Asset Retirement Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require companies to record liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of the assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning and asset retirement costs line item on the balance sheets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

	December 31,
	2018	2017
	(In Millions)
Entergy Arkansas	$138.3	$176.9
Entergy Louisiana	($18.8)	($32.4)
Entergy Mississippi	$63.5	$91.6
Entergy New Orleans	$49.3	$44.8
Entergy Texas	$50.9	$55.2
System Energy	$76.4	$67.9

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2018 and 2017 by Entergy were as follows:

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2017		Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate		Spending			Liabilities as of December 31, 2018
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$981.2		$60.4		$8.9		($2.1	)		$1,048.4
Entergy Louisiana	1,140.5		63.2		85.4		(8.8		)	1,280.3
Entergy Mississippi	9.2		0.5		0.5		(1.0		)	9.2
Entergy New Orleans	3.1		0.2		—		—			3.3
Entergy Texas	6.8		0.4		—		—			7.2
System Energy	861.7		34.3		—		—			896.0
Total	3,002.5		159.0		94.8		(11.9		)	3,244.4
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	38.9		3.2		—		(2.4		)	39.7
Indian Point 1	217.6		18.6		—		(8.3		)	227.9
Indian Point 2	708.7		60.6		—		(1.3		)	768.0
Indian Point 3	694.5		58.0		—		(1.9		)	750.6
Palisades	470.4		39.6		—		(2.0		)	508.0
Pilgrim	651.4		58.6		117.5		(11.0		)	816.5
Vermont Yankee	401.5		25.9		293.0		(152.5		)	567.9		(b)
Other (a)	0.3		—		0.1		—			0.4
Total	3,183.3		264.5		410.6		(179.4		)	3,679.0
Entergy Total		$6,185.8		$423.5		$505.4		($191.3	)		$6,923.4

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2016			Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate			Spending			Dispositions				Liabilities as of December 31, 2017
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$924.4			$56.8		$—			$—			$—				$981.2
Entergy Louisiana	1,082.7			57.8		—			—			—				1,140.5
Entergy Mississippi	8.7			0.5		—			—			—				9.2
Entergy New Orleans	2.9			0.2		—			—			—				3.1
Entergy Texas	6.5			0.3		—			—			—				6.8
System Energy	854.2			43.4		(35.9		)	—			—				861.7
Total	2,879.4			159.0		(35.9		)	—			—				3,002.5
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	37.9			3.1		—			(2.1		)	—				38.9
FitzPatrick	714.3		(c)	13.9		—			(0.9		)	(727.3		)	(d)	—
Indian Point 1	207.6			17.7		—			(7.7		)	—				217.6
Indian Point 2	653.1			55.8		—			(0.2		)	—				708.7
Indian Point 3	641.1			53.5		—			(0.1		)	—				694.5
Palisades	500.3			41.3		(68.7		)	(2.5		)	—				470.4
Pilgrim	602.3			52.8		—			(3.7		)	—				651.4
Vermont Yankee	470.5			34.4		—			(103.4		)	—				401.5
Other (a)	0.3			—		—			—			—				0.3
Total	3,827.4			272.5		(68.7		)	(120.6		)	(727.3		)		3,183.3
Entergy Total		$6,706.8			$431.5		($104.6	)		($120.6	)		($727.3	)			$6,185.8

(a) See “Coal Combustion Residuals” below for additional discussion regarding the asset retirement obligations related to coal combustion residuals management.

(b) The Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the Vermont Yankee plant to NorthStar in January 2019.

(c) The FitzPatrick asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

(d) See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of the timing of plant decommissioning, regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

Utility

In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the first quarter 2018, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in an $85.4 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Indian Point

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies. The revised estimates resulted in a $392 million increase in the decommissioning cost liabilities, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost assets. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the Indian Point 2 plant no later than April 2020 and the Indian Point 3 plant no later than April 2021. The asset retirement cost assets were included in the carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of Indian Point Energy Center.

Palisades

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $129 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the plant on October 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The asset retirement cost asset was included in the Palisades carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of the Palisades plant.

In the third quarter 2017, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades. The revised estimate resulted in a $68.7 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the plant asset. The reduction in its estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to continue to operate the plant until May 31, 2022.

Pilgrim

The Pilgrim plant is expected to cease operations on May 31, 2019, at the end of its current fuel cycle. Entergy Nuclear Generation Company filed its Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) with the NRC in the fourth quarter 2018 for the Pilgrim plant. As part of the development of the PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2018. The revised estimate resulted in a $117.5 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge.

Vermont Yankee

In the fourth quarter 2018, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Vermont Yankee. The revised estimate resulted in a $293 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The revision was prompted by the progress of the Vermont Yankee sales transaction, which is described in Note 14 to the financial statements. Entergy accordingly evaluated the Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation in light of the terms of the sale transaction, upon determining that Vermont Yankee was in held for sale status. Based on the terms of the sales agreement, which include Entergy receiving a note receivable from the purchaser, Entergy determined that $165 million of the asset retirement cost was impaired, and it was accordingly written down in the fourth quarter 2018.

NRC Filings for Planned Shutdown Activities

As the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants individually approach and begin decommissioning, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners will submit filings with the NRC for planned shutdown activities. These filings with the NRC will determine whether any other financial assurance may be required. The plants’ owners are required to provide the NRC with a biennial report (annually for units that have shut down or will shut down within five years), based on values as of December 31, addressing the owners’ ability to meet the NRC minimum funding levels. Depending on the value of the trust funds, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners may be required to take steps, such as providing financial guarantees through letters of credit or parent company guarantees or making additional contributions to the trusts, which could be significant, to ensure that the trusts are adequately funded and that NRC minimum funding requirements are met.

Decommissioning Trust Funds and Regulatory Assets

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting its obligations for the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)
	(In Millions)			(In Millions)
Utility:
ANO 1 and ANO 2		$912.0	$375.9		$944.9		$337.9
River Bend		$803.4	($27.4)		$818.2		($30.6	)
Waterford 3		$481.6	$204.9		$493.9		$188.9
Grand Gulf		$869.5	$186.9		$905.7		$169.1
Entergy Wholesale Commodities		$3,853.7	$—		$4,049.3		$—

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contained two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially reused in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation. In April 2015 the EPA published the final CCR rule with the material being regulated under the second scenario presented above - as non-hazardous wastes regulated under RCRA Subtitle D. The final regulations create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, product disposal considerations, and CCR unit closure criteria.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse. In December 2016, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) was signed into law, which authorizes states to regulate coal ash rather than leaving primary enforcement to citizen suit actions. States may submit to the EPA proposals for permit programs. In September 2017 the EPA agreed to reconsider certain provisions of the coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule in light of the WIIN Act. In March 2018 the EPA published its proposed revisions to the CCR rule with comments due at the end of April 2018. In July 2018 the EPA released its initial revisions extending certain deadlines and incorporating some risk-based standards.  The EPA is expected to release additional revisions in another rulemaking.  In August 2018 the D.C. Circuit vacated several provisions of the CCR rule on the basis that they were inconsistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and remanded the matter to the EPA to conduct further rulemaking.

