XML 64 R8.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.       ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A.       ORGANIZATION

PROGRESS ENERGY

The Parent is a holding company headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Our reportable segments are PEC and PEF, both of which are primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. The Corporate and Other segment primarily includes amounts applicable to the activities of the Parent and Progress Energy Service Company, LLC (PESC) and other miscellaneous nonregulated businesses (Corporate and Other) that do not separately meet the quantitative disclosure requirements as a reportable business segment. See Note 20 for further information about our segments.

PEC

PEC is a regulated public utility primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in portions of North Carolina and South Carolina. PEC's subsidiaries are involved in insignificant nonregulated business activities. PEC is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), Public Service Commission of South Carolina (SCPSC), the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the FERC.

PEF

PEF is a regulated public utility primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in west-central Florida. PEF is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC), the NRC and the FERC.

B.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), including GAAP for regulated operations. The financial statements include the activities of the Parent and our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The Utilities are subsidiaries of Progress Energy, and, as such, their financial condition and results of operations and cash flows are also consolidated, along with our nonregulated subsidiaries, in our consolidated financial statements. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries along with the income or loss attributed to these interests are included in noncontrolling interests in both the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The results of operations for noncontrolling interests are reported on a net of tax basis if the underlying subsidiary is structured as a taxable entity.

Unconsolidated investments in companies over which we do not have control, but have the ability to exercise influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. These investments are primarily in limited liability corporations and limited liability partnerships, and the earnings from these investments are recorded on a pre-tax basis. Other investments are stated principally at cost. These equity and cost method investments are included in miscellaneous other property and investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 13 for more information about our investments.

Our presentation of operating, investing and financing cash flows combines the respective cash flows from our continuing and discontinued operations as permitted under GAAP.

These combined notes accompany and form an integral part of Progress Energy's and PEC's consolidated financial statements and PEF's financial statements.

Certain amounts for 2010 and 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation.

C.       CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

We consolidate all voting interest entities in which we own a majority voting interest and all variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE through a qualitative analysis that identifies which variable interest holder has the controlling financial interest in the VIE. The variable interest holder who has both of the following has the controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In performing our analysis, we consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the design and activities of the VIE, the terms of the contracts the VIE has entered into, the nature of the VIE's variable interests issued and how they were negotiated with or marketed to potential investors, and which parties participated significantly in the design or redesign of the entity.

PROGRESS ENERGY

Progress Energy, through its subsidiary PEC, is the primary beneficiary of, and consolidates an entity that qualifies for rehabilitation tax credits under Section 47 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our variable interests are debt and equity investments in the VIE. There were no changes to our assessment of the primary beneficiary for this VIE during 2009 through 2011. No financial or other support has been provided to the VIE during the periods presented.

The following table sets forth the carrying amount and classification of our investment in the VIE as reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:

        
 (in millions)2011 2010 
 Miscellaneous other property and investments$ 12 $ 12 
 Cash and cash equivalents  1   - 
 Prepayments and other current assets  -   1 
 Accounts payable  -   5 
        

The assets of the VIE are collateral for, and can only be used to settle, its obligations. The creditors of the VIE do not have recourse to our general credit or the general credit of PEC, and there are no other arrangements that could expose us to losses.

Progress Energy, through its subsidiary PEC, is the primary beneficiary of two VIEs that were established to lease buildings to PEC under capital lease agreements. Our maximum exposure to loss from these leases is a $7.5 million mandatory fixed price purchase option for one of the buildings. Total lease payments to these counterparties under the lease agreements were $2 million annually in 2011, 2010 and 2009. We have requested the necessary information to consolidate these entities; both entities from which the necessary financial information was requested declined to provide the information to us, and, accordingly, we have applied the information scope exception provided by GAAP to the entities. We believe the effect of consolidating the entities would have an insignificant impact on our common stock equity, net earnings or cash flows. However, because we have not received any financial information from the counterparties, the impact cannot be determined at this time.

PEC

See discussion of PEC's variable interests in VIEs within the Progress Energy section.

PEF

PEF has no significant variable interests in VIEs.

D.        SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

In preparing consolidated financial statements that conform to GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and amounts of revenues and expenses reflected during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. We recognize electric utility revenues as service is rendered to customers. Operating revenues include unbilled electric utility base revenues earned when service has been delivered but not billed by the end of the accounting period. The amount of unbilled revenues can vary significantly from period to period as a result of numerous factors, including seasonality, weather, customer usage patterns and customer mix. Customer prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenues as the services are provided.

Periodically, we are permitted to start charging customers for proposed rate increases prior to receiving final approval from our regulatory authorities. Such amounts charged are subject to refund upon issuance of the final rate order. In addition, we may be required to refund amounts to customers for previously recognized revenues, through approved orders or settlement agreements, which are not related to proposed rate increases. We recognize revenue subject to refund when it is earned, and separately establish a reserve for amounts that could be refunded when it is probable that revenue will be refunded to customers. See Note 8C for discussion of revenue to be refunded in connection with the 2012 settlement agreement.

FUEL COST DEFERRALS

Fuel expense includes fuel costs and other recoveries that were previously deferred through fuel clauses established by the Utilities' regulators. These clauses allow the Utilities to recover fuel costs, fuel-related costs and portions of purchased power costs through surcharges on customer rates. These deferred fuel costs are recognized in revenues and fuel expenses as they are billable to customers.

EXCISE TAXES

The Utilities collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by the state or local government upon the customers. The Utilities account for sales and use tax on a net basis and gross receipts tax, franchise taxes and other excise taxes on a gross basis.

