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Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]  
Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment GAAP requires that we test long-lived assets for impairment when indicators of impairment exist. If an asset is deemed to be impaired, we are required to write down the asset to its fair value with a charge to current earnings. The net book value of our property, plant, and equipment was $1,565.3 million and $1,445.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We do not believe any of these assets are currently impaired. In making this assessment, we consider such factors as: the overall condition and distribution capacity of the assets; the expected ability to recover additional expenditures in the assets; and the anticipated demand and relative pricing of retail electricity in our service territory.
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and presented as a direct reduction from the face amount of that debt and amortized over the related financing period using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit or revolving credit facility are deferred and presented as an asset and amortized over the related financing period. Make-whole payments in connection with early debt retirements are classified as cash flows used in financing activities.
Financial Statement Presentation
We prepare Consolidated Financial Statements for DPL. DPL’s Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of DPL and its wholly-owned subsidiaries except for DPL Capital Trust II which is not consolidated, consistent with the provisions of GAAP.

All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We have evaluated subsequent events through the date this report is issued.
Reclassifications Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Discontinued operations reporting occurs only when the disposal of a business or a group of assets represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations and financial results. We report financial results for discontinued operations separately from continuing operations to distinguish the financial impact of disposal transactions from ongoing operations. Prior period amounts in the statement of operations and balance sheet are retrospectively revised to reflect the businesses determined to be discontinued operations. The cash flows of businesses that are determined to be discontinued operations are included within the relevant categories within operating, investing and financing activities on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Transactions between the businesses determined to be discontinued operations and businesses that are expected to continue to exist after the disposal are not eliminated to appropriately reflect the continuing operations and balances held-for-sale. The results of discontinued operations include any gain or loss recognized on closing or adjustment of the carrying amount to fair value. See Note 15 – Discontinued Operations for further information.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the revenues and expenses of the periods reported. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and judgments include: the carrying value of Property, plant and equipment; unbilled revenues; the valuation of derivative instruments; the valuation of insurance and claims liabilities; the valuation of allowances for receivables and deferred income taxes; regulatory assets and liabilities; reserves recorded for income tax exposures; litigation; contingencies; the valuation of AROs; and assets and liabilities related to employee benefits.
Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized from retail and wholesale electricity sales and electricity transmission and distribution delivery services. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Energy sales to customers are based on the reading of their meters that occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. We recognize the revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Operations using an accrual method for retail and other energy sales that have not yet been billed, but where electricity has been consumed. This is termed “unbilled revenues” and is a widely recognized and accepted practice for utilities. At the end of each month, unbilled revenues are determined by the estimation of unbilled energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading, estimated line losses, the assignment of unbilled energy provided to customer classes and the average rate per customer class. For additional information, see Note 14 – Revenue.
Receivables We establish provisions for uncollectible accounts by using both historical average loss percentages to project future losses and by establishing specific provisions for known credit issues. Amounts are written off when reasonable collections efforts have been exhausted.
Property, Plant and Equipment
New property, plant and equipment additions are stated at cost. For regulated transmission and distribution property, cost includes direct labor and material, allocable overhead expenses and an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). AFUDC represents the cost of borrowed funds and equity used to finance regulated construction projects. Capitalization of AFUDC and interest ceases at either project completion or at the date specified by regulators. AFUDC and capitalized interest was $3.0 million, $3.2 million and $0.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

For substantially all depreciable property, when a unit of property is retired, the original cost of that property less any salvage value is charged to Accumulated depreciation and amortization, consistent with composite depreciation practices.
Repairs and Maintenance Costs associated with maintenance activities are recognized at the time the work is performed. These costs, which include labor, materials and supplies and outside services required to maintain equipment and facilities, are capitalized or expensed based on defined units of property.
Depreciation - Change in Estimate Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method, which allocates the cost of property over its estimated useful life. For DPL’s transmission and distribution assets, straight-line depreciation is applied monthly on an average composite basis using group rates that approximated 3.8% in 2020, 4.0% in 2019 and 4.3% in 2018. Depreciation expense was $70.0 million, $67.9 million and $69.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Regulatory Accounting
As a regulated utility, DP&L applies the provisions of FASC 980 “Regulated Operations”, which gives recognition to the ratemaking and accounting practices of the PUCO and the FERC. Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory assets can also represent performance incentives permitted by the regulator. Regulatory assets have been included as allowable costs for ratemaking purposes, as authorized by the PUCO or established regulatory practices. Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds or future rate reductions to customers for previous over collections or the deferral of revenues collected for costs that DP&L expects to incur in the future.