In 2018 revisions to the CCR asset retirement obligations were made as a result of revised closure and post-closure cost estimates. The revised estimates resulted in increases of $8.9 million at Entergy Arkansas, $0.5 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $0.1 million at Entergy Wholesale Commodities in decommissioning cost liabilities, along with corresponding increases in related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the respective units.

Entergy Arkansas [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require companies to record liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of the assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning and asset retirement costs line item on the balance sheets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

	December 31,
	2018	2017
	(In Millions)
Entergy Arkansas	$138.3	$176.9
Entergy Louisiana	($18.8)	($32.4)
Entergy Mississippi	$63.5	$91.6
Entergy New Orleans	$49.3	$44.8
Entergy Texas	$50.9	$55.2
System Energy	$76.4	$67.9

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2018 and 2017 by Entergy were as follows:

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2017		Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate		Spending			Liabilities as of December 31, 2018
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$981.2		$60.4		$8.9		($2.1	)		$1,048.4
Entergy Louisiana	1,140.5		63.2		85.4		(8.8		)	1,280.3
Entergy Mississippi	9.2		0.5		0.5		(1.0		)	9.2
Entergy New Orleans	3.1		0.2		—		—			3.3
Entergy Texas	6.8		0.4		—		—			7.2
System Energy	861.7		34.3		—		—			896.0
Total	3,002.5		159.0		94.8		(11.9		)	3,244.4
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	38.9		3.2		—		(2.4		)	39.7
Indian Point 1	217.6		18.6		—		(8.3		)	227.9
Indian Point 2	708.7		60.6		—		(1.3		)	768.0
Indian Point 3	694.5		58.0		—		(1.9		)	750.6
Palisades	470.4		39.6		—		(2.0		)	508.0
Pilgrim	651.4		58.6		117.5		(11.0		)	816.5
Vermont Yankee	401.5		25.9		293.0		(152.5		)	567.9		(b)
Other (a)	0.3		—		0.1		—			0.4
Total	3,183.3		264.5		410.6		(179.4		)	3,679.0
Entergy Total		$6,185.8		$423.5		$505.4		($191.3	)		$6,923.4

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2016			Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate			Spending			Dispositions				Liabilities as of December 31, 2017
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$924.4			$56.8		$—			$—			$—				$981.2
Entergy Louisiana	1,082.7			57.8		—			—			—				1,140.5
Entergy Mississippi	8.7			0.5		—			—			—				9.2
Entergy New Orleans	2.9			0.2		—			—			—				3.1
Entergy Texas	6.5			0.3		—			—			—				6.8
System Energy	854.2			43.4		(35.9		)	—			—				861.7
Total	2,879.4			159.0		(35.9		)	—			—				3,002.5
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	37.9			3.1		—			(2.1		)	—				38.9
FitzPatrick	714.3		(c)	13.9		—			(0.9		)	(727.3		)	(d)	—
Indian Point 1	207.6			17.7		—			(7.7		)	—				217.6
Indian Point 2	653.1			55.8		—			(0.2		)	—				708.7
Indian Point 3	641.1			53.5		—			(0.1		)	—				694.5
Palisades	500.3			41.3		(68.7		)	(2.5		)	—				470.4
Pilgrim	602.3			52.8		—			(3.7		)	—				651.4
Vermont Yankee	470.5			34.4		—			(103.4		)	—				401.5
Other (a)	0.3			—		—			—			—				0.3
Total	3,827.4			272.5		(68.7		)	(120.6		)	(727.3		)		3,183.3
Entergy Total		$6,706.8			$431.5		($104.6	)		($120.6	)		($727.3	)			$6,185.8

(a) See “Coal Combustion Residuals” below for additional discussion regarding the asset retirement obligations related to coal combustion residuals management.

(b) The Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the Vermont Yankee plant to NorthStar in January 2019.

(c) The FitzPatrick asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

(d) See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of the timing of plant decommissioning, regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

Utility

In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the first quarter 2018, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in an $85.4 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Indian Point

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies. The revised estimates resulted in a $392 million increase in the decommissioning cost liabilities, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost assets. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the Indian Point 2 plant no later than April 2020 and the Indian Point 3 plant no later than April 2021. The asset retirement cost assets were included in the carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of Indian Point Energy Center.

Palisades

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $129 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the plant on October 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The asset retirement cost asset was included in the Palisades carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of the Palisades plant.

In the third quarter 2017, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades. The revised estimate resulted in a $68.7 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the plant asset. The reduction in its estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to continue to operate the plant until May 31, 2022.

Pilgrim

The Pilgrim plant is expected to cease operations on May 31, 2019, at the end of its current fuel cycle. Entergy Nuclear Generation Company filed its Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) with the NRC in the fourth quarter 2018 for the Pilgrim plant. As part of the development of the PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2018. The revised estimate resulted in a $117.5 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge.

Vermont Yankee

In the fourth quarter 2018, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Vermont Yankee. The revised estimate resulted in a $293 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The revision was prompted by the progress of the Vermont Yankee sales transaction, which is described in Note 14 to the financial statements. Entergy accordingly evaluated the Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation in light of the terms of the sale transaction, upon determining that Vermont Yankee was in held for sale status. Based on the terms of the sales agreement, which include Entergy receiving a note receivable from the purchaser, Entergy determined that $165 million of the asset retirement cost was impaired, and it was accordingly written down in the fourth quarter 2018.

NRC Filings for Planned Shutdown Activities

As the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants individually approach and begin decommissioning, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners will submit filings with the NRC for planned shutdown activities. These filings with the NRC will determine whether any other financial assurance may be required. The plants’ owners are required to provide the NRC with a biennial report (annually for units that have shut down or will shut down within five years), based on values as of December 31, addressing the owners’ ability to meet the NRC minimum funding levels. Depending on the value of the trust funds, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners may be required to take steps, such as providing financial guarantees through letters of credit or parent company guarantees or making additional contributions to the trusts, which could be significant, to ensure that the trusts are adequately funded and that NRC minimum funding requirements are met.

Decommissioning Trust Funds and Regulatory Assets

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting its obligations for the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)
	(In Millions)			(In Millions)
Utility:
ANO 1 and ANO 2		$912.0	$375.9		$944.9		$337.9
River Bend		$803.4	($27.4)		$818.2		($30.6	)
Waterford 3		$481.6	$204.9		$493.9		$188.9
Grand Gulf		$869.5	$186.9		$905.7		$169.1
Entergy Wholesale Commodities		$3,853.7	$—		$4,049.3		$—

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contained two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially reused in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation. In April 2015 the EPA published the final CCR rule with the material being regulated under the second scenario presented above - as non-hazardous wastes regulated under RCRA Subtitle D. The final regulations create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, product disposal considerations, and CCR unit closure criteria.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse. In December 2016, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) was signed into law, which authorizes states to regulate coal ash rather than leaving primary enforcement to citizen suit actions. States may submit to the EPA proposals for permit programs. In September 2017 the EPA agreed to reconsider certain provisions of the coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule in light of the WIIN Act. In March 2018 the EPA published its proposed revisions to the CCR rule with comments due at the end of April 2018. In July 2018 the EPA released its initial revisions extending certain deadlines and incorporating some risk-based standards.  The EPA is expected to release additional revisions in another rulemaking.  In August 2018 the D.C. Circuit vacated several provisions of the CCR rule on the basis that they were inconsistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and remanded the matter to the EPA to conduct further rulemaking.

