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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair Value Measurements
Authoritative guidance associated with fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value, giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs), then significant other observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) and the lowest priority to significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs). The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

For marketable securities, the carrying value of these amounts is a reasonable estimate of their fair value.
Fair values for long-term debt and project debt are determined using quoted market prices (Level 1).
The fair value of our floating to fixed rate interest rate swaps is determined using discounted cash flow valuation methodologies that apply the appropriate forward floating rate curve observable in the market to the contractual terms of our swap agreements. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is adjusted to reflect counterparty risk of non-performance, and is based on the counterparty’s credit spread in the credit derivatives market.
The fair values of our energy hedges were determined using the spread between our fixed price and the forward curve information available within the market.

The estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we would realize in a current market
exchange and are based on pertinent information available to us as of September 30, 2019. Such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

The following table presents information about the fair value measurement of our assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in millions):
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
 
Fair Value Measurement Level
 
September 30, 2019

December 31, 2018
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments — mutual and bond funds (1)
 
1
 
$
2

 
$
2

Total assets
 
 
 
$
2

 
$
2

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability — energy hedges (2)
 
2
 
$

 
$
13

Derivative liability — interest rate swaps (2)
 
2
 
3

 

Total liabilities
 
 
 
$
3

 
$
13

(1)
Included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
The short-term balance is included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the long-term balance is included in Other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following financial instruments are recorded at their carrying amount (in millions):
 
 
As of September 30, 2019
 
As of December 31, 2018
Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying Amount:
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt 
 
$
2,473

 
$
2,546

 
$
2,342

 
$
2,245

Project debt
 
$
134

 
$
140

 
$
152

 
$
154



We are required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The fair value of short-term financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivables, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates their carrying value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets due to their short-term nature.

In addition to the recurring fair value measurements, certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis when an indication of impairment is identified. Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and identifiable intangibles with finite useful lives, are periodically evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For the purpose of impairment testing, we review the recoverable amount of individual assets or groups of assets at the lowest level of which there are there are identifiable cash flows, which is generally at the facility level. Assets are reviewed using factors including, but not limited to, our future operating plans and projected cash flows. The determination of whether impairment has occurred is based on the assets fair value as compared to the carrying value. Fair value is generally determined using an income approach, which requires discounting the estimated future cash flows associated with the asset. If the asset carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset.