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Asset Retirement Obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligations [Text Block]
7. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
Asset retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets are those for which a legal obligation exists under enacted laws, statutes and written or oral contracts, including obligations arising under the doctrine of promissory estoppel. These liabilities are recognized at estimated fair value as incurred with a corresponding amount capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived assets and depreciated over their useful lives. Accretion of the liabilities due to the passage of time is recorded to a regulatory asset and/or liability. Changes in the estimated fair values of the liabilities are recognized when known.
KCP&L has AROs related to decommissioning Wolf Creek, site remediation of its Spearville Wind Energy Facilities, asbestos abatement and removal of storage tanks, ash ponds and landfills. GMO has AROs related to asbestos abatement and removal of storage tanks, ash ponds and landfills.
Additionally, certain wiring used in Great Plains Energy's and KCP&L's generating stations include asbestos insulation, which would require special handling if disturbed. Due to the inability to reasonably estimate the quantities or the amount of disturbance that will be necessary during dismantlement at the end of the life of a plant, the fair value of this ARO cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Management will continue to monitor the obligation and will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information becomes available to reasonably estimate its fair value.
The following table summarizes the change in Great Plains Energy's and KCP&L's AROs.
 
 
Great Plains Energy
 
KCP&L
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(millions)
Beginning balance
 
$
149.3

 
$
149.6

 
$
133.2

 
$
134.3

Revision in timing and/or estimates
 
—

 
(7.7
)
 
—

 
(7.7
)
Settlements
 
—

 
(1.8
)
 
—

 
(1.8
)
Accretion
 
9.5

 
9.2

 
8.5

 
8.4

Ending balance
 
$
158.8

 
$
149.3

 
$
141.7

 
$
133.2