In 2018 revisions to the CCR asset retirement obligations were made as a result of revised closure and post-closure cost estimates. The revised estimates resulted in increases of $8.9 million at Entergy Arkansas, $0.5 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $0.1 million at Entergy Wholesale Commodities in decommissioning cost liabilities, along with corresponding increases in related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the respective units.

Entergy Louisiana [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require companies to record liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of the assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning and asset retirement costs line item on the balance sheets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

	December 31,
	2018	2017
	(In Millions)
Entergy Arkansas	$138.3	$176.9
Entergy Louisiana	($18.8)	($32.4)
Entergy Mississippi	$63.5	$91.6
Entergy New Orleans	$49.3	$44.8
Entergy Texas	$50.9	$55.2
System Energy	$76.4	$67.9

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2018 and 2017 by Entergy were as follows:

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2017		Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate		Spending			Liabilities as of December 31, 2018
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$981.2		$60.4		$8.9		($2.1	)		$1,048.4
Entergy Louisiana	1,140.5		63.2		85.4		(8.8		)	1,280.3
Entergy Mississippi	9.2		0.5		0.5		(1.0		)	9.2
Entergy New Orleans	3.1		0.2		—		—			3.3
Entergy Texas	6.8		0.4		—		—			7.2
System Energy	861.7		34.3		—		—			896.0
Total	3,002.5		159.0		94.8		(11.9		)	3,244.4
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	38.9		3.2		—		(2.4		)	39.7
Indian Point 1	217.6		18.6		—		(8.3		)	227.9
Indian Point 2	708.7		60.6		—		(1.3		)	768.0
Indian Point 3	694.5		58.0		—		(1.9		)	750.6
Palisades	470.4		39.6		—		(2.0		)	508.0
Pilgrim	651.4		58.6		117.5		(11.0		)	816.5
Vermont Yankee	401.5		25.9		293.0		(152.5		)	567.9		(b)
Other (a)	0.3		—		0.1		—			0.4
Total	3,183.3		264.5		410.6		(179.4		)	3,679.0
Entergy Total		$6,185.8		$423.5		$505.4		($191.3	)		$6,923.4

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2016			Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate			Spending			Dispositions				Liabilities as of December 31, 2017
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$924.4			$56.8		$—			$—			$—				$981.2
Entergy Louisiana	1,082.7			57.8		—			—			—				1,140.5
Entergy Mississippi	8.7			0.5		—			—			—				9.2
Entergy New Orleans	2.9			0.2		—			—			—				3.1
Entergy Texas	6.5			0.3		—			—			—				6.8
System Energy	854.2			43.4		(35.9		)	—			—				861.7
Total	2,879.4			159.0		(35.9		)	—			—				3,002.5
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	37.9			3.1		—			(2.1		)	—				38.9
FitzPatrick	714.3		(c)	13.9		—			(0.9		)	(727.3		)	(d)	—
Indian Point 1	207.6			17.7		—			(7.7		)	—				217.6
Indian Point 2	653.1			55.8		—			(0.2		)	—				708.7
Indian Point 3	641.1			53.5		—			(0.1		)	—				694.5
Palisades	500.3			41.3		(68.7		)	(2.5		)	—				470.4
Pilgrim	602.3			52.8		—			(3.7		)	—				651.4
Vermont Yankee	470.5			34.4		—			(103.4		)	—				401.5
Other (a)	0.3			—		—			—			—				0.3
Total	3,827.4			272.5		(68.7		)	(120.6		)	(727.3		)		3,183.3
Entergy Total		$6,706.8			$431.5		($104.6	)		($120.6	)		($727.3	)			$6,185.8

(a) See “Coal Combustion Residuals” below for additional discussion regarding the asset retirement obligations related to coal combustion residuals management.

(b) The Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the Vermont Yankee plant to NorthStar in January 2019.

(c) The FitzPatrick asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

(d) See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of the timing of plant decommissioning, regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

Utility

In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the first quarter 2018, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in an $85.4 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Indian Point

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies. The revised estimates resulted in a $392 million increase in the decommissioning cost liabilities, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost assets. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the Indian Point 2 plant no later than April 2020 and the Indian Point 3 plant no later than April 2021. The asset retirement cost assets were included in the carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of Indian Point Energy Center.

Palisades

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $129 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the plant on October 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The asset retirement cost asset was included in the Palisades carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of the Palisades plant.

In the third quarter 2017, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades. The revised estimate resulted in a $68.7 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the plant asset. The reduction in its estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to continue to operate the plant until May 31, 2022.

Pilgrim

The Pilgrim plant is expected to cease operations on May 31, 2019, at the end of its current fuel cycle. Entergy Nuclear Generation Company filed its Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) with the NRC in the fourth quarter 2018 for the Pilgrim plant. As part of the development of the PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2018. The revised estimate resulted in a $117.5 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge.

Vermont Yankee

In the fourth quarter 2018, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Vermont Yankee. The revised estimate resulted in a $293 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The revision was prompted by the progress of the Vermont Yankee sales transaction, which is described in Note 14 to the financial statements. Entergy accordingly evaluated the Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation in light of the terms of the sale transaction, upon determining that Vermont Yankee was in held for sale status. Based on the terms of the sales agreement, which include Entergy receiving a note receivable from the purchaser, Entergy determined that $165 million of the asset retirement cost was impaired, and it was accordingly written down in the fourth quarter 2018.

NRC Filings for Planned Shutdown Activities

As the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants individually approach and begin decommissioning, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners will submit filings with the NRC for planned shutdown activities. These filings with the NRC will determine whether any other financial assurance may be required. The plants’ owners are required to provide the NRC with a biennial report (annually for units that have shut down or will shut down within five years), based on values as of December 31, addressing the owners’ ability to meet the NRC minimum funding levels. Depending on the value of the trust funds, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners may be required to take steps, such as providing financial guarantees through letters of credit or parent company guarantees or making additional contributions to the trusts, which could be significant, to ensure that the trusts are adequately funded and that NRC minimum funding requirements are met.