The amount of gross receipts tax, franchise taxes and other excise taxes included in operating revenues and taxes other than on income in the statements of income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

         
(in millions) 2011  2010  2009
Progress Energy$ 315 $ 345 $ 333
PEC  110   119   108
PEF  205   226   225
         

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our subsidiaries provide and receive services, at cost, to and from the Parent and its subsidiaries, in accordance with FERC regulations. The costs of the services are billed on a direct-charge basis, whenever possible, and on allocation factors for general costs that cannot be directly attributed. In the subsidiaries' financial statements, billings from affiliates are capitalized or expensed depending on the nature of the services rendered.

UTILITY PLANT

Utility plant in service is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize all construction-related direct labor and material costs of units of property as well as indirect construction costs. The cost of renewals and betterments is also capitalized. Maintenance and repairs of property (including planned major maintenance activities), and replacements and renewals of items determined to be less than units of property, are charged to maintenance expense as incurred, with the exception of nuclear outages at PEF. Pursuant to a regulatory order, PEF accrues for nuclear outage costs in advance of scheduled outages, which generally occur every two years. Maintenance activities under long-term service agreements with third parties are capitalized or expensed as appropriate as if the Utilities had performed the activities. Generally, the cost of units of property replaced or retired, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. For generating facilities to be retired or abandoned significantly before the end of their useful lives, the net carrying value is reclassified from plant in service, net to other utility plant, net when it becomes probable they will be retired or abandoned. When such facilities are removed from service, the remaining net carrying value is then reclassified to regulatory assets in accordance with the expected ratemaking treatment. Removal or disposal costs that do not represent asset retirement obligations (AROs) are charged to a regulatory liability.

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated costs of capital funds necessary to finance the construction of new regulated assets. As prescribed in the regulatory uniform system of accounts, AFUDC is charged to the cost of the plant. Both the debt and equity components of AFUDC are noncash amounts within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The equity funds component of AFUDC is credited to other income, and the borrowed funds component is credited to interest charges.

Nuclear fuel is classified as a fixed asset and included in the utility plant section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Nuclear fuel in the front-end fuel processing phase is considered work in progress and not amortized until placed in service.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION – UTILITY PLANT

Substantially all depreciation of utility plant other than nuclear fuel is computed on the straight-line method based on the estimated remaining useful life of the property, adjusted for estimated salvage (See Note 5A). Pursuant to their rate-setting authority, the NCUC, SCPSC and FPSC can also grant approval to accelerate or reduce depreciation and amortization rates of utility assets (See Note 8).

Amortization of nuclear fuel costs is computed primarily on the units-of-production method and included within fuel used in electric generation in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

FEDERAL GRANT

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law in February 2009, contains provisions promoting energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy. On April 28, 2010, we accepted a grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) for $200 million in federal matching infrastructure funds in support of our smart grid initiatives. PEC and PEF each will receive up to $100 million over a three-year period as project work progresses. The DOE will provide reimbursement for 50 percent of allowable project costs, as incurred, up to the DOE's maximum obligation of $200 million. Projects funded by the grant must be completed by April 2013.

In accounting for the federal grant, we have elected to reduce the cost basis of select smart grid projects. As the select capital projects are placed into service, this will reduce depreciation expense over the life of the assets. Reimbursements by the DOE are deferred as a short-term or long-term liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their expected date of application to the select projects. Reimbursements related to capital projects are included in other investing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows when cash is received.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

AROs are legal obligations associated with the retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. The present values of retirement costs for which we have a legal obligation are recorded as liabilities with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost and depreciated over the useful life of the associated asset. The liability is then accreted over time by applying an interest method of allocation to the liability. Accretion expense is included in depreciation, amortization and accretion in the Consolidated Statements of Income. AROs have no impact on the income of the Utilities as the effects are offset by the establishment of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities in order to reflect the ratemaking treatment of the related costs.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

We consider cash and cash equivalents to include unrestricted cash on hand, cash in banks and temporary investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

RECEIVABLES, NET

We record accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the accounts receivable balances. The allowance for uncollectible accounts reflects our estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, and other receivables balances. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts, prior rate of recovery experience and relationships with and economic status of our customers.

INVENTORY

We account for inventory, including emission allowances, using the average cost method. We value inventory of the Utilities at historical cost consistent with ratemaking treatment. Materials and supplies are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed. Materials reserves are established for excess and obsolete inventory.

REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The Utilities' operations are subject to GAAP for regulated operations, which allows a regulated company to record costs that have been or are expected to be allowed in the ratemaking process in a period different from the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by a nonregulated enterprise. Accordingly, the Utilities record assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for nonregulated entities. These regulatory assets and liabilities represent expenses deferred for future recovery from customers or obligations to be refunded to customers and are primarily classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities (See Note 8A). Management continually assesses whether regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as applicable regulatory changes and recent rate orders applicable to other regulated entities. Additionally, management continually assesses whether any regulatory liabilities have been incurred. The regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the treatment of the related cost in the ratemaking process.

NUCLEAR COST DEFERRALS

PEF accounts for costs incurred in connection with the proposed nuclear expansion in Florida in accordance with FPSC regulations, which establish an alternative cost-recovery mechanism. PEF is allowed to accelerate the recovery of prudently incurred siting, preconstruction costs, AFUDC and incremental operation and maintenance expenses resulting from the siting, licensing, design and construction of a nuclear plant through PEF's capacity cost-recovery clause. Nuclear costs are deemed to be recovered up to the amount of the FPSC-approved projections, and the deferral of unrecovered nuclear costs accrues a carrying charge equal to PEF's approved AFUDC rate. Unrecovered nuclear costs eligible for accelerated recovery are deferred and recorded as regulatory assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized in the period the costs are collected from customers.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a two-step, fair value-based test. This assessment could result in periodic impairment charges. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31 each year and perform an interim test between annual tests if events or circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Intangible assets are amortized based on the economic benefit of their respective lives.

