Retirement and Postemployment Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Retirement and Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]

11. Retirement and Postemployment Benefits

(All Registrants)

Defined Benefits

The majority of PPL's subsidiaries domestic employees are eligible for pension benefits under non-contributory defined benefit pension plans with benefits based on length of service and final average pay, as defined by the plans. Effective January 1, 2012, PPL's primary defined benefit pension plan was closed to all newly hired salaried employees. Effective July 1, 2014, PPL's primary defined benefit pension plan was closed to all newly hired bargaining unit employees. Newly hired employees are eligible to participate in the PPL Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with enhanced employer contributions.

The defined benefit pension plans of LKE and its subsidiaries were closed to new salaried and bargaining unit employees hired after December 31, 2005. Employees hired after December 31, 2005 receive additional company contributions above the standard matching contributions to their savings plans.

Effective April 1, 2010, the principal defined benefit pension plan applicable to WPD (South West) and WPD (South Wales) was closed to most new employees, except for those meeting specific grandfathered participation rights. WPD Midlands' defined benefit plan had been closed to new members, except for those meeting specific grandfathered participation rights, prior to acquisition. New employees not eligible to participate in the plans are offered benefits under a defined contribution plan.

PPL and certain of its subsidiaries also provide supplemental retirement benefits to executives and other key management employees through unfunded nonqualified retirement plans.

The majority of employees of PPL's domestic subsidiaries are eligible for certain health care and life insurance benefits upon retirement through contributory plans. Effective January 1, 2014, the PPL Postretirement Medical Plan was closed to all newly hired salaried employees. Effective July 1, 2014, the PPL Postretirement Medical Plan was closed to all newly hired bargaining unit employees. Postretirement health benefits may be paid from 401(h) accounts established as part of the PPL Retirement Plan and the LG&E and KU Retirement Plan within the PPL Services Corporation Master Trust, funded VEBA trusts and company funds. WPD does not sponsor any postretirement benefit plans other than pensions.

(PPL)

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
			2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013
Net periodic defined benefit costs
	(credits):
Service cost			$	96	$	97	$	119	$	79	$	71	$	69	$	11	$	12	$	13
Interest cost				194		224		205		314		354		320		26		31		29
Expected return on plan assets				(258)		(287)		(283)		(523)		(521)		(465)		(26)		(26)		(25)
Amortization of:
		Prior service cost (credit)		7		20		22						1		1
		Actuarial (gain) loss		84		28		77		158		132		150				1		6
Net periodic defined benefit costs
	(credits) prior to termination
	benefits			123		82		140		28		36		75		12		18		23
Termination benefits						13								3
Net periodic defined benefit costs
	(credits)		$	123	$	95	$	140	$	28	$	36	$	78	$	12	$	18	$	23

Other Changes in Plan Assets
	and Benefit Obligations
	Recognized in OCI and
	Regulatory Assets/Liabilities -
	Gross:
Divestiture (a)			$	(353)											$	(6)
Net (gain) loss				63	$	574	$	(304)	$	508	$	354	$	76		(9)	$	22	$	(67)
Prior service cost
	(credit)			18		(8)												7
Amortization of:
		Prior service (cost) credit		(7)		(20)		(22)						(1)		(1)
		Actuarial gain (loss)		(85)		(28)		(77)		(158)		(132)		(150)				(1)		(6)
Total recognized in OCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities (b)			(364)		518		(403)		350		222		(75)		(16)		28		(73)

Total recognized in net periodic
	defined benefit costs, OCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities (b)		$	(241)	$	613	$	(263)	$	378	$	258	$	3	$	(4)	$	46	$	(50)

(a) As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, amounts in AOCI were allocated to certain former active and inactive employees of PPL Energy Supply and included in the distribution. See Note 8 for additional details.

(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 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 Benefits							Other Postretirement Benefits
			2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013

OCI		$	(269)	$	319	$	(210)	$	12	$	7	$	(37)
Regulatory assets/liabilities			(95)		199		(193)		(28)		21		(36)
Total recognized in OCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities	$	(364)	$	518	$	(403)	$	(16)	$	28	$	(73)

The estimated amounts to be amortized from AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities into net periodic defined benefit costs in 2016 are as follows:


	Pension Benefits
	U.S.		U.K.