Decommissioning Trust Funds and Regulatory Assets

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting its obligations for the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)
	(In Millions)			(In Millions)
Utility:
ANO 1 and ANO 2		$912.0	$375.9		$944.9		$337.9
River Bend		$803.4	($27.4)		$818.2		($30.6	)
Waterford 3		$481.6	$204.9		$493.9		$188.9
Grand Gulf		$869.5	$186.9		$905.7		$169.1
Entergy Wholesale Commodities		$3,853.7	$—		$4,049.3		$—

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contained two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially reused in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation. In April 2015 the EPA published the final CCR rule with the material being regulated under the second scenario presented above - as non-hazardous wastes regulated under RCRA Subtitle D. The final regulations create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, product disposal considerations, and CCR unit closure criteria.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse. In December 2016, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) was signed into law, which authorizes states to regulate coal ash rather than leaving primary enforcement to citizen suit actions. States may submit to the EPA proposals for permit programs. In September 2017 the EPA agreed to reconsider certain provisions of the coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule in light of the WIIN Act. In March 2018 the EPA published its proposed revisions to the CCR rule with comments due at the end of April 2018. In July 2018 the EPA released its initial revisions extending certain deadlines and incorporating some risk-based standards.  The EPA is expected to release additional revisions in another rulemaking.  In August 2018 the D.C. Circuit vacated several provisions of the CCR rule on the basis that they were inconsistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and remanded the matter to the EPA to conduct further rulemaking.

In 2018 revisions to the CCR asset retirement obligations were made as a result of revised closure and post-closure cost estimates. The revised estimates resulted in increases of $8.9 million at Entergy Arkansas, $0.5 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $0.1 million at Entergy Wholesale Commodities in decommissioning cost liabilities, along with corresponding increases in related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the respective units.

Entergy Mississippi [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require companies to record liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of the assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning and asset retirement costs line item on the balance sheets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

	December 31,
	2018	2017
	(In Millions)
Entergy Arkansas	$138.3	$176.9
Entergy Louisiana	($18.8)	($32.4)
Entergy Mississippi	$63.5	$91.6
Entergy New Orleans	$49.3	$44.8
Entergy Texas	$50.9	$55.2
System Energy	$76.4	$67.9

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2018 and 2017 by Entergy were as follows:

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2017		Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate		Spending			Liabilities as of December 31, 2018
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$981.2		$60.4		$8.9		($2.1	)		$1,048.4
Entergy Louisiana	1,140.5		63.2		85.4		(8.8		)	1,280.3
Entergy Mississippi	9.2		0.5		0.5		(1.0		)	9.2
Entergy New Orleans	3.1		0.2		—		—			3.3
Entergy Texas	6.8		0.4		—		—			7.2
System Energy	861.7		34.3		—		—			896.0
Total	3,002.5		159.0		94.8		(11.9		)	3,244.4
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	38.9		3.2		—		(2.4		)	39.7
Indian Point 1	217.6		18.6		—		(8.3		)	227.9
Indian Point 2	708.7		60.6		—		(1.3		)	768.0
Indian Point 3	694.5		58.0		—		(1.9		)	750.6
Palisades	470.4		39.6		—		(2.0		)	508.0
Pilgrim	651.4		58.6		117.5		(11.0		)	816.5
Vermont Yankee	401.5		25.9		293.0		(152.5		)	567.9		(b)
Other (a)	0.3		—		0.1		—			0.4
Total	3,183.3		264.5		410.6		(179.4		)	3,679.0
Entergy Total		$6,185.8		$423.5		$505.4		($191.3	)		$6,923.4

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2016			Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate			Spending			Dispositions				Liabilities as of December 31, 2017
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$924.4			$56.8		$—			$—			$—				$981.2
Entergy Louisiana	1,082.7			57.8		—			—			—				1,140.5
Entergy Mississippi	8.7			0.5		—			—			—				9.2
Entergy New Orleans	2.9			0.2		—			—			—				3.1
Entergy Texas	6.5			0.3		—			—			—				6.8
System Energy	854.2			43.4		(35.9		)	—			—				861.7
Total	2,879.4			159.0		(35.9		)	—			—				3,002.5
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	37.9			3.1		—			(2.1		)	—				38.9
FitzPatrick	714.3		(c)	13.9		—			(0.9		)	(727.3		)	(d)	—
Indian Point 1	207.6			17.7		—			(7.7		)	—				217.6
Indian Point 2	653.1			55.8		—			(0.2		)	—				708.7
Indian Point 3	641.1			53.5		—			(0.1		)	—				694.5
Palisades	500.3			41.3		(68.7		)	(2.5		)	—				470.4
Pilgrim	602.3			52.8		—			(3.7		)	—				651.4
Vermont Yankee	470.5			34.4		—			(103.4		)	—				401.5
Other (a)	0.3			—		—			—			—				0.3
Total	3,827.4			272.5		(68.7		)	(120.6		)	(727.3		)		3,183.3
Entergy Total		$6,706.8			$431.5		($104.6	)		($120.6	)		($727.3	)			$6,185.8

(a) See “Coal Combustion Residuals” below for additional discussion regarding the asset retirement obligations related to coal combustion residuals management.

(b) The Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the Vermont Yankee plant to NorthStar in January 2019.

(c) The FitzPatrick asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

(d) See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of the timing of plant decommissioning, regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

Utility

In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the first quarter 2018, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in an $85.4 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Indian Point

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies. The revised estimates resulted in a $392 million increase in the decommissioning cost liabilities, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost assets. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the Indian Point 2 plant no later than April 2020 and the Indian Point 3 plant no later than April 2021. The asset retirement cost assets were included in the carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of Indian Point Energy Center.

Palisades

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $129 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the plant on October 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The asset retirement cost asset was included in the Palisades carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of the Palisades plant.

In the third quarter 2017, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades. The revised estimate resulted in a $68.7 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the plant asset. The reduction in its estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to continue to operate the plant until May 31, 2022.

Pilgrim

The Pilgrim plant is expected to cease operations on May 31, 2019, at the end of its current fuel cycle. Entergy Nuclear Generation Company filed its Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) with the NRC in the fourth quarter 2018 for the Pilgrim plant. As part of the development of the PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2018. The revised estimate resulted in a $117.5 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge.

Vermont Yankee

In the fourth quarter 2018, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Vermont Yankee. The revised estimate resulted in a $293 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The revision was prompted by the progress of the Vermont Yankee sales transaction, which is described in Note 14 to the financial statements. Entergy accordingly evaluated the Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation in light of the terms of the sale transaction, upon determining that Vermont Yankee was in held for sale status. Based on the terms of the sales agreement, which include Entergy receiving a note receivable from the purchaser, Entergy determined that $165 million of the asset retirement cost was impaired, and it was accordingly written down in the fourth quarter 2018.

NRC Filings for Planned Shutdown Activities

As the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants individually approach and begin decommissioning, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners will submit filings with the NRC for planned shutdown activities. These filings with the NRC will determine whether any other financial assurance may be required. The plants’ owners are required to provide the NRC with a biennial report (annually for units that have shut down or will shut down within five years), based on values as of December 31, addressing the owners’ ability to meet the NRC minimum funding levels. Depending on the value of the trust funds, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners may be required to take steps, such as providing financial guarantees through letters of credit or parent company guarantees or making additional contributions to the trusts, which could be significant, to ensure that the trusts are adequately funded and that NRC minimum funding requirements are met.