UNAMORTIZED DEBT PREMIUMS, DISCOUNTS AND EXPENSES

Long-term debt premiums, discounts and issuance expenses are amortized over the terms of the debt issues. Any expenses or call premiums associated with the reacquisition of debt obligations by the Utilities are amortized over the applicable lives using the straight-line method consistent with ratemaking treatment (See Note 8A).

INCOME TAXES

We and our affiliates file a consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated income tax of Progress Energy is allocated to PEC and PEF in accordance with the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (Tax Agreement). The Tax Agreement provides an allocation that recognizes positive and negative corporate taxable income. The Tax Agreement provides for an equitable method of apportioning the carryover of uncompensated tax benefits, which primarily relate to deferred synthetic fuels tax credits. Income taxes are provided for as if PEC and PEF filed separate returns.

Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary differences. These occur when the book and tax carrying amounts of assets and liabilities differ. Investment tax credits related to regulated operations have been deferred and are being amortized over the estimated service life of the related properties. Credits for the production and sale of synthetic fuels are deferred credits to the extent they cannot be or have not been utilized in the annual consolidated federal income tax returns, and are included in income tax expense (benefit) of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We accrue for uncertain tax positions when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the benefit will not be sustained on audit by the taxing authority, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, the tax benefit recognized is measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized. Interest expense on tax deficiencies and uncertain tax positions is included in net interest charges, and tax penalties are included in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

DERIVATIVES

GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value, unless the derivatives meet the GAAP criteria for normal purchases or normal sales and are designated as such. We generally designate derivative instruments as normal purchases or normal sales whenever the criteria are met. If normal purchase or normal sale criteria are not met, we will generally designate the derivative instruments as cash flow or fair value hedges if the related hedge criteria are met. We have elected not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and related collateral assets and liabilities with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement. Certain economic derivative instruments (primarily fuel-related) receive regulatory accounting treatment, under which unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, until the contracts are settled. Cash flows from derivative instruments are generally included in cash provided by operating activities on the Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 18 for additional information regarding risk management activities and derivative transactions.

LOSS CONTINGENCIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

We accrue for loss contingencies, such as unfavorable results of litigation, when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of the probable loss exists and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, we record a loss contingency at the minimum amount in the range. With the exception of legal fees that are incremental direct costs of an environmental remediation effort, we do not accrue an estimate of legal fees when a contingent loss is initially recorded, but rather when the legal services are actually provided.

As discussed in Note 21, we accrue environmental remediation liabilities when the criteria for loss contingencies have been met. We record accruals for probable and estimable costs, including legal fees, related to environmental sites on an undiscounted basis. Environmental expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefits are expensed. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as additional information develops or circumstances change. Certain environmental expenses receive regulatory accounting treatment, under which the expenses are recorded as regulatory assets. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized when their receipt is deemed probable or on actual receipt of recovery. Environmental expenditures that have future economic benefits are capitalized in accordance with our asset capitalization policy.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND INVESTMENTS

We review the recoverability of long-lived tangible and intangible assets whenever impairment indicators exist. Examples of these indicators include current period losses, combined with a history of losses or a projection of continuing losses, or a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset group. If an impairment indicator exists for assets to be held and used, then the asset group is tested for recoverability by comparing the carrying value to the sum of undiscounted expected future cash flows directly attributable to the asset group. If the asset group is not recoverable through undiscounted cash flows or the asset group is to be disposed of, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset group.

We review our equity investments to evaluate whether or not a decline in fair value below the carrying value is an other-than-temporary decline. We consider various factors, such as the investee's cash position, earnings and revenue outlook, liquidity and management's ability to raise capital in determining whether the decline is other-than-temporary. If we determine that an other-than-temporary decline in value exists, the investments are written down to fair value with a new cost basis established.

PEC
 
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.       ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A.       ORGANIZATION

PROGRESS ENERGY

The Parent is a holding company headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Our reportable segments are PEC and PEF, both of which are primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. The Corporate and Other segment primarily includes amounts applicable to the activities of the Parent and Progress Energy Service Company, LLC (PESC) and other miscellaneous nonregulated businesses (Corporate and Other) that do not separately meet the quantitative disclosure requirements as a reportable business segment. See Note 20 for further information about our segments.

PEC

PEC is a regulated public utility primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in portions of North Carolina and South Carolina. PEC's subsidiaries are involved in insignificant nonregulated business activities. PEC is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), Public Service Commission of South Carolina (SCPSC), the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the FERC.

PEF

PEF is a regulated public utility primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in west-central Florida. PEF is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC), the NRC and the FERC.

B.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), including GAAP for regulated operations. The financial statements include the activities of the Parent and our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The Utilities are subsidiaries of Progress Energy, and, as such, their financial condition and results of operations and cash flows are also consolidated, along with our nonregulated subsidiaries, in our consolidated financial statements. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries along with the income or loss attributed to these interests are included in noncontrolling interests in both the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The results of operations for noncontrolling interests are reported on a net of tax basis if the underlying subsidiary is structured as a taxable entity.

Unconsolidated investments in companies over which we do not have control, but have the ability to exercise influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. These investments are primarily in limited liability corporations and limited liability partnerships, and the earnings from these investments are recorded on a pre-tax basis. Other investments are stated principally at cost. These equity and cost method investments are included in miscellaneous other property and investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 13 for more information about our investments.

Our presentation of operating, investing and financing cash flows combines the respective cash flows from our continuing and discontinued operations as permitted under GAAP.

These combined notes accompany and form an integral part of Progress Energy's and PEC's consolidated financial statements and PEF's financial statements.

Certain amounts for 2010 and 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation.