Prior service cost (credit)	$	8
Actuarial (gain) loss		49	$	151
Total	$	57	$	151

Amortization from Balance Sheet:
AOCI	$	12	$	151
Regulatory assets/liabilities		45
Total	$	57	$	151

(LKE)

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 Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
			2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013
Net periodic defined benefit costs
	(credits):
Service cost			$	26	$	21	$	26	$	5	$	4	$	5
Interest cost				68		66		62		9		9		8
Expected return on plan assets				(88)		(82)		(82)		(6)		(4)		(5)
Amortization of:
		Prior service cost (credit)		7		5		5		3		2		3
		Actuarial (gain) loss (a)		37		12		33				(1)
Net periodic defined benefit costs
	(credit)		$	50	$	22	$	44	$	11	$	10	$	11

Other Changes in Plan Assets
	and Benefit Obligations
	Recognized in OCI and
	Regulatory Assets/Liabilities -
	Gross:
Net (gain) loss			$	20	$	162	$	(116)	$	(15)	$	26	$	(14)
Prior service cost (credit)				19		23						6
Amortization of:
		Prior service (cost) credit		(7)		(5)		(5)		(3)		(2)		(3)
		Actuarial gain (loss)		(37)		(12)		(33)				1
Total recognized in OCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities			(5)		168		(154)		(18)		31		(17)

Total recognized in net periodic
	defined benefit costs, OCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities		$	45	$	190	$	(110)	$	(7)	$	41	$	(6)

(a) As a result of the 2014 Kentucky rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015, the difference between actuarial (gain)/loss calculated in accordance with LKE’s pension accounting policy and actuarial (gain)/loss calculated using a 15 year amortization period was $9 million.

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 Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
		2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013


OCI		$	4	$	84	$	(46)	$	(2)	$	9	$	(1)
Regulatory assets/liabilities			(9)		84		(108)		(16)		22		(16)
Total recognized in OCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities	$	(5)	$	168	$	(154)	$	(18)	$	31	$	(17)

The estimated amounts to be amortized from AOCI and regulatory assets/liabilities into net periodic defined benefit costs for LKE in 2016 are as follows.

			Other
	Pension		Postretirement
	Benefits		Benefits

Prior service cost (credit)	$	8	$	2
Actuarial (gain) loss		20
Total	$	28	$	2

Amortization from Balance Sheet:
AOCI	$	2	$	1
Regulatory assets/liabilities		26		1
Total	$	28	$	2

(LG&E)

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
			2015		2014		2013
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits):
Service cost			$	1	$	1	$	2
Interest cost				14		15		14
Expected return on plan assets				(20)		(19)		(20)
Amortization of:
		Prior service cost (credit)		3		2		2
		Actuarial (gain) loss (a)		11		6		14
Net periodic defined benefit costs (credits)			$	9	$	5	$	12

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations
	Recognized in Regulatory Assets - Gross:
Net (gain) loss			$	8	$	14	$	(20)
Prior service cost (credit)				10		9
Amortization of:
		Prior service (cost) credit		(3)		(2)		(2)
		Actuarial gain (loss)		(11)		(6)		(14)
Total recognized in regulatory assets/liabilities				4		15		(36)
Total recognized in net periodic defined benefit costs and regulatory assets			$	13	$	20	$	(24)

(a) As a result of the 2014 Kentucky rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015, the difference between actuarial (gain)/loss calculated in accordance with LG&E’s pension accounting policy and actuarial (gain)/loss calculated using a 15 year amortization period was $3 million.

The estimated amounts to be amortized from regulatory assets into net periodic defined benefit costs for LG&E in 2016 are as follows.

	Pension
	Benefits

Prior service cost (credit)	$	5
Actuarial (gain) loss		7
Total	$	12

(All Registrants)

The following net periodic defined benefit costs (credits) were charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, 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
	2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013

PPL	$	71	$	45	$	72	$	(21)	$	(9)	$	33	$	8	$	10	$	13
PPL Electric (a)		15		12		18										2		3

LKE (b)	37	17	32	8	7	8
LG&E (b)	12	5	14	4	4	4
KU (a) (b)	9	3	9	2	2	2

(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.

(b) As a result of the 2014 Kentucky rate case settlement that became effective July 1, 2015, the difference between net periodic defined benefit costs calculated in accordance with LKE’s, LG&E’s and KU’s pension accounting policy and the net periodic defined benefit costs calculated using a 15 year amortization period for gains and losses is recorded as a regulatory asset. Of the costs charged to operating expense or regulatory assets, excluding amounts charged to construction and other non-expense accounts, $4 million for LG&E and $1 million for KU were recorded as regulatory assets.

In the table above LG&E amounts include costs for the specific plans its sponsors and the following allocated costs of defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE, based on its participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013

LG&E	$	5	$	2	$	5	$	4	$	4	$	4

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)

PPL, LKE and LG&E adopted the new mortality tables issued by the Society of Actuaries in October 2014 (RP-2014 base tables) for all U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2015. In addition, PPL, LKE and LG&E updated the basis for estimating projected mortality improvements and selected the IRS BB-2D two-dimensional improvement scale on a generational basis for all U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. These new mortality assumptions reflect the recognition of both improved life expectancies and the expectation of continuing improvements in life expectancies. The use of the new base tables and improvement scale resulted in an increase to U.S. defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, an increase to future expense and a decrease in funded status.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the valuation of the benefit obligations at December 31. The U.K. pension benefits apply to PPL only.

