreement, it is probable that this regulatory liability will continue to be included in Oncor’s rate setting processes.

Accounting For Uncertainty in Provision in Lieu of Income Taxes

The statute of limitations is open for our partnership tax returns for the years beginning after December 31, 2016. Texas margin tax returns are under examination or still open for examination for tax years beginning after 2015. We are not a member of any consolidated federal tax group and assess our liability for uncertain tax positions in our partnership returns.

We had no uncertain tax positions in 2020, 2019 and 2018. Noncurrent liabilities included no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2020 and 2019. There were no amounts recorded related to interest and penalties in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. The federal income tax benefit on the interest accrued on uncertain tax positions, if any, is recorded as liability in lieu of deferred income taxes.

 

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5. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, outstanding short-term borrowings under our CP Program and Credit Facility consisted of the following:

 

     At December 31,  
             2020                     2019          

Total credit facility borrowing capacity

   $         2,000     $         2,000  

Commercial paper outstanding (a)

     (70     (46

Credit facility outstanding (b)

     —         —    

Letters of credit outstanding (c)

     (9     (10
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Available unused credit

   $ 1,921     $ 1,944  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

The weighted average interest rates for commercial paper were 0.17% and 1.84% at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

(b)

At December 31, 2020, the applicable interest rate for any outstanding borrowings was LIBOR plus 1.25%.

(c)

Interest rates on outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were 1.45% and 1.20%, respectively, based on our credit ratings.

CP Program

In March 2018, we established the CP Program, under which we may issue CP Notes on a private placement basis up to a maximum aggregate face or principal amount outstanding at any time of $2.0 billion. The proceeds of CP Notes issued under the CP Program are used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The CP Program obtains liquidity support from our Credit Facility discussed below. We may utilize either CP Program or the Credit Facility at our option, to meet our funding needs.

Credit Facility

In November 2017, we entered into a $2.0 billion unsecured Credit Facility to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, issuances of letters of credit and support for any commercial paper issuances. In November 2020, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Facility that extended its maturity date for one year to November 2023. We may request increases in our borrowing capacity in increments of not less than $100 million, not to exceed $400 million in the aggregate, provided certain conditions are met, including lender approvals. The Credit Facility also gives us the option of requesting up to two one-year extensions, with such extensions subject to certain conditions and lender approvals.

The Credit Facility contains terms pursuant to which the interest rates charged under the agreement may be adjusted depending on our credit ratings. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at our option, (i) adjusted LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.125% to 1.750% depending on credit ratings assigned to our senior secured non-credit enhanced long-term debt or (ii) an alternate base rate (the highest of (1) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase, (2) the greater of the federal funds effective rate or the overnight banking rate, plus 0.50%, and (3) adjusted LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus a spread ranging from 0.125% to 0.750% depending on credit ratings assigned to our senior secured non-credit enhanced long-term debt. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility, once repaid, can be borrowed again from time to time.

An unused commitment fee is payable quarterly in arrears and upon termination or commitment reduction at a rate equal to 0.075% to 0.225% (such spread depending on certain credit ratings assigned to our senior secured debt) of the daily unused commitments under the Credit Facility. Letter of credit fees on the stated amount of letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility are payable to the lenders quarterly in arrears and upon termination at a rate per annum equal to the spread over adjusted LIBOR. Customary fronting and administrative

 

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fees are also payable to letter of credit fronting banks. At December 31, 2020, letters of credit bore interest at 1.45%, and a commitment fee (at a rate of 0.10%) per annum) was payable on the unfunded commitments under the Credit Facility, each based on our current credit ratings.

Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the commitments of the lenders to make loans to us are several and not joint. Accordingly, if any lender fails to make loans to us, our available liquidity could be reduced by an amount up to the aggregate amount of such lender’s commitments under the facility.

6. LONG-TERM DEBT

Our secured debt is secured by a first priority lien on certain transmission and distribution assets equally and ratably with all of Oncor’s other secured indebtedness. See “Deed of Trust” below for additional information. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,  
             2020                     2019          

Fixed Rate Secured:

    

5.75% Senior Notes due September 30, 2020

   $ —       $ 126  

8.50% Senior Notes, Series C, due December 30, 2020

     —         14  

4.10% Senior Notes, due June 1, 2022

     400       400  

7.00% Debentures due September 1, 2022

     482       482  

2.75% Senior Notes due June 1, 2024

     500       500  

2.95% Senior Notes due April 1, 2025

     350       350  

0.55% Senior Notes due October 1, 2025

     450       —    

3.86% Senior Notes, Series A, due December 3, 2025

     174       174  

3.86% Senior Notes, Series B, due January 14, 2026

     38       38  

3.70% Senior Notes due November 15, 2028

     650       650  

5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2029

     318       318  

7.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 30, 2029

     —         36  

2.75% Senior Notes due May 15, 2030

     400       —    

6.47% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 30, 2030

     —         83  

7.00% Senior Notes due May 1, 2032

     494       500  

7.25% Senior Notes due January 15, 2033

     323       350  

7.50% Senior Notes due September 1, 2038

     300       300  

5.25% Senior Notes due September 30, 2040

     475       475  

4.55% Senior Notes due December 1, 2041

     400       400  

5.30% Senior Notes due June 1, 2042

     348       500  

3.75% Senior Notes due April 1, 2045

     550       550  

3.80% Senior Notes due September 30, 2047

     325       325  

4.10% Senior Notes due November 15, 2048

     450       450  

3.80% Senior Notes, due June 1, 2049

     500       500  

3.10% Senior Notes, due September 15, 2049

     700       700  

3.70% Senior Notes due May 15, 2050

     400       —    

5.35% Senior Notes due October 1, 2052

     300       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Secured long-term debt

             9,327               8,221  

Variable Rate Unsecured:

    

Term loan credit agreement maturing October 6, 2020

     —         460  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     9,327       8,681  

Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

     (98     (56

Less amount due currently

     —         (608
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less amounts due currently

   $ 9,229     $ 8,017  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Long-Term Debt-Related Activity in 2020

Senior Secured Notes

2030 Notes and 2050 Notes Issuances

On March 20, 2020, we completed a sale of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% Senior Secured Notes due May 15, 2030 (2030 Notes) and $400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.70% Senior Secured Notes due May 15, 2050 (2050 Notes). We used the proceeds (net of the initial purchasers’ discount, fees and expenses) of approximately $790 million from the sale of the 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of short-term and long-term debt.

The 2030 and 2050 Notes were issued pursuant to the provisions of an Indenture, dated as of August 1, 2002, between Oncor and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to The Bank of New York Mellon, formerly The Bank of New York) (as amended and supplemented, the Indenture). The 2030 Notes and the 2050 Notes each constitute a separate series of notes under the Indenture, but will be treated together with Oncor’s other outstanding debt securities issued under the Indenture for amendments and waivers and for taking certain other actions.

The 2030 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.75% per annum and mature on May 15, 2030. The 2050 Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.70% per annum and mature on May 15, 2050. Interest on the 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes is payable in cash semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, and the first interest payment was due on November 15, 2020. Prior to February 15, 2030, in the case of the 2030 Notes and November 15, 2049, in the case of the 2050 Notes, we may redeem such notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole” premium. On and after February 15, 2030, in the case of the 2030 Notes and November 15, 2049, in the case of the 2050 Notes, we may redeem such Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes were issued in a private placement and were not registered under the Securities Act. In August 2020, we completed an offering with the holders of the 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes to exchange their respective notes for notes that have terms identical in all material respects to the 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes (Exchange Notes), except that the Exchange Notes do not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and payment of additional interest for failure to observe certain obligations in a certain registration rights agreement. The Exchange Notes were registered on a Form S-4, which was declared effective in July 2020.

Debt Exchange and 2052 Notes Issuance

On September 23, 2020, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052 (the 2052 Notes) in exchange for a like aggregate principal amount of certain of our existing senior secured debt, consisting of (i) $35 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 30, 2029 (Series B Notes), (ii) $80 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.47% Senior Notes, Series A, due September 30, 2030 (Series A Notes), (iii) $6 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.00% Senior Secured Notes due May 1, 2032, (iv) $27 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% Senior Secured Notes due January 15, 2033, and (v) $152 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.30% Senior Secured Notes due June 1, 2042. We received no proceeds from the exchange.

The 2052 Notes were issued pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture. The 2052 Notes constitute a separate series of notes under the Indenture, but will be treated together with our other outstanding debt securities issued under the Indenture for amendments and waivers and for taking certain other actions.

The 2052 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.35% per annum and mature on October 1, 2052. Interest on the 2052 Notes is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, and the first

 

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interest payment is due on April 1, 2021. Prior to April 1, 2052, we may redeem the 2052 Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole” premium. On and after April 1, 2052, we may redeem the 2052 Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2052 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The 2052 Notes were issued in a private placement and were not registered under the Securities Act. We have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to register with the SEC notes having substantially identical terms as the 2052 Notes (except for provisions relating to the transfer restriction and payment of additional interest) as part of our offer to exchange freely tradable exchange notes for the 2052 Notes. We have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the exchange offer to be completed within 315 days after the issue date of the 2052 Notes. If a registration statement for the exchange offer is not declared effective by the SEC within 270 days after the issue date of the 2052 Notes or the exchange offer is not completed within 315 days after the issue date of the 2052 Notes (an exchange default), then the annual interest rate of the 2052 Notes will increase 50 basis points per annum until the earlier of the expiration of the exchange default or the second anniversary of the issue date of the 2052 Notes.