The deferral of costs (as regulatory assets) is appropriate only when the future recovery of such costs is probable. In assessing probability, we consider such factors as specific orders from the PUCO or FERC, regulatory precedent and the current regulatory environment. To the extent recovery of costs is no longer deemed probable, related regulatory assets would be required to be expensed in current period earnings. Our regulatory assets and liabilities have been created pursuant to a specific order of the PUCO or FERC or established regulatory practices, such as other utilities under the jurisdiction of the PUCO or FERC being granted recovery of similar costs. It is probable, but not certain, that these regulatory assets will be recoverable, subject to PUCO or FERC approval. Regulatory assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current based on the term in which recovery is expected. See Note 3 – Regulatory Matters for more information.
Inventories Inventories are carried at average cost, net of reserves, and include materials and supplies used for utility operations.
Intangibles
Intangibles include software, emission allowances and renewable energy credits. Emission allowances are carried on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for purchased emission allowances. Net gains or losses on the sale of excess emission allowances, representing the difference between the sales proceeds and the cost of emission allowances, are recorded as a component of our fuel costs and are reflected in Operating income when realized. Emission allowances are amortized as they are used in our operations on a FIFO basis. Renewable energy credits are carried on a weighted average cost basis and amortized as they are used or retired.

Software is amortized over seven years. Amortization expense was $3.3 million, $4.4 million and $6.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The estimated amortization expense of this internal-use software over the next five years is $10.7 million ($3.0 million in 2021, $2.2 million in 2022, $2.0 million in 2023, $1.8 million in 2024 and $1.7 million in 2025).
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of the existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases. We establish an allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our tax positions are evaluated under a more likely than not recognition threshold and measurement analysis before they are recognized for financial statement reporting. Uncertain tax positions have been classified as noncurrent income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid within one year. Our policy for interest and penalties is to recognize interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Income taxes payable, which are includable in allowable costs for ratemaking purposes in future years, are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities with a corresponding deferred tax liability or asset. Investment tax credits that reduced federal income taxes in the years they arose have been deferred and are being amortized to income over the useful lives of the properties in accordance with regulatory treatment. See Note 3 – Regulatory Matters for additional information.

DPL and its subsidiaries file U.S. federal income tax returns as part of the consolidated U.S. income tax return filed by AES. The consolidated tax liability is allocated to each subsidiary based on the separate return method which is specified in our tax allocation agreement and which provides a consistent, systematic and rational approach. See Note 8 – Income Taxes for additional information.
Financial Instruments Our Master Trust investments in debt and equity financial instruments of publicly traded entities are classified as equity investments. These equity securities are carried at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recorded in Other income. As these financial instruments are held to be used for the benefit of employees or former employees participating in employee benefit plans and are not used for general operating purposes, they are classified as non-current in Other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See
Assets and liabilities held-for-sale, policy [Policy Text Block] A business classified as held-for-sale is reflected on the balance sheet at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. A loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value less cost to sell. This loss is limited to the carrying value of long-lived assets until the completion of the sale, at which point, any additional loss is recognized. If the fair value of the business subsequently exceeds the carrying amount while the business is still held-for-sale, any impairment expense previously recognized will be reversed up to the lower of the previously recognized expense or the subsequent excess.Assets and liabilities related to a business classified as held-for-sale are segregated in the current balance sheet in the period in which the business is classified as held-for-sale. Assets and liabilities of held-for-sale businesses are classified as current when they are expected to be disposed of within twelve months. Transactions between the business held-for-sale and businesses that are expected to continue to exist after the disposal are not eliminated to appropriately reflect the continuing operations and balances held-for-sale. See Note 15 – Discontinued Operations for further information.
Accounting for Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities DP&L collects certain excise taxes levied by state or local governments from its customers. DP&L’s excise taxes and certain other taxes are accounted for on a net basis and recorded as a reduction in revenues in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amounts for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $48.1 million, $50.1 million and $51.7 million, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. All highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes cash which is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. The nature of the restriction includes an agreement related to cash collected under the DMR, which was restricted to pay debt obligations at DPL and DP&L and position DP&L to modernize and/or maintain its transmission and distribution infrastructure.
Financial Derivatives
Financial Derivatives
All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheets and are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value are recorded in earnings unless the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction or it qualifies for the normal purchases and sales exception.