Decommissioning Trust Funds and Regulatory Assets

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting its obligations for the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)
	(In Millions)			(In Millions)
Utility:
ANO 1 and ANO 2		$912.0	$375.9		$944.9		$337.9
River Bend		$803.4	($27.4)		$818.2		($30.6	)
Waterford 3		$481.6	$204.9		$493.9		$188.9
Grand Gulf		$869.5	$186.9		$905.7		$169.1
Entergy Wholesale Commodities		$3,853.7	$—		$4,049.3		$—

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contained two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially reused in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation. In April 2015 the EPA published the final CCR rule with the material being regulated under the second scenario presented above - as non-hazardous wastes regulated under RCRA Subtitle D. The final regulations create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, product disposal considerations, and CCR unit closure criteria.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse. In December 2016, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) was signed into law, which authorizes states to regulate coal ash rather than leaving primary enforcement to citizen suit actions. States may submit to the EPA proposals for permit programs. In September 2017 the EPA agreed to reconsider certain provisions of the coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule in light of the WIIN Act. In March 2018 the EPA published its proposed revisions to the CCR rule with comments due at the end of April 2018. In July 2018 the EPA released its initial revisions extending certain deadlines and incorporating some risk-based standards.  The EPA is expected to release additional revisions in another rulemaking.  In August 2018 the D.C. Circuit vacated several provisions of the CCR rule on the basis that they were inconsistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and remanded the matter to the EPA to conduct further rulemaking.

In 2018 revisions to the CCR asset retirement obligations were made as a result of revised closure and post-closure cost estimates. The revised estimates resulted in increases of $8.9 million at Entergy Arkansas, $0.5 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $0.1 million at Entergy Wholesale Commodities in decommissioning cost liabilities, along with corresponding increases in related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the respective units.

Entergy New Orleans [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require companies to record liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of the assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning and asset retirement costs line item on the balance sheets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

	December 31,
	2018	2017
	(In Millions)
Entergy Arkansas	$138.3	$176.9
Entergy Louisiana	($18.8)	($32.4)
Entergy Mississippi	$63.5	$91.6
Entergy New Orleans	$49.3	$44.8
Entergy Texas	$50.9	$55.2
System Energy	$76.4	$67.9

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2018 and 2017 by Entergy were as follows:

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2017		Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate		Spending			Liabilities as of December 31, 2018
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$981.2		$60.4		$8.9		($2.1	)		$1,048.4
Entergy Louisiana	1,140.5		63.2		85.4		(8.8		)	1,280.3
Entergy Mississippi	9.2		0.5		0.5		(1.0		)	9.2
Entergy New Orleans	3.1		0.2		—		—			3.3
Entergy Texas	6.8		0.4		—		—			7.2
System Energy	861.7		34.3		—		—			896.0
Total	3,002.5		159.0		94.8		(11.9		)	3,244.4
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	38.9		3.2		—		(2.4		)	39.7
Indian Point 1	217.6		18.6		—		(8.3		)	227.9
Indian Point 2	708.7		60.6		—		(1.3		)	768.0
Indian Point 3	694.5		58.0		—		(1.9		)	750.6
Palisades	470.4		39.6		—		(2.0		)	508.0
Pilgrim	651.4		58.6		117.5		(11.0		)	816.5
Vermont Yankee	401.5		25.9		293.0		(152.5		)	567.9		(b)
Other (a)	0.3		—		0.1		—			0.4
Total	3,183.3		264.5		410.6		(179.4		)	3,679.0
Entergy Total		$6,185.8		$423.5		$505.4		($191.3	)		$6,923.4

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2016			Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate			Spending			Dispositions				Liabilities as of December 31, 2017
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$924.4			$56.8		$—			$—			$—				$981.2
Entergy Louisiana	1,082.7			57.8		—			—			—				1,140.5
Entergy Mississippi	8.7			0.5		—			—			—				9.2
Entergy New Orleans	2.9			0.2		—			—			—				3.1
Entergy Texas	6.5			0.3		—			—			—				6.8
System Energy	854.2			43.4		(35.9		)	—			—				861.7
Total	2,879.4			159.0		(35.9		)	—			—				3,002.5
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	37.9			3.1		—			(2.1		)	—				38.9
FitzPatrick	714.3		(c)	13.9		—			(0.9		)	(727.3		)	(d)	—
Indian Point 1	207.6			17.7		—			(7.7		)	—				217.6
Indian Point 2	653.1			55.8		—			(0.2		)	—				708.7
Indian Point 3	641.1			53.5		—			(0.1		)	—				694.5
Palisades	500.3			41.3		(68.7		)	(2.5		)	—				470.4
Pilgrim	602.3			52.8		—			(3.7		)	—				651.4
Vermont Yankee	470.5			34.4		—			(103.4		)	—				401.5
Other (a)	0.3			—		—			—			—				0.3
Total	3,827.4			272.5		(68.7		)	(120.6		)	(727.3		)		3,183.3
Entergy Total		$6,706.8			$431.5		($104.6	)		($120.6	)		($727.3	)			$6,185.8

(a) See “Coal Combustion Residuals” below for additional discussion regarding the asset retirement obligations related to coal combustion residuals management.

(b) The Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the Vermont Yankee plant to NorthStar in January 2019.

(c) The FitzPatrick asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

(d) See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of the timing of plant decommissioning, regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

Utility

In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the first quarter 2018, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in an $85.4 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Indian Point

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies. The revised estimates resulted in a $392 million increase in the decommissioning cost liabilities, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost assets. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the Indian Point 2 plant no later than April 2020 and the Indian Point 3 plant no later than April 2021. The asset retirement cost assets were included in the carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of Indian Point Energy Center.

Palisades

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $129 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the plant on October 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The asset retirement cost asset was included in the Palisades carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of the Palisades plant.

In the third quarter 2017, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades. The revised estimate resulted in a $68.7 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the plant asset. The reduction in its estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to continue to operate the plant until May 31, 2022.

Pilgrim

The Pilgrim plant is expected to cease operations on May 31, 2019, at the end of its current fuel cycle. Entergy Nuclear Generation Company filed its Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) with the NRC in the fourth quarter 2018 for the Pilgrim plant. As part of the development of the PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2018. The revised estimate resulted in a $117.5 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge.

Vermont Yankee

In the fourth quarter 2018, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Vermont Yankee. The revised estimate resulted in a $293 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The revision was prompted by the progress of the Vermont Yankee sales transaction, which is described in Note 14 to the financial statements. Entergy accordingly evaluated the Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation in light of the terms of the sale transaction, upon determining that Vermont Yankee was in held for sale status. Based on the terms of the sales agreement, which include Entergy receiving a note receivable from the purchaser, Entergy determined that $165 million of the asset retirement cost was impaired, and it was accordingly written down in the fourth quarter 2018.