		Pension Benefits
		U.S.				U.K.				Other Postretirement Benefits
		2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
PPL
	Discount rate		4.59%		4.25%		3.68%		3.85%		4.48%		4.09%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.93%		3.91%		4.00%		4.00%		3.91%		3.86%

LKE
	Discount rate		4.56%		4.25%						4.49%		4.06%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.50%		3.50%						3.50%		3.50%

LG&E
	Discount rate		4.49%		4.20%

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine the net periodic defined benefit costs for the years ended December 31. The U.K. pension benefits apply to PPL only.

		Pension Benefits
		U.S.						U.K.						Other Postretirement Benefits
		2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013		2015		2014		2013
PPL
	Discount rate		4.25%		5.12%		4.22%		3.85%		4.41%		4.27%		4.09%		4.91%		4.00%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.91%		3.97%		3.98%		4.00%		4.00%		4.00%		3.86%		3.96%		3.97%
	Expected return on plan assets (a)		7.00%		7.00%		7.03%		7.19%		7.19%		7.16%		6.06%		5.96%		5.94%

LKE
	Discount rate		4.25%		5.18%		4.24%								4.06%		4.91%		3.99%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.50%		4.00%		4.00%								3.50%		4.00%		4.00%
	Expected return on plan assets (a)		7.00%		7.00%		7.10%								6.82%		6.75%		6.76%

LG&E
	Discount rate		4.20%		5.13%		4.20%
	Expected return on plan assets (a)		7.00%		7.00%		7.10%

(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 and LKE)

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

			2015		2014		2013
PPL and LKE
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
		- obligations		6.8%		7.2%		7.6%
		- cost		7.2%		7.6%		8.0%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
		- obligations		5.0%		5.0%		5.0%
		- cost		5.0%		5.0%		5.5%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
		- obligations		2020		2020		2020
		- cost		2020		2020		2019

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 2015:

		One Percentage Point
		Increase		Decrease
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
	PPL	$	6	$	(5)
	LKE		5		(4)

(PPL)

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

				Pension Benefits
				U.S.				U.K.				Other Postretirement Benefits
				2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period				$	5,399	$	4,428	$	8,523	$	8,143	$	716	$	650
		Service cost			96		97		79		71		11		12
		Interest cost			194		224		314		354		26		31
		Participant contributions							15		16		13		12
		Plan amendments			19		(7)								6
		Actuarial (gain) loss			(193)		887		200		747		(37)		59
		Divestiture (a)			(1,416)								(76)
		Termination benefits					13
		Gross benefits paid (b)			(236)		(243)		(391)		(411)		(58)		(55)
		Federal subsidy											1		1
		Currency conversion							(336)		(397)
Benefit Obligation, end of period					3,863		5,399		8,404		8,523		596		716

Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period					4,462		4,009		7,734		7,284		484		446
		Actual return on plan assets			2		600		205		895		(2)		62
		Employer contributions			158		96		366		311		17		15
		Participant contributions							15		16		13		12
		Divestiture (a)			(1,159)								(80)
		Gross benefits paid (b)			(236)		(243)		(391)		(411)		(53)		(51)
		Currency conversion							(304)		(361)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period					3,227		4,462		7,625		7,734		379		484

Funded Status, end of period				$	(636)	$	(937)	$	(779)	$	(789)	$	(217)	$	(232)

Amounts recognized in the Balance
	Sheets consist of:
		Noncurrent asset										$	2	$	1
		Current liability		$	(10)	$	(10)			$	(1)		(3)		(3)
		Noncurrent liability			(626)		(668)	$	(779)		(788)		(216)		(196)
		Noncurrent liability of discontinued
			operations				(259)								(34)
Net amount recognized, end of period				$	(636)	$	(937)	$	(779)	$	(789)	$	(217)	$	(232)

Amounts recognized in AOCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities (pre-tax)
	consist of:
Prior service cost (credit)				$	53	$	41					$	1
Net actuarial (gain) loss					977		1,353	$	2,684	$	2,334		37	$	54
Total (c)				$	1,030	$	1,394	$	2,684	$	2,334	$	38	$	54

Total accumulated benefit obligation
	for defined benefit pension plans			$	3,590	$	4,946	$	7,747	$	7,867

(a) As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, obligations and assets attributable to certain former active and inactive employees of PPL Energy Supply were transferred to Talen Energy plans.

(b) Certain U.S. pension plans offered a limited-time program in 2014 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 of lump-sum cash payments made to terminated vested participants in 2014 in connection with these offerings.

