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Variable Interest Entities
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities
Con Edison enters into arrangements including leases, partnerships and electricity purchase agreements, with various entities. As a result of these arrangements, Con Edison retains or may retain a variable interest in these entities.
CECONY has an ongoing long-term electricity purchase agreement with Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogeneration Partners, LP, a potential variable interest entity (VIE). In April 2017, CECONY's long-term electricity purchase agreement with Cogen Technologies Linden Venture, LP, another potential VIE, expired. In 2016, requests were made of these counterparties for information necessary to determine whether the entity was a VIE and whether CECONY is the primary beneficiary; however, the information was not made available. The payments for these contracts constitute CECONY’s maximum exposure to loss with respect to the potential VIEs.

The following table summarizes the VIEs in which Con Edison Development has entered into as of September 30, 2017:
 
Project Name (a)
Generating
Capacity (b)
(MW AC)
Power Purchase Agreement Term (in Years)
Year of
Initial
Investment
Location
Maximum
Exposure to Loss
(Millions of Dollars) (c)
Copper Mountain Solar 3
128
20
2014
Nevada
$175
Mesquite Solar 1
83
20
2013
Arizona
102
Copper Mountain Solar 2
75
25
2013
Nevada
83
California Solar
55
25
2012
California
64
Broken Bow II
38
25
2014
Nebraska
44
Texas Solar 4
32
25
2014
Texas
47
(a) With the exception of Texas Solar 4, Con Edison’s ownership interest is 50 percent and these projects are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. With the exception of Texas Solar 4, Con Edison is not the primary beneficiary since the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economics of the entities are shared equally between Con Edison Development and third parties. Con Edison’s ownership interest in Texas Solar 4 is 80 percent and is consolidated in the financial statements. Con Edison is the primary beneficiary since the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economics of Texas Solar 4 is held by Con Edison Development.
(b) Represents Con Edison Development’s ownership interest in the project.
(c) For investments accounted for under the equity method, maximum exposure is equal to the carrying value of the investment on the consolidated balance sheet. For consolidated investments, such as Texas Solar 4, maximum exposure is equal to the net assets of the project on the consolidated balance sheet less any applicable noncontrolling interest ($7 million for Texas Solar 4). Con Edison did not provide any financial or other support during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 that was not previously contractually required.