C.       CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

We consolidate all voting interest entities in which we own a majority voting interest and all variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE through a qualitative analysis that identifies which variable interest holder has the controlling financial interest in the VIE. The variable interest holder who has both of the following has the controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In performing our analysis, we consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the design and activities of the VIE, the terms of the contracts the VIE has entered into, the nature of the VIE's variable interests issued and how they were negotiated with or marketed to potential investors, and which parties participated significantly in the design or redesign of the entity.

PROGRESS ENERGY

Progress Energy, through its subsidiary PEC, is the primary beneficiary of, and consolidates an entity that qualifies for rehabilitation tax credits under Section 47 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our variable interests are debt and equity investments in the VIE. There were no changes to our assessment of the primary beneficiary for this VIE during 2009 through 2011. No financial or other support has been provided to the VIE during the periods presented.

The following table sets forth the carrying amount and classification of our investment in the VIE as reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:

        
 (in millions)2011 2010 
 Miscellaneous other property and investments$ 12 $ 12 
 Cash and cash equivalents  1   - 
 Prepayments and other current assets  -   1 
 Accounts payable  -   5 
        

The assets of the VIE are collateral for, and can only be used to settle, its obligations. The creditors of the VIE do not have recourse to our general credit or the general credit of PEC, and there are no other arrangements that could expose us to losses.

Progress Energy, through its subsidiary PEC, is the primary beneficiary of two VIEs that were established to lease buildings to PEC under capital lease agreements. Our maximum exposure to loss from these leases is a $7.5 million mandatory fixed price purchase option for one of the buildings. Total lease payments to these counterparties under the lease agreements were $2 million annually in 2011, 2010 and 2009. We have requested the necessary information to consolidate these entities; both entities from which the necessary financial information was requested declined to provide the information to us, and, accordingly, we have applied the information scope exception provided by GAAP to the entities. We believe the effect of consolidating the entities would have an insignificant impact on our common stock equity, net earnings or cash flows. However, because we have not received any financial information from the counterparties, the impact cannot be determined at this time.

PEC

See discussion of PEC's variable interests in VIEs within the Progress Energy section.

PEF

PEF has no significant variable interests in VIEs.

D.        SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

In preparing consolidated financial statements that conform to GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and amounts of revenues and expenses reflected during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. We recognize electric utility revenues as service is rendered to customers. Operating revenues include unbilled electric utility base revenues earned when service has been delivered but not billed by the end of the accounting period. The amount of unbilled revenues can vary significantly from period to period as a result of numerous factors, including seasonality, weather, customer usage patterns and customer mix. Customer prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenues as the services are provided.

Periodically, we are permitted to start charging customers for proposed rate increases prior to receiving final approval from our regulatory authorities. Such amounts charged are subject to refund upon issuance of the final rate order. In addition, we may be required to refund amounts to customers for previously recognized revenues, through approved orders or settlement agreements, which are not related to proposed rate increases. We recognize revenue subject to refund when it is earned, and separately establish a reserve for amounts that could be refunded when it is probable that revenue will be refunded to customers. See Note 8C for discussion of revenue to be refunded in connection with the 2012 settlement agreement.

FUEL COST DEFERRALS

Fuel expense includes fuel costs and other recoveries that were previously deferred through fuel clauses established by the Utilities' regulators. These clauses allow the Utilities to recover fuel costs, fuel-related costs and portions of purchased power costs through surcharges on customer rates. These deferred fuel costs are recognized in revenues and fuel expenses as they are billable to customers.

EXCISE TAXES

The Utilities collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by the state or local government upon the customers. The Utilities account for sales and use tax on a net basis and gross receipts tax, franchise taxes and other excise taxes on a gross basis.

The amount of gross receipts tax, franchise taxes and other excise taxes included in operating revenues and taxes other than on income in the statements of income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

         
(in millions) 2011  2010  2009
Progress Energy$ 315 $ 345 $ 333
PEC  110   119   108
PEF  205   226   225
         

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our subsidiaries provide and receive services, at cost, to and from the Parent and its subsidiaries, in accordance with FERC regulations. The costs of the services are billed on a direct-charge basis, whenever possible, and on allocation factors for general costs that cannot be directly attributed. In the subsidiaries' financial statements, billings from affiliates are capitalized or expensed depending on the nature of the services rendered.

UTILITY PLANT

Utility plant in service is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize all construction-related direct labor and material costs of units of property as well as indirect construction costs. The cost of renewals and betterments is also capitalized. Maintenance and repairs of property (including planned major maintenance activities), and replacements and renewals of items determined to be less than units of property, are charged to maintenance expense as incurred, with the exception of nuclear outages at PEF. Pursuant to a regulatory order, PEF accrues for nuclear outage costs in advance of scheduled outages, which generally occur every two years. Maintenance activities under long-term service agreements with third parties are capitalized or expensed as appropriate as if the Utilities had performed the activities. Generally, the cost of units of property replaced or retired, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. For generating facilities to be retired or abandoned significantly before the end of their useful lives, the net carrying value is reclassified from plant in service, net to other utility plant, net when it becomes probable they will be retired or abandoned. When such facilities are removed from service, the remaining net carrying value is then reclassified to regulatory assets in accordance with the expected ratemaking treatment. Removal or disposal costs that do not represent asset retirement obligations (AROs) are charged to a regulatory liability.

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated costs of capital funds necessary to finance the construction of new regulated assets. As prescribed in the regulatory uniform system of accounts, AFUDC is charged to the cost of the plant. Both the debt and equity components of AFUDC are noncash amounts within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The equity funds component of AFUDC is credited to other income, and the borrowed funds component is credited to interest charges.

Nuclear fuel is classified as a fixed asset and included in the utility plant section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Nuclear fuel in the front-end fuel processing phase is considered work in progress and not amortized until placed in service.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION – UTILITY PLANT

Substantially all depreciation of utility plant other than nuclear fuel is computed on the straight-line method based on the estimated remaining useful life of the property, adjusted for estimated salvage (See Note 5A). Pursuant to their rate-setting authority, the NCUC, SCPSC and FPSC can also grant approval to accelerate or reduce depreciation and amortization rates of utility assets (See Note 8).