We have, in the past, used interest rate hedges to manage the interest rate risk of our variable rate debt. We use cash flow hedge accounting when the hedge or a portion of the hedge is deemed to be highly effective, which results in changes in fair value being recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss), a component of shareholder’s deficit. We have elected not to offset net derivative positions in the financial statements. Accordingly, we do not offset such derivative positions against the fair value of amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral under master netting agreements. See Note 6 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.
Insurance and Claims Costs
Insurance and Claims Costs
In addition to insurance obtained from third-party providers, MVIC, a wholly-owned captive subsidiary of DPL, provides insurance coverage solely to us and our subsidiaries for workers’ compensation, general liability and property damage on an ongoing basis. Insurance and claims costs associated with MVIC include estimated liabilities of approximately $3.2 million and $4.5 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, within Accrued and other current liabilities on the DPL Consolidated Balance Sheets. DPL has estimated liabilities for medical, life, disability and other reserves for claims costs below certain coverage thresholds of third-party providers of approximately $11.1 million and $3.3 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, within Accrued and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities on the balance sheets. The estimated liabilities for workers’ compensation, medical, life and disability costs at DPL are actuarially determined using certain assumptions. There is uncertainty associated with these loss estimates, and actual results may differ from the estimates. Modification of these loss estimates based on experience and changed circumstances is reflected in the period in which the estimate is re-evaluated.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits We recognize in our Consolidated Balance Sheets an asset or liability reflecting the funded status of pension and other postretirement plans with current-year changes from actuarial gains or losses related to our regulated operations, that would otherwise be recognized in AOCL, recorded as a regulatory asset as this can be recovered through future rates. Such changes that are not related to our regulated operations are recognized in AOCL. All plan assets are recorded at fair value. We follow the measurement date provisions of the accounting guidance, which require a year-end measurement date of plan assets and obligations for all defined benefit plans.
We account for and disclose pension and postretirement benefits in accordance with the provisions of GAAP relating to the accounting for pension and other postretirement plans. These GAAP provisions require the use of assumptions, such as the discount rate for liabilities and long-term rate of return on assets, in determining the obligations, annual cost and funding requirements of the plans. Consistent with the requirements of FASC 715, we apply a disaggregated discount rate approach for determining service cost and interest cost for our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans.

See Note 9 – Benefit Plans for more information.
Related Party Transactions In the normal course of business, DPL enters into transactions with related parties. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in DPL’s Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 12 – Related Party Transactions for more information on Related Party Transactions.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
New accounting pronouncements
The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that had an impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on the financial statements upon adoption
New Accounting Standards Adopted
2016-13, 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsSee discussion of the ASUs below.January 1, 2020.The adoption of this standard had no material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Adoption of FASC Topic 326, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses"
On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASC 326 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses and its subsequent corresponding updates ("ASC 326"). The new standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities are required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally results in the earlier recognition of an allowance for credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities measure credit losses as it was done under previous GAAP, except that unrealized losses due to credit-related factors are now recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings in the income statement.

We applied the modified retrospective method of adoption for ASC 326. Under this transition method, we applied the transition provisions starting at the date of adoption. The CECL model primarily impacts the calculation of our expected credit losses in gross customer trade accounts receivable. The adoption of ASC 326 and the application of CECL on our trade accounts receivable did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective - The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on the financial statements upon adoption
New Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Effective
2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial ReportingThe standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference to LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued by reference rate reform. This standard is effective for a limited period of time (March 12, 2020 - December 21, 2022).Effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on our consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]
DPL has a wholly-owned business trust, DPL Capital Trust II (the Trust), formed for the purpose of issuing trust capital securities to third-party investors. In 2003, DPL deconsolidated the Trust upon adoption of the accounting standards related to variable interest entities and currently treats the Trust as an unconsolidated subsidiary. The Trust holds mandatorily redeemable trust capital securities. The investment in the Trust, which amounts to $0.2 million and $0.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is included within Other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets. DPL also has a note payable to the Trust amounting to $15.6 million and $15.6 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, that was established upon the Trust’s deconsolidation in 2003. See Note 7 – Long-term debt for additional information.

