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Retirement and Postemployment Benefits (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Schedule Of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits)

The following table provides the components of net periodic defined benefit costs for PPL's domestic (U.S.) and WPD’s (U.K.) pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012201420132012
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits):
Service cost$ 102 $ 126 $ 103 $ 71 $ 69 $ 54 $ 12 $ 14 $ 12
Interest cost 233 213 220 354 320 340 32 29 31
Expected return on plan assets (298) (293) (259) (521) (465) (458) (26) (25) (23)
Amortization of:
Transition (asset) obligation 2
Prior service cost (credit) 20 22 24 1 4 1
Actuarial (gain) loss 30 80 42 132 150 79 1 6 4
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits) prior to settlement charges,
curtailment charges (credits)
and termination benefits 87 148 130 36 75 19 19 24 27
Settlement charges 11
Curtailment charges (credits) (1)
Termination benefits (a) 13 3 2
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits) $ 100 $ 148 $ 141 $ 36 $ 78 $ 21 $ 18 $ 24 $ 27
Other Changes in Plan Assets
and Benefit Obligations
Recognized in OCI and
Regulatory Assets/Liabilities -
Gross:
Curtailments $ 1
Settlements $ (11)
Net (gain) loss$ 600 $ (319) 372 $ 354 $ 76 $ 1,073 21 $ (68)$ 13
Prior service cost
(credit) (8) 7 (3) (1)
Amortization of:
Transition asset (obligation) (2)
Prior service (cost) credit (20) (22) (24) (1) (4) (1)
Actuarial gain (loss) (30) (80) (42) (132) (150) (79) (1) (6) (4)
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities (b) 542 (421) 295 222 (75) 990 28 (77) 5
Total recognized in net periodic
defined benefit costs, OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities (b)$ 642 $ (273)$ 436 $ 258 $ 3 $ 1,011 $ 46 $ (53)$ 32

(a) See Note 13 for details of a one-time voluntary retirement window offered to certain bargaining unit employees in 2014. 2013 and 2012 amounts are related to the WPD Midlands separations in the U.K.

(b) WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP. As a result, WPD does not record regulatory assets/liabilities.

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

For PPL's U.S. pension benefits and for other postretirement benefits, the amounts recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

U.S. Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012
OCI$ 343 $ (228)$ 181 $ 7 $ (41)$ 12
Regulatory assets/liabilities 199 (193) 114 21 (36) (7)
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities$ 542 $ (421)$ 295 $ 28 $ (77)$ 5
Schedule of Amounts to be Amortized from AOCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities in Next Fiscal Year

The estimated amounts to be amortized from AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities into net periodic defined benefit costs in 2015 are as follows:

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.
Prior service cost (credit)$ 7
Actuarial (gain) loss 100 $ 162
Total$ 107 $ 162
Amortization from Balance Sheet:
AOCI$ 49 $ 162
Regulatory assets/liabilities 58
Total$ 107 $ 162
Schedule of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs Included in Income Statement

The following net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) were charged to operating expense, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts. The U.K. pension benefits apply to PPL only.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012201420132012
PPL$ 84 $ 117 $ 119 $ (9)$ 33 $ 25 $ 13 $ 19 $ 22
PPL Energy Supply 39 45 37 3 6 6
PPL Electric (a) 12 18 19 2 3 3

LKE 17 32 31 7 8 9
LG&E 5 14 13 4 4 5
KU (a) 3 9 8 2 2 3

(a) PPL Electric and KU do not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans. PPL Electric and KU were allocated these costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services (for PPL Electric) and by LKE (for KU), based on their participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable.

Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions and Impact of One Point Change on Postretirement Plans

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132014201320142013
PPL
Discount rate4.25%5.12%3.85%4.41%4.08%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.92%3.97%4.00%4.00%3.86%3.96%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate4.28%5.18%3.81%4.51%
Rate of compensation increase4.03%3.94%4.03%3.94%
LKE
Discount rate4.25%5.18%4.06%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.50%4.00%3.50%4.00%
LG&E
Discount rate4.20%5.13%

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012201420132012
PPL
Discount rate5.12%4.22%5.06%4.41%4.27%5.24%4.91%4.00%4.80%
Rate of compensation increase3.97%3.98%4.02%4.00%4.00%4.00%3.96%3.97%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.03%7.07%7.19%7.16%7.17%5.96%5.94%5.99%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate5.18%4.25%5.12%4.51%3.77%4.60%
Rate of compensation increase3.94%3.95%4.00%3.94%3.95%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.00%7.00%N/AN/AN/A
LKE
Discount rate5.18%4.24%5.09%4.91%3.99%4.78%
Rate of compensation increase4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%6.75%6.76%7.02%
LG&E
Discount rate5.13%4.20%5.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%

(a) The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefits are based on management's projections using a best-estimate of expected returns, volatilities and correlations for each asset class. Each plan's specific current and expected asset allocations are also considered in developing a reasonable return assumption.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply and LKE)

The following table provides the assumed health care cost trend rates for the years ended December 31:

201420132012
PPL, PPL Energy Supply and LKE
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
- obligations7.2%7.6%8.0%
- cost7.6%8.0%8.5%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
- obligations5.0%5.0%5.5%
- cost5.0%5.5%5.5%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
- obligations202020202019
- cost202020192019

