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Fair Value Measurements and Credit Concentration
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements and Credit Concentration [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements and Credit Concentration

13. Fair Value Measurements and Credit Concentration

 

(All Registrants)

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). A market approach (generally, data from market transactions), an income approach (generally, present value techniques and option-pricing models), and/or a cost approach (generally, replacement cost) are used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability, as appropriate. These valuation approaches incorporate inputs such as observable, independent market data and/or unobservable data that management believes are predicated on the assumptions market participants would use to price an asset or liability. These inputs may incorporate, as applicable, certain risks such as nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk. The fair value of a group of financial assets and liabilities is measured on a net basis. Transfers between levels are recognized at end-of-reporting-period values. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. See Note 1 in each Registrant's 2013 Form 10-K for information on the levels in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

The assets and liabilities measured at fair value were:

     March 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
     Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
PPL                        
Assets                        
 Cash and cash equivalents  $ 1,256 $ 1,256       $ 1,102 $ 1,102      
 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)   491   491         156   156      
 Price risk management assets:                        
  Energy commodities   1,417   2 $ 1,330 $ 85   1,188   3 $ 1,123 $ 62
  Interest rate swaps   9      9      91      91   
  Foreign currency contracts   5      5               
 Total price risk management assets   1,431   2   1,344   85   1,279   3   1,214   62
 NDT funds:                        
  Cash and cash equivalents   13   13         14   14      
  Equity securities                        
   U.S. large-cap   556   415   141      547   409   138   
   U.S. mid/small-cap   83   34   49      81   33   48   
  Debt securities                        
   U.S. Treasury   95   95         95   95      
   U.S. government sponsored agency   6      6      6      6   
   Municipality   80      80      77      77   
   Investment-grade corporate   41      41      38      38   
   Other   4      4      5      5   
  Receivables (payables), net   1   (1)   2      1   (1)   2   
 Total NDT funds   879   556   323      864   550   314   
 Auction rate securities (b)   16         16   19         19
Total assets $ 4,073 $ 2,305 $ 1,667 $ 101 $ 3,420 $ 1,811 $ 1,528 $ 81
                            
Liabilities                        
 Price risk management liabilities:                        
  Energy commodities $ 1,527 $ 1 $ 1,458 $ 68 $ 1,070 $ 4 $ 1,028 $ 38
  Interest rate swaps   47      47      36      36   
  Foreign currency contracts   123      123      106      106   
  Cross-currency swaps   55      55      32      32   
 Total price risk management liabilities $ 1,752 $ 1 $ 1,683 $ 68 $ 1,244 $ 4 $ 1,202 $ 38
                            
PPL Energy Supply                        
Assets                        
 Cash and cash equivalents $ 441 $ 441       $ 239 $ 239      
 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (a)   429   429         85   85      
 Price risk management assets:                        
  Energy commodities   1,417   2 $ 1,330 $ 85   1,188   3 $ 1,123 $ 62
 Total price risk management assets   1,417   2   1,330   85   1,188   3   1,123   62
 NDT funds:                        
  Cash and cash equivalents   13   13         14   14      
  Equity securities                        
   U.S. large-cap   556   415   141      547   409   138   
   U.S. mid/small-cap   83   34   49      81   33   48   
  Debt securities                        
   U.S. Treasury   95   95         95   95      
   U.S. government sponsored agency   6      6      6      6   
   Municipality   80      80      77      77   
   Investment-grade corporate   41      41      38      38   
   Other   4      4      5      5   
  Receivables (payables), net   1   (1)   2      1   (1)   2   
 Total NDT funds   879   556   323      864   550   314   
 Auction rate securities (b)   13         13   16         16
Total assets $ 3,179 $ 1,428 $ 1,653 $ 98 $ 2,392 $ 877 $ 1,437 $ 78
                            
Liabilities                        
 Price risk management liabilities:                        
  Energy commodities $ 1,527 $ 1 $ 1,458 $ 68 $ 1,070 $ 4 $ 1,028 $ 38
 Total price risk management liabilities $ 1,527 $ 1 $ 1,458 $ 68 $ 1,070 $ 4 $ 1,028 $ 38
                            