In addition to the obligations under the note payable mentioned above, DPL also agreed to a security obligation which represents a full and unconditional guarantee of payments to the capital security holders of the Trust.
THE DAYTON POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY [Member]  
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]  
Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
GAAP requires that we test long-lived assets for impairment when indicators of impairment exist. If an asset is deemed to be impaired, we are required to write down the asset to its fair value with a charge to current earnings. The net book value of our property, plant, and equipment was $1,544.0 million and $1,425.4 million as of
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We do not believe any of these assets are currently impaired. In making this assessment, we consider such factors as: the overall condition and distribution capacity of the assets; the expected ability to recover additional expenditures in the assets; and the anticipated demand and relative pricing of retail electricity in our service territory.
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are deferred and presented as a direct reduction from the face amount of that debt and amortized over the related financing period using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit or revolving credit facility are deferred and presented as an asset and amortized over the related financing period. Make-whole payments in connection with early debt retirements are classified as cash flows used in financing activities.
Description of Business
DP&L is a public utility incorporated in 1911 under the laws of Ohio. Beginning in 2001, Ohio law gave consumers the right to choose the electric generation supplier from whom they purchase retail generation service, however transmission and distribution services are still regulated. DP&L has the exclusive right to provide such service to its approximately 531,000 customers located in West Central Ohio. DP&L provides retail SSO electric service to residential, commercial, industrial and governmental customers in a 6,000 square mile area of West Central Ohio. DP&L sources all of the generation for its SSO customers through a competitive bid process. DP&L owned interests in the retired power stations of Beckjord and Hutchings until their transfers in 2018 and 2020, respectively, and currently owns numerous transmission facilities. Principal industries located in DP&L’s service territory include automotive, food processing, paper, plastic, manufacturing and defense. DP&L's sales reflect the general economic conditions, seasonal weather patterns of the area and the market price of electricity. DP&L has only one reportable segment, the Utility segment. In addition to DP&L's electric transmission and distribution businesses, the Utility segment includes revenues and costs associated with DP&L's investment in OVEC and the historical results of DP&L’s retired Beckjord and Hutchings Coal Stations, which were sold in 2018 and 2020, respectively.

DP&L’s electric transmission and distribution businesses are subject to rate regulation by federal and state regulators. Accordingly, DP&L applies the accounting standards for regulated operations to its electric transmission and distribution businesses and records regulatory assets when incurred costs are expected to be recovered in future customer rates and regulatory liabilities when current cost recoveries in customer rates relate to expected future costs or overcollections of riders.

DP&L employed 631 people (512 full-time) at January 31, 2021. Approximately 58% of all employees are under a collective bargaining agreement that expires on October 31, 2023.
Financial Statement Presentation
DP&L does not have any subsidiaries.

Through June 2018, DP&L had undivided ownership interests in numerous jointly-owned transmission facilities. These undivided interests in jointly-owned facilities were accounted for on a pro rata basis in the Financial Statements. In June 2018, DP&L closed on a transmission asset transaction with Duke and AEP, where ownership stakes in certain previously co-owned transmission assets were exchanged to eliminate co-ownership. Each previously co-owned transmission asset became wholly-owned by one of DP&L, Duke or AEP after the transaction. See Note 4 – Property, Plant and Equipment for more information.

We have evaluated subsequent events through the date this report is issued.
Reclassifications Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the revenues and expenses of the periods reported. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and judgments include: the carrying value of Property, plant and equipment; unbilled revenues; the valuation of derivative instruments; the valuation of insurance and claims liabilities; the valuation of allowances for receivables and deferred income taxes; regulatory assets and liabilities; reserves recorded for income tax exposures; litigation; contingencies; the valuation of AROs; and assets and liabilities related to employee benefits.
Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized from retail and wholesale electricity sales and electricity transmission and distribution delivery services. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Energy sales to customers are based on the reading of their meters that occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. We recognize the revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Operations using an accrual method for retail and other energy sales that have not yet been billed, but where electricity has been consumed. This is termed “unbilled revenues” and is a widely recognized and accepted practice for utilities. At the end of each month, unbilled revenues are determined by the estimation of unbilled energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading, estimated line losses, the assignment of unbilled energy provided to customer classes and the average rate per customer class. For additional information, see Note 13 – Revenue.
Receivables We establish provisions for uncollectible accounts by using both historical average loss percentages to project future losses and by establishing specific provisions for known credit issues. Amounts are written off when reasonable collections efforts have been exhausted.
Property, Plant and Equipment
New property, plant and equipment additions are stated at cost. For regulated transmission and distribution property, cost includes direct labor and material, allocable overhead expenses and an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). AFUDC represents the cost of borrowed funds and equity used to finance regulated construction projects. Capitalization of AFUDC and interest ceases at either project completion or at the date specified by regulators. AFUDC and capitalized interest was $3.0 million, $3.2 million and $0.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