(c) WPD is not subject to accounting for the effects of certain types of regulation as prescribed by GAAP and as a result, 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 Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	2015		2014		2015		2014

AOCI	$	275	$	714	$	18	$	30
Regulatory assets/liabilities		755		680		20		24
Total	$	1,030	$	1,394	$	38	$	54

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 assets				PBO in excess of plan assets
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Projected benefit obligation	$	3,863	$	5,399	$	8,404	$	8,523
Fair value of plan assets		3,227		4,462		7,625		7,734

	U.S.				U.K.
	ABO in excess of plan assets				ABO in excess of plan assets
		2015		2014		2015		2014

Accumulated benefit obligation	$	3,590	$	4,946	$	3,532	$	3,592
Fair value of plan assets		3,227		4,462		3,287		3,321

(LKE)

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

			Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
			2015		2014		2015		2014
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period			$	1,608	$	1,328	$	234	$	193
		Service cost		26		21		5		4
		Interest cost		68		66		9		9
		Participant contributions						7		7
		Plan amendments (a)		19		23				6
		Actuarial (gain) loss		(74)		253		(22)		32
		Gross benefits paid (b)		(59)		(83)		(18)		(17)
		Federal subsidy						1
Benefit Obligation, end of period				1,588		1,608		216		234

Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period				1,301		1,173		82		74
		Actual return on plan assets		(7)		173				10
		Employer contributions		54		38		17		8
		Participant contributions						7		7
		Gross benefits paid (b)		(59)		(83)		(18)		(17)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period				1,289		1,301		88		82

Funded Status, end of period			$	(299)	$	(307)	$	(128)	$	(152)

Amounts recognized in the Balance
	Sheets consist of:
		Noncurrent asset					$	2	$	2
		Current liability	$	(3)	$	(3)		(3)		(3)
		Noncurrent liability		(296)		(304)		(127)		(151)
Net amount recognized, end of period			$	(299)	$	(307)	$	(128)	$	(152)

Amounts recognized in AOCI and
	regulatory assets/liabilities (pre-tax)
	consist of:
Prior service cost (credit)			$	54	$	43	$	9	$	12
Net actuarial (gain) loss				338		354		(19)		(4)
Total			$	392	$	397	$	(10)	$	8

Total accumulated benefit obligation
	for defined benefit pension plans		$	1,452	$	1,461

(a) The pension plans were amended in December 2015 allowing terminated vested participants to elect to receive their accrued pension benefit as a one-time lump-sum payment effective January 1, 2016. The projected benefit obligation increased by $19 million as a result of the amendment.

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 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 of lump-sum cash payments made to terminated vested participants during 2014 in connection with these offerings.

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

	Pension Benefits				Other Postretirement Benefits
	2015		2014		2015		2014

AOCI	$	70	$	65	$	7	$	8
Regulatory assets/liabilities		322		332		(17)
Total	$	392	$	397	$	(10)	$	8

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
		2015		2014

Projected benefit obligation	$	1,588	$	1,608
Fair value of plan assets		1,289		1,301

	ABO in excess of plan assets
		2015		2014

Accumulated benefit obligation	$	1,452	$	1,461
Fair value of plan assets		1,289		1,301

(LG&E)

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

			Pension Benefits
			2015		2014
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation, beginning of period			$	331	$	291
		Service cost		1		1
		Interest cost		14		15
		Plan amendments (a)		10		9
		Actuarial (gain) loss		(15)		36
		Gross benefits paid (b)		(15)		(21)
Benefit Obligation, end of period				326		331

Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period				301		281
		Actual return on plan assets		(2)		41
		Employer contributions		13
		Gross benefits paid (b)		(15)		(21)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period				297		301

Funded Status, end of period			$	(29)	$	(30)

Amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets consist of:
		Noncurrent liability	$	(29)	$	(30)
Net amount recognized, end of period			$	(29)	$	(30)

Amounts recognized in regulatory assets (pre-tax)
	consist of:
Prior service cost (credit)			$	29	$	22
Net actuarial (gain) loss				95		98
Total			$	124	$	120

Total accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plan			$	326	$	330

(a) The plan was amended in December 2015 allowing terminated vested participants to elect to receive their accrued pension benefit as a one-time lump-sum payment effective January 1, 2016. The projected benefit obligation increased by $10 million as a result of the amendment.

The plan was amended in December 2014 to enhance the early retirement factors for all plan participants retiring on or after January 1, 2015. The projected benefit obligation increased by $9 million as a result of the amendment.

(b) LG&E's pension plan offered a limited-time program in 2014 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 of lump-sum cash payments made to terminated vested participants in 2014 in connection with this offering.

LG&E's pension plan had projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

In addition to the plan it sponsors, LG&E is allocated a portion of the funded status and costs of certain defined benefit plans sponsored by LKE based on its participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. The actuarially determined obligations of current active employees and retired employees are used as a basis to allocate total plan activity, including active and retiree costs and obligations. Allocations to LG&E resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows:

(PPL Electric)

Although PPL Electric does not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans, it is allocated a portion of the funded status and costs of plans sponsored by PPL Services based on its participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, pension and other postretirement plans were remeasured resulting in adjustments to PPL Electric’s allocated balances of $56 million, reflected as a non-cash contribution on the Statement of Equity. The actuarially determined obligations of current active employees and retirees are used as a basis to allocate total plan activity, including active and retiree costs and obligations. Allocations to PPL Electric resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows.