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care costs trend rate assumption would have had the following effects on the other postretirement benefit plans in 2014:

One Percentage Point
IncreaseDecrease
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
PPL$ 5 $ (5)
LKE 4 (4)
Schedule of Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans

The funded status of PPL's plans at December 31 was as follows:

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132014201320142013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$ 4,591 $ 5,046 $ 8,143 $ 7,888 $ 662 $ 722
Service cost 102 126 71 69 12 14
Interest cost 233 213 354 320 32 29
Participant contributions 16 15 12 12
Plan amendments (7) 6 (4)
Actuarial (gain) loss 925 (540) 747 46 58 (54)
Curtailments (1)
Termination benefits 13 3
Gross benefits paid (a) (248) (254) (411) (375) (56) (57)
Federal subsidy 1
Currency conversion (397) 177
Benefit Obligation, end of period 5,609 4,591 8,523 8,143 726 662
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period 4,156 3,939 7,284 6,911 446 421
Actual return on plan assets 622 72 895 438 62 37
Employer contributions 102 399 311 134 16 30
Participant contributions 16 15 12 12
Gross benefits paid (a) (248) (254) (411) (375) (52) (54)
Currency conversion (361) 161
Plan assets at fair value, end of period 4,632 4,156 7,734 7,284 484 446
Funded Status, end of period$ (977)$ (435)$ (789)$ (859)$ (242)$ (216)
Amounts recognized in the Balance
Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent asset $ 1
Current liability$ (10)$ (8)$ (1) (4)$ (1)
Noncurrent liability (967) (427) (788)$ (859) (239) (215)
Net amount recognized, end of period$ (977)$ (435)$ (789)$ (859)$ (242)$ (216)
Amounts recognized in AOCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities (pre-tax)
consist of:
Prior service cost (credit)$ 41 $ 69 $ (4)$ (11)
Net actuarial (gain) loss 1,412 842 $ 2,334 $ 2,112 54 33
Total (b)$ 1,453 $ 911 $ 2,334 $ 2,112 $ 50 $ 22
Total accumulated benefit obligation
for defined benefit pension plans$ 5,156 $ 4,191 $ 7,867 $ 7,542

(a) Certain U.S. pension plans offered a limited-time program in 2014 and 2013 during which terminated vested participants could elect to receive their accrued pension benefit as a one-time lump sum payment. Gross benefits paid includes $33 million and $64 million of lump-sum cash payments made to terminated vested participants in 2014 and 2013 in connection with these offerings.

(b) WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP. As a result, WPD does not record regulatory assets/liabilities.

For PPL's U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plans, the amounts recognized in AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities at December 31 were as follows:

U.S. Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
2014201320142013
AOCI$ 773 $ 430 $ 26 $ 19
Regulatory assets/liabilities 680 481 24 3
Total$ 1,453 $ 911 $ 50 $ 22
Schedule of Projected or Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess of Plan Assets

The following tables provide information on pension plans where the projected benefit obligation (PBO) or accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) exceed the fair value of plan assets:

U.S.U.K.
PBO in excess of plan assetsPBO in excess of plan assets
2014201320142013
Projected benefit obligation$5,609 $4,591 $8,523 $8,143
Fair value of plan assets4,632 4,156 7,734 7,284
U.S.U.K.
ABO in excess of plan assetsABO in excess of plan assets
2014201320142013
Accumulated benefit obligation$5,156 $572 $3,592 $3,441
Fair value of plan assets4,632 431 3,321 3,131
Contributions Made to Multiemployer Plans

The table below details total contributions to all multiemployer pension and other postretirement plans, including the plan identified as significant above.

201420132012
Pension Plans$40$36$31
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans333228
Total Contributions$73$68$59
Schedules of Asset Allocation of U.S. Pension Trusts Assets

The asset allocation for the trust and the target allocation by portfolio at December 31 are as follows:

2014 Target Asset Allocation (a)
Percentage of trust assetsWeighted
2014 (a)2013 AveragePPL PlansLKE Plans
Growth Portfolio 51% 59% 52%52%52%
Equity securities 26% 30%
Debt securities (b) 13% 17%
Alternative investments 12% 12%
Immunizing Portfolio 47% 39% 46%46%46%
Debt securities (b) 44% 40%
Derivatives 3% (1%)
Liquidity Portfolio 2% 2% 2%2%2%
Total 100% 100% 100%100%100%

(a) Allocations exclude consideration of cash for the WKE Bargaining Employees' Retirement Plan and a group annuity contract held by the LG&E and KU Retirement Plan.

(b) Includes commingled debt funds, which PPL treats as debt securities for asset allocation purposes.

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets for U.S. Pension Plan Assets

The fair value of net assets in the Master Trust by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:

December 31, 2014December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
Cash and cash equivalents $ 246 $ 246 $ 120 $ 120
Equity securities:
U.S.:
Large-cap 432 114 $ 318 480 134 $ 346
Small-cap 145 145 137 137
International 615 615 630 163 467
Commingled debt 818 818 749 13 736
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored
agency 723 706 17 617 563 54
Residential/commercial backed securities 2 2 12 11 $ 1
Corporate 1,109 1,088 $ 21 963 940 23
International government 8 8 7 7
Other 9 9 24 24
Alternative investments:
Commodities 90 90 108 108
Real estate 148 148 134 134
Private equity 104 104 80 80
Hedge funds 223 223 210 210
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps and swaptions 92 92 (49) (49)
Other 12 12 12 12
Insurance contracts 33 33 37 37
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
fair value 4,809 $ 1,211 $ 3,440 $ 158 4,271 $ 1,130 $ 3,000 $ 141
Receivables and payables, net (a) (41)
401(h) accounts restricted for other
postretirement benefit obligations (136) (115)
Total PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
pension assets$ 4,632 $ 4,156

(a) Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

Reconciliation of U.S. Pension Trust Assets Classified as Level 3 Included in Earnings

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2014 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsurance
securitiesdebtequitycontractsTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ 141
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date (1) (1) 19 1 18
Relating to assets sold during the period (1) (1)
Purchases, sales and settlements 5 (5)
Balance at end of period$ $ 21 $ 104 $ 33 $ 158

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2013 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsuranceOther
securitiesdebtequitycontractsdebtTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 27 $ 75 $ 42 $ 1 $ 146
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date 3 2 5
Relating to assets sold during the period 5 5
Purchases, sales and settlements (9) 2 (7) (14)
Transfers from level 3 to level 2 (1) (1)
Balance at end of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ $ 141
Schedules of Target Allocation of U.S. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans VEBA Trust

The asset allocation for the PPL VEBA trusts, excluding LKE, and the target allocation, by asset class, at December 31 are detailed below.

Target Asset
Percentage of plan assetsAllocation
201420132014
Asset Class
U.S. Equity securities 49% 55% 45%
Debt securities (a) 49% 41% 50%
Cash and cash equivalents (b) 2% 4% 5%
Total 100% 100% 100%

(a) Includes commingled debt funds and debt securities.

(b) Includes money market funds.

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets for U.S. Postretirement Benefits

The fair value of assets in the U.S. other postretirement benefit plans by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:

December 31, 2014December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurement UsingFair Value Measurement Using
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Money market funds$ 9 $ 9 $ 12 $ 12
U.S. Equity securities:
Large-cap 169 $ 169 182 $ 182
Commingled debt 136 136 100 100
Debt securities:
Municipalities 33 33 36 36
Total VEBA trust assets, at fair value 347 $ 9 $ 338 330 $ 12 $ 318
Receivables and payables, net (a) 1 1
401(h) account assets 136 115
Total other postretirement benefit plan
assets$ 484 $ 446

(a) Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

Schedules of Asset Allocation of U.K. Pension Plan Assets

The asset allocation and target allocation at December 31 of WPD's pension plans are detailed below.

Target Asset
Percentage of plan assetsAllocation
201420132014
Asset Class
Cash and cash equivalents 1%
Equity securities
U.K. 3% 7% 3%
European (excluding the U.K.) 3% 5% 3%
Asian-Pacific 2% 3% 2%
North American 3% 5% 3%
Emerging markets 9% 8% 9%
Currency 2% 7% 3%
Global Tactical Asset Allocation 29% 19% 30%
Debt securities (a) 42% 40% 41%
Alternative investments 6% 6% 6%
Total 100% 100% 100%

(a) Includes commingled debt funds.

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets for U.K. Pension Plan Assets

The fair value of assets in the U.K. pension plans by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:

December 31, 2014December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurement UsingFair Value Measurement Using
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents$ 57 $ 57 $ 10 $ 10
Equity securities:
U.K. companies 239 $ 239 523 267 $ 256
European companies (excluding the U.K.) 198 198 355 275 80
Asian-Pacific companies 142 142 226 180 46
North American companies 227 227 352 254 98
Emerging markets companies 309 309 411 126 285
Global Equities 397 397 161 161
Currency 190 190 485 485
Global Tactical Asset Allocation 2,263 2,263 1,384 1,384
Commingled debt:
U.K. corporate bonds 436 436 504 504
U.K. gilts 2,840 2,840 2,426 2,426
Alternative investments:
Real estate 436 436 447 447
Fair value - U.K. pension plans$ 7,734 $ 57 $ 7,677 $ 7,284 $ 1,112 $ 6,172
Schedule of Expected Cash Flows - U.S. Defined Benefit Plans - Expected Payments and Related Federal Subsidy

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plans and the following federal subsidy payments are expected to be received by PPL.

Other Postretirement
Expected
BenefitFederal
PensionPaymentSubsidy
2015$ 268 $ 54 $ 1
2016 279 56 1
2017 294 58 1
2018 308 60 1
2019 323 62 1
2020-2024 1,749 326 3
Schedule of Expected Cash Flows - U.K. Pension Plans - Expected Payments

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plans.

Pension
2015$ 386
2016 391
2017 395
2018 403
2019 409
2020-2024 2,118
Expected Employer Contributions to U.S. Savings Plans

Substantially all employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries are eligible to participate in deferred savings plans (401(k)s). Employer contributions to the plans were:

201420132012
PPL$ 47 $ 41 $ 36
PPL Energy Supply 14 12 12
PPL Electric 6 6 5

LKE 15 13 12
LG&E 5 7 6
KU 4 6 6
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Schedule Of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits)

The following table provides the components of net periodic defined benefit costs for PPL Energy Supply's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31.

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits):
Service cost$ 5 $ 7 $ 6 $ 1 $ 1
Interest cost 9 8 7 $ 1 1
Expected return on plan assets (11) (10) (9)
Amortization of:
Actuarial (gain) loss 2 3 2
Curtailment charges (credits) (1)
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits) $ 5 $ 8 $ 6 $ $ 1 $ 2
Other Changes in Plan Assets
and Benefit Obligations
Recognized in OCI:
Curtailments $ 1
Net (gain) loss$ 26 $ (15)$ 16 (1)$ (1)
Prior service cost (credit) (3)$ (1)
Amortization of:
Actuarial gain (loss) (2) (3) (2)
Total recognized in OCI 24 (18) 14 (4) (1)
Total recognized in net periodic
defined benefit costs and OCI$ 29 $ (10)$ 20 $ $ (3)$ 1
Schedule of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs Included in Income Statement

In the table above, for PPL Energy Supply and LG&E, amounts include costs for the specific plans each sponsors and the following allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services (for PPL Energy Supply) and by LKE (for LG&E), based on their participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable:

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012
PPL Energy Supply$ 34 $ 38 $ 31 $ 3 $ 5 $ 5

LG&E 2 5 5 4 4 5
Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions and Impact of One Point Change on Postretirement Plans

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132014201320142013
PPL
Discount rate4.25%5.12%3.85%4.41%4.08%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.92%3.97%4.00%4.00%3.86%3.96%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate4.28%5.18%3.81%4.51%
Rate of compensation increase4.03%3.94%4.03%3.94%
LKE
Discount rate4.25%5.18%4.06%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.50%4.00%3.50%4.00%
LG&E
Discount rate4.20%5.13%

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic defined benefit costs for the years ended December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012201420132012
PPL
Discount rate5.12%4.22%5.06%4.41%4.27%5.24%4.91%4.00%4.80%
Rate of compensation increase3.97%3.98%4.02%4.00%4.00%4.00%3.96%3.97%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.03%7.07%7.19%7.16%7.17%5.96%5.94%5.99%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate5.18%4.25%5.12%4.51%3.77%4.60%
Rate of compensation increase3.94%3.95%4.00%3.94%3.95%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.00%7.00%N/AN/AN/A
LKE
Discount rate5.18%4.24%5.09%4.91%3.99%4.78%
Rate of compensation increase4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%6.75%6.76%7.02%
LG&E
Discount rate5.13%4.20%5.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%

(a) The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefits are based on management's projections using a best-estimate of expected returns, volatilities and correlations for each asset class. Each plan's specific current and expected asset allocations are also considered in developing a reasonable return assumption.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply and LKE)

The following table provides the assumed health care cost trend rates for the years ended December 31:

201420132012
PPL, PPL Energy Supply and LKE
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
- obligations7.2%7.6%8.0%
- cost7.6%8.0%8.5%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
- obligations5.0%5.0%5.5%
- cost5.0%5.5%5.5%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
- obligations202020202019
- cost202020192019
Schedule of Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans
(PPL Energy Supply)
The funded status of PPL Energy Supply's plans at December 31 was as follows:
Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
2014201320142013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$ 163 $ 176 $ 12 $ 17
Service cost 5 7 1
Interest cost 9 8 1
Plan amendments (4)
Actuarial (gain) loss 38 (23) (1) (1)
Curtailments (1)
Gross benefits paid (5) (5) (1) (1)
Benefit Obligation, end of period 210 163 10 12
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of
period 147 149
Actual return on plan assets 22 3
Employer contributions 6 1 1
Gross benefits paid (5) (5) (1) (1)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period 170 147
Funded Status, end of period$ (40)$ (16)$ (10)$ (12)
Amounts recognized in the Balance
Sheets consist of:
Current liability $ (1)$ (1)
Noncurrent liability$ (40)$ (16) (9) (11)
Net amount recognized, end of period$ (40)$ (16)$ (10)$ (12)
Amounts recognized in AOCI
(pre-tax) consist of:
Prior service cost (credit) $ (4)$ (5)
Net actuarial (gain) loss$ 59 $ 34 1
Total $ 59 $ 34 $ (4)$ (4)
Total accumulated benefit obligation
for defined benefit pension plans$ 210 $ 163

Allocations to PPL Energy Supply resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows:

20142013
Pension$ 259 $ 96
Other postretirement benefits 34 35
Contributions Made to Multiemployer Plans

The table below details total contributions to all multiemployer pension and other postretirement plans, including the plan identified as significant above.

201420132012
Pension Plans$40$36$31
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans333228
Total Contributions$73$68$59
Schedules of Asset Allocation of U.S. Pension Trusts Assets

The asset allocation for the trust and the target allocation by portfolio at December 31 are as follows:

2014 Target Asset Allocation (a)
Percentage of trust assetsWeighted
2014 (a)2013 AveragePPL PlansLKE Plans
Growth Portfolio 51% 59% 52%52%52%
Equity securities 26% 30%
Debt securities (b) 13% 17%
Alternative investments 12% 12%
Immunizing Portfolio 47% 39% 46%46%46%
Debt securities (b) 44% 40%
Derivatives 3% (1%)
Liquidity Portfolio 2% 2% 2%2%2%
Total 100% 100% 100%100%100%

(a) Allocations exclude consideration of cash for the WKE Bargaining Employees' Retirement Plan and a group annuity contract held by the LG&E and KU Retirement Plan.

(b) Includes commingled debt funds, which PPL treats as debt securities for asset allocation purposes.

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets for U.S. Pension Plan Assets

The fair value of net assets in the Master Trust by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:

December 31, 2014December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
Cash and cash equivalents $ 246 $ 246 $ 120 $ 120
Equity securities:
U.S.:
Large-cap 432 114 $ 318 480 134 $ 346
Small-cap 145 145 137 137
International 615 615 630 163 467
Commingled debt 818 818 749 13 736
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored
agency 723 706 17 617 563 54
Residential/commercial backed securities 2 2 12 11 $ 1
Corporate 1,109 1,088 $ 21 963 940 23
International government 8 8 7 7
Other 9 9 24 24
Alternative investments:
Commodities 90 90 108 108
Real estate 148 148 134 134
Private equity 104 104 80 80
Hedge funds 223 223 210 210
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps and swaptions 92 92 (49) (49)
Other 12 12 12 12
Insurance contracts 33 33 37 37
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
fair value 4,809 $ 1,211 $ 3,440 $ 158 4,271 $ 1,130 $ 3,000 $ 141
Receivables and payables, net (a) (41)
401(h) accounts restricted for other
postretirement benefit obligations (136) (115)
Total PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
pension assets$ 4,632 $ 4,156

(a) Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

Reconciliation of U.S. Pension Trust Assets Classified as Level 3 Included in Earnings

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2014 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsurance
securitiesdebtequitycontractsTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ 141
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date (1) (1) 19 1 18
Relating to assets sold during the period (1) (1)
Purchases, sales and settlements 5 (5)
Balance at end of period$ $ 21 $ 104 $ 33 $ 158

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2013 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsuranceOther
securitiesdebtequitycontractsdebtTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 27 $ 75 $ 42 $ 1 $ 146
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date 3 2 5
Relating to assets sold during the period 5 5
Purchases, sales and settlements (9) 2 (7) (14)
Transfers from level 3 to level 2 (1) (1)
Balance at end of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ $ 141
Schedule of Expected Cash Flows - U.S. Defined Benefit Plans - Expected Payments and Related Federal Subsidy

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plans.

Other
PensionPostretirement
2015$ 5 $ 1
2016 7 1
2017 7 1
2018 8 2
2019 9 2
2020-2024 58 9
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Schedule of Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans

Allocations to PPL Electric resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows.

20142013
Pension$ 212 $ 96
Other postretirement benefits 40 41
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Schedule Of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits)

The following table provides the components of net periodic defined benefit costs for LKE’s pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31.

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credits):
Service cost $ 21 $ 26 $ 22 $ 4 $ 5 $ 4
Interest cost 66 62 64 9 8 9
Expected return on plan assets (82) (82) (70) (4) (5) (4)
Amortization of:
Transition (asset) obligation 2
Prior service cost (credit) 5 5 5 2 3 3
Actuarial (gain) loss 12 33 22 (1) (1)
Net periodic defined benefit costs
(credit)$ 22 $ 44 $ 43 $ 10 $ 11 $ 13
Other Changes in Plan Assets
and Benefit Obligations
Recognized in OCI and
Regulatory Assets/Liabilities -
Gross:
Net (gain) loss$ 162 $ (116)$ 96 $ 26 $ (14)$ (11)
Prior service cost (credit) 23 6
Amortization of:
Transition asset (obligation) (2)
Prior service (cost) credit (5) (5) (5) (2) (3) (3)
Actuarial gain (loss) (12) (33) (22) 1 1
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities 168 (154) 69 31 (17) (15)
Total recognized in net periodic
defined benefit costs, OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities$ 190 $ (110)$ 112 $ 41 $ (6)$ (2)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income and Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

For LKE's pension and other postretirement benefits, the amounts recognized in OCI and regulatory assets/liabilities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012
OCI$ 84 $ (46)$ 34 $ 9 $ (1)$ (1)
Regulatory assets/liabilities 84 (108) 35 22 (16) (14)
Total recognized in OCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities$ 168 $ (154)$ 69 $ 31 $ (17)$ (15)
Schedule of Amounts to be Amortized from AOCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities in Next Fiscal Year

The estimated amounts to be amortized from AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities into net periodic defined benefit costs for LKE in 2015 are as follows.

Other
PensionPostretirement
BenefitsBenefits
Prior service cost (credit)$ 7 $ 3
Actuarial (gain) loss 34
Total$ 41 $ 3
Amortization from Balance Sheet:
AOCI$ 3 $ 1
Regulatory assets/liabilities 38 2
Total$ 41 $ 3
Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions and Impact of One Point Change on Postretirement Plans

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132014201320142013
PPL
Discount rate4.25%5.12%3.85%4.41%4.08%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.92%3.97%4.00%4.00%3.86%3.96%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate4.28%5.18%3.81%4.51%
Rate of compensation increase4.03%3.94%4.03%3.94%
LKE
Discount rate4.25%5.18%4.06%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.50%4.00%3.50%4.00%
LG&E
Discount rate4.20%5.13%

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic defined benefit costs for the years ended December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012201420132012
PPL
Discount rate5.12%4.22%5.06%4.41%4.27%5.24%4.91%4.00%4.80%
Rate of compensation increase3.97%3.98%4.02%4.00%4.00%4.00%3.96%3.97%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.03%7.07%7.19%7.16%7.17%5.96%5.94%5.99%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate5.18%4.25%5.12%4.51%3.77%4.60%
Rate of compensation increase3.94%3.95%4.00%3.94%3.95%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.00%7.00%N/AN/AN/A
LKE
Discount rate5.18%4.24%5.09%4.91%3.99%4.78%
Rate of compensation increase4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%6.75%6.76%7.02%
LG&E
Discount rate5.13%4.20%5.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%

(a) The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefits are based on management's projections using a best-estimate of expected returns, volatilities and correlations for each asset class. Each plan's specific current and expected asset allocations are also considered in developing a reasonable return assumption.

(PPL, PPL Energy Supply and LKE)

The following table provides the assumed health care cost trend rates for the years ended December 31:

201420132012
PPL, PPL Energy Supply and LKE
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
- obligations7.2%7.6%8.0%
- cost7.6%8.0%8.5%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
- obligations5.0%5.0%5.5%
- cost5.0%5.5%5.5%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
- obligations202020202019
- cost202020192019

A one percentage point change in the assumed health care costs trend rate assumption would have had the following effects on the other postretirement benefit plans in 2014:

One Percentage Point
IncreaseDecrease
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
PPL$ 5 $ (5)
LKE 4 (4)
Schedule of Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans

The funded status of LKE's plans at December 31 was as follows:

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
2014201320142013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$ 1,328 $ 1,487 $ 193 $ 209
Service cost 21 26 4 5
Interest cost 66 62 9 8
Participant contributions 7 7
Plan amendments (a) 23 6
Actuarial (gain) loss 253 (177) 32 (18)
Gross benefits paid (b) (83) (70) (17) (18)
Benefit Obligation, end of period 1,608 1,328 234 193
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period 1,173 1,070 74 68
Actual return on plan assets 173 21 10 1
Employer contributions 38 152 8 16
Participant contributions 7 7
Gross benefits paid (b) (83) (70) (17) (18)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period 1,301 1,173 82 74
Funded Status, end of period$ (307)$ (155)$ (152)$ (119)
Amounts recognized in the Balance
Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent asset $ 2
Current liability$ (3)$ (3) (3)
Noncurrent liability (304) (152) (151)$ (119)
Net amount recognized, end of period$ (307)$ (155)$ (152)$ (119)
Amounts recognized in AOCI and
regulatory assets/liabilities (pre-tax)
consist of:
Prior service cost (credit)$ 43 $ 24 $ 12 $ 8
Net actuarial (gain) loss 354 205 (4) (30)
Total$ 397 $ 229 $ 8 $ (22)
Total accumulated benefit obligation
for defined benefit pension plans$ 1,461 $ 1,176

(a) The plans were amended in December 2014 to enhance the early retirement factors for all plan participants retiring on or after January 1, 2015. These modifications resulted in an increase of $23 million in the plans’ projected benefit obligations as of December 31, 2014.

(b) Certain LKE pension plans offered a limited-time program in 2014 and 2013 during which terminated vested participants could elect to receive their accrued pension benefit as a one-time lump-sum payment. The gross benefits paid includes $33 million and $21 million of lump-sum cash payments made to terminated vested participants in 2014 and 2013 in connection with these offerings.

The amounts recognized in AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities at December 31 were as follows:

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
2014201320142013
AOCI$ 65 $ (19)$ 8
Regulatory assets/liabilities 332 248 $ (22)
Total$ 397 $ 229 $ 8 $ (22)
Schedule of Projected or Accumulated Benefit Obligations In Excess of Plan Assets

The following tables provide information on pension plans where the projected benefit obligation (PBO) or accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) exceed the fair value of plan assets:

PBO in excess of plan assets
20142013
Projected benefit obligation$1,608 $1,328
Fair value of plan assets1,301 1,173
ABO in excess of plan assets
20142013
Accumulated benefit obligation$1,461 $350
Fair value of plan assets1,301 284
Schedules of Asset Allocation of U.S. Pension Trusts Assets

The asset allocation for the trust and the target allocation by portfolio at December 31 are as follows:

2014 Target Asset Allocation (a)
Percentage of trust assetsWeighted
2014 (a)2013 AveragePPL PlansLKE Plans
Growth Portfolio 51% 59% 52%52%52%
Equity securities 26% 30%
Debt securities (b) 13% 17%
Alternative investments 12% 12%
Immunizing Portfolio 47% 39% 46%46%46%
Debt securities (b) 44% 40%
Derivatives 3% (1%)
Liquidity Portfolio 2% 2% 2%2%2%
Total 100% 100% 100%100%100%

(a) Allocations exclude consideration of cash for the WKE Bargaining Employees' Retirement Plan and a group annuity contract held by the LG&E and KU Retirement Plan.

(b) Includes commingled debt funds, which PPL treats as debt securities for asset allocation purposes.

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets for U.S. Pension Plan Assets

The fair value of net assets in the Master Trust by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:

December 31, 2014December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
Cash and cash equivalents $ 246 $ 246 $ 120 $ 120
Equity securities:
U.S.:
Large-cap 432 114 $ 318 480 134 $ 346
Small-cap 145 145 137 137
International 615 615 630 163 467
Commingled debt 818 818 749 13 736
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored
agency 723 706 17 617 563 54
Residential/commercial backed securities 2 2 12 11 $ 1
Corporate 1,109 1,088 $ 21 963 940 23
International government 8 8 7 7
Other 9 9 24 24
Alternative investments:
Commodities 90 90 108 108
Real estate 148 148 134 134
Private equity 104 104 80 80
Hedge funds 223 223 210 210
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps and swaptions 92 92 (49) (49)
Other 12 12 12 12
Insurance contracts 33 33 37 37
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
fair value 4,809 $ 1,211 $ 3,440 $ 158 4,271 $ 1,130 $ 3,000 $ 141
Receivables and payables, net (a) (41)
401(h) accounts restricted for other
postretirement benefit obligations (136) (115)
Total PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
pension assets$ 4,632 $ 4,156

(a) Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

Reconciliation of U.S. Pension Trust Assets Classified as Level 3 Included in Earnings

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2014 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsurance
securitiesdebtequitycontractsTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ 141
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date (1) (1) 19 1 18
Relating to assets sold during the period (1) (1)
Purchases, sales and settlements 5 (5)
Balance at end of period$ $ 21 $ 104 $ 33 $ 158

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2013 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsuranceOther
securitiesdebtequitycontractsdebtTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 27 $ 75 $ 42 $ 1 $ 146
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date 3 2 5
Relating to assets sold during the period 5 5
Purchases, sales and settlements (9) 2 (7) (14)
Transfers from level 3 to level 2 (1) (1)
Balance at end of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ $ 141
Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets for U.S. Postretirement Benefits

The fair value of assets in the U.S. other postretirement benefit plans by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:

December 31, 2014December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurement UsingFair Value Measurement Using
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Money market funds$ 9 $ 9 $ 12 $ 12
U.S. Equity securities:
Large-cap 169 $ 169 182 $ 182
Commingled debt 136 136 100 100
Debt securities:
Municipalities 33 33 36 36
Total VEBA trust assets, at fair value 347 $ 9 $ 338 330 $ 12 $ 318
Receivables and payables, net (a) 1 1
401(h) account assets 136 115
Total other postretirement benefit plan
assets$ 484 $ 446

(a) Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

Schedule of Expected Cash Flows - U.S. Defined Benefit Plans - Expected Payments and Related Federal Subsidy

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plans and the following federal subsidy payments are expected to be received by LKE.

Other Postretirement
Expected
BenefitFederal
PensionPaymentSubsidy
2015$ 60 $ 14
2016 62 14
2017 67 15 $ 1
2018 72 16
2019 77 17
2020-2024 456 88 2
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Schedule Of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs (Credits)

The following table provides the components of net periodic defined benefit costs for LG&E’s pension benefit plan for the years ended December 31.

Pension Benefits
201420132012
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits):
Service cost $ 1 $ 2 $ 2
Interest cost 15 14 14
Expected return on plan assets (19) (20) (19)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit) 2 2 3
Actuarial (gain) loss 6 14 11
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)$ 5 $ 12 $ 11
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations
Recognized in Regulatory Assets - Gross:
Net (gain) loss$ 14 $ (20)$ 18
Prior service cost (credit) 9
Amortization of:
Prior service (cost) credit (2) (2) (2)
Actuarial gain (loss) (6) (14) (11)
Total recognized in regulatory assets/liabilities 15 (36) 5
Total recognized in net periodic defined benefit costs and regulatory assets$ 20 $ (24)$ 16
Schedule of Amounts to be Amortized from AOCI and Regulatory Assets/Liabilities in Next Fiscal Year

The estimated amounts to be amortized from regulatory assets into net periodic defined benefit costs for LG&E in 2015 are as follows.

Pension
Benefits
Prior service cost (credit)$ 3
Actuarial (gain) loss 11
Total$ 14
Schedule of Net Periodic Defined Benefit Costs Included in Income Statement

In the table above, for PPL Energy Supply and LG&E, amounts include costs for the specific plans each sponsors and the following allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by PPL Services (for PPL Energy Supply) and by LKE (for LG&E), based on their participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable:

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012
PPL Energy Supply$ 34 $ 38 $ 31 $ 3 $ 5 $ 5

LG&E 2 5 5 4 4 5
Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions and Impact of One Point Change on Postretirement Plans

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132014201320142013
PPL
Discount rate4.25%5.12%3.85%4.41%4.08%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.92%3.97%4.00%4.00%3.86%3.96%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate4.28%5.18%3.81%4.51%
Rate of compensation increase4.03%3.94%4.03%3.94%
LKE
Discount rate4.25%5.18%4.06%4.91%
Rate of compensation increase3.50%4.00%3.50%4.00%
LG&E
Discount rate4.20%5.13%

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic defined benefit costs for the years ended December 31.

Pension Benefits
U.S.U.K.Other Postretirement Benefits
201420132012201420132012201420132012
PPL
Discount rate5.12%4.22%5.06%4.41%4.27%5.24%4.91%4.00%4.80%
Rate of compensation increase3.97%3.98%4.02%4.00%4.00%4.00%3.96%3.97%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.03%7.07%7.19%7.16%7.17%5.96%5.94%5.99%
PPL Energy Supply
Discount rate5.18%4.25%5.12%4.51%3.77%4.60%
Rate of compensation increase3.94%3.95%4.00%3.94%3.95%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.00%7.00%N/AN/AN/A
LKE
Discount rate5.18%4.24%5.09%4.91%3.99%4.78%
Rate of compensation increase4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%6.75%6.76%7.02%
LG&E
Discount rate5.13%4.20%5.00%
Expected return on plan assets (a)7.00%7.10%7.25%

(a) The expected long-term rates of return for pension and other postretirement benefits are based on management's projections using a best-estimate of expected returns, volatilities and correlations for each asset class. Each plan's specific current and expected asset allocations are also considered in developing a reasonable return assumption.

Schedule of Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans

(LG&E)

The funded status of LG&E's plan at December 31, was as follows:

Pension Benefits
20142013
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period$ 291 $ 331
Service cost 1 2
Interest cost 15 14
Plan amendments (a) 9
Actuarial (gain) loss 36 (35)
Gross benefits paid (b) (21) (21)
Benefit Obligation, end of period 331 291
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period 281 287
Actual return on plan assets 41 4
Employer contributions 11
Gross benefits paid (b) (21) (21)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period 301 281
Funded Status, end of period$ (30)$ (10)
Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent liability$ (30)$ (10)
Net amount recognized, end of period$ (30)$ (10)
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets (pre-tax)
consist of:
Prior service cost (credit)$ 22 $ 15
Net actuarial (gain) loss 98 90
Total$ 120 $ 105
Total accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plan$ 330 $ 288

(a) The plan was amended in December 2014 to enhance the early retirement factors for all plan participants retiring on or after January 1, 2015.  This modification resulted in an increase of $9 million in the plan’s projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 2014.

(b) LG&E's pension plan offered a limited-time program in 2014 and 2013 during which terminated vested participants could elect to receive their accrued pension benefit as a one-time lump-sum payment. The gross benefits paid includes $8 million and $7 million of lump-sum cash payments made to terminated vested participants in 2014 and 2013 in connection with these offerings.

Allocations to LG&E resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows:

20142013
Pension$ 27 $ 9
Other postretirement benefits 85 73
Schedules of Asset Allocation of U.S. Pension Trusts Assets

The asset allocation for the trust and the target allocation by portfolio at December 31 are as follows:

2014 Target Asset Allocation (a)
Percentage of trust assetsWeighted
2014 (a)2013 AveragePPL PlansLKE Plans
Growth Portfolio 51% 59% 52%52%52%
Equity securities 26% 30%
Debt securities (b) 13% 17%
Alternative investments 12% 12%
Immunizing Portfolio 47% 39% 46%46%46%
Debt securities (b) 44% 40%
Derivatives 3% (1%)
Liquidity Portfolio 2% 2% 2%2%2%
Total 100% 100% 100%100%100%

(a) Allocations exclude consideration of cash for the WKE Bargaining Employees' Retirement Plan and a group annuity contract held by the LG&E and KU Retirement Plan.

(b) Includes commingled debt funds, which PPL treats as debt securities for asset allocation purposes.

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets for U.S. Pension Plan Assets

The fair value of net assets in the Master Trust by asset class and level within the fair value hierarchy was:

December 31, 2014December 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
Cash and cash equivalents $ 246 $ 246 $ 120 $ 120
Equity securities:
U.S.:
Large-cap 432 114 $ 318 480 134 $ 346
Small-cap 145 145 137 137
International 615 615 630 163 467
Commingled debt 818 818 749 13 736
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored
agency 723 706 17 617 563 54
Residential/commercial backed securities 2 2 12 11 $ 1
Corporate 1,109 1,088 $ 21 963 940 23
International government 8 8 7 7
Other 9 9 24 24
Alternative investments:
Commodities 90 90 108 108
Real estate 148 148 134 134
Private equity 104 104 80 80
Hedge funds 223 223 210 210
Derivatives:
Interest rate swaps and swaptions 92 92 (49) (49)
Other 12 12 12 12
Insurance contracts 33 33 37 37
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
fair value 4,809 $ 1,211 $ 3,440 $ 158 4,271 $ 1,130 $ 3,000 $ 141
Receivables and payables, net (a) (41)
401(h) accounts restricted for other
postretirement benefit obligations (136) (115)
Total PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
pension assets$ 4,632 $ 4,156

(a) Receivables and payables represent amounts for investments sold/purchased but not yet settled along with interest and dividends earned but not yet received.

Reconciliation of U.S. Pension Trust Assets Classified as Level 3 Included in Earnings

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2014 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsurance
securitiesdebtequitycontractsTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ 141
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date (1) (1) 19 1 18
Relating to assets sold during the period (1) (1)
Purchases, sales and settlements 5 (5)
Balance at end of period$ $ 21 $ 104 $ 33 $ 158

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2013 is as follows:

Residential/
commercial
backedCorporatePrivateInsuranceOther
securitiesdebtequitycontractsdebtTotal
Balance at beginning of period$ 1 $ 27 $ 75 $ 42 $ 1 $ 146
Actual return on plan assets
Relating to assets still held
at the reporting date 3 2 5
Relating to assets sold during the period 5 5
Purchases, sales and settlements (9) 2 (7) (14)
Transfers from level 3 to level 2 (1) (1)
Balance at end of period$ 1 $ 23 $ 80 $ 37 $ $ 141
Schedule of Expected Cash Flows - U.S. Defined Benefit Plans - Expected Payments and Related Federal Subsidy

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the plan.

Pension
2015$ 15
2016 16
2017 17
2018 18
2019 19
2020-2024 105
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member]  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Schedule of Funded Status of Defined Benefit Plans

Allocations to KU resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows.

20142013
Pension $ 59 $ 11
Other postretirement benefits 52 42