NRC Filings for Planned Shutdown Activities

As the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants individually approach and begin decommissioning, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners will submit filings with the NRC for planned shutdown activities. These filings with the NRC will determine whether any other financial assurance may be required. The plants’ owners are required to provide the NRC with a biennial report (annually for units that have shut down or will shut down within five years), based on values as of December 31, addressing the owners’ ability to meet the NRC minimum funding levels. Depending on the value of the trust funds, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners may be required to take steps, such as providing financial guarantees through letters of credit or parent company guarantees or making additional contributions to the trusts, which could be significant, to ensure that the trusts are adequately funded and that NRC minimum funding requirements are met.

Decommissioning Trust Funds and Regulatory Assets

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting its obligations for the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)
	(In Millions)			(In Millions)
Utility:
ANO 1 and ANO 2		$912.0	$375.9		$944.9		$337.9
River Bend		$803.4	($27.4)		$818.2		($30.6	)
Waterford 3		$481.6	$204.9		$493.9		$188.9
Grand Gulf		$869.5	$186.9		$905.7		$169.1
Entergy Wholesale Commodities		$3,853.7	$—		$4,049.3		$—

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contained two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially reused in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation. In April 2015 the EPA published the final CCR rule with the material being regulated under the second scenario presented above - as non-hazardous wastes regulated under RCRA Subtitle D. The final regulations create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, product disposal considerations, and CCR unit closure criteria.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse. In December 2016, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) was signed into law, which authorizes states to regulate coal ash rather than leaving primary enforcement to citizen suit actions. States may submit to the EPA proposals for permit programs. In September 2017 the EPA agreed to reconsider certain provisions of the coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule in light of the WIIN Act. In March 2018 the EPA published its proposed revisions to the CCR rule with comments due at the end of April 2018. In July 2018 the EPA released its initial revisions extending certain deadlines and incorporating some risk-based standards.  The EPA is expected to release additional revisions in another rulemaking.  In August 2018 the D.C. Circuit vacated several provisions of the CCR rule on the basis that they were inconsistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and remanded the matter to the EPA to conduct further rulemaking.

In 2018 revisions to the CCR asset retirement obligations were made as a result of revised closure and post-closure cost estimates. The revised estimates resulted in increases of $8.9 million at Entergy Arkansas, $0.5 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $0.1 million at Entergy Wholesale Commodities in decommissioning cost liabilities, along with corresponding increases in related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the respective units.

Entergy Texas [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require companies to record liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of the assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning and asset retirement costs line item on the balance sheets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

	December 31,
	2018	2017
	(In Millions)
Entergy Arkansas	$138.3	$176.9
Entergy Louisiana	($18.8)	($32.4)
Entergy Mississippi	$63.5	$91.6
Entergy New Orleans	$49.3	$44.8
Entergy Texas	$50.9	$55.2
System Energy	$76.4	$67.9

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2018 and 2017 by Entergy were as follows:

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2017		Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate		Spending			Liabilities as of December 31, 2018
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$981.2		$60.4		$8.9		($2.1	)		$1,048.4
Entergy Louisiana	1,140.5		63.2		85.4		(8.8		)	1,280.3
Entergy Mississippi	9.2		0.5		0.5		(1.0		)	9.2
Entergy New Orleans	3.1		0.2		—		—			3.3
Entergy Texas	6.8		0.4		—		—			7.2
System Energy	861.7		34.3		—		—			896.0
Total	3,002.5		159.0		94.8		(11.9		)	3,244.4
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	38.9		3.2		—		(2.4		)	39.7
Indian Point 1	217.6		18.6		—		(8.3		)	227.9
Indian Point 2	708.7		60.6		—		(1.3		)	768.0
Indian Point 3	694.5		58.0		—		(1.9		)	750.6
Palisades	470.4		39.6		—		(2.0		)	508.0
Pilgrim	651.4		58.6		117.5		(11.0		)	816.5
Vermont Yankee	401.5		25.9		293.0		(152.5		)	567.9		(b)
Other (a)	0.3		—		0.1		—			0.4
Total	3,183.3		264.5		410.6		(179.4		)	3,679.0
Entergy Total		$6,185.8		$423.5		$505.4		($191.3	)		$6,923.4

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2016			Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate			Spending			Dispositions				Liabilities as of December 31, 2017
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$924.4			$56.8		$—			$—			$—				$981.2
Entergy Louisiana	1,082.7			57.8		—			—			—				1,140.5
Entergy Mississippi	8.7			0.5		—			—			—				9.2
Entergy New Orleans	2.9			0.2		—			—			—				3.1
Entergy Texas	6.5			0.3		—			—			—				6.8
System Energy	854.2			43.4		(35.9		)	—			—				861.7
Total	2,879.4			159.0		(35.9		)	—			—				3,002.5
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	37.9			3.1		—			(2.1		)	—				38.9
FitzPatrick	714.3		(c)	13.9		—			(0.9		)	(727.3		)	(d)	—
Indian Point 1	207.6			17.7		—			(7.7		)	—				217.6
Indian Point 2	653.1			55.8		—			(0.2		)	—				708.7
Indian Point 3	641.1			53.5		—			(0.1		)	—				694.5
Palisades	500.3			41.3		(68.7		)	(2.5		)	—				470.4
Pilgrim	602.3			52.8		—			(3.7		)	—				651.4
Vermont Yankee	470.5			34.4		—			(103.4		)	—				401.5
Other (a)	0.3			—		—			—			—				0.3
Total	3,827.4			272.5		(68.7		)	(120.6		)	(727.3		)		3,183.3
Entergy Total		$6,706.8			$431.5		($104.6	)		($120.6	)		($727.3	)			$6,185.8

(a) See “Coal Combustion Residuals” below for additional discussion regarding the asset retirement obligations related to coal combustion residuals management.

(b) The Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the Vermont Yankee plant to NorthStar in January 2019.

(c) The FitzPatrick asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

(d) See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of the timing of plant decommissioning, regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

Utility

In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the first quarter 2018, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in an $85.4 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Indian Point

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies. The revised estimates resulted in a $392 million increase in the decommissioning cost liabilities, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost assets. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the Indian Point 2 plant no later than April 2020 and the Indian Point 3 plant no later than April 2021. The asset retirement cost assets were included in the carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of Indian Point Energy Center.

Palisades

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $129 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the plant on October 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The asset retirement cost asset was included in the Palisades carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of the Palisades plant.

In the third quarter 2017, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades. The revised estimate resulted in a $68.7 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the plant asset. The reduction in its estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to continue to operate the plant until May 31, 2022.

Pilgrim

The Pilgrim plant is expected to cease operations on May 31, 2019, at the end of its current fuel cycle. Entergy Nuclear Generation Company filed its Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) with the NRC in the fourth quarter 2018 for the Pilgrim plant. As part of the development of the PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2018. The revised estimate resulted in a $117.5 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge.