(KU)

Although KU does not directly sponsor any defined benefit plans, it is allocated a portion of the funded status and costs of plans sponsored by LKE based on its participation in those plans, which management believes are reasonable. The actuarially determined obligations of current active employees and retired employees of KU are used as a basis to allocate total plan activity, including active and retiree costs and obligations. Allocations to KU resulted in liabilities at December 31 as follows.

Plan Assets - U.S. Pension Plans

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)

PPL's primary legacy pension plan and the pension plans sponsored by LKE are invested in the PPL Services Corporation Master Trust (the Master Trust) that also includes 401(h) accounts that are restricted for certain other postretirement benefit obligations of PPL and LKE. The investment strategy for the Master Trust is to achieve a risk-adjusted return on a mix of assets that, in combination with PPL's funding policy, will ensure that sufficient assets are available to provide long-term growth and liquidity for benefit payments, while also managing the duration of the assets to complement the duration of the liabilities. The Master Trust benefits from a wide diversification of asset types, investment fund strategies and external investment fund managers, and therefore has no significant concentration of risk.

The investment policy of the Master Trust outlines investment objectives and defines the responsibilities of the EBPB, external investment managers, investment advisor and trustee and custodian. The investment policy is reviewed annually by PPL's Board of Directors.

The EBPB created a risk management framework around the trust assets and pension liabilities. This framework considers the trust assets as being composed of three sub-portfolios: growth, immunizing and liquidity portfolios. The growth portfolio is comprised of investments that generate a return at a reasonable risk, including equity securities, certain debt securities and alternative investments. The immunizing portfolio consists of debt securities, generally with long durations, and derivative positions. The immunizing portfolio is designed to offset a portion of the change in the pension liabilities due to changes in interest rates. The liquidity portfolio consists primarily of cash and cash equivalents.

Target allocation ranges have been developed for each portfolio on a plan basis based on input from external consultants with a goal of limiting funded status volatility. The EBPB monitors the investments in each portfolio on a plan basis, and seeks to obtain a target portfolio that emphasizes reduction of risk of loss from market volatility. In pursuing that goal, the EBPB establishes revised guidelines from time to time. EBPB investment guidelines as of the end of 2015 are presented below.

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

		Percentage of trust assets			2015
					Target Asset
			2015 (a)	2014	Allocation (a)

Growth Portfolio			51%	51%		50%
	Equity securities		25%	26%
	Debt securities (b)		13%	13%
	Alternative investments		13%	12%
Immunizing Portfolio			47%	47%		48%
	Debt securities (b)		42%	44%
	Derivatives		5%	3%
Liquidity Portfolio			2%	2%		2%
Total			100%	100%		100%

(a) Allocations exclude consideration of 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.

(LKE)

LKE has pension plans, including LG&E's plan, whose assets are invested solely in the Master Trust, which is fully disclosed below. The fair value of these plans' assets of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014 represents an interest of approximately 40% and 28% in the Master Trust.

(LG&E)

LG&E has a pension plan whose assets are invested solely in the Master Trust, which is fully disclosed below. The fair value of this plan's assets of $297 million and $301 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 represents an interest of approximately 9% and 6% in the Master Trust.

(PPL, LKE and LG&E)

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

				December 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
						Fair Value Measurements Using								Fair Value Measurements Using
				Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
Cash and cash equivalents				$	225	$	225					$	246	$	246
Equity securities:
		U.S.:
			Large-cap		87		87						114		114
			Large-cap fund measured at NAV (a)		197								318
			Small-cap		85		85						145		145
		International equity fund at NAV (a)			454								615
		Commingled debt measured at NAV (a)			514								818
Debt securities:
		U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored
			agency		501		492	$	9				723		706	$	17
		Residential/commercial backed securities			3				3				2				2
		Corporate			747				737	$	10		1,109				1,088	$	21
		International government			4				4				8				8
		Other			7				7				9				9
Alternative investments:
		Commodities measured at NAV (a)			70								90
		Real estate measured at NAV (a)			118								148
		Private equity measured at NAV (a)			81								104
		Hedge funds measured at NAV (a)			171								223
Derivatives:
		Interest rate swaps and swaptions			80				80				92				92
		Other			11				11				12				12
Insurance contracts					32						32		33						33
PPL Services Corporation Master Trust assets, at
	fair value				3,387	$	889	$	851	$	42		4,809	$	1,211	$	1,228	$	54
Receivables and payables, net (b)					(49)								(41)
401(h) accounts restricted for other
	postretirement benefit obligations				(111)								(136)
Total PPL Services Corporation Master Trust
	pension assets (c)			$	3,227							$	4,632

(a) In accordance with accounting guidance certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (NAV), or its equivalent, practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.

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

(c) As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, $1,159 million of assets were transferred to Talen Energy in 2015, attributable to former active and inactive employees of PPL Energy Supply that had participated in PPL’s pension plan. An additional $170 million of assets of the PPL Montana pension plan transferred to Talen Energy, as that entire plan was assumed by Talen Energy.