Amortization of nuclear fuel costs is computed primarily on the units-of-production method and included within fuel used in electric generation in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

FEDERAL GRANT

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law in February 2009, contains provisions promoting energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy. On April 28, 2010, we accepted a grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) for $200 million in federal matching infrastructure funds in support of our smart grid initiatives. PEC and PEF each will receive up to $100 million over a three-year period as project work progresses. The DOE will provide reimbursement for 50 percent of allowable project costs, as incurred, up to the DOE's maximum obligation of $200 million. Projects funded by the grant must be completed by April 2013.

In accounting for the federal grant, we have elected to reduce the cost basis of select smart grid projects. As the select capital projects are placed into service, this will reduce depreciation expense over the life of the assets. Reimbursements by the DOE are deferred as a short-term or long-term liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their expected date of application to the select projects. Reimbursements related to capital projects are included in other investing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows when cash is received.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

AROs are legal obligations associated with the retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. The present values of retirement costs for which we have a legal obligation are recorded as liabilities with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost and depreciated over the useful life of the associated asset. The liability is then accreted over time by applying an interest method of allocation to the liability. Accretion expense is included in depreciation, amortization and accretion in the Consolidated Statements of Income. AROs have no impact on the income of the Utilities as the effects are offset by the establishment of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities in order to reflect the ratemaking treatment of the related costs.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

We consider cash and cash equivalents to include unrestricted cash on hand, cash in banks and temporary investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

RECEIVABLES, NET

We record accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the accounts receivable balances. The allowance for uncollectible accounts reflects our estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, and other receivables balances. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts, prior rate of recovery experience and relationships with and economic status of our customers.

INVENTORY

We account for inventory, including emission allowances, using the average cost method. We value inventory of the Utilities at historical cost consistent with ratemaking treatment. Materials and supplies are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed. Materials reserves are established for excess and obsolete inventory.

REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The Utilities' operations are subject to GAAP for regulated operations, which allows a regulated company to record costs that have been or are expected to be allowed in the ratemaking process in a period different from the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by a nonregulated enterprise. Accordingly, the Utilities record assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for nonregulated entities. These regulatory assets and liabilities represent expenses deferred for future recovery from customers or obligations to be refunded to customers and are primarily classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities (See Note 8A). Management continually assesses whether regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as applicable regulatory changes and recent rate orders applicable to other regulated entities. Additionally, management continually assesses whether any regulatory liabilities have been incurred. The regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the treatment of the related cost in the ratemaking process.

NUCLEAR COST DEFERRALS

PEF accounts for costs incurred in connection with the proposed nuclear expansion in Florida in accordance with FPSC regulations, which establish an alternative cost-recovery mechanism. PEF is allowed to accelerate the recovery of prudently incurred siting, preconstruction costs, AFUDC and incremental operation and maintenance expenses resulting from the siting, licensing, design and construction of a nuclear plant through PEF's capacity cost-recovery clause. Nuclear costs are deemed to be recovered up to the amount of the FPSC-approved projections, and the deferral of unrecovered nuclear costs accrues a carrying charge equal to PEF's approved AFUDC rate. Unrecovered nuclear costs eligible for accelerated recovery are deferred and recorded as regulatory assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized in the period the costs are collected from customers.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a two-step, fair value-based test. This assessment could result in periodic impairment charges. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31 each year and perform an interim test between annual tests if events or circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Intangible assets are amortized based on the economic benefit of their respective lives.

UNAMORTIZED DEBT PREMIUMS, DISCOUNTS AND EXPENSES

Long-term debt premiums, discounts and issuance expenses are amortized over the terms of the debt issues. Any expenses or call premiums associated with the reacquisition of debt obligations by the Utilities are amortized over the applicable lives using the straight-line method consistent with ratemaking treatment (See Note 8A).

INCOME TAXES

We and our affiliates file a consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated income tax of Progress Energy is allocated to PEC and PEF in accordance with the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (Tax Agreement). The Tax Agreement provides an allocation that recognizes positive and negative corporate taxable income. The Tax Agreement provides for an equitable method of apportioning the carryover of uncompensated tax benefits, which primarily relate to deferred synthetic fuels tax credits. Income taxes are provided for as if PEC and PEF filed separate returns.

Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary differences. These occur when the book and tax carrying amounts of assets and liabilities differ. Investment tax credits related to regulated operations have been deferred and are being amortized over the estimated service life of the related properties. Credits for the production and sale of synthetic fuels are deferred credits to the extent they cannot be or have not been utilized in the annual consolidated federal income tax returns, and are included in income tax expense (benefit) of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We accrue for uncertain tax positions when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the benefit will not be sustained on audit by the taxing authority, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, the tax benefit recognized is measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized. Interest expense on tax deficiencies and uncertain tax positions is included in net interest charges, and tax penalties are included in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

DERIVATIVES

GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value, unless the derivatives meet the GAAP criteria for normal purchases or normal sales and are designated as such. We generally designate derivative instruments as normal purchases or normal sales whenever the criteria are met. If normal purchase or normal sale criteria are not met, we will generally designate the derivative instruments as cash flow or fair value hedges if the related hedge criteria are met. We have elected not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and related collateral assets and liabilities with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement. Certain economic derivative instruments (primarily fuel-related) receive regulatory accounting treatment, under which unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, until the contracts are settled. Cash flows from derivative instruments are generally included in cash provided by operating activities on the Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 18 for additional information regarding risk management activities and derivative transactions.