2025 Notes Issuance

On September 28, 2020, we issued $450 million aggregate principal amount of 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the 2025 Notes). We intend to use the proceeds (net of the initial purchasers’ discount, fees and expenses) of approximately $443 million from the sale of the 2025 Notes to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, eligible projects consisting of investments in or expenditures with minority- and women-owned business suppliers pursuant to our sustainable bond framework. The net proceeds may be temporarily invested in cash, cash equivalents and/or U.S. government securities in accordance with our cash management policies or used to repay certain other indebtedness, or both.

The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture. The 2025 Notes constitute a separate series of notes under the Indenture, but will be treated together with our other outstanding debt securities issued under the Indenture for amendments and waivers and for taking certain other actions.

The 2025 Notes bear interest at a rate of 0.55% per annum and mature on October 1, 2025. Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, and the first interest payment is due on April 1, 2021. Prior to September 1, 2025, we may redeem the 2025 Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and a “make-whole” premium. On and after September 1, 2025, we may redeem the 2025 Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The 2025 Notes were issued in a private placement and were not registered under the Securities Act. We have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to register with the SEC notes having substantially identical terms as the 2025 Notes (except for provisions relating to the transfer restriction and payment of additional interest) as part of our offer to exchange freely tradable exchange notes for the 2025 Notes. We have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the exchange offer to be completed within 315 days after the issue date of the 2025 Notes. If a registration statement for the exchange offer is not declared effective by the SEC within 270 days after the issue date of the 2025 Notes or the exchange offer is not completed within 315 days after the issue date of the 2025 Notes (an exchange default), then the annual interest rate of the 2025 Notes will increase 50 basis points per annum until the earlier of the expiration of the exchange default or the second anniversary of the issue date of the 2025 Notes.

 

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January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement

On January 28, 2020, we entered into a $450 million unsecured term loan credit agreement that had a maturity date of June 1, 2021 (January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement). We borrowed an aggregate of $450 million under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, consisting of $163 million on January 29, 2020, $55 million on February 28, 2020 and $232 million on March 17, 2020. The proceeds from each borrowing were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of notes outstanding under our CP Program. Loans under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement bore interest at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 0.50%. On December 23, 2020, we repaid all outstanding borrowings under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, and as a result it is no longer in effect.

March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement

On March 23, 2020, we entered into an unsecured term loan credit agreement (March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement) with a commitment equal to an aggregate principal amount of $350 million. We entered into an amendment to the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement in June 2020. As amended, the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement had a maturity date of June 30, 2021 and provided for loans to bear interest at per annum rates equal to LIBOR plus 0.95%. We borrowed an aggregate of $110 million under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, consisting of $15 million and $95 million on June 30, 2020 and July 31, 2020, respectively. The proceeds from each borrowing were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of notes outstanding under our CP Program. On September 28, 2020, we repaid all outstanding borrowings under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, and as a result it is no longer in effect.

Interest Rate Hedge Transactions

In February and March of 2020, we entered into interest rate hedge transactions hedging the variability of benchmark bond rates used to determine interest rates on anticipated issuances of ten-year and thirty-year senior secured notes. The hedges were terminated in March 2020 upon our issuance of the 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes. We recognized a $29 million ($23 million after-tax) loss related to the fair value of the hedge transactions in accumulated other comprehensive loss. We expect approximately $4 million of the amount reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2020 related to interest rate hedges to be reclassified into net income as an increase to interest expense within the next 12 months, including $2 million from the current year transactions.

Debt Repayments

Repayments of long-term debt during the year ended December 31, 2020 included $14 million principal amount of our 8.50% Senior Secured Notes, Series C, due December 30, 2020 (Series C Notes), $126 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due September 30, 2020, $110 million principal amount borrowed under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, $450 million principal amount borrowed under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement, $460 million principal amount borrowed under a term loan credit agreement entered into in September 2019 (2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement) and $5 million principal amount of the quarterly amortizing debt for our Series A Notes, Series B Notes, and Series C Notes. The Series A Notes, Series B Notes, and Series C Notes were issued pursuant to a note purchase agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019. As a result of the September 2020 senior secured notes exchange, in which all of the outstanding Series A Notes and Series B Notes were exchanged for a like principal amount of 2052 Notes, and the December 30, 2020 repayment of the Series C Notes upon maturity, no notes remain outstanding under that note purchase agreement. The $460 million principal amount repaid under the 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement, the $450 million principal amount repaid under the January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement and the $110 million principal amount repaid under the March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement constituted all amounts outstanding under those respective agreements, and as a result of those repayments, the 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement, January 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement and March 2020 Term Loan Credit Agreement are no longer in effect.

 

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Deed of Trust

Our secured debt is secured equally and ratably by a first priority lien on certain Oncor transmission and distribution assets. The property is mortgaged under the Deed of Trust. The Deed of Trust permits us to secure indebtedness with the lien of the Deed of Trust up to the aggregate of (i) the amount of available bond credits, and (ii) 85% of the lower of the fair value or cost of certain property additions that could be certified to the Deed of Trust collateral agent. At December 31, 2020, the amount of available bond credits was $2.115 billion and the amount of future debt we could secure with property additions, subject to those property additions being certified to the Deed of Trust collateral agent, was $3.328 billion.

Borrowings under the CP Program, the Credit Facility and our term loan credit agreements are not secured.

Maturities

Long-term debt maturities at December 31, 2020, are as follows:

 

Year

           Amount          

2021

   $ —    

2022

     882  

2023

     —    

2024

     500  

2025

     974  

Thereafter

             6,971  

Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

     (98
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 9,229  
  

 

 

 

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt (including current maturities) totaled $11.638 billion and $10.003 billion, respectively, and the carrying amount totaled $9.229 billion and $8.625 billion, respectively. The fair value is estimated using observable market data, representing Level 2 valuations under accounting standards related to the determination of fair value.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

General

A lease exists when a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. As lessee, our leased assets primarily consist of our vehicle fleet and real estate leased for company offices and service centers. Our leases are accounted for as operating leases for both GAAP and rate-making purposes. We generally recognize operating lease costs on a straight-line basis over the lease term in operating expenses. We are not a lessor to any material lease contracts.

As of the lease commencement date, we recognize a lease liability for our obligation to make lease payments, which we initially measure at present value using our incremental borrowing rate at the date of lease commencement, unless the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable. We determine our incremental borrowing rate based on the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term in a similar economic environment. We also record a ROU asset for our right to use the underlying asset, which is initially equal to the lease liability and adjusted for any lease payments made at or before lease commencement, lease incentives and any initial direct costs.

 

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Some of our lease agreements contain nonlease components, which represent items or activities that transfer a good or service. We separate lease components from nonlease components, if any, for our fleet vehicle and real estate leases for purposes of calculating the related lease liability and ROU asset.

Certain of our leases include options to extend the lease terms for up to 20 years, while others include options to terminate early. Our lease liabilities and ROU assets are based on lease terms that may include such options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.

Short-term Leases

Some of our contracts are short-term leases, which have a lease term of 12 months or less at lease commencement. As allowed by GAAP, we do not recognize a lease liability or ROU asset arising from short-term leases for all existing classes of underlying assets. We recognize short-term lease costs on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Lease Obligations, Lease Costs and Other Supplemental Data

The following tables summarize lease information on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

     At December 31,  
             2020                     2019          

Operating Leases:

    

ROU assets:

    

Operating lease ROU, third-party joint project and other assets

   $ 132     $ 92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Lease liabilities:

    

Operating lease and other current liabilities

   $ 29     $ 26  

Operating lease, third-party joint project and other obligations

     124       66  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating lease liabilities

   $         153     $         92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)

     7       4  

Weighted-average discount rate

     2.8     3.3

The components of lease costs and cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities in 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                      2019          

Operating lease cost:

     

Operating lease costs (including amounts allocated to property, plant and equipment)

   $  42      $  40  

Short-term lease costs

     10        34  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating lease costs

   $         52      $         74  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating lease payments:

     

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

   $  35      $ 32  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The table below presents the maturity analysis of our lease liabilities and reconciliation to the present value of lease liabilities:

 

Year

           Amount          

2021

   $ 33  

2022

     30  

2023

     23  

2024

     17  

2025

     9  

Thereafter

     58  
  

 

 

 

Total undiscounted lease payments

             170  

Less imputed interest

     (17
  

 

 

 

Total operating lease obligations

   $ 153  
  

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures

As part of the Sempra Acquisition, Oncor has committed to make minimum aggregate capital expenditures equal to at least $7.5 billion over the five year period ending December 31, 2022. Our capital expenditures from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 totaled $6.4 billion.

Energy Efficiency Spending

We are required to annually invest in programs designed to improve customer electricity demand efficiencies to satisfy ongoing regulatory requirements. The requirement for the year 2021 is $52 million, which is recoverable in rates.

Legal/Regulatory Proceedings

We are involved in various legal and administrative proceedings in the normal course of business, the ultimate resolution of which, in the opinion of management, should not have a material effect upon our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Labor Contracts

At December 31, 2020, approximately 17% of our full time employees were represented by a labor union and covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in October 2022.

Environmental Contingencies

We must comply with environmental laws and regulations applicable to the handling and disposal of hazardous waste. We are in compliance with all current laws and regulations; however, the impact, if any, of changes to existing regulations or the implementation of new regulations is not determinable. The costs to comply with environmental regulations can be significantly affected by the following external events or conditions:

 

   

changes to existing state or federal regulation by governmental authorities having jurisdiction over control of toxic substances and hazardous and solid wastes, and other environmental matters, and

 

   

the identification of additional sites requiring clean-up or the filing of other complaints in which we may be asserted to be a potential responsible party.

We have not identified any significant potential environmental liabilities at this time.

 

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8. MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS

Cash Contributions

On February 16, 2021, we received cash capital contributions from our members totaling $63 million. During 2020, we received the following capital cash contributions from our members.

 

Received

           Amount          

December 23, 2020

   $ 361  

December 22, 2020

     89  

October 27, 2020

     77  

July 28, 2020

     87  

April 27, 2020

     87  

February 18, 2020

     87  
  

 

 

 
   $         788  
  

 

 

 

Cash Distributions

Distributions are limited by the requirement to maintain our regulatory capital structure at or below the debt-to-equity ratio established periodically by the PUCT for ratemaking purposes. The PUCT has the authority to determine what types of debt and equity are included in a utility’s debt-to-equity ratio. For purposes of this ratio, debt is calculated as long-term debt including any finance leases plus unamortized gains on reacquired debt less unamortized issuance expenses, premiums and losses on reacquired debt. Equity is calculated as membership interests determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss and the effects of acquisition accounting from a 2007 transaction.

The PUCT order issued in the Sempra Acquisition and our limited liability company agreement set forth various restrictions on distributions to our members. Among those restrictions is the commitment that we will make no distributions that would cause us to exceed the PUCT’s authorized debt-to-equity ratio. Our current authorized regulatory capital structure is 57.5% debt to 42.5% equity. The distribution restrictions also include the ability of our board, a majority of the Disinterested Directors, or either of the two member directors designated by Texas Transmission to limit distributions to the extent each determines it is necessary to meet expected future requirements of Oncor (including continuing compliance with the PUCT debt-to-equity ratio commitment). At December 31, 2020, our regulatory capitalization was 52.8% debt to 47.2% equity, and as a result we had $1.426 billion available to distribute to our members.

On February 17, 2021, our board of directors declared a cash distribution of $96 million, which was paid to our members on February 18, 2021. During 2020, our board of directors declared, and we paid, the following cash distributions to our members:

 

Declaration Date

  

Payment Date

           Amount          

October 28, 2020

  

October 29, 2020

   $ 82  

July 29, 2020

  

July 30, 2020

     92  

April 29, 2020

  

April 30, 2020

     91  

February 19, 2020

  

February 20, 2020

     91  
     

 

 

 
      $         356  
     

 

 

 

 

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During 2019, our board of directors declared, and we paid, the following cash distributions to our members:

 

Declaration Date

  

Payment Date

           Amount          

October 29, 2019

   October 31, 2019    $ 106  

July 30, 2019

   July 31, 2019      71  

May 1, 2019

   May 2, 2019      71  

February 20, 2019

   February 22, 2019      71  
     

 

 

 
      $         319  
     

 

 

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)

The following table presents the changes to AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 net of tax.

 

     Cash Flow Hedges –
Interest Rate Swap
    Defined Benefit
Pension and
OPEB Plans
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balance at December 31, 2017

   $ (18   $ (83   $ (101

Defined benefit pension plans

     —         (65     (65

Cash flow hedge amounts reclassified from AOCI and reported in interest expense and related charges (net of tax expense $-)

                 2       —         2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

   $ (16   $ (148   $ (164
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Defined benefit pension plans

     —         27       27  

Cash flow hedge amounts reclassified from AOCI and reported in interest expense and related charges (net of tax expense $-)

     2       —         2  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to capital account

     (4     —         (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

   $ (18   $ (121   $ (139
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Defined benefit pension plans

     —                     9                   9  

Cash flow hedges — net decrease in fair value of derivatives (net of tax benefit of $6)

     (24     —         (24

Cash flow hedge amounts reclassified from AOCI and reported in interest expense and related charges (net of tax expense $1)

     3       —         3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

   $ (39   $ (112   $ (151
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Regulatory Recovery of Pension and OPEB Costs

PURA provides for our recovery of pension and OPEB costs applicable to services of our active and retired employees, as well as services of certain EFH Corp./Vistra active and retired employees for periods prior to the deregulation and disaggregation of EFH Corp.’s electric utility businesses effective January 1, 2002 (recoverable service). Accordingly, in 2005, we entered into an agreement with a predecessor of EFH Corp. whereby we assumed responsibility for applicable pension and OPEB costs related to those personnel’s recoverable service. We subsequently entered into agreements with EFH Corp. and a Vistra affiliate regarding provision of these benefits. Pursuant to our agreement with the Vistra affiliate, we now sponsor an OPEB plan that provides certain retirement healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible former Oncor, EFH Corp. and Vistra employees for whom both Oncor and Vistra bear a portion of the benefit responsibility. See “OPEB Plans” below for more information.

 

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We are authorized to establish a regulatory asset or liability for the difference between the amounts of pension and OPEB costs approved in current billing rates and the actual amounts that would otherwise have been recorded as charges or credits to earnings related to recoverable service. Amounts deferred are ultimately subject to regulatory approval. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had recorded regulatory assets totaling $966 million and $964 million, respectively, related to pension and OPEB costs, including amounts related to deferred expenses as well as amounts related to unfunded liabilities that otherwise would be recorded as other comprehensive income.

We have also assumed primary responsibility for pension benefits of a closed group of retired and terminated vested plan participants not related to our regulated utility business (non-recoverable service) in a 2012 transaction. Any retirement costs associated with non-recoverable service are not recoverable through rates.

Pension Plans

We sponsor the Oncor Retirement Plan and also have liabilities related to the Vistra Retirement Plan, both of which are qualified pension plans under Section 401(a) of the Code, and are subject to the provisions of ERISA. Employees do not contribute to either plan. These pension plans provide benefits to participants under one of two formulas: (i) a Cash Balance Formula under which participants earn monthly contribution credits based on their compensation and a combination of their age and years of service, plus monthly interest credits or (ii) a Traditional Retirement Plan Formula based on years of service and the average earnings of the three years of highest earnings. The interest component of the Cash Balance Formula is variable and is determined using the yield on 30-year Treasury bonds. The weighted-average interest crediting rate assumption for the Cash Balance Formula was 3.0% for 2020. Under the Cash Balance Formula, future increases in earnings will not apply to prior service costs.

All eligible employees hired after January 1, 2001 participate under the Cash Balance Formula. Certain employees, who, prior to January 1, 2002, participated under the Traditional Retirement Plan Formula, continue their participation under that formula. It is Oncor’s policy to fund its plans on a current basis to the extent required under existing federal tax and ERISA regulations.

We also have the Supplemental Retirement Plan for certain employees whose retirement benefits cannot be fully earned under the qualified retirement plan. Supplemental Retirement Plan amounts are included in the reported pension amounts below.

At December 31, 2020, the pension plans’ projected benefit obligation included a net actuarial loss of $302 million for 2020 due primarily to a decrease in the discount rate. Actual returns on the plans’ assets in 2020 were more than the expected return on assets by $241 million. We expect the pension plans’ amortizations of net actuarial losses to be $52 million in 2021.

OPEB Plans

We currently sponsor two OPEB Plans. One plan covers our eligible current and future retirees whose services are 100% attributed to the regulated business. Effective January 1, 2018, we established a second plan to cover eligible retirees of Oncor and EFH Corp./Vistra whose employment services were assigned to both Oncor (or a predecessor regulated utility business) and the non-regulated business of EFH Corp./Vistra. Vistra is solely responsible for its portion of the liability for retiree benefits related to those retirees.

Oncor’s contribution policy for the OPEB Plans is to place in irrevocable external trusts dedicated to the payment of OPEB expenses an amount at least equal to the OPEB expense recovered in rates.

 

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At December 31, 2020, the Oncor OPEB Plans’ projected benefit obligation included a net actuarial loss of $20 million for 2020, including $65 million gain associated with mortality assumption changes, and updates to health care claims and trend assumptions, offset by a loss of $85 million due to a decrease in the discount rate. Actual returns on Oncor OPEB Plans’ assets in 2020 were more than the expected return on assets by $7 million. We expect the Oncor OPEB Plans’ amortizations of net actuarial losses to increase by $8 million in 2021 reflecting these changes.

Pension and OPEB Costs Recognized as Expense

Pension and OPEB amounts provided herein include amounts related only to our obligations with respect to the various plans based on actuarial computations and reflect our employee and retiree demographics as described above. Our net costs related to pension and the Oncor OPEB Plans were comprised of the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2018          

Pension costs

   $ 71     $ 63     $ 77  

OPEB costs

     19               41               70  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefit costs

             90       104       147  

Less amounts recognized principally as property or a regulatory asset

     (13     (27     (69
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amounts recognized as operation and maintenance expense or other deductions

   $ 77     $ 77     $ 78  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The calculated value method is used to determine the market-related value of the assets held in the trust for purposes of calculating our pension costs. Realized and unrealized gains or losses in the market-related value of assets are included over a rolling four-year period. Each year, 25% of such gains and losses for the current year and for each of the preceding three years is included in the market-related value. Each year, the market-related value of assets is increased for contributions to the plan and investment income and is decreased for benefit payments and expenses for that year.

The fair value method is used to determine the market-related value of the assets held in the trust for purposes of calculating OPEB cost.