A reconciliation of the Master Trust assets classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2015 is as follows:

				Corporate		Insurance
				debt		contracts		Total

Balance at beginning of period				$	21	$	33	$	54
	Actual return on plan assets
		Relating to assets still held
			at the reporting date				2		2
		Relating to assets sold during the period			(1)				(1)
	Purchases, sales and settlements				(10)		(3)		(13)
Balance at end of period				$	10	$	32	$	42

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

				Corporate		Insurance
				debt		contracts		Total

Balance at beginning of period				$	23	$	37	$	60
	Actual return on plan assets
		Relating to assets still held
			at the reporting date		(1)		1
		Relating to assets sold during the period			(1)				(1)
	Purchases, sales and settlements						(5)		(5)
Balance at end of period				$	21	$	33	$	54

The fair value measurements of cash and cash equivalents are based on the amounts on deposit.

The market approach is used to measure fair value of equity securities. The fair value measurements of equity securities (excluding commingled funds), which are generally classified as Level 1, are based on quoted prices in active markets. These securities represent actively and passively managed investments that are managed against various equity indices and exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Investments in commingled equity and debt funds are categorized as equity securities. Investments in commingled equity funds include funds that invest in U.S. and international equity securities. Investments in commingled debt funds include funds that invest in a diversified portfolio of emerging market debt obligations, as well as funds that invest in investment grade long-duration fixed-income securities.

The fair value measurements of debt securities are generally based on evaluations that reflect observable market information, such as actual trade information for identical securities or for similar securities, adjusted for observable differences. 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, relevant trade data, 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 payment data, future predicted cash flows, collateral performance and new issue data. For the Master Trust, these securities represent investments in securities issued by U.S. Treasury and U.S. government sponsored agencies; investments securitized by residential mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and other pooled loans; investments in investment grade and non-investment grade bonds issued by U.S. companies across several industries; investments in debt securities issued by foreign governments and corporations.

Investments in commodities represent ownership interest of a commingled fund that is invested in a portfolio of exchange-traded futures and forward contracts in commodities to obtain broad exposure to all principal groups in the global commodity markets, including energies, agriculture and metals (both precious and industrial) using proprietary commodity trading strategies. Redemptions can be made the 15^th calendar day and the last calendar day of the month with a specified notification period. The fund's fair value is based upon a value as calculated by the fund's administrator.

Investments in real estate represent an investment in a partnership whose purpose is to manage investments in core U.S. real estate properties diversified geographically and across major property types (e.g., office, industrial, retail, etc.). The manager is focused on properties with high occupancy rates with quality tenants. This results in a focus on high income and stable cash flows with appreciation being a secondary factor. Core real estate generally has a lower degree of leverage when compared with more speculative real estate investing strategies. The partnership has limitations on the amounts that may be redeemed based on available cash to fund redemptions. Additionally, the general partner may decline to accept redemptions when necessary to avoid adverse consequences for the partnership, including legal and tax implications, among others. The fair value of the investment is based upon a partnership unit value.

Investments in private equity represent interests in partnerships in multiple early-stage venture capital funds and private equity fund of funds that use a number of diverse investment strategies. Four of the partnerships have limited lives of ten years, while the fifth has a life of 15 years, after which liquidating distributions will be received. Prior to the end of each partnership's life, the investment cannot be redeemed with the partnership; however, the interest may be sold to other parties, subject to the general partner's approval. The Master Trust has unfunded commitments of $27 million that may be required during the lives of the partnerships. Fair value is based on an ownership interest in partners' capital to which a proportionate share of net assets is attributed.

Investments in hedge funds represent investments in three hedge fund of funds. Hedge funds seek a return utilizing a number of diverse investment strategies. The strategies, when combined aim to reduce volatility and risk while attempting to deliver positive returns under most market conditions. Major investment strategies for the hedge fund of funds include long/short equity, market neutral, distressed debt, and relative value. Generally, shares may be redeemed within 60 to 95 days with prior written notice. The funds are subject to short term lockups and have limitations on the amount that may be withdrawn based on a percentage of the total net asset value of the fund, among other restrictions. All withdrawals are subject to the general partner's approval. The fair value for two of the funds has been estimated using the net asset value per share and the third fund's fair value is based on an ownership interest in partners' capital to which a proportionate share of net assets is attributed.

The fair value measurements of derivative instruments utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar contracts or market-corroborated inputs. In certain instances, these instruments may be valued using models, including standard option valuation models and standard industry models. These securities primarily represent investments in interest rate swaps and swaptions (the option to enter into an interest rate swap) which are valued based on the swap details, such as swap curves, notional amount, index and term of index, reset frequency, volatility and payer/receiver credit ratings.

Insurance contracts, classified as Level 3, represent an investment in an immediate participation guaranteed group annuity contract. The fair value is based on contract value, which represents cost plus interest income less distributions for benefit payments and administrative expenses.

Plan Assets - U.S. Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The investment strategy with respect to other postretirement benefit obligations is to fund VEBA trusts and/or 401(h) accounts with voluntary contributions and to invest in a tax efficient manner. Excluding the 401(h) accounts included in the Master Trust, other postretirement benefit plans are invested in a mix of assets for long-term growth with an objective of earning returns that provide liquidity as required for benefit payments. These plans benefit from diversification of asset types, investment fund strategies and investment fund managers, and therefore, have no significant concentration of risk. Equity securities include investments in domestic large-cap commingled funds. Ownership interests in commingled funds that invest entirely in debt securities are classified as equity securities, but treated as debt securities for asset allocation and target allocation purposes. Ownership interests in money market funds are treated as cash and cash equivalents for asset allocation and target allocation purposes. 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 assets				Allocation
		2015		2014		2015
Asset Class
U.S. Equity securities			48%		49%		45%
Debt securities (a)			50%		49%		50%
Cash and cash equivalents (b)			2%		2%		5%
	Total		100%		100%		100%

(a) Includes commingled debt funds and debt securities.

(b) Includes money market funds.

LKE’s other postretirement benefit plan is invested primarily in a 401(h) account, as disclosed in the PPL Services Corporation Master Trust, with insignificant amounts invested in money market funds within VEBA trusts for liquidity.

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, 2015							December 31, 2014
					Fair Value Measurement Using							Fair Value Measurement Using
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Money market funds			$	6	$	6				$	9	$	9
U.S. Equity securities:
		Large-cap equity fund measure at NAV (a)		129							169
		Commingled debt fund measured at NAV (a)		109							136
Debt securities:
		Municipalities		23			$	23			33			$	33
Total VEBA trust assets, at fair value				267	$	6	$	23			347	$	9	$	33
Receivables and payables, net (b)				1							1
401(h) account assets				111							136
Total other postretirement benefit plan
	assets (c)		$	379						$	484

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

(c) As a result of the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply, $80 million of assets were transferred to Talen Energy in 2015, attributable to former active employees of PPL Energy Supply that had participated in PPL’s other postretirement benefit plan.

Investments in money market funds represent investments in funds that invest primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade money market instruments, including, but not limited to, commercial paper, notes, repurchase agreements and other evidences of indebtedness with a maturity not exceeding 13 months from the date of purchase. The primary objective of the fund is a level of current income consistent with stability of principal and liquidity. Redemptions can be made daily on this fund.

Investments in large-cap equity securities represent investments in a passively managed equity index fund that invests in securities and a combination of other collective funds. Fair value measurements are not obtained from a quoted price in an active market but are based on firm quotes of net asset values per share as provided by the trustee of the fund. Redemptions can be made daily on this fund.

Investments in commingled debt securities represent investments in a fund that invests in a diversified portfolio of investment grade long-duration fixed income securities. Redemptions can be made weekly on these funds.

Investments in municipalities represent investments in a diverse mix of tax-exempt municipal securities. The fair value measurements for these securities are based on recently executed transactions for identical securities or for similar securities.

Plan Assets - U.K. Pension Plans (PPL)

The overall investment strategy of WPD's pension plans is developed by each plan's independent trustees in its Statement of Investment Principles in compliance with the U.K. Pensions Act of 1995 and other U.K. legislation. The trustees' primary focus is to ensure that assets are sufficient to meet members' benefits as they fall due with a longer term objective to reduce investment risk. The investment strategy is intended to maximize investment returns while not incurring excessive volatility in the funding position. WPD's plans are invested in a wide diversification of asset types, fund strategies and fund managers; and therefore, have no significant concentration of risk. Commingled funds that consist entirely of debt securities are traded as equity units, but treated by WPD as debt securities for asset allocation and target allocation purposes. These include investments in U.K. corporate bonds and U.K. gilts.

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

						Target Asset
		Percentage of plan assets				Allocation
		2015		2014		2015
Asset Class
Cash and cash equivalents			1%		1%
Equity securities
	U.K.		3%		3%		4%
	European (excluding the U.K.)		2%		3%		3%
	Asian-Pacific		2%		2%		2%
	North American		3%		3%		3%
	Emerging markets		10%		9%		10%
	Currency		1%		2%		1%
	Global Tactical Asset Allocation		31%		29%		31%
Debt securities (a)			40%		42%		39%
Alternative investments			7%		6%		7%
	Total		100%		100%		100%

(a) Includes commingled debt funds.

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

			December 31, 2015							December 31, 2014
					Fair Value Measurement Using							Fair Value Measurement Using
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents			$	55	$	55				$	57	$	57
Equity securities measured at NAV (a) :
	U.K. companies			274							239
	European companies (excluding the U.K.)			190							198
	Asian-Pacific companies			132							142
	North American companies			220							227
	Emerging markets companies			284							309
	Global Equities			500							397
	Currency			39							190
	Other			2,384							2,263
	Commingled debt:
		U.K. corporate bonds		2							92
		U.K. gilts		3							913
Debt Securities:
		U.K. corporate bonds		364			$	364			344			$	344
		U.K. gilts		2,645				2,645			1,927				1,927
Alternative investments:
	Real estate measured at NAV (a)			533							436
Fair value - U.K. pension plans			$	7,625	$	55	$	3,009		$	7,734	$	57	$	2,271

Except for investments in real estate, the fair value measurements of WPD's pension plan assets are based on the same inputs and measurement techniques used to measure the U.S. pension plan assets described above.

Investments in equity securities represent actively and passively managed funds that are measured against various equity indices. Other comprises a range of investment strategies which invest in a variety of assets including equities, bonds, currencies, real estate and forestry held in unitized funds.

U.K. corporate bonds include investment grade corporate bonds of companies from diversified U.K. industries.

U.K. gilts include gilts, index-linked gilts and swaps intended to track a portion of the plans' liabilities.

Investments in real estate represent holdings in a U.K. unitized fund that owns and manages U.K. industrial and commercial real estate with a strategy of earning current rental income and achieving capital growth. The fair value measurement of the fund is based upon a net asset value per share, which is based on the value of underlying properties that are independently appraised in accordance with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors valuation standards at least annually with quarterly valuation updates based on recent sales of similar properties, leasing levels, property operations and/or market conditions. The fund may be subject to redemption restrictions in the unlikely event of a large forced sale in order to ensure other unit holders are not disadvantaged.

Expected Cash Flows - U.S. Defined Benefit Plans (PPL)

PPL's U.S. defined benefit pension plans have the option to utilize available prior year credit balances to meet current and future contribution requirements. However, PPL contributed $30 million to its U.S. pension plans in January 2016.

PPL sponsors various non-qualified supplemental pension plans for which no assets are segregated from corporate assets. PPL expects to make approximately $10 million of benefit payments under these plans in 2016.

PPL is not required to make contributions to its other postretirement benefit plans but has historically funded these plans in amounts equal to the postretirement benefit costs recognized. Continuation of this past practice would cause PPL to contribute $13 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2016.

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
			Benefit		Federal
		Pension	Payment		Subsidy

2016	$	234	$	54	$	1
2017		245		53		1
2018		250		53		1
2019		259		53		1
2020		261		52		1
2021-2025		1,333		244		2

(LKE)

LKE's defined benefit pension plans have the option to utilize available prior year credit balances to meet current and future contribution requirements. However, LKE contributed $30 million to its pension plans in January 2016.

LKE sponsors various non-qualified supplemental pension plans for which no assets are segregated from corporate assets. LKE expects to make $3 million of benefit payments under these plans in 2016.

LKE is not required to make contributions to its other postretirement benefit plan but has historically funded this plan in amounts equal to the postretirement benefit costs recognized. Continuation of this past practice would cause LKE to contribute a projected $13 million to its other postretirement benefit plan in 2016.

			Other Postretirement
					Expected
			Benefit		Federal
		Pension	Payment		Subsidy

2016	$	95	$	13
2017		100		14
2018		102		15	$	1
2019		105		16
2020		107		16
2021-2025		550		85		2

(LG&E)

LG&E's defined benefit pension plan has the option to utilize available prior year credit balances to meet current and future contribution requirements. However, LG&E contributed $7 million to its pension plan in January 2016.

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

		Pension

2016	$	23
2017		25
2018		24
2019		25
2020		25
2021-2025		111

Expected Cash Flows - U.K. Pension Plans (PPL)

The pension plans of WPD are subject to formal actuarial valuations every three years, which are used to determine funding requirements. Contribution requirements for periods after April 1, 2014 were evaluated in accordance with the valuations performed as of March 31, 2013. WPD expects to make contributions of approximately $364 million in 2016. WPD is currently permitted to recover in current rates approximately 78% of their pension funding requirements for their primary pension plans.

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

	Pension

2016	$	379
2017		384
2018		391
2019		397
2020		402
2021-2025		2,074

Savings Plans (All Registrants)

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:

	2015		2014		2013

PPL	$	34	$	33	$	29
PPL Electric		6		6		6

LKE	16	15	13
LG&E	5	5	7
KU	4	4	6

Separation Benefits

Certain PPL subsidiaries provide separation benefits to eligible employees. These benefits may be provided in the case of separations due to performance issues, loss of job related qualifications or organizational changes. Until December 1, 2012, certain employees separated were eligible for cash severance payments, outplacement services, accelerated stock award vesting, continuation of group health and welfare coverage, and enhanced pension and postretirement medical benefits. As of December 1, 2012, separation benefits for certain employees were changed to eliminate accelerated stock award vesting and enhanced pension and postretirement medical benefits. Also, the continuation of group health and welfare coverage was replaced with a single sum payment approximating the dollar amount of premium payments that would be incurred for continuation of group health and welfare coverage. Separation benefits are recorded when such amounts are probable and estimable.

See Note 8 for a discussion of separation benefits recognized in 2015 and 2014 related to the spinoff of PPL Energy Supply. Separation benefits were not significant in 2013.

Other postretirement benefits