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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Notes)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2021
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 March 31, 2021. 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 financial instruments were recorded at their estimated fair value. The recurring fair value measurement of our assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:Fair Value Measurement LevelMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Assets:
Investments — mutual and bond funds (1)
1$$
Derivative asset — energy hedges (2)
2— 11 
Total assets$$13 
Liabilities:
Derivative liability — energy hedges (3)
2$$— 
Derivative liability — interest rate swaps (3)
210 
Total liabilities$10 $10 
(1)Included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(2)The short-term balance was included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and the long-term balance was included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
(3)The short-term balance was included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the long-term balance was included in Other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following financial instruments were recorded at their carrying amount (in millions):
 As of March 31, 2021As of December 31, 2020
Financial Instruments Recorded at Carrying Amount:Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Liabilities:
Long-term debt 
$2,438 $2,497 $2,414 $2,492 
Project debt$124 $129 $125 $130 

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 fair value of assets as compared to their 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.