 

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Detailed Information Regarding Pension and OPEB Benefits

The following pension and OPEB information is based on December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 measurement dates:

 

     Pension Plans     OPEB Plans  
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
         2020             2019             2018             2020             2019             2018      

Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Pension and OPEB Costs:

            

Discount rate

     3.13     4.18     3.54     3.29     4.41     3.73

Expected return on plan assets

     4.94     5.42     5.11     5.90     6.19     6.20

Rate of compensation increase

     4.64     4.53     4.46         —             —             —    

Components of Net Pension and OPEB Costs:

            

Service cost

   $ 29     $ 25     $ 27     $ 6     $ 6     $ 8  

Interest cost

     103       128       121       32       43       44  

Expected return on assets

     (109     (119     (120     (8     (7     (9

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     —         —         —         (20     (20     (30

Amortization of net loss

     48       29       49       10       19       57  

Curtailment cost (credit)

     —         —         —         (1     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic pension and OPEB costs

   $ 71     $ 63     $ 77     $ 19     $ 41     $ 70  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized as Regulatory Assets or in Other Comprehensive Income:

            

Curtailment

   $     —       $     —       $     —       $ 2     $ —       $ —    

Net loss (gain)

     61       —         67       14       (22     (177

Amortization of net loss

     (48     (29     (49     (10     (19     (57

Amortization of prior service (cost) credit

     —         —         —         20       20       30  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized as regulatory assets or other comprehensive income

     13       (29     18       26       (21     (204
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in net periodic pension and OPEB costs and as regulatory assets or other comprehensive income

   $ 84     $ 34     $ 95     $ 45     $ 20     $ (134
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Pension Plans     OPEB Plans  
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2020     2019     2018  

Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at Period End:

            

Discount rate

     2.40     3.13     4.18     2.58     3.29     4.41

Rate of compensation increase

     4.80     4.64     4.53     —         —         —    

 

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     Pension Plans     OPEB Plans  
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
         2020             2019             2020             2019      

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:

        

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $     3,400     $     3,162     $ 999     $     1,006  

Service cost

     29       25       6       6  

Interest cost

     103       128       32       43  

Participant contributions

     —         —         18       19  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     302       367       20       (5

Benefits paid

     (165     (164     (63     (70

Curtailment

     —         —         1       —    

Settlements

     (73     (118     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 3,596     $ 3,400     $     1,013     $ 999  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 3,433     $ 3,283     $ —       $ —    

Change in Plan Assets:

        

Fair value of assets at beginning of year

   $ 2,494     $ 2,249     $ 141     $ 132  

Actual return on assets

     350       486       14       25  

Employer contributions

     134       41       35       35  

Participant contributions

     —         —         18       19  

Benefits paid

     (165     (164     (63     (70

Settlements

     (73     (118     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of assets at end of year

   $ 2,740     $ 2,494     $ 145     $ 141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded Status:

        

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ (3,596   $ (3,400   $ (1,013   $ (999

Fair value of assets at end of year

     2,740       2,494       145       141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status at end of year

   $ (856   $ (906   $ (868   $ (858
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Pension Plans     OPEB Plans  
     Year Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2020     2019     2020     2019  

Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet Consist of:

        

Liabilities:

        

Other current liabilities

   $ (5   $ (5   $ (14   $ (15

Other noncurrent liabilities

     (863     (901     (854     (843
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net liability recognized

   $ (868   $ (906   $ (868   $ (858
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets:

        

Other noncurrent assets

   $ 12     $ —       $ —       $ —    

Regulatory assets:

        

Net loss

     556       531       132       129  

Prior service credit

     —         —         (16     (37
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net regulatory assets recognized

     556       531       116       92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets recognized

   $ 568     $ 531     $ 116     $ 92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive net loss

   $ 108     $ 120     $ 3     $ 1  

 

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The following tables provide information regarding the assumed health care cost trend rates.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019          

Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates – Not Medicare Eligible:

    

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

     6.90     7.20

Rate to which the cost trend is expected to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     4.50     4.50

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     2029       2029  

Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates – Medicare Eligible:

    

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

     7.80     8.00

Rate to which the cost trend is expected to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     4.50     4.50

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     2030       2029  

The following table provides information regarding pension plans with projected benefit obligations (PBO) and accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) in excess of the fair value of plan assets.

 

     At December 31,  
             2020                      2019          

Pension Plans with PBO and ABO in Excess of Plan Assets (a):

     

Projected benefit obligations

   $         3,596      $         3,400  

Accumulated benefit obligations

     3,433        3,283  

Plan assets

     2,740        2,494  

 

(a)

PBO, ABO and the plan assets relating to Oncor’s obligations with respect to the Vistra Retirement Plan are included. Oncor’s obligations with respect to the Vistra Retirement Plan are overfunded. As of December 31, 2020, PBO, ABO and the plan assets relating to Oncor’s obligations with respect to the Vistra Retirement Plan were $196 million, $194 million and $208 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, PBO, ABO and the plan assets relating to Oncor’s obligations with respect to the Vistra Retirement Plan were $187 million, $184 million and $197 million, respectively.

The following table provides information regarding OPEB plans with accumulated projected benefit obligations (APBO) in excess of the fair value of plan assets.

 

     At December 31,  
             2020                      2019          

OPEB Plans with APBO in Excess of Plan Assets

     

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations

   $         1,013      $         999  

Plan assets

     145        141  

Pension and OPEB Plans Investment Strategy and Asset Allocations

Our investment objective for the retirement plans is to invest in a suitable mix of assets to meet the future benefit obligations at an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the volatility of contributions. Equity securities are held to achieve returns in excess of passive indexes by participating in a wide range of investment opportunities. International equity, real estate securities and credit strategies (high yield bonds, emerging market debt and bank loans) are used to further diversify the equity portfolio. International equity securities may include investments in both developed and emerging international markets. Fixed income securities include primarily corporate bonds from a diversified range of companies, U.S. Treasuries and agency securities and money market instruments. Our investment strategy for fixed income investments is to maintain a high grade portfolio of securities, which assists us in managing the volatility and magnitude of plan contributions and expense while maintaining sufficient cash and short-term investments to pay near-term benefits and expenses.

 

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The Oncor Retirement Plan’s investments are managed in two pools: one pool associated with the recoverable service portion of plan obligations related to Oncor’s regulated utility business, and a second pool associated with the non-recoverable service portion of plan obligations not related to Oncor’s regulated utility business. Each pool is invested in a broadly diversified portfolio as shown below. The second pool represents 25% of total investments at December 31, 2020.

The target asset allocation ranges of the pension plan’s investments by asset category are as follows:

 

    

Target Allocation Ranges

Asset Category

  

        Recoverable            

  

            Non-recoverable             

International equities

   13%—21%    6%—12%

U.S. equities

   16%—24%    8%—14%

Real estate

   3%—7%    —  

Credit strategies

   5%—10%    5%—9%

Fixed income

   45%—55%    68%—78%

Our investment objective for the Oncor OPEB Plans primarily follows the objectives of the pension plans discussed above, while maintaining sufficient cash and short-term investments to pay near-term benefits and expenses. The actual amounts at December 31, 2020 provided below are consistent with the asset allocation targets.

Fair Value Measurement of Pension Plans’ Assets

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, pension plans’ assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:

 

     At December 31, 2020  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Asset Category

                           

Equity securities:

           

U.S.

   $ 220      $ 1      $ —        $ 221  

International

     330        1        —          331  

Fixed income securities:

           

Corporate bonds (a)

     —          910        —          910  

U.S. Treasuries

     —          46        —          46  

Other (b)

     —          57        —          57  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy

   $ 550      $ 1,015      $ —          1,565  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total assets measured at net asset value (c)

              1,175  
           

 

 

 

Total fair value of plan assets

            $ 2,740  
           

 

 

 

 

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     At December 31, 2019  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Asset Category

                           

Equity securities:

           

U.S.

   $ 194      $ 2      $ —        $ 196  

International

     290        1        —          291  

Fixed income securities:

           

Corporate bonds (a)

     —          908        —          908  

U.S. Treasuries

     —          147        —          147  

Other (b)

     —          63        —          63  

Real estate

     —          —          3        3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy

   $ 484      $ 1,121      $ 3        1,608  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total assets measured at net asset value (c)

              886  
           

 

 

 

Total fair value of plan assets

            $ 2,494  
           

 

 

 

 

(a)

Substantially all corporate bonds are rated investment grade by Fitch, Moody’s or S&P.

(b)

Other consists primarily of municipal bonds, emerging market debt, bank loans and fixed income derivative instruments.

(c)

Fair value was measured using the net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient as the investments did not have a readily determinable fair value and are not required to be classified in the fair value hierarchy. The NAV fair value amounts presented here are intended to permit a reconciliation to the total fair value of plan assets.

Fair Value Measurement of Oncor OPEB Plans’ Assets

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Oncor OPEB Plans’ assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:

 

     At December 31, 2020  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Asset Category

                           

Interest-bearing cash

   $ 9      $ —        $ —        $ 9  

Equity securities:

           

U.S.

     24        —          —          24  

International

     25        —          —          25  

Fixed income securities:

           

Corporate bonds (a)

     —          34        —          34  

U.S. Treasuries

     —          1        —          1  

Other (b)

     19        3        —          22  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy

   $ 77      $ 38      $ —          115  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total assets measured at net asset value (c)

              30  
           

 

 

 

Total fair value of plan assets

            $ 145  
           

 

 

 

 

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     At December 31, 2019  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Asset Category

                           

Interest-bearing cash

   $ 6      $ —        $ —        $ 6  

Equity securities:

           

U.S.