PPL Electric                        
Assets                        
 Cash and cash equivalents $ 42 $ 42       $ 25 $ 25      
 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (c)   1   1         12   12      
Total assets $ 43 $ 43       $ 37 $ 37      

LKE                        
Assets                        
 Cash and cash equivalents  $ 30 $ 30       $ 35 $ 35      
 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (d)   21   21         22   22      
Total assets $ 51 $ 51       $ 57 $ 57      
                            
Liabilities                        
 Price risk management liabilities:                        
  Interest rate swaps  $ 40    $ 40    $ 36    $ 36   
Total price risk management liabilities $ 40    $ 40    $ 36    $ 36   
                            
LG&E                        
Assets                        
 Cash and cash equivalents $ 9 $ 9       $ 8 $ 8      
 Restricted cash and cash equivalents (d)   21   21         22   22      
Total assets $ 30 $ 30       $ 30 $ 30      
                            
Liabilities                        
 Price risk management liabilities:                        
  Interest rate swaps  $ 40    $ 40    $ 36    $ 36   
Total price risk management liabilities $ 40    $ 40    $ 36    $ 36   
                            
KU                        
Assets                        
 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21 $ 21       $ 21 $ 21      
Total assets $ 21 $ 21       $ 21 $ 21      

(a)       Current portion is included in "Restricted cash and cash equivalents" and long-term portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets.

(b)       Included in "Other investments" on the Balance Sheets.

(c)       Current portion is included in "Other current assets" and long-term portion is included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets.

(d)       Included in "Other noncurrent assets" on the Balance Sheets.        

A reconciliation of net assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 for the three months ended March 31 is as follows:
                             
      Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
      2014 2013
      Energy  Auction  Cross-    Energy  Auction Cross-   
      Commodities, Rate  Currency    Commodities,  Rate  Currency   
       net Securities Swaps Total  net Securities Swaps Total
PPL                        
Balance at beginning of                        
 period $ 24 $ 19    $ 43 $ 22 $ 16 $ 1 $ 39
  Total realized/unrealized                         
   gains (losses)                        
    Included in earnings   (135)         (135)   (8)         (8)
    Included in OCI (a)       $ (1)   (1)         3   3
  Sales      (3)      (3)            
  Settlements   128         128   (1)         (1)
  Transfers into Level 3               1         1
  Transfers out of Level 3         1   1         (4)   (4)
Balance at end of period $ 17 $ 16 $  $ 33 $ 14 $ 16 $  $30
                             
PPL Energy Supply                        
Balance at beginning of                         
 period $ 24 $ 16    $ 40 $ 22 $ 13    $ 35
  Total realized/unrealized                         
   gains (losses)                        
    Included in earnings   (135)         (135)   (8)         (8)
  Sales      (3)      (3)            
  Settlements   128         128   (1)         (1)
  Transfers into Level 3               1         1
Balance at end of period $ 17 $ 13    $ 30 $ 14 $ 13    $ 27

(a)       "Energy Commodities, net" and "Cross-Currency Swaps" are included in "Qualifying derivatives" and "Auction Rate Securities" are included in "Available-for-sale securities" on the Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The significant unobservable inputs used in and quantitative information about the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are as follows:

    March 31, 2014
    Fair Value, net     Range
    Asset Valuation  Unobservable (Weighted
    (Liability) Technique Input(s) Average) (a)
PPL            
Energy commodities       
 Natural gas contracts (b) $ 13 Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 11% - 100% (73%)
 Power sales contracts (c)   (43) Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 11% - 100% (83%)
 FTR purchase contracts (d)   3 Discounted cash flow Historical settled prices used to model forward prices  100% (100%)
 Heat rate options (e)   44 Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 23% - 59% (44%)
           
Auction rate securities (f)   16 Discounted cash flow Modeled from SIFMA Index 61% - 78% (70%)
           
              
PPL Energy Supply             
Energy commodities            
 Natural gas contracts (b) $ 13 Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 11% - 100% (73%)
 Power sales contracts (c)   (43) Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 11% - 100% (83%)
 FTR purchase contracts (d)   3 Discounted cash flow Historical settled prices used to model forward prices  100% (100%)
 Heat rate options (e)   44 Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 23% - 59% (44%)
           