LOSS CONTINGENCIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

We accrue for loss contingencies, such as unfavorable results of litigation, when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of the probable loss exists and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, we record a loss contingency at the minimum amount in the range. With the exception of legal fees that are incremental direct costs of an environmental remediation effort, we do not accrue an estimate of legal fees when a contingent loss is initially recorded, but rather when the legal services are actually provided.

As discussed in Note 21, we accrue environmental remediation liabilities when the criteria for loss contingencies have been met. We record accruals for probable and estimable costs, including legal fees, related to environmental sites on an undiscounted basis. Environmental expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefits are expensed. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as additional information develops or circumstances change. Certain environmental expenses receive regulatory accounting treatment, under which the expenses are recorded as regulatory assets. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized when their receipt is deemed probable or on actual receipt of recovery. Environmental expenditures that have future economic benefits are capitalized in accordance with our asset capitalization policy.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND INVESTMENTS

We review the recoverability of long-lived tangible and intangible assets whenever impairment indicators exist. Examples of these indicators include current period losses, combined with a history of losses or a projection of continuing losses, or a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset group. If an impairment indicator exists for assets to be held and used, then the asset group is tested for recoverability by comparing the carrying value to the sum of undiscounted expected future cash flows directly attributable to the asset group. If the asset group is not recoverable through undiscounted cash flows or the asset group is to be disposed of, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset group.

We review our equity investments to evaluate whether or not a decline in fair value below the carrying value is an other-than-temporary decline. We consider various factors, such as the investee's cash position, earnings and revenue outlook, liquidity and management's ability to raise capital in determining whether the decline is other-than-temporary. If we determine that an other-than-temporary decline in value exists, the investments are written down to fair value with a new cost basis established.

PEF
 
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.       ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A.       ORGANIZATION

PROGRESS ENERGY

The Parent is a holding company headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Our reportable segments are PEC and PEF, both of which are primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. The Corporate and Other segment primarily includes amounts applicable to the activities of the Parent and Progress Energy Service Company, LLC (PESC) and other miscellaneous nonregulated businesses (Corporate and Other) that do not separately meet the quantitative disclosure requirements as a reportable business segment. See Note 20 for further information about our segments.

PEC

PEC is a regulated public utility primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in portions of North Carolina and South Carolina. PEC's subsidiaries are involved in insignificant nonregulated business activities. PEC is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), Public Service Commission of South Carolina (SCPSC), the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the FERC.

PEF

PEF is a regulated public utility primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity in west-central Florida. PEF is subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC), the NRC and the FERC.

B.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), including GAAP for regulated operations. The financial statements include the activities of the Parent and our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. The Utilities are subsidiaries of Progress Energy, and, as such, their financial condition and results of operations and cash flows are also consolidated, along with our nonregulated subsidiaries, in our consolidated financial statements. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries along with the income or loss attributed to these interests are included in noncontrolling interests in both the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The results of operations for noncontrolling interests are reported on a net of tax basis if the underlying subsidiary is structured as a taxable entity.

Unconsolidated investments in companies over which we do not have control, but have the ability to exercise influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. These investments are primarily in limited liability corporations and limited liability partnerships, and the earnings from these investments are recorded on a pre-tax basis. Other investments are stated principally at cost. These equity and cost method investments are included in miscellaneous other property and investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 13 for more information about our investments.

Our presentation of operating, investing and financing cash flows combines the respective cash flows from our continuing and discontinued operations as permitted under GAAP.

These combined notes accompany and form an integral part of Progress Energy's and PEC's consolidated financial statements and PEF's financial statements.

Certain amounts for 2010 and 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation.

C.       CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

We consolidate all voting interest entities in which we own a majority voting interest and all variable interest entities (VIEs) for which we are the primary beneficiary. We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE through a qualitative analysis that identifies which variable interest holder has the controlling financial interest in the VIE. The variable interest holder who has both of the following has the controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. In performing our analysis, we consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the design and activities of the VIE, the terms of the contracts the VIE has entered into, the nature of the VIE's variable interests issued and how they were negotiated with or marketed to potential investors, and which parties participated significantly in the design or redesign of the entity.

PROGRESS ENERGY

Progress Energy, through its subsidiary PEC, is the primary beneficiary of, and consolidates an entity that qualifies for rehabilitation tax credits under Section 47 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our variable interests are debt and equity investments in the VIE. There were no changes to our assessment of the primary beneficiary for this VIE during 2009 through 2011. No financial or other support has been provided to the VIE during the periods presented.

The following table sets forth the carrying amount and classification of our investment in the VIE as reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:

        
 (in millions)2011 2010 
 Miscellaneous other property and investments$ 12 $ 12 
 Cash and cash equivalents  1   - 
 Prepayments and other current assets  -   1 
 Accounts payable  -   5 
        

The assets of the VIE are collateral for, and can only be used to settle, its obligations. The creditors of the VIE do not have recourse to our general credit or the general credit of PEC, and there are no other arrangements that could expose us to losses.

Progress Energy, through its subsidiary PEC, is the primary beneficiary of two VIEs that were established to lease buildings to PEC under capital lease agreements. Our maximum exposure to loss from these leases is a $7.5 million mandatory fixed price purchase option for one of the buildings. Total lease payments to these counterparties under the lease agreements were $2 million annually in 2011, 2010 and 2009. We have requested the necessary information to consolidate these entities; both entities from which the necessary financial information was requested declined to provide the information to us, and, accordingly, we have applied the information scope exception provided by GAAP to the entities. We believe the effect of consolidating the entities would have an insignificant impact on our common stock equity, net earnings or cash flows. However, because we have not received any financial information from the counterparties, the impact cannot be determined at this time.

PEC

See discussion of PEC's variable interests in VIEs within the Progress Energy section.

PEF

PEF has no significant variable interests in VIEs.