     24        —          —          24  

International

     28        —          —          28  

Fixed income securities:

           

Corporate bonds (a)

     —          31        —          31  

U.S. Treasuries

     —          3        —          3  

Other (b)

     22        2        —          24  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets in the fair value hierarchy

   $ 80      $ 36      $ —          116  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total assets measured at net asset value (c)

              25  
           

 

 

 

Total fair value of plan assets

            $ 141  
           

 

 

 

 

(a)

Substantially all corporate bonds are rated investment grade by Fitch, Moody’s or S&P.

(b)

Other consists primarily of diversified bond mutual funds.

(c)

Fair value was measured using the net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient as the investments did not have a readily determinable fair value and are not required to be classified in the fair value hierarchy. The NAV fair value amounts presented here are intended to permit a reconciliation to the total fair value of plan assets.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets Assumption

The retirement plans’ strategic asset allocation is determined in conjunction with the plans’ advisors and utilizes a comprehensive Asset-Liability modeling approach to evaluate potential long-term outcomes of various investment strategies. The modeling incorporates long-term rate of return assumptions for each asset class based on historical and future expected asset class returns, current market conditions, rate of inflation, current prospects for economic growth, and taking into account the diversification benefits of investing in multiple asset classes and potential benefits of employing active investment management.

 

Pension Plans

   

Oncor OPEB Plans

 

Asset Class

   Expected Long-
Term
Rate of Return
   

Asset Class

   Expected Long-
Term
Rate of Return
 
                                                                         

International equity securities

     7.58  

401(h) accounts

     5.59

U.S. equity securities

     6.50  

Life insurance VEBA

     5.10

Real estate

     5.60  

Union VEBA

     5.10

Credit strategies

     3.90  

Non-union VEBA

     1.10

Fixed income securities

     2.32  

Shared retiree VEBA

     1.10
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Weighted average (a)

     4.57  

Weighted average

     5.24

 

(a)

The 2021 expected long-term rate of return for the nonregulated portion of the Oncor Retirement Plan is 3.75%, and for Oncor’s obligations with respect to the Vistra Retirement Plan is 4.20%.

Significant Concentrations of Risk

The plans’ investments are exposed to risks such as interest rate, capital market and credit risks. We seek to optimize return on investment consistent with levels of liquidity and investment risk which are prudent and reasonable, given prevailing capital market conditions and other factors specific to participating employers.

 

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While we recognize the importance of return, investments will be diversified in order to minimize the risk of large losses unless, under the circumstances, it is clearly prudent not to do so. There are also various restrictions and guidelines in place including limitations on types of investments allowed and portfolio weightings for certain investment securities to assist in the mitigation of the risk of large losses.

Assumed Discount Rate

For the Oncor retirement plans at December 31, 2020, we selected the assumed discount rate using the Aon AA-AAA Bond Universe yield curve, which is based on corporate bond yields and at December 31, 2020 consisted of 862 corporate bonds with an average rating of AA and AAA using Moody’s, S&P and Fitch ratings. For Oncor’s obligations with respect to the Vistra Retirement Plan and the Oncor OPEB Plans at December 31, 2020, we selected the assumed discount rate using the Aon AA Above Median yield curve, which is based on corporate bond yields and at December 31, 2020 consisted of 305 corporate bonds with an average rating of AA using Moody’s, S&P and Fitch ratings.

Pension and Oncor OPEB Plans Cash Contributions

Our contributions to the benefit plans were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  

Pension plans contributions

   $ 134      $ 41      $ 82  

Oncor OPEB Plans contributions

     35        35        41  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contributions

   $ 169      $ 76      $ 123  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Our funding for the pension plans and the Oncor OPEB Plans is expected to total $24 million and $35 million, respectively in 2021 and approximately $560 million and $176 million, respectively, in the five-year period 2021 to 2025.

Future Benefit Payments

Estimated future benefit payments to participants are as follows:

 

         2021              2022              2023              2024              2025              2026-30      

Pension plans

   $     186      $     189      $     192      $     195      $     197      $     975  

Oncor OPEB Plans

   $ 49      $ 51      $ 52      $ 53      $ 54      $ 271  

Thrift Plan

Our employees are eligible to participate in a qualified savings plan, the Oncor Thrift Plan, which is a participant-directed defined contribution plan subject to the provisions of ERISA and intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, and to meet the requirements of Code Sections 401(k) and 401(m). Under the plan, employees may contribute, through pre-tax salary deferrals and/or after-tax applicable payroll deductions, a portion of their regular salary or wages as permitted under law. Employer matching contributions are made in an amount equal to 100% of the first 6% of employee contributions for employees who are covered under the Cash Balance Formula of the Oncor Retirement Plan, and 75% of the first 6% of employee contributions for employees who are covered under the Traditional Retirement Plan Formula of the Oncor Retirement Plan. Employer matching contributions are made in cash and may be allocated by participants to any of the plan’s investment options. Our contributions to the Oncor Thrift Plan totaled $23 million, $20 million and $19 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

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10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We currently do not offer stock-based compensation to our employees or directors. In 2008 and 2009, we established stock appreciation rights (SARs) plans under which certain of our executive officers, key employees and non-employee members of our board of directors were granted SARs payable in cash, or in some circumstances, Oncor membership interests.

In November 2012, we accepted the early exercise for cash payments of all outstanding SARs (both vested and unvested) issued to date pursuant to both SARs plans. As part of the 2012 early exercise of SARs we began accruing interest on dividends declared with respect to the SARs. Under both SARs plans, dividends that were paid in respect of Oncor membership interests while the SARs were outstanding were credited to the SARs holder’s account as if the SARs were units, payable upon the earliest to occur of death, disability, separation from service, unforeseeable emergency, a change in control, or the occurrence of an event triggering SAR exercisability. As a result of the Sempra Acquisition, the dividend and interest accounts were distributed in 2018, totaling $15 million. For accounting purposes, the liability was discounted based on an employee’s or director’s expected retirement date. We recognized $4 million in accretion and interest with respect to such dividend and interest accounts in 2018. No SARs liability remained at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

11. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The following represent our significant related-party transactions and related matters.

 

   

We are not a member of another entity’s consolidated tax group, but our owners’ federal income tax returns include their portion of our results. Under the terms of a tax sharing agreement among us, Oncor Holdings, Texas Transmission and STH, we are generally obligated to make payments to our owners, pro rata in accordance with their respective membership interests, in an aggregate amount that is substantially equal to the amount of federal income taxes that we would have been required to pay if we were filing our own corporate income tax return. STH will file a combined Texas margin tax return which includes our results and our share of Texas margin tax payments, which are accounted for as income taxes and calculated as if we were filing our own return. See discussion in Note 1 under “Provision in Lieu of Income Taxes.” Under the “in lieu of” tax concept, all in lieu of tax assets and tax liabilities represent amounts that will eventually be settled with our members. In the event such amounts are not paid under the tax sharing agreement, it is probable that this regulatory liability will continue to be included in Oncor’s rate setting processes.

Amounts payable to (receivable from) members related to income taxes under the agreement and reported on our balance sheet consisted of the following:

 

     At December 31, 2020     At December 31, 2019  
     STH     Texas
Transmission
    Total     STH     Texas
Transmission
    Total  

Federal income taxes payable (receivable)

   $ (6   $   (1)    $ (7   $ (2   $ (1   $ (3

Texas margin tax payable

         23           —             23           22           —             22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net payable (receivable)

   $ 17     $ (1   $ 16     $ 20     $ (1   $ 19  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash payments made to (received from) members related to income taxes consisted of the following:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     STH      Texas
Transm.
     Total      STH      Texas
Transm.
     Total      STH      EFH
Corp.
    Texas
Transm.
     Total  

Federal income taxes

   $     70    $     17    $ 87    $ 45    $ 11    $ 56    $ 59    $ (19   $     10    $     50

Texas margin taxes

     22      —          22      22      —          22      21          —         —          21
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total payments (receipts)

   $ 92    $ 17    $     109    $     67    $     11    $     78    $     80    $ (19   $ 10    $ 71
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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As of March 8, 2018, approximately 16% of the equity in an existing vendor of the company was owned by a member of the Sponsor Group. As a result of the Sempra Acquisition, the Sponsor Group ceased to be a related party as of March 9, 2018. During 2018, this vendor performed transmission and distribution system construction and maintenance services for us. Cash payments were made for such services to this vendor and/or its subsidiaries totaling $35 million for the year-to-date period ended March 8, 2018, of which approximately $33 million was capitalized and $2 million was recorded as an operation and maintenance expense.

 

   

Sempra acquired an indirect 50% interest in Sharyland Holdings, L.P., the parent of Sharyland, in the Sempra-Sharyland Transaction. As a result of the Sempra-Sharyland Transaction, Sharyland is now our affiliate for purposes of PUCT rules. Pursuant to the PUCT order in Docket No. 48929 approving the InfraREIT Acquisition, upon closing of the InfraREIT Acquisition we entered into an operation agreement pursuant to which we will provide certain operations services to Sharyland at cost with no markup or profit. Sharyland provided wholesale transmission service to us in the amount of $13 million and $9 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 and in the period between the May 16, 2019 InfraREIT Acquisition date through December 31, 2019, respectively. We provided substation monitoring and switching service to Sharyland in the amount of $629,000 and $303,000 in the year ended December 31, 2020 and in the period between the May 16, 2019 InfraREIT Acquisition date through December 31, 2019, respectively.

 

   

We paid Sempra $119,000 and $109,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively for tax work.