Auction rate securities (f)   13 Discounted cash flow Modeled from SIFMA Index 63% - 78% (71%)

    December 31, 2013
    Fair Value, net     Range
    Asset Valuation  Unobservable (Weighted
    (Liability) Technique Input(s) Average) (a)
PPL            
Energy commodities       
 Natural gas contracts (b) $ 36 Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 10% - 100% (86%)
 Power sales contracts (c)   (12) Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 100% (100%)
           
Auction rate securities (f)   19 Discounted cash flow Modeled from SIFMA Index 10% - 80% (63%)
           
              
PPL Energy Supply            
Energy commodities            
 Natural gas contracts (b) $ 36 Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 10% - 100% (86%)
 Power sales contracts (c)   (12) Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate forward prices 100% (100%)
           
Auction rate securities (f)   16 Discounted cash flow Modeled from SIFMA Index 10% - 80% (63%)

(a)       For energy commodities and auction rate securities, the range and weighted average represent the percentage of fair value derived from the unobservable inputs.

(b)       As the forward price of natural gas increases/(decreases), the fair value of the contracts (decreases)/increases.

(c)       As forward market prices increase/(decrease), the fair value of contracts (decreases)/increases. As volumetric assumptions for contracts in a gain position increase/(decrease), the fair value of contracts increases/(decreases). As volumetric assumptions for contracts in a loss position increase/(decrease), the fair value of the contracts (decreases)/increases.

(d)       As the forward implied spread increases/(decreases), the fair value of the contracts increases/(decreases).

(e)       The proprietary model used to calculate fair value incorporates market heat rates, correlations and volatilities. As the market implied heat rate increases/(decreases), the fair value of the contracts increases/(decreases).

(f)       The model used to calculate fair value incorporates an assumption that the auctions will continue to fail. As the modeled forward rates of the SIFMA Index increase/(decrease), the fair value of the securities increases/(decreases).

Net gains and losses on assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 and included in earnings for the periods ended March 31 are reported in the Statements of Income as follows:

   Three Months
                    
   Energy Commodities, net
   Unregulated Unregulated Energy
   Wholesale Energy Retail Energy Purchases
   2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013
PPL and PPL Energy Supply                  
Total gains (losses) included in earnings $ (89) $ (2) $ (63) $ (7) $ 17 $ 1
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to                  
  positions still held at the reporting date   (13)   (2)   (33)   (7)   1   1

Price Risk Management Assets/Liabilities - Energy Commodities (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

 

Energy commodity contracts are generally valued using the income approach, except for exchange-traded derivative contracts, which are valued using the market approach and are classified as Level 1. Level 2 contracts are valued using inputs which may include quotes obtained from an exchange (where there is insufficient market liquidity to warrant inclusion in Level 1), binding and non-binding broker quotes, prices posted by ISOs or published tariff rates. Furthermore, independent quotes are obtained from the market to validate the forward price curves. Energy commodity contracts include forwards, futures, swaps, options and structured transactions and may be offset with similar positions in exchange-traded markets. To the extent possible, fair value measurements utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar contracts or market-corroborated inputs. In certain instances, these contracts may be valued using models, including standard option valuation models and standard industry models. When the lowest level inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement of a contract are observable, the contract is classified as Level 2.

 

When unobservable inputs are significant to the fair value measurement, a contract is classified as Level 3. Level 3 contracts are valued using PPL proprietary models which may include significant unobservable inputs such as delivery at a location where pricing is unobservable, delivery dates that are beyond the dates for which independent quotes are available, volumetric assumptions, implied volatilities, implied correlations and market implied heat rates. Forward transactions, including forward transactions classified as Level 3, are analyzed by PPL's Risk Management department, which reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Accounting personnel, who also report to the CFO, interpret the analysis quarterly to appropriately classify the forward transactions in the fair value hierarchy. Valuation techniques are evaluated periodically. Additionally, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements include adjustments for credit risk based on PPL's own creditworthiness (for net liabilities) and its counterparties' creditworthiness (for net assets). PPL's credit department assesses all reasonably available market information which is used by accounting personnel to calculate the credit valuation adjustment.