D.        SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

In preparing consolidated financial statements that conform to GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and amounts of revenues and expenses reflected during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured. We recognize electric utility revenues as service is rendered to customers. Operating revenues include unbilled electric utility base revenues earned when service has been delivered but not billed by the end of the accounting period. The amount of unbilled revenues can vary significantly from period to period as a result of numerous factors, including seasonality, weather, customer usage patterns and customer mix. Customer prepayments are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenues as the services are provided.

Periodically, we are permitted to start charging customers for proposed rate increases prior to receiving final approval from our regulatory authorities. Such amounts charged are subject to refund upon issuance of the final rate order. In addition, we may be required to refund amounts to customers for previously recognized revenues, through approved orders or settlement agreements, which are not related to proposed rate increases. We recognize revenue subject to refund when it is earned, and separately establish a reserve for amounts that could be refunded when it is probable that revenue will be refunded to customers. See Note 8C for discussion of revenue to be refunded in connection with the 2012 settlement agreement.

FUEL COST DEFERRALS

Fuel expense includes fuel costs and other recoveries that were previously deferred through fuel clauses established by the Utilities' regulators. These clauses allow the Utilities to recover fuel costs, fuel-related costs and portions of purchased power costs through surcharges on customer rates. These deferred fuel costs are recognized in revenues and fuel expenses as they are billable to customers.

EXCISE TAXES

The Utilities collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by the state or local government upon the customers. The Utilities account for sales and use tax on a net basis and gross receipts tax, franchise taxes and other excise taxes on a gross basis.

The amount of gross receipts tax, franchise taxes and other excise taxes included in operating revenues and taxes other than on income in the statements of income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

         
(in millions) 2011  2010  2009
Progress Energy$ 315 $ 345 $ 333
PEC  110   119   108
PEF  205   226   225
         

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our subsidiaries provide and receive services, at cost, to and from the Parent and its subsidiaries, in accordance with FERC regulations. The costs of the services are billed on a direct-charge basis, whenever possible, and on allocation factors for general costs that cannot be directly attributed. In the subsidiaries' financial statements, billings from affiliates are capitalized or expensed depending on the nature of the services rendered.

UTILITY PLANT

Utility plant in service is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize all construction-related direct labor and material costs of units of property as well as indirect construction costs. The cost of renewals and betterments is also capitalized. Maintenance and repairs of property (including planned major maintenance activities), and replacements and renewals of items determined to be less than units of property, are charged to maintenance expense as incurred, with the exception of nuclear outages at PEF. Pursuant to a regulatory order, PEF accrues for nuclear outage costs in advance of scheduled outages, which generally occur every two years. Maintenance activities under long-term service agreements with third parties are capitalized or expensed as appropriate as if the Utilities had performed the activities. Generally, the cost of units of property replaced or retired, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. For generating facilities to be retired or abandoned significantly before the end of their useful lives, the net carrying value is reclassified from plant in service, net to other utility plant, net when it becomes probable they will be retired or abandoned. When such facilities are removed from service, the remaining net carrying value is then reclassified to regulatory assets in accordance with the expected ratemaking treatment. Removal or disposal costs that do not represent asset retirement obligations (AROs) are charged to a regulatory liability.

Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the estimated costs of capital funds necessary to finance the construction of new regulated assets. As prescribed in the regulatory uniform system of accounts, AFUDC is charged to the cost of the plant. Both the debt and equity components of AFUDC are noncash amounts within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The equity funds component of AFUDC is credited to other income, and the borrowed funds component is credited to interest charges.

Nuclear fuel is classified as a fixed asset and included in the utility plant section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Nuclear fuel in the front-end fuel processing phase is considered work in progress and not amortized until placed in service.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION – UTILITY PLANT

Substantially all depreciation of utility plant other than nuclear fuel is computed on the straight-line method based on the estimated remaining useful life of the property, adjusted for estimated salvage (See Note 5A). Pursuant to their rate-setting authority, the NCUC, SCPSC and FPSC can also grant approval to accelerate or reduce depreciation and amortization rates of utility assets (See Note 8).

Amortization of nuclear fuel costs is computed primarily on the units-of-production method and included within fuel used in electric generation in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

FEDERAL GRANT

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law in February 2009, contains provisions promoting energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy. On April 28, 2010, we accepted a grant from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) for $200 million in federal matching infrastructure funds in support of our smart grid initiatives. PEC and PEF each will receive up to $100 million over a three-year period as project work progresses. The DOE will provide reimbursement for 50 percent of allowable project costs, as incurred, up to the DOE's maximum obligation of $200 million. Projects funded by the grant must be completed by April 2013.

In accounting for the federal grant, we have elected to reduce the cost basis of select smart grid projects. As the select capital projects are placed into service, this will reduce depreciation expense over the life of the assets. Reimbursements by the DOE are deferred as a short-term or long-term liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their expected date of application to the select projects. Reimbursements related to capital projects are included in other investing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows when cash is received.

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

AROs are legal obligations associated with the retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. The present values of retirement costs for which we have a legal obligation are recorded as liabilities with an equivalent amount added to the asset cost and depreciated over the useful life of the associated asset. The liability is then accreted over time by applying an interest method of allocation to the liability. Accretion expense is included in depreciation, amortization and accretion in the Consolidated Statements of Income. AROs have no impact on the income of the Utilities as the effects are offset by the establishment of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities in order to reflect the ratemaking treatment of the related costs.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

We consider cash and cash equivalents to include unrestricted cash on hand, cash in banks and temporary investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

RECEIVABLES, NET

We record accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the accounts receivable balances. The allowance for uncollectible accounts reflects our estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, and other receivables balances. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts, prior rate of recovery experience and relationships with and economic status of our customers.