See Notes 1, 4, and 8 for information regarding the tax sharing agreement and distributions to members.

12. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Other Deductions and (Income)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Professional fees

   $ 6     $ 10     $ 12  

Sempra Acquisition related costs

     —         —         12  

InfraREIT Acquisition related costs

     —         9       —    

Recoverable Pension and OPEB—non-service costs

     55       57       53  

Non-recoverable pension and OPEB

     4       4       6  

AFUDC equity income

     (29     (10     —    

Interest income

     (4     (5     (1

Other

     1       (2     2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other deductions and (income)—net

   $ 33     $ 63     $ 84  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest Expense and Related Charges

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  

Interest

   $ 413     $ 382     $ 358  

Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts

     11       9       6  

Less AFUDC – capitalized interest portion

     (19     (16     (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense and related charges

   $ 405     $ 375     $ 351  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Trade Accounts and Other Receivables

Trade accounts and other receivables reported on our balance sheet consisted of the following:

 

     At December 31,  
     2020     2019  

Gross trade accounts and other receivables

   $ 767     $ 666  

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

     (7     (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable – net

   $ 760     $ 661  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2020, REP subsidiaries of two of our largest customers represented 21% and 15% of the trade accounts receivable balance and no other customers represented 10% or more of the trade accounts receivable balance. At December 31, 2019, REP subsidiaries of two of our largest customers represented 15% and 11% of the trade accounts receivable balance.

Under a PUCT rule relating to the Certification of Retail Electric Providers, write-offs of uncollectible amounts owed by REPs are deferred as a regulatory asset.

Investments and Other Property

Investments and other property reported on our balance sheet consist of the following:

 

     At December 31,  
     2020      2019  

Assets related to employee benefit plans

   $ 124      $ 119  

Land

     16        12  

Other

     2        2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments and other property

   $ 142      $ 133  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The majority of these assets represent cash surrender values of life insurance policies that are purchased to fund liabilities under deferred compensation plans. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the face amount of these policies totaled $181 million and $172 million, respectively, and the net cash surrender values (determined using a Level 2 valuation technique) totaled $97 million and $95 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Changes in cash surrender value are netted against premiums paid. Other investment assets held to satisfy deferred compensation liabilities are recorded at market value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment reported on our balance sheet consisted of the following:

 

    

Composite Depreciation Rate/

   At December 31,  
    

Avg. Life at December 31, 2020

   2020      2019  

Assets in service:

        

Distribution

   2.5% / 39.4 years    $         14,937      $         14,007  

Transmission

   2.9% / 34.8 years      12,156        11,094  

Other assets

   6.7% / 14.9 years      1,855        1,648  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

        28,948        26,749  

Less accumulated depreciation

        8,336        7,986  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net of accumulated depreciation

        20,612        18,763  

Construction work in progress

        593        585  

Held for future use

        20        22  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment – net

      $  21,225      $  19,370  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Depreciation expense as a percent of average depreciable property approximated 2.7%, 2.7% and 2.8% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets (other than goodwill) reported on our balance sheet as part of property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

     At December 31, 2020      At December 31, 2019  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net      Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net  

Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization:

                 

Land easements

   $ 623      $ 112      $ 511      $ 575      $ 107      $ 468  

Capitalized software

     1,027        484        543        933        430        503  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $     1,650      $     596      $     1,054      $     1,508      $     537      $     971  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $62 million, $52 million and $50 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. At December 31, 2020, the weighted average remaining useful lives of capitalized land easements and software were 84 years and 9 years, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:

 

Year

           Amortization Expense          

2021

   $             68  

2022

     68  

2023

     68  

2024

     67  

2025

     67  

Goodwill totaling $4.740 billion was reported on our balance sheet at both December 31, 2020 and 2019. See Note 1 regarding goodwill impairment assessment and testing.

Operating Lease, Third-Party Joint Project and Other Obligations

Operating lease, third-party joint project and other obligations reported on our balance sheet consisted of the following:

 

     At December 31,  
             2020                      2019          

Operating lease liabilities (Notes 1 and 7)

   $         124      $ 66  

Investment tax credits

     5        6  

Third-party joint project obligation (Note 1) (a)

     100        4  

Other

     76        70  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating lease, third-party joint project and other obligations

   $ 305      $         146  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Oncor is currently involved in a joint project with LP&L. See Note 3 for more information.

 

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2018          

Cash payments (receipts) related to:

      

Interest

   $          406     $         368     $          368  

Less capitalized interest

     (19     (16     (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest payments (net of amounts capitalized)

   $ 387     $ 352     $ 355  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amount in lieu of income taxes (a):

      

Federal

   $ 87     $ 56     $ 50  

State

     22       22       21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total payments (receipts) in lieu of income taxes

   $ 109     $ 78     $ 71  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncash increase in operating lease obligation for ROU assets

   $ 72     $ 38     $ —    

Noncash investing and financing activity:

      

Acquisition (b):

      

Assets acquired

   $ —       $ 2,547     $ —    

Liabilities assumed

     —         (1,223     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash paid

   $ —       $ 1,324     $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Debt exchange (c):

      

Debt issued in debt exchange offering

   $ 300     $ —       $ —    

Debt exchanged in debt exchange offering

     (300     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ —       $ —       $ —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncash construction expenditures (d)

   $ 254     $ 278     $ 174  

 

(a)

See Note 11 for income tax related detail.

(b)

See Note 13 for more information on noncash debt exchanges related to InfraREIT Acquisition.

(c)

See Note 6 for more information on noncash debt exchanges related to 2052 Notes issuance.

(d)

Represents end-of-period accruals.

Quarterly Information (unaudited)

Results of operations by quarter for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized below. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of such amounts have been made. Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s operations because of seasonal and other factors.

 

2020

   First Quarter      Second Quarter      Third Quarter      Fourth Quarter  

Operating revenues

   $  1,072      $  1,090      $  1,232      $  1,117  

Operating income

     242        285        362        250  

Net income

     131        176        258        148  

2019

   First Quarter      Second Quarter      Third Quarter      Fourth Quarter  

Operating revenues

   $          1,016      $          1,041      $          1,211      $          1,079  

Operating income

     216        253        369        236  

Net income

     116        139        263        133  

 

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13. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY

InfraREIT Acquisition

In May 2019, we completed the InfraREIT Acquisition, pursuant to which we acquired all of the equity interests of InfraREIT and its subsidiary, InfraREIT Partners for a total cash consideration of $1.275 billion. In addition, we paid certain transaction costs incurred by InfraREIT (including a management agreement termination fee of $40 million that InfraREIT paid an affiliate of Hunt Consolidated, Inc. at closing), with the aggregate cash consideration and payment of InfraREIT expenses totaling $1.324 billion. We funded the cash consideration and certain transaction expenses with capital contributions in an aggregate amount of $1.330 billion received from Sempra and certain indirect equity holders of Texas Transmission.

In connection with and immediately following the closing of the InfraREIT Acquisition, In May 2019, we extinguished all $953 million outstanding principal amount of debt of InfraREIT and its subsidiaries through repaying $602 million principal amount of InfraREIT subsidiary debt and exchanging new Oncor senior secured debt for $351 million principal amount of InfraREIT subsidiary debt.

As a result of the InfraREIT Acquisition, which included the exchange of certain assets between SDTS and SU pursuant to the SDTS-SU Asset Exchange, we acquired our indirect subsidiary NTU and expanded our existing footprint in Texas by adding various electricity transmission and distribution assets and projects in the north, central, west and panhandle regions of Texas, including a joint project with LP&L for the build out and associated station work to join most of the City of Lubbock’s electric facilities to the ERCOT market. For more information on the LP&L joint project, see Note 3.

Business Combination Accounting

We accounted for the InfraREIT Acquisition as a business acquisition with identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed recorded at their estimated fair values on the closing date. The combined results of operations are reported in our consolidated financial statements beginning as of the closing date. A summary of techniques used to estimate the preliminary fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities is listed below.

 

   

Assets and liabilities that are included in the PUCT cost-based regulatory rate-setting processes are recorded at fair values equal to their regulatory carrying value consistent with GAAP and industry practice.

 

   

Working capital was valued using market information (Level 2).

The following tables set forth the purchase price paid. The final purchase price allocation was completed as of March 31, 2020.

 

Purchase of outstanding InfraREIT shares and units

   $  1,275  

Certain transaction costs of InfraREIT paid by Oncor through June 30, 2019 (a)

     53  
  

 

 

 

Total purchase price paid through June 30, 2019

     1,328  

Adjustments made in the period from June 30, 2019 through March 31, 2020

     (4
  

 

 

 

Total purchase price paid

   $         1,324  
  

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents certain transaction costs incurred by InfraREIT in connection with the transaction and paid by Oncor, including a $40 million management termination fee payable to an affiliate of Hunt Consolidated, Inc.

 

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Purchase price allocation is as follows:

  
     As of May 16, 2019  

Assets acquired:

  

Current assets

   $ 45  

Property, plant and equipment—net

             1,800  

Goodwill

     676  

Regulatory assets

     16  

Other noncurrent assets

     10  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

     2,547  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities assumed:

  

Short-term debt

     115  

Other current liabilities

     24  

Regulatory liabilities

     148  

Liability in lieu of deferred income taxes

     97  

Long-term debt, including due currently

     839  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

     1,223  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

     1,324  
  

 

 

 

Total purchase price paid

   $  1,324  
  

 

 

 

The goodwill of $676 million arising from the InfraREIT Acquisition is attributable to the assets acquired, which expand our transmission footprint and help us support ERCOT market growth. None of the goodwill is recoverable nor provides a tax benefit in the rate-making process. We did not assume any employee benefit obligations in the acquisition.