For substantially all depreciable property, when a unit of property is retired, the original cost of that property less any salvage value is charged to Accumulated depreciation and amortization, consistent with composite depreciation practices.
Repairs and Maintenance Costs associated with maintenance activities are recognized at the time the work is performed. These costs, which include labor, materials and supplies and outside services required to maintain equipment and facilities, are capitalized or expensed based on defined units of property.
Depreciation - Change in Estimate Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method, which allocates the cost of property over its estimated useful life. For DP&L’s transmission and distribution assets, straight-line depreciation is applied monthly on an average composite basis using group rates that approximated 2.8% in 2020, 2.9% in 2019 and 3.0% in 2018. Depreciation expense was $68.6 million, $66.5 million and $68.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Regulatory Accounting
As a regulated utility, DP&L applies the provisions of FASC 980 “Regulated Operations”, which gives recognition to the ratemaking and accounting practices of the PUCO and the FERC. Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates. Regulatory assets can also represent performance incentives permitted by the regulator. Regulatory assets have been included as allowable costs for ratemaking purposes, as authorized by the PUCO or established regulatory practices. Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds or future rate reductions to customers for previous over collections or the deferral of revenues collected for costs that DP&L expects to incur in the future.

The deferral of costs (as regulatory assets) is appropriate only when the future recovery of such costs is probable. In assessing probability, we consider such factors as specific orders from the PUCO or FERC, regulatory precedent and the current regulatory environment. To the extent recovery of costs is no longer deemed probable, related regulatory assets would be required to be expensed in current period earnings. Our regulatory assets and liabilities have been created pursuant to a specific order of the PUCO or FERC or established regulatory practices, such as other utilities under the jurisdiction of the PUCO or FERC being granted recovery of similar costs. It is probable, but not certain, that these regulatory assets will be recoverable, subject to PUCO or FERC approval. Regulatory assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current based on the term in which recovery is expected. See Note 3 – Regulatory Matters for more information.
Inventories nventories are carried at average cost, net of reserves, and include materials and supplies used for utility operations.
Intangibles
Intangibles include software, emission allowances and renewable energy credits. Emission allowances are carried on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis for purchased emission allowances. Net gains or losses on the sale of excess emission allowances, representing the difference between the sales proceeds and the cost of emission allowances, are recorded as a component of our fuel costs and are reflected in Operating income when realized. Emission allowances are amortized as they are used in our operations on a FIFO basis. Renewable energy credits are carried on a weighted average cost basis and amortized as they are used or retired.

Software is amortized over seven years. Amortization expense was $3.2 million, $4.3 million and $6.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The estimated amortization expense of this internal-use software over the next five years is $10.2 million ($2.9 million in 2021, $2.1 million in 2022, $1.9 million in 2023, $1.7 million in 2024 and $1.6 million in 2025).
Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of the existing assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases. We establish an allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our tax positions are evaluated under a more likely than not recognition threshold and measurement analysis before they are recognized for financial statement reporting. Uncertain tax positions have
been classified as noncurrent income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid within one year. Our policy for interest and penalties is to recognize interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Statement of Operations.

Income taxes payable, which are includable in allowable costs for ratemaking purposes in future years, are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities with a corresponding deferred tax liability or asset. Investment tax credits that reduced federal income taxes in the years they arose have been deferred and are being amortized to income over the useful lives of the properties in accordance with regulatory treatment. See Note 3 – Regulatory Matters for additional information.

DP&L files U.S. federal income tax returns as part of the consolidated U.S. income tax return filed by AES. The consolidated tax liability is allocated to each subsidiary based on the separate return method which is specified in our tax allocation agreement and which provides a consistent, systematic and rational approach. See Note 8 – Income Taxes for additional information.
Financial Instruments Our Master Trust investments in debt and equity financial instruments of publicly traded entities are classified as equity investments. These equity securities are carried at fair value and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recorded in Other income. As these financial instruments are held to be used for the benefit of employees or former employees participating in employee benefit plans and are not used for general operating purposes, they are classified as non-current in Other non-current assets on the Balance Sheets. See Note 5 – Fair Value for additional information.
Accounting for Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities DP&L collects certain excise taxes levied by state or local governments from its customers. DP&L’s excise taxes and certain other taxes are accounted for on a net basis and recorded as a reduction in revenues in the accompanying Statements of Operations. The amounts for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $48.1 million, $50.1 million and $51.7 million, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. All highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes cash which is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. The nature of the restriction includes an agreement related to cash collected under the DMR, which was restricted to pay debt obligations at DPL and DP&L and position DP&L to modernize and/or maintain its transmission and distribution infrastructure.