INVENTORY

We account for inventory, including emission allowances, using the average cost method. We value inventory of the Utilities at historical cost consistent with ratemaking treatment. Materials and supplies are charged to inventory when purchased and then expensed or capitalized to plant, as appropriate, when installed. Materials reserves are established for excess and obsolete inventory.

REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The Utilities' operations are subject to GAAP for regulated operations, which allows a regulated company to record costs that have been or are expected to be allowed in the ratemaking process in a period different from the period in which the costs would be charged to expense by a nonregulated enterprise. Accordingly, the Utilities record assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for nonregulated entities. These regulatory assets and liabilities represent expenses deferred for future recovery from customers or obligations to be refunded to customers and are primarily classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities (See Note 8A). Management continually assesses whether regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as applicable regulatory changes and recent rate orders applicable to other regulated entities. Additionally, management continually assesses whether any regulatory liabilities have been incurred. The regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the treatment of the related cost in the ratemaking process.

NUCLEAR COST DEFERRALS

PEF accounts for costs incurred in connection with the proposed nuclear expansion in Florida in accordance with FPSC regulations, which establish an alternative cost-recovery mechanism. PEF is allowed to accelerate the recovery of prudently incurred siting, preconstruction costs, AFUDC and incremental operation and maintenance expenses resulting from the siting, licensing, design and construction of a nuclear plant through PEF's capacity cost-recovery clause. Nuclear costs are deemed to be recovered up to the amount of the FPSC-approved projections, and the deferral of unrecovered nuclear costs accrues a carrying charge equal to PEF's approved AFUDC rate. Unrecovered nuclear costs eligible for accelerated recovery are deferred and recorded as regulatory assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized in the period the costs are collected from customers.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a two-step, fair value-based test. This assessment could result in periodic impairment charges. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31 each year and perform an interim test between annual tests if events or circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Intangible assets are amortized based on the economic benefit of their respective lives.

UNAMORTIZED DEBT PREMIUMS, DISCOUNTS AND EXPENSES

Long-term debt premiums, discounts and issuance expenses are amortized over the terms of the debt issues. Any expenses or call premiums associated with the reacquisition of debt obligations by the Utilities are amortized over the applicable lives using the straight-line method consistent with ratemaking treatment (See Note 8A).

INCOME TAXES

We and our affiliates file a consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated income tax of Progress Energy is allocated to PEC and PEF in accordance with the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement (Tax Agreement). The Tax Agreement provides an allocation that recognizes positive and negative corporate taxable income. The Tax Agreement provides for an equitable method of apportioning the carryover of uncompensated tax benefits, which primarily relate to deferred synthetic fuels tax credits. Income taxes are provided for as if PEC and PEF filed separate returns.

Deferred income taxes have been provided for temporary differences. These occur when the book and tax carrying amounts of assets and liabilities differ. Investment tax credits related to regulated operations have been deferred and are being amortized over the estimated service life of the related properties. Credits for the production and sale of synthetic fuels are deferred credits to the extent they cannot be or have not been utilized in the annual consolidated federal income tax returns, and are included in income tax expense (benefit) of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We accrue for uncertain tax positions when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the benefit will not be sustained on audit by the taxing authority, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based solely on the technical merits of the associated tax position. If the recognition threshold is met, the tax benefit recognized is measured at the largest amount of the tax benefit that, in our judgment, is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized. Interest expense on tax deficiencies and uncertain tax positions is included in net interest charges, and tax penalties are included in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

DERIVATIVES

GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value, unless the derivatives meet the GAAP criteria for normal purchases or normal sales and are designated as such. We generally designate derivative instruments as normal purchases or normal sales whenever the criteria are met. If normal purchase or normal sale criteria are not met, we will generally designate the derivative instruments as cash flow or fair value hedges if the related hedge criteria are met. We have elected not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and related collateral assets and liabilities with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement. Certain economic derivative instruments (primarily fuel-related) receive regulatory accounting treatment, under which unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, until the contracts are settled. Cash flows from derivative instruments are generally included in cash provided by operating activities on the Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 18 for additional information regarding risk management activities and derivative transactions.

LOSS CONTINGENCIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES

We accrue for loss contingencies, such as unfavorable results of litigation, when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of the probable loss exists and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, we record a loss contingency at the minimum amount in the range. With the exception of legal fees that are incremental direct costs of an environmental remediation effort, we do not accrue an estimate of legal fees when a contingent loss is initially recorded, but rather when the legal services are actually provided.

As discussed in Note 21, we accrue environmental remediation liabilities when the criteria for loss contingencies have been met. We record accruals for probable and estimable costs, including legal fees, related to environmental sites on an undiscounted basis. Environmental expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that have no future economic benefits are expensed. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study. Such accruals are adjusted as additional information develops or circumstances change. Certain environmental expenses receive regulatory accounting treatment, under which the expenses are recorded as regulatory assets. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recognized when their receipt is deemed probable or on actual receipt of recovery. Environmental expenditures that have future economic benefits are capitalized in accordance with our asset capitalization policy.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND INVESTMENTS

We review the recoverability of long-lived tangible and intangible assets whenever impairment indicators exist. Examples of these indicators include current period losses, combined with a history of losses or a projection of continuing losses, or a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset group. If an impairment indicator exists for assets to be held and used, then the asset group is tested for recoverability by comparing the carrying value to the sum of undiscounted expected future cash flows directly attributable to the asset group. If the asset group is not recoverable through undiscounted cash flows or the asset group is to be disposed of, then an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset group.

We review our equity investments to evaluate whether or not a decline in fair value below the carrying value is an other-than-temporary decline. We consider various factors, such as the investee's cash position, earnings and revenue outlook, liquidity and management's ability to raise capital in determining whether the decline is other-than-temporary. If we determine that an other-than-temporary decline in value exists, the investments are written down to fair value with a new cost basis established.