Acquisition costs incurred in the InfraREIT Acquisition by Oncor and recorded to other deductions totaled zero in 2020 and $9 million in 2019. Our statements of consolidated income include revenues and net income of the acquired business totaling $250 million and $106 million in 2020 and $156 million and $58 million in 2019, respectively.

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 assumes that the InfraREIT Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2018. The unaudited pro forma financial information is provided for information purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the InfraREIT Acquisition been completed on January 1, 2018, nor is the unaudited pro forma financial information indicative of future results of operations, which may differ materially from the pro forma financial information presented here.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2019                      2018          

Oncor Consolidated Pro Forma Revenues

   $     4,431      $     4,318  

The unaudited pro forma financial information above excludes pro forma earnings due to the impracticability of a calculation. The acquiree previously operated under a real estate investment trust structure with a unique cost structure and unique federal tax attributes. An accurate retrospective application cannot be objectively and reliably calculated as the new cost structure and new tax attributes would require a significant amount of estimates and judgments.

 

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ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC

Offers to Exchange

$450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052, each of which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for any and all of its outstanding 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052.

Until the date that is 90 days from the date of this prospectus, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in the exchange offers, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 20.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Oncor is a limited liability company formed under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (DLLCA).

Delaware Limited Liability Company Act

Section 18-108 of the DLLCA provides that, subject to such standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in its limited liability company agreement, a limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.

Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Oncor

Our Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for the indemnification of (i) each officer, director, board observer and employee of Oncor, (ii) each of the members of Oncor, (iii) each officer, director and employee of each member of Oncor, and (iv) each affiliate of each member of Oncor and of each direct or indirect shareholder (other than a holder of any publicly traded securities of such person in their capacity as such) of any such affiliate or such shareholder’s affiliates ((i)-(iv) individually, a Covered Person and collectively, Covered Persons). Section 20 of our Limited Liability Company Agreement generally provides as follows:

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Covered Person shall be liable to Oncor or any other person that is a party to or is otherwise bound by the Limited Liability Company Agreement for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Covered Person in good faith on behalf of Oncor and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Covered Person by the Limited Liability Company Agreement, except that a Covered Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Covered Person’s fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, (i) each officer and director of Oncor, (ii) each member of Oncor and each officer, director, employee and equity holder (other than a holder of any publicly traded securities of such person in their capacity as such) of each member of Oncor and (iii) any employee of Oncor with whom Oncor enters into a written indemnification agreement approved by a majority of Oncor’s board of directors ((i)-(iii) individually, an Indemnified Person and collectively, Indemnified Persons), shall be entitled to indemnification from Oncor for any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of Oncor and in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by the Limited Liability Company Agreement, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of such Indemnified Person’s fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions; provided, however, that any indemnity under Section 20 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement by Oncor shall be provided out of and to the extent of Oncor assets only, and no member of Oncor shall have any personal liability on account thereof.

(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses (including reasonable legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by Oncor prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by Oncor of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in Section 20 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement.

(d) An Indemnified Person shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of Oncor and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to Oncor by any person as to matters the Indemnified Person reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of Oncor, including information, opinions, reports or statements as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions to Oncor’s members might properly be paid.

(e) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnified Person has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to Oncor or to any other Indemnified Person, an Indemnified Person acting under the Limited Liability

 

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Table of Contents

Company Agreement shall not be liable to Oncor or to any other Indemnified Person for its good faith reliance on the provisions of the Limited Liability Company Agreement or any approval or authorization granted by Oncor or any other Indemnified Person. The provisions of the Limited Liability Company Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties and liabilities of an Indemnified Person otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by Oncor’s members to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Indemnified Person.

The Limited Liability Company Agreement also provides that the provisions of Section 20 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement shall survive any termination of the Limited Liability Company Agreement.

Indemnification Agreements and Certain Other Arrangements

Each of our directors and executive officers is party to an indemnification agreement with us. Each indemnification agreement follows the same form and in general provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, Oncor will indemnify the indemnitee against any and all losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from (i) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by the indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent Oncor or as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit (including any employee benefit plan or related trust), as to which the indemnitee is or was serving at the request of Oncor as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent, (ii) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by the indemnitee in respect of any business, transaction, communication, filing, disclosure or other activity of Oncor or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence (including relating to the dissolution and winding up of Oncor or other entity), or (iii) the indemnitee’s status as a current or former director, officer, employee or agent of Oncor or as a current or former director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of Oncor or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence or any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by the indemnitee in connection with any obligation or restriction imposed upon the indemnitee by reason of such status. In addition, the indemnification agreement provides that Oncor will pay in advance of a final disposition of a claim related expenses as and when incurred by the indemnitee.

In addition, we maintain a directors and officers liability insurance policy that covers the directors and officers of Oncor in amounts that Oncor believes are customary for companies similarly situated, including for liabilities in connection with the registration, offering and exchange of the notes.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

  (a)

Exhibits:

 

Exhibits

 

Previously Filed
With File
Number*

  

Filed
As
Exhibit

           
2   Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession.
2(a)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed July 24, 2017)

   2.1           Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated July 21, 2017, among Sharyland Distribution  & Transmission Services, L.L.C., Sharyland Utilities, L.P., SU AssetCo, L.L.C., Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and Oncor AssetCo LLC.
2(b)  

333-100240

Form 10-K (filed February 23, 2018)

   2(b)           Amendment to Merger Agreement Regarding 2017 Ad Valorem and Property Taxes, dated November 9, 2017
2(c)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed October 18, 2018)

   2.1           Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October  18, 2018, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, 1912 Merger Sub LLC, Oncor T&D Partners, LP, InfraREIT, Inc., and InfraREIT Partners, LP.
2(d)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed October 18, 2018)

   2.2           Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated October 18, 2018, among Sharyland Distribution  & Transmission Services, L.L.C., Sharyland Utilities, L.P., and Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC.
2(e)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed August 2, 2019)

   2(a)           Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May  16, 2019, by and among Sharyland Utilities, L.P., Sharyland Distribution & Transmission Services, L.L.C., and Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC.
3(i)   Articles of Incorporation
3(a)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed November 14, 2007)

   3(a)           Certificate of Formation of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC.
3(ii)   By-laws
3(b)      

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed March 9, 2018)

   3.1           Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, dated as of March  9, 2018, by and between Oncor Electric Delivery Holdings Company LLC and Texas Transmission Investment LLC.

 

II-3


Table of Contents
4   Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures.
4(a)  

333-100240

Form S-4 (filed

October 2, 2002)

   4(a)           Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of May 1, 2002, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.
4(b)  

001-12833

Form 8-K (filed October 31, 2005)

   10.1           Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated October 25, 2005, to Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of May  1, 2002, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and The Bank of New York.
4(c)  

333-100240

Form S-4 (filed October 2, 2002)

   4(b)           Officer’s Certificate, dated May  6, 2002, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 6.375% Senior Notes due 2012 and 7.000% Senior Notes due 2032.
4(d)  

333-106894

Form S-4 (filed July 9, 2003)

   4(c)           Officer’s Certificate, dated December  20, 2002, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 6.375% Senior Notes due 2015 and 7.250% Senior Notes due 2033.
4(e)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed May 15, 2008)

   4(b)           Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated May 15, 2008, to Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of May  1, 2002, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and The Bank of New York.
4(f)  

333-100242

Form S-4 (filed October 2, 2002)

   4(a)           Indenture (for Unsecured Debt Securities), dated as of August  1, 2002, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.
4(g)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed May 15, 2008)

   4(c)           Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated May 15, 2008, to Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of August  1, 2002, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and The Bank of New York.
4(h)  

333-100242

Form S-4 (filed October 2, 2002)

   4(b)           Officer’s Certificate, dated August 30, 2002, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 5% Debentures due 2007 and 7% Debentures due 2022.
4(i)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed September 9, 2008)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated September  8, 2008, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 5.95% Senior Secured Notes due 2013, 6.80% Senior Secured Notes due 2018 and 7.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2038.
4(j)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed November 6, 2008)

   4(c)           Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of November  5, 2008, by and among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, Oncor Electric Delivery Holdings Company LLC, Texas Transmission Investment LLC and Energy Future Holdings Corp.
4(k)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed November 6, 2008)

   4(d)           Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November  5, 2008, by and among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, Oncor Electric Delivery Holdings Company LLC, Energy Future Holdings Corp. and Texas Transmission Investment LLC.
4(l)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed May 15, 2008)

   4(a)           Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of May  15, 2008, by Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as Grantor, to and for the benefit of The Bank of New York, as Collateral Agent.
4(m)  

333-100240

2008 Form 10-K (filed March 3, 2009)

   4(n)           First Amendment to Deed of Trust, dated as of March  2, 2009, by and between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly The Bank of New York), as Collateral Agent.
4(n)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed September 3, 2010)

   10.1           Second Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of September  3, 2010, by and between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as Grantor, to and for the benefit of The Bank of New York Mellon, as Collateral Agent.
4(o)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed November 15, 2011)

   10.1           Third Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of November  10, 2011, by and between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as Grantor, to and for the benefit of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to the Bank of New York Mellon, formerly The Bank of New York), as Collateral Agent.
4(p)      

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed September 16, 2010)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated September 13, 2010, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2040.