The following table summarizes cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash amounts reported on the Balance Sheets that reconcile to the total of such amounts as shown on the Statements of Cash Flows:
December 31,
$ in millions20202019
Cash and cash equivalents$11.7 $10.8 
Restricted cash0.1 10.5 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of Period$11.8 $21.3 
Financial Derivatives
All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheets and are measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value are recorded in earnings unless the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction or it qualifies for the normal purchases and sales exception.

We have, in the past, used interest rate hedges to manage the interest rate risk of our variable rate debt. We use cash flow hedge accounting when the hedge or a portion of the hedge is deemed to be highly effective, which results in changes in fair value being recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss), a component of shareholder’s equity. We have elected not to offset net derivative positions in the financial statements. Accordingly, we do not offset such derivative positions against the fair value of amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral under master netting agreements. See Note 6 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.
Insurance and Claims Costs In addition to insurance obtained from third-party providers, MVIC, a wholly-owned captive subsidiary of DPL, provides insurance coverage solely to us and other DPL subsidiaries for workers’ compensation, general liability and property damage on an ongoing basis. DP&L is responsible for claims costs below certain coverage thresholds of MVIC and third-party insurers for the insurance coverage noted above. DP&L has estimated liabilities for medical, life, disability and other reserves for claims costs below certain coverage thresholds of third-party providers of approximately $3.5 million and $3.3 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, within Accrued and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities on the balance sheets. The estimated liabilities for workers’ compensation, medical, life and disability costs at DP&L are actuarially determined using certain assumptions. There is uncertainty associated with these loss estimates, and actual results may differ from the estimates. Modification of these loss estimates based on experience and changed circumstances is reflected in the period in which the estimate is re-evaluated.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
We recognize in our Balance Sheets an asset or liability reflecting the funded status of pension and other postretirement plans with current-year changes from actuarial gains or losses related to our regulated operations, that would otherwise be recognized in AOCL, recorded as a regulatory asset as this can be recovered through future rates. Such changes that are not related to our regulated operations are recognized in AOCL. All plan assets are recorded at fair value. We follow the measurement date provisions of the accounting guidance, which require a year-end measurement date of plan assets and obligations for all defined benefit plans.

We account for and disclose pension and postretirement benefits in accordance with the provisions of GAAP relating to the accounting for pension and other postretirement plans. These GAAP provisions require the use of assumptions, such as the discount rate for liabilities and long-term rate of return on assets, in determining the obligations, annual cost and funding requirements of the plans. Consistent with the requirements of FASC 715, we apply a disaggregated discount rate approach for determining service cost and interest cost for our defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans.

See Note 9 – Benefit Plans for more information.
Related Party Transactions In the normal course of business, DP&L enters into transactions with other subsidiaries of DPL or AES. See Note 12 – Related Party Transactions for more information on Related Party Transactions.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
New accounting pronouncements
The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that had an impact on our financial statements. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Accounting StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on the financial statements upon adoption
New Accounting Standards Adopted
2016-13, 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial InstrumentsSee discussion of the ASUs below.January 1, 2020.The adoption of this standard had no material effect on our financial statements.

Adoption of FASC Topic 326, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses"
On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASC 326 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses and its subsequent corresponding updates ("ASC 326"). The new standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") model. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities are required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally results in the earlier recognition of an allowance for credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities measure credit losses as it was done under previous GAAP, except that unrealized losses due to credit-related factors are now recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings in the income statement.

We applied the modified retrospective method of adoption for ASC 326. Under this transition method, we applied the transition provisions starting at the date of adoption. The CECL model primarily impacts the calculation of our expected credit losses in gross customer trade accounts receivable. The adoption of ASC 326 and the application of CECL on our trade accounts receivable did not have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
New accounting pronouncements issued but not yet effective - The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material impact on our financial statements. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have no material impact on our financial statements.
Accounting StandardDescriptionDate of AdoptionEffect on the financial statements upon adoption
New Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Effective
2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial ReportingThe standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference to LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued by reference rate reform. This standard is effective for a limited period of time (March 12, 2020 - December 21, 2022).Effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on our consolidated financial statements.