 

In certain instances, energy commodity contracts are transferred between Level 2 and Level 3. The primary reasons for the transfers during 2013 were changes in the availability of market information and changes in the significance of the unobservable inputs utilized in the valuation of the contract. As the delivery period of a contract becomes closer, market information may become available. When this occurs, the model's unobservable inputs are replaced with observable market information.

Price Risk Management Assets/Liabilities - Interest Rate Swaps/Foreign Currency Contracts/Cross-Currency Swaps (PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU)

 

To manage interest rate risk, PPL, LKE, LG&E and KU use interest rate contracts such as forward-starting swaps, floating-to-fixed swaps and fixed-to-floating swaps. To manage foreign currency exchange risk, PPL uses foreign currency contracts such as forwards, options and cross-currency swaps that contain characteristics of both interest rate and foreign currency contracts. An income approach is used to measure the fair value of these contracts, utilizing readily observable inputs, such as forward interest rates (e.g., LIBOR and government security rates) and forward foreign currency exchange rates (e.g., GBP), as well as inputs that may not be observable, such as credit valuation adjustments. In certain cases, market information cannot practicably be obtained to value credit risk and therefore internal models are relied upon. These models use projected probabilities of default and estimated recovery rates based on historical observances. When the credit valuation adjustment is significant to the overall valuation, the contracts are classified as Level 3. For PPL, the primary reason for the transfers during 2014 and 2013 was the change in the significance of the credit valuation adjustment. Cross-currency swaps classified as Level 3 are valued by PPL's Treasury department, which reports to the CFO. Accounting personnel, who also report to the CFO, interpret analysis quarterly to classify the contracts in the fair value hierarchy. Valuation techniques are evaluated periodically.

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

 

NDT Funds

 

The market approach is used to measure the fair value of equity securities held in the NDT funds.

 

       The fair value measurements of equity securities classified as Level 1 are based on quoted prices in active markets.

 

       The fair value measurements of investments in commingled equity funds are classified as Level 2. These fair value measurements are based on firm quotes of net asset values per share, which are not obtained from a quoted price in an active market.

 

The fair value of debt securities is generally measured using a market approach, including the use of pricing models, which incorporate observable inputs. Common inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer bid/ask prices, benchmark securities and credit valuation adjustments. When necessary, the fair value of debt securities is measured using the income approach, which incorporates similar observable inputs as well as monthly payment data, future predicted cash flows, collateral performance and new issue data.

Auction Rate Securities

 

Auction rate securities include Federal Family Education Loan Program guaranteed student loan revenue bonds, as well as various municipal bond issues. The probability of realizing losses on these securities is not significant.

 

The fair value of auction rate securities is estimated using an income approach that includes readily observable inputs, such as principal payments and discount curves for bonds with credit ratings and maturities similar to the securities, and unobservable inputs, such as future interest rates that are estimated based on the SIFMA Index, creditworthiness, and liquidity assumptions driven by the impact of auction failures. When the present value of future interest payments is significant to the overall valuation, the auction rate securities are classified as Level 3.

 

Auction rate securities are valued by PPL's Treasury department, which reports to the CFO. Accounting personnel, who also report to the CFO, interpret the analysis quarterly to classify the contracts in the fair value hierarchy. Valuation techniques are evaluated periodically.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements (PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

 

The following nonrecurring fair value measurement occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2014, resulting in an asset impairment:

    Carrying Fair Value Measurement Using   
   Amount (a) Level 3 Loss (b)
PPL and PPL Energy Supply         
Kerr Dam Project $ 47 $ 29 $ 18

(a)       Represents carrying value before fair value measurement.

(b)       The loss on the Kerr Dam Project was recorded in the Supply segment and included in "Other operation and maintenance" on PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's Statement of Income.  

The significant unobservable inputs used in and the quantitative information about the nonrecurring fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 are as follows:
             
    
   Fair Value, net   Significant Range
   Asset Valuation  Unobservable (Weighted
   (Liability) Technique Input(s) Average)(a)
             
PPL and PPL Energy Supply           
Kerr Dam Project           
 March 31, 2014$29 Discounted cash flow Proprietary model used to calculate plant value 38% (38%)

(a)       The range and weighted average represent the percentage of fair value derived from the unobservable inputs.