Vermont Yankee

In the fourth quarter 2018, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Vermont Yankee. The revised estimate resulted in a $293 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The revision was prompted by the progress of the Vermont Yankee sales transaction, which is described in Note 14 to the financial statements. Entergy accordingly evaluated the Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation in light of the terms of the sale transaction, upon determining that Vermont Yankee was in held for sale status. Based on the terms of the sales agreement, which include Entergy receiving a note receivable from the purchaser, Entergy determined that $165 million of the asset retirement cost was impaired, and it was accordingly written down in the fourth quarter 2018.

NRC Filings for Planned Shutdown Activities

As the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants individually approach and begin decommissioning, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners will submit filings with the NRC for planned shutdown activities. These filings with the NRC will determine whether any other financial assurance may be required. The plants’ owners are required to provide the NRC with a biennial report (annually for units that have shut down or will shut down within five years), based on values as of December 31, addressing the owners’ ability to meet the NRC minimum funding levels. Depending on the value of the trust funds, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners may be required to take steps, such as providing financial guarantees through letters of credit or parent company guarantees or making additional contributions to the trusts, which could be significant, to ensure that the trusts are adequately funded and that NRC minimum funding requirements are met.

Decommissioning Trust Funds and Regulatory Assets

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting its obligations for the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)
	(In Millions)			(In Millions)
Utility:
ANO 1 and ANO 2		$912.0	$375.9		$944.9		$337.9
River Bend		$803.4	($27.4)		$818.2		($30.6	)
Waterford 3		$481.6	$204.9		$493.9		$188.9
Grand Gulf		$869.5	$186.9		$905.7		$169.1
Entergy Wholesale Commodities		$3,853.7	$—		$4,049.3		$—

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contained two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially reused in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation. In April 2015 the EPA published the final CCR rule with the material being regulated under the second scenario presented above - as non-hazardous wastes regulated under RCRA Subtitle D. The final regulations create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, product disposal considerations, and CCR unit closure criteria.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse. In December 2016, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) was signed into law, which authorizes states to regulate coal ash rather than leaving primary enforcement to citizen suit actions. States may submit to the EPA proposals for permit programs. In September 2017 the EPA agreed to reconsider certain provisions of the coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule in light of the WIIN Act. In March 2018 the EPA published its proposed revisions to the CCR rule with comments due at the end of April 2018. In July 2018 the EPA released its initial revisions extending certain deadlines and incorporating some risk-based standards.  The EPA is expected to release additional revisions in another rulemaking.  In August 2018 the D.C. Circuit vacated several provisions of the CCR rule on the basis that they were inconsistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and remanded the matter to the EPA to conduct further rulemaking.

In 2018 revisions to the CCR asset retirement obligations were made as a result of revised closure and post-closure cost estimates. The revised estimates resulted in increases of $8.9 million at Entergy Arkansas, $0.5 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $0.1 million at Entergy Wholesale Commodities in decommissioning cost liabilities, along with corresponding increases in related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the respective units.

System Energy [Member]

Asset Retirement Obligations

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)

Accounting standards require companies to record liabilities for all legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the normal operation of the assets.  For Entergy, substantially all of its asset retirement obligations consist of its liability for decommissioning its nuclear power plants.  In addition, an insignificant amount of removal costs associated with non-nuclear power plants is also included in the decommissioning and asset retirement costs line item on the balance sheets.

These liabilities are recorded at their fair values (which are the present values of the estimated future cash outflows) in the period in which they are incurred, with an accompanying addition to the recorded cost of the long-lived asset.  The asset retirement obligation is accreted each year through a charge to expense, to reflect the time value of money for this present value obligation.  The accretion will continue through the completion of the asset retirement activity.  The amounts added to the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the useful lives of the assets.  The application of accounting standards related to asset retirement obligations is earnings neutral to the rate-regulated business of the Registrant Subsidiaries.

In accordance with ratemaking treatment and as required by regulatory accounting standards, the depreciation provisions for the Registrant Subsidiaries include a component for removal costs that are not asset retirement obligations under accounting standards.  In accordance with regulatory accounting principles, the Registrant Subsidiaries have recorded regulatory assets (liabilities) in the following amounts to reflect their estimates of the difference between estimated incurred removal costs and estimated removal costs recovered in rates:

	December 31,
	2018	2017
	(In Millions)
Entergy Arkansas	$138.3	$176.9
Entergy Louisiana	($18.8)	($32.4)
Entergy Mississippi	$63.5	$91.6
Entergy New Orleans	$49.3	$44.8
Entergy Texas	$50.9	$55.2
System Energy	$76.4	$67.9

The cumulative decommissioning and retirement cost liabilities and expenses recorded in 2018 and 2017 by Entergy were as follows:

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2017		Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate		Spending			Liabilities as of December 31, 2018
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$981.2		$60.4		$8.9		($2.1	)		$1,048.4
Entergy Louisiana	1,140.5		63.2		85.4		(8.8		)	1,280.3
Entergy Mississippi	9.2		0.5		0.5		(1.0		)	9.2
Entergy New Orleans	3.1		0.2		—		—			3.3
Entergy Texas	6.8		0.4		—		—			7.2
System Energy	861.7		34.3		—		—			896.0
Total	3,002.5		159.0		94.8		(11.9		)	3,244.4
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	38.9		3.2		—		(2.4		)	39.7
Indian Point 1	217.6		18.6		—		(8.3		)	227.9
Indian Point 2	708.7		60.6		—		(1.3		)	768.0
Indian Point 3	694.5		58.0		—		(1.9		)	750.6
Palisades	470.4		39.6		—		(2.0		)	508.0
Pilgrim	651.4		58.6		117.5		(11.0		)	816.5
Vermont Yankee	401.5		25.9		293.0		(152.5		)	567.9		(b)
Other (a)	0.3		—		0.1		—			0.4
Total	3,183.3		264.5		410.6		(179.4		)	3,679.0
Entergy Total		$6,185.8		$423.5		$505.4		($191.3	)		$6,923.4

	Liabilities as of December 31, 2016			Accretion		Change in Cash Flow Estimate			Spending			Dispositions				Liabilities as of December 31, 2017
	(In Millions)
Utility:
Entergy Arkansas		$924.4			$56.8		$—			$—			$—				$981.2
Entergy Louisiana	1,082.7			57.8		—			—			—				1,140.5
Entergy Mississippi	8.7			0.5		—			—			—				9.2
Entergy New Orleans	2.9			0.2		—			—			—				3.1
Entergy Texas	6.5			0.3		—			—			—				6.8
System Energy	854.2			43.4		(35.9		)	—			—				861.7
Total	2,879.4			159.0		(35.9		)	—			—				3,002.5
Entergy Wholesale Commodities:
Big Rock Point	37.9			3.1		—			(2.1		)	—				38.9
FitzPatrick	714.3		(c)	13.9		—			(0.9		)	(727.3		)	(d)	—
Indian Point 1	207.6			17.7		—			(7.7		)	—				217.6
Indian Point 2	653.1			55.8		—			(0.2		)	—				708.7
Indian Point 3	641.1			53.5		—			(0.1		)	—				694.5
Palisades	500.3			41.3		(68.7		)	(2.5		)	—				470.4
Pilgrim	602.3			52.8		—			(3.7		)	—				651.4
Vermont Yankee	470.5			34.4		—			(103.4		)	—				401.5
Other (a)	0.3			—		—			—			—				0.3
Total	3,827.4			272.5		(68.7		)	(120.6		)	(727.3		)		3,183.3
Entergy Total		$6,706.8			$431.5		($104.6	)		($120.6	)		($727.3	)			$6,185.8

(a) See “Coal Combustion Residuals” below for additional discussion regarding the asset retirement obligations related to coal combustion residuals management.

(b) The Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the Vermont Yankee plant to NorthStar in January 2019.

(c) The FitzPatrick asset retirement obligation was classified as held for sale within other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

(d) See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the sale of the FitzPatrick plant to Exelon in March 2017.

Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

Entergy periodically reviews and updates estimated decommissioning costs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the estimates because of the timing of plant decommissioning, regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and increased costs of labor, materials, and equipment.  As described below, during 2018, 2017, and 2016, Entergy updated decommissioning cost estimates for certain nuclear power plants.

Utility

In the second quarter 2017, System Energy recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Grand Gulf as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $35.9 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

In the first quarter 2018, Entergy Louisiana recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for River Bend as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in an $85.4 million increase in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset that will be depreciated over the remaining life of the unit.

Entergy Wholesale Commodities

Indian Point

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liabilities for Indian Point 1, Indian Point 2, and Indian Point 3 as a result of revised decommissioning cost studies. The revised estimates resulted in a $392 million increase in the decommissioning cost liabilities, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost assets. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liabilities resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the Indian Point 2 plant no later than April 2020 and the Indian Point 3 plant no later than April 2021. The asset retirement cost assets were included in the carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of Indian Point Energy Center.

Palisades

In the fourth quarter 2016, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades as a result of a revised decommissioning cost study. The revised estimate resulted in a $129 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The increase in the estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to cease operations of the plant on October 1, 2018, subject to regulatory approval. The asset retirement cost asset was included in the Palisades carrying value that was written down to fair value in the fourth quarter 2016. See Note 14 to the financial statements for discussion of the impairment of the value and planned shutdown of the Palisades plant.

In the third quarter 2017, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Palisades. The revised estimate resulted in a $68.7 million reduction in its decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding reduction in the plant asset. The reduction in its estimated decommissioning cost liability resulted from the change in expectation regarding the timing of decommissioning cash flows due to the decision to continue to operate the plant until May 31, 2022.

Pilgrim

The Pilgrim plant is expected to cease operations on May 31, 2019, at the end of its current fuel cycle. Entergy Nuclear Generation Company filed its Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) with the NRC in the fourth quarter 2018 for the Pilgrim plant. As part of the development of the PSDAR, Entergy obtained a revised decommissioning cost study in the third quarter 2018. The revised estimate resulted in a $117.5 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability and a corresponding impairment charge.

Vermont Yankee

In the fourth quarter 2018, Entergy Wholesale Commodities recorded a revision to its estimated decommissioning cost liability for Vermont Yankee. The revised estimate resulted in a $293 million increase in the decommissioning cost liability, along with a corresponding increase in the related asset retirement cost asset. The revision was prompted by the progress of the Vermont Yankee sales transaction, which is described in Note 14 to the financial statements. Entergy accordingly evaluated the Vermont Yankee asset retirement obligation in light of the terms of the sale transaction, upon determining that Vermont Yankee was in held for sale status. Based on the terms of the sales agreement, which include Entergy receiving a note receivable from the purchaser, Entergy determined that $165 million of the asset retirement cost was impaired, and it was accordingly written down in the fourth quarter 2018.

NRC Filings for Planned Shutdown Activities

As the Entergy Wholesale Commodities nuclear plants individually approach and begin decommissioning, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners will submit filings with the NRC for planned shutdown activities. These filings with the NRC will determine whether any other financial assurance may be required. The plants’ owners are required to provide the NRC with a biennial report (annually for units that have shut down or will shut down within five years), based on values as of December 31, addressing the owners’ ability to meet the NRC minimum funding levels. Depending on the value of the trust funds, the Entergy Wholesale Commodities plant owners may be required to take steps, such as providing financial guarantees through letters of credit or parent company guarantees or making additional contributions to the trusts, which could be significant, to ensure that the trusts are adequately funded and that NRC minimum funding requirements are met.

Decommissioning Trust Funds and Regulatory Assets

Entergy maintains decommissioning trust funds that are committed to meeting its obligations for the costs of decommissioning the nuclear power plants.  The fair values of the decommissioning trust funds and the related asset retirement obligation regulatory assets (liabilities) of Entergy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)	Decommissioning Trust Fair Values		Regulatory Asset (Liability)
	(In Millions)			(In Millions)
Utility:
ANO 1 and ANO 2		$912.0	$375.9		$944.9		$337.9
River Bend		$803.4	($27.4)		$818.2		($30.6	)
Waterford 3		$481.6	$204.9		$493.9		$188.9
Grand Gulf		$869.5	$186.9		$905.7		$169.1
Entergy Wholesale Commodities		$3,853.7	$—		$4,049.3		$—

Coal Combustion Residuals

In June 2010 the EPA issued a proposed rule on coal combustion residuals (CCRs) that contained two primary regulatory options: (1) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or received (including stored) in surface impoundments as so-called “special wastes” under the hazardous waste program of RCRA Subtitle C; or (2) regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes under Subtitle D of RCRA.  Under both options, CCRs that are beneficially reused in certain processes would remain excluded from hazardous waste regulation. In April 2015 the EPA published the final CCR rule with the material being regulated under the second scenario presented above - as non-hazardous wastes regulated under RCRA Subtitle D. The final regulations create new compliance requirements including modified storage, new notification and reporting practices, product disposal considerations, and CCR unit closure criteria.  Entergy believes that on-site disposal options will be available at its facilities, to the extent needed for CCR that cannot be transferred for beneficial reuse. In December 2016, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) was signed into law, which authorizes states to regulate coal ash rather than leaving primary enforcement to citizen suit actions. States may submit to the EPA proposals for permit programs. In September 2017 the EPA agreed to reconsider certain provisions of the coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule in light of the WIIN Act. In March 2018 the EPA published its proposed revisions to the CCR rule with comments due at the end of April 2018. In July 2018 the EPA released its initial revisions extending certain deadlines and incorporating some risk-based standards.  The EPA is expected to release additional revisions in another rulemaking.  In August 2018 the D.C. Circuit vacated several provisions of the CCR rule on the basis that they were inconsistent with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and remanded the matter to the EPA to conduct further rulemaking.

In 2018 revisions to the CCR asset retirement obligations were made as a result of revised closure and post-closure cost estimates. The revised estimates resulted in increases of $8.9 million at Entergy Arkansas, $0.5 million at Entergy Mississippi, and $0.1 million at Entergy Wholesale Commodities in decommissioning cost liabilities, along with corresponding increases in related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the respective units.