 

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Table of Contents
4(q)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed November 23, 2011)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated November  23, 2011, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 4.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2041.
4(r)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed May 18, 2012)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated May  18, 2012, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 4.10% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 and Oncor’s 5.30% Senior Secured Notes due 2042.
4(s)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed March 30, 2015)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated March  24, 2015, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 2.950% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and Oncor’s 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2045.
4(t)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed September 27, 2017)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated September  21, 2017, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 3.80% Senior Secured Notes due 2047.
4(u)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed August 14, 2018)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated August  10, 2018, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 3.70% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 and 4.10% Senior Secured Notes due 2048.
4(v)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed December 4, 2018)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated November  30, 2018, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2029.
4(w)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed May 28, 2019)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated May  23, 2019, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 2.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 and 3.80% Senior Secured Notes due 2049.
4(x)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed September 13, 2019)

   4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated September  12, 2019, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 3.10% Senior Secured Notes due 2049.
4(y)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed March 20, 2020)    4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated as of March  20, 2020, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 2.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and 3.70% Senior Secured Notes due 2050.
4(z)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed September 28, 2020)    4.1           Officer’s Certificate, dated as of September  28, 2020, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025.
4(aa)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed September 28, 2020)    4.2           Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September  28, 2020, among Oncor and the representatives of the initial purchasers of Oncor’s 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025.
4(ab)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed September 28, 2020)    4.3           Officer’s Certificate, dated as of September  23, 2020, establishing the terms of Oncor’s 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052.
4(ac)      333-100240 Form 8-K (filed September 28, 2020)    4.4           Registration Rights Agreement, dated September  23, 2020, among Oncor and the dealer-managers of Oncor’s September 2020 exchange offer.
(5)   Opinion re Legality         
5(a)                Opinion of Baker & McKenzie LLP.

 

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Table of Contents
10   Material Contracts.
  Management Contracts; Compensatory Plans, Contracts and Arrangements
10(a)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed
October 7, 2013)

   10.1           Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement.
10(b)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed August 1, 2014)

   10(a)           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Amended and Restated Executive Severance Plan and Summary Plan Description.
10(c)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed
March 30, 2015)

   10.2           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement for performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2015.
10(d)  

333-100240

Form 10-K (filed February 19, 2010)

   10(r)           Oncor Split-Dollar Life Insurance Program.
10(e)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed
May 5, 2016)

   10(a)           Oncor Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended.
10(f)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed May 7, 2018)

   10(e)           Amendment No.1 to the Oncor Supplemental Retirement Plan, dated May 2, 2018.
10(g)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed February 19, 2019)    10(a)           Sixth Amended and Restated Executive Annual Incentive Plan, dated effective as of January 1, 2019.
10(h)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed February 19, 2019)    10(b)           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement for performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.
10(i)   333-100240 Form 10-K (filed February 26, 2019)    10(z)           Retention Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2018, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and Matt Henry.
10(j)   333-100240 Form 10-Q (filed August 2, 2019)    10(a)           Amendment No. 2 to the Oncor Supplemental Retirement Plan.
10(k)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed February 24, 2020)

   10(a)           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Seventh Amended and Restated Executive Annual Incentive Plan.
10(l)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed February 24, 2020)

   10(b)           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement for performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020.
10(m)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed December 15, 2020)

   10.1           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Executive Change in Control Policy.
10(n)     

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed December 15, 2020)

   10.2           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Amended and Restated Salary Deferral Program.

 

II-6


Table of Contents
10(o)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed December 15, 2020)

   10.3           Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan.
  Credit Agreements         
10(p)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed November 21, 2017)

   10.1           Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November  17, 2017, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders and as swingline lender, and the fronting banks for letters of credit from time to time party thereto.
10(q)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed May 13, 2019)

   10.1           Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of May  9, 2019, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower, and Barclays Bank PLC, as lender and administrative agent.
10(r)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed September 9, 2019)

   10.1           Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of September  6, 2019, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower, and the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and as a lender.
10(s)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed January 30, 2020)

   10.1           Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of January  28, 2020, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower, and the lenders party thereto and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as administrative agent and as a lender.
10(t)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed March 24, 2020)    10.1           Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of March  23, 2020, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower, the lenders listed therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and as a lender.
10(u)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed June 25, 2020)    10.1           First Amendment to Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of June  19, 2020, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower, the lenders listed therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and as a lender.
10(v)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed November 5, 2020)    10.1           First Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November  2, 2020, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders and as swingline lender, and the fronting banks from time to time party thereto for letters of credit issued thereunder.
10(w)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed February 4, 2021)    10.1           Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of January  29, 2021, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower and U.S. Bank National Association, as lender.
10(x)      333-100240 Form 8-K (filed March 22, 2021)    10.1           Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of March  17, 2021, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as borrower and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and as a lender.

 

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Table of Contents
  Other Material Contracts
10(y)  

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed November 6, 2008)

   10(b)           Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of November  5, 2008, by and among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, Oncor Electric Delivery Holdings Company LLC, Oncor Management Investment LLC, Texas Transmission Investment LLC and Energy Future Holdings Corp.
10(z)   333-100240 Form 8-K (filed March 9, 2018)    10.1           Interest Transfer Agreement, dated as of March  9, 2018, among Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, Oncor Management Investment LLC, and Sempra Energy.
10(aa)  

333-100240

Form 10-K (filed March 26, 2018)

   10.1           Form of Dealer Agreement between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, as Issuer, and the Dealer.
10(ab)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed May 7, 2019)

   10.1           Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May  3, 2019, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and the purchasers listed therein for Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s 6.47% Senior Notes, Series A, due September  30, 2030, 7.25% Senior Notes, Series B, due December 30, 2029, and 8.5% Senior Notes, Series C, due December 30, 2020.
10(ac)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed May 7, 2019)

   10.2           Note Purchase Agreement, dated May  6, 2019, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and the purchasers listed therein for Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s 3.86% Senior Notes, Series A, Due December  3, 2025 and 3.86% Senior Notes, Series B, Due January 14, 2026.
10(ad)    

333-100240

Form 10-Q (filed August 2, 2019)

   10(e)           Letter Agreement, dated June  26, 2019, amending certain provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019, between Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and the purchasers named therein.

 

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Table of Contents
21   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
21(a)  

333-100240

Form 10-K (filed February 25, 2021)

   21(a)           Subsidiaries of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC.
23   Consents of Expert and Counsel.
23(a)                Consent of Baker & McKenzie LLP (included as part of the opinion filed as Exhibit 5(a) hereto).
23(b)                Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.
24   Power of Attorney.
24(a)                Power of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).
25   Statements of Eligibility of Trustee.
25(a)                Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. with respect to the Indenture governing the 0.55% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and 5.35% Senior Secured Notes due 2052.
99   Additional Exhibits.
99(a)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed August 30, 2017)

   99.1           Letter Agreement, dated August  25, 2017, by and among Sempra Energy, Power Play Merger Sub I, Inc., Oncor Electric Delivery Holdings Company LLC and Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC.
99(b)  

333-100240

Form 8-K (filed December 15, 2017)

   99.1           Stipulation, dated as of December 12, 2017 regarding PUCT Docket 47675.
99(c)  

333-100240

Form 10-K (filed February 26, 2019)

   99(c)           PUCT Final Order in Docket No. 47675, dated as of March 8, 2018.
99(d)                Form of Letter of Transmittal.
99(e)                Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Bankers, Trust Companies and Other Nominees.
99(f)                Form of Letter to Clients.
99(g)                Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
101   Interactive Data File.
101.INS                XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH                XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL                XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF                XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB                XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE                XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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Table of Contents
Item 22.

Undertakings.

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(3) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

(4) that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, if the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use; and

(5) that, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;


Table of Contents

(iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised, that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Dallas, State of Texas, on April 16, 2021.

 

ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC
By:   /s/ E. Allen Nye, Jr.
Name:   E. Allen Nye, Jr.
Title:   Chief Executive

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Matthew C. Henry his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including pre-and post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and any additional registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 (and further amendments, including post-effective amendments thereto), and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ E. Allen Nye, Jr.    Chief Executive and Director   April 16, 2021
E. Allen Nye, Jr.
/s/ Don J. Clevenger    Principal Financial Officer   April 16, 2021
Don J. Clevenger
/s/ Richard C. Hays    Principal Accounting Officer   April 16, 2021
Richard C. Hays
/s/ Robert S. Shapard    Chairman of the Board   April 16, 2021
Robert S. Shapard
/s/ Thomas M. Dunning    Director   April 16, 2021
Thomas M. Dunning
/s/ Robert A. Estrada    Director   April 16, 2021
Robert A. Estrada
/s/ Printice L. Gary    Director   April 16, 2021
Printice L. Gary
/s/ William T. Hill, Jr.    Director   April 16, 2021
William T. Hill, Jr.
/s/ Timothy A. Mack    Director   April 16, 2021
Timothy A. Mack


Table of Contents
/s/ J. Walker Martin    Director   April 16, 2021
J. Walker Martin
/s/ Trevor I. Mihalik    Director   April 16, 2021
Trevor I. Mihalik
/s/ Helen M. Newell    Director   April 16, 2021
Helen M. Newell
/s/ Alice L. Rodriguez    Director   April 16, 2021
Alice L. Rodriguez
/s/ W. Kelvin Walker    Director   April 16, 2021
W. Kelvin Walker
/s/ Steven J. Zucchet    Director   April 16, 2021
Steven J. Zucchet