 

Kerr Dam Project

 

As disclosed in Note 11 in PPL's and PPL Energy Supply's 2013 Form 10-K, PPL Montana holds a joint operating license issued for the Kerr Dam Project. The license extends until 2035 and, between 2015 and 2025, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation (the Tribes) have the option to purchase, hold and operate the Kerr Dam Project. The parties submitted the issue of the appropriate amount of the conveyance price to arbitration in February 2013. In March 2014, the arbitration panel issued its final decision holding that the conveyance price payable by the Tribes to PPL Montana is $18 million. As a result of the decision, PPL Energy Supply performed a recoverability test on the Kerr Dam Project and recorded an impairment charge. PPL Energy Supply performed an internal analysis using an income approach based on discounted cash flows (a proprietary PPL model) to assess the fair value of the Kerr Dam Project.  Assumptions used in the PPL proprietary model were the conveyance price, forward energy price curves, forecasted generation, and forecasted operation and maintenance expenditures that were consistent with assumptions used in the business planning process and a market participant discount rate. Through this analysis, PPL Energy Supply determined the fair value of the Kerr Dam Project to be $29 million.

 

The assets were valued by the PPL Energy Supply Financial Department, which reports to the President of PPL Energy Supply.  Accounting personnel, who report to the CFO interpreted the analysis to appropriately classify the assets in the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value (All Registrants)

 

The carrying amounts of contract adjustment payments related to the 2011 Purchase Contract component of the 2011 Equity Units and long-term debt on the Balance Sheets and their estimated fair values are set forth below. The fair values of these instruments were estimated using an income approach by discounting future cash flows at estimated current cost of funding rates, which incorporate the credit risk of the Registrants. These instruments are classified as Level 2. The effect of third-party credit enhancements is not included in the fair value measurement.

   March 31, 2014 December 31, 2013
   Carrying    Carrying   
   Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value
PPL            
 Contract adjustment payments (a) $ 11 $ 11 $ 21 $ 22
 Long-term debt    20,818   22,350   20,907   22,177
PPL Energy Supply            
 Long-term debt    2,524   2,680   2,525   2,658
PPL Electric            
 Long-term debt    2,306   2,555   2,315   2,483

LKE             
 Long-term debt    4,565   4,807   4,565   4,672
LG&E            
 Long-term debt    1,353   1,413   1,353   1,372
KU            
 Long-term debt    2,091   2,238   2,091   2,155

(a)       Included in "Other current liabilities" on the Balance Sheets.

              

The carrying value of short-term debt (including notes between affiliates), when outstanding, approximates fair value due to the variable interest rates associated with the short-term debt and is classified as Level 2.

Credit Concentration Associated with Financial Instruments

 

(All Registrants)

 

Contracts are entered into with many entities for the purchase and sale of energy. When NPNS is elected, the fair value of these contracts is not reflected in the financial statements. However, the fair value of these contracts is considered when committing to new business from a credit perspective. See Note 14 for information on credit policies used to manage credit risk, including master netting arrangements and collateral requirements.

 

(PPL and PPL Energy Supply)

 

At March 31, 2014, PPL and PPL Energy Supply had credit exposure of $997 million from energy trading partners, excluding exposure from related parties (PPL Energy Supply only) and the effects of netting arrangements, reserves and collateral. As a result of netting arrangements, reserves and collateral, PPL's credit exposure was reduced to $372 million and PPL Energy Supply's credit exposure was reduced to $371 million. The top ten counterparties accounted for $212 million, or 57%, of these exposures. Nine of these counterparties had an investment grade credit rating from S&P or Moody's and accounted for 94% of the top ten exposures. The remaining counterparty has not been rated by S&P or Moody's, but is current on its obligations. See Note 11 for information regarding PPL Energy Supply's related party credit exposure.

(PPL Electric)

 

PPL Electric is exposed to credit risk under energy supply contracts (including its supply contracts with PPL EnergyPlus); however, its PUC-approved recovery mechanism is anticipated to substantially eliminate this exposure.

(LKE, LG&E and KU)

 

At March 31, 2014, LKE's, LG&E's and KU's credit